I like it rough. -- Gi talking about floor tile.
Tower View
150 Proof
After a few months of training, the MS150 finally came around.
For those that dont know, the Multiple Sclerosis society sponsors the MS 150 bike ride as one of their major fundraiser. Not only is it a worthy cause, but its one of the best sponsored and maintained charity events throughout the nation. For two days, cyclists ride an average of 75 to 85 miles for a total of 150 plus miles.
This was going to be the first time I had ever did this massive ride as well as the furthest I had ever ridden. If figured that at a leisurely pace of 15 mph it would take roughly 6 hours of ride time per day; 7 hours when including breaks and lunch.
And as usual, with any major cycling event, I lost something. This time it was my mind.
A Ride Like Any Other
On the first day, after going 12.5 or so miles, there was a major crash. Someone had cracked on the road and was awaiting an ambulance. Fortunately, it was for more precautionary measures, but it made me think "What the hell am I doing out here with these people?!"
By the 30th mile, the headwind had started gently pushing into the riders. For the road between the third and fourth rest stops, it was flattening them.
The distance between most rest stops averages between 11 and 15 miles. In this case, the it was 9 miles between stops #3 and #4. Why? Because with the trees and the direction, the road became a virtual wind tunnel. And of course, we were going against the wind.
My mind screamed out "What the hell was I thinking?!"
At around the 53 mile mark, I began feeling a slight sting along the back of my right ankle. I left it alone and tried to relax abit more since, according to the directions provided to the riders, the lunch stop was at the 55 mile mark; rest stop #5.
Lunch was a turkey wrap along with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. That was a good mix especially since I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast, had eaten a peanut butter Power Bar at stop #4, was carrying three more peanut butter Power Bars as well as a bag of peanut butter crisps.
My stomach screamed out "What the hell was I thinking?!"
After lunch, the directions noted that it was 10 miles to the final rest stop, and then finally, 15 miles to the end of the day. The total was supposed to have been 79 miles.
The bastards were lying to us.
The Long Way Home
By mile 63, my body is aching; legs begging to stop. I've been impolite by drafting behind a ten person team since leaving the lunch area. There I was, pedalling away, praying they wouldnt say something about how rude it is to draft behind people without asking. Well, that and the fact I kept staring at the arse of the cute Chinese lass who was in front of me.
As we would approach a stop sign, the team would call out the warnings "Stopping! Stopping!" I responded with the first thing that came to mind: "I'm dying! I'm dying!"
According to the directions, it was only two more miles to the final rest stop. When we reached the 65 mile mark, my ankle began screaming out "What the hell was I thinking?!"
The team kept going so I kept going... That is until we got to the bridge.
A small bridge, slight elevation. Rest stop on the other side. Salvation was there. And the team flew like the wind to get to it.
I, on the other hand, would do no flying now. The right ankle was screaming out "Hello!! We dont like this any more!"
My pace slowed, fighting to get the bridge.
A pair of triathletes pass me, smiling, flying. They encouraged me on as they speed by: "Come on! You can do it! The rest stop is on the other side!"
My mind screamed out "F*** YOU!"
After crossing the bridge and making the rest stop, I glanced down at my odometer. 68 miles. The bastards had lied about the mileage...
Into The Home Stretch
Snow Cones never tasted so good than the ones at the final stop. My body whispered a slight "Thank you" as it enjoyed the rest it needed ever so badly.
The team I had followed was leaving so I figured I would follow them again. After all, I got the rest I needed. I even stayed past the typical 10 minutes that I normally do.
I should have stayed longer.
The directions said the end was at 79 miles. At the 73 mile mark, it suddenly occurred to me that the directions could have lied about the ending as well. They wouldnt have done that, would they?
At the 75 mile mark, my ankle is screaming out "F*** YOU!"
At the 77 mile mark, an event volunteer cheers to the passing riders "Way to go! You're in the home stretch! You're almost there!"
My mind screamed out "F*** YOU!" My mouth only whispered it.
At the 79 mile mark, with no finish line in sight, my mouth said it about louder "F***! They lied to us again!"
Finally, after 81 miles, the goal has been reached for day one.
That isnt a smile on my face. It was just stuck in perpetual pain mode.
Phil Liggett, the John Madden of professional bicycling, once said "Cycling is about pain. Its about suffering." If I ever meet the man, someone please remind me to smack him.
And In End, It Doesnt Really Matter
Day one was complete. And so was my ride.
My shoulders ached. My back ached. My bottom ached. My legs ached. My right ankle ached. As it turned out, the ankle was the beginnings of an Achilles strain. No more riding for the rest of the weekend lest do more damage to it.
Reviewing my odometer, I saw the results. After just over a 7 hour day with 5.5 hours on the bicycle itself, the average speed was 18mph with the top speed of 22mph.
And after all, that I cant wait to do this again next year...! Maybe Phil Liggett is onto something after all...
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And Now For Something Completely Different
AmaDoofus, the local dj who plays a local film critic on television, said he absolutely hated Underworld.
I knew it was going to be good. Underworld is a great movie with enough action and science fiction to keep fans of both genres happy. Its a very British movie in its language and demeanor, but does alot to make it worth while for American audiences.
The handgun fan within me noticed that Selene, the main character, used sets of Walther P99s and H&K USP Compacts, both of which are personal favorites of mine.
Go see this movie. It will be worth it just to piss off AmaDoofus...
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Out in The Yard
The recall is back on track. Thankfully, the judges saw that there was no need to delay the election. I guess Gray couldnt pay off these eleven judges.
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Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett is sueing the NFL to let him in the draft. Finish college first, you wanker! Oh wait... You arent wanted at Ohio State any more. Nevermind.
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Profanity has increased on television. No sh*t? Are you fu*king sure?
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Speaking of television, the American version of Coupling starts Thursday. I may have problems liking Susan as a brunette and Sally as a blonde. On the British version, its visa versa.
The show is being taunted as the replacement for Friends. No sh*t? Are you fu*king sure?
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Background Noise
Gin and Juice by Snoop Dog
Rolling down the street
Smoking, smoking...
Sipping on gin and juice...
Laid back...
With my mind on my money
And my money on my mind
*********************************************
* I will never forget those nights.
* I wonder if it was a dream.
* Remember how you made me crazy?
* Remember how I made you scream?
*********************************************
Are you a Mexi-CAN or a Mexi-CAN'T? -- Johnny Depp in Once Upon A Time In Mexico
Tower View
Braveheart
The anniversary of Sept.11 has passed by... Never forget, Never again...
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Insomnia
I've once again made the mistake of letting work and training get in the way of relaxtion, especially when it comes to updating the blog. I wont write a novel again because it takes so darn long. Well, that and Vy told me the she had problems reading it because it was so long...
I dont undertand. What is wrong with reading a really long electronic book at 2am when your tired? Dont we all do that?
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American Flyers
I had to do a 50 mile training ride in order to get ready for the 150 mile charity event coming up soon. It was the first time I had ever did a major event that didnt include me losing a piece of my bicycle or crashing.
Hats off to Josh who rode the way with me. The man kept me laughing while I made him keep the pace. He even does an impressive Gimili impersonation (see Lord of The Rings). See you for the 150, sir!
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The Jerk
A local dj who likes playing film critic panned Once Upon A Time in Mexico saying that it was a really bad movie. This coming from a man who absolutely loved Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star?!
So I knew I had to watch Once Upon A Time. I was going to watch it anway since it was the third in Robert Rodquiez's El Mariachi series. But since "Ama-doofus" hated it, I knew it was going to be good.
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Now And Then
Doombringer keeps getting himself caught in the worst sitations.
For the second weekend in a row, a group of us went to Buca Di Beppo. And for the second weekend in a row, he was taunted for being the "small" one in the group. And for the second time in a row, it wasnt his friends who was teasing him, but rather the waitress. Ouch!
I guess he wont be ordering the small linguine or the small spaghetti for some time.
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Sense and Sensibility
Ben and Jen broke up. All I can say is Thank God! His friends came thru and talked him out of marrying J-Ho... I mean, come on, man! Look at what was in there before you!
The Dead Pool
John Ritter and Johnny Cash passed away recently. Maybe we'll get lucky and J-Ho will be the third "J" to pass away. Nothing personal against Jennifer. She was the only J I could think of... (Ok, Ben. I said it. Where's my $50?)
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The Usual Suspects
RIAA and BMG Music are hailing their copy protection for music cd's. If I actually buy music, I would really like to use it the way I like it. Thats usually in different formats including my own compilation cds and mp3s. So thanks RIAA.. You've given the people another reason for not buying cd's.
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Return Of The Living Dead
A federal court halts the California recall. They believe that there should be more time for things to be in order.
Ok, fine. Give them until November. There is no reason to Gray around until March except to try get him back on the ballot as well as keep him in command.
How much money were they getting for this?! Apparently more than the residents of California are getting...
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Out in The Yard
In his article, Eric Burns takes a candid shot at James Lipton, the host of Inside The Actors Studio. All I can say is Star****er!
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An appeal for an expelled teen who gave oral sex to another student on the bus was dismissed. The girl's mother tried to say that oral sex wasnt listed as unacceptable behavior.
She gave the lad oral sex on the bus?! What did people expect in Beaver county?!
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The Woman's United Soccer Association shut down today due to lack of funds. Damn! No more Brandi Chastain pictures?!
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Background Noise
Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears
All for freedom
And for pleasure...
Nothing lasts forever...
Everybody wants to rule the world
*********************************************
* I will never forget those nights.
* I wonder if it was a dream.
* Remember how you made me crazy?
* Remember how I made you scream?
*********************************************
No, I wouldnt do it again. Maybe with Madonna. -- Britney on kissing another woman. I'd pay good money to see that again.
Tower View
The Trip
Over the holiday I took a training trip to get ready for this month's 150 mile ride. It wasnt an overall exciting trip, but I was able to put in 75 miles. The highlights of the trip, as strange as this may sound, were:
1) I discovered that other drivers will refuse to let you merge into their lane unless a pistol is waved in their direction.
2) Headwinds really suck, especially when coming from the ocean... at high speed... in both directions... while going over a hill...
3) The heat was so bad that I felt like a senior citzen in France.
4) A pomeranian named Bucky decided to bark at me as I cruised by, then gave chase. I found out the dog's name because the owner kept yelling "Bucky! Watch your back, Bucky!"
Watch his back? The little bastard was lucky he didnt get his miniature head caught in my spokes or my steel cleats in its face.
Woof, woof!
Speaking of dogs, Johnny Depp called the US an aggressive puppy. Although I dont agree with most of Depp's opinions, I did agree about his comment that politicians spent way too much time with the renaming of "French fries" to "Freedom fries."
Despite the difference in opinions, I will admit that the actor does keep his word. Unlike others who have harsh views for the country, say like Tim Robbins or Susan Sarandon, Depp has remembered that if people really dont like the country, they arent forced to stay. They are free free to move elsewhere.
Unlike Robbins and Sarandon, Depp lives in France.
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State Of Denial
Jeffrey Parson, the teen who was arrested for modifying the Blaster worm, spoke out today.
He notes "I understand that the government needs to catch someone for these crimes. I'm not the one they need to get." His mother has even said "My son is not brilliant; he's not genius. Anyone that has any computer knowledge could have done what Jeff did."
Excuse me? Why is there even a dispute about this? If Parson modified the worm and released it, then he's done the crime. He's even admitted to doing it.
Hello?! If you admit to doing the crime, then why are you argueing that you shouldnt be arrested?!
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Out in The Yard
Man steals GPS, then is arrested. I bet he still doesnt know how the cops found him.
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Dont hate Anna because she's beautiful. Hate her? Hell, I'd settle for doing her!
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I got to test out this bike. And its in black! For only $2,200, it could be all mine.
It will be mine. Oh yes. It will be mine.
Background Noise
Jacob's Ladder by Huey Lewis and The News
Step by step,
One by one,
Higher and higher,
I'm climbing Jacob's Ladder...
*********************************************
* I will never forget those nights.
* I wonder if it was a dream.
* Remember how you made me crazy?
* Remember how I made you scream?
*********************************************
The Steward
