Long, long, ago in a galaxy far, far, away!!

Seems like it has been that long since I've posted anything! Lots has happened. I've reached just over $4000 towards the $5500 I have to raise. Have yet to hear from quite a few relatives and people I work with, but my deadline of May 1st is rapidly approaching.

Have been good about getting some base miles in, am over 600 miles this year on Bullet, was over to La Connor, WA. (just north of Seattle) for the Tulip Pedal the 1st weekend of April. Rode a century (100 miles) thru the tulip fields. The weather was good in the AM but by noon started to blow and rain. Finished wet but happy.

Have been working way too much (for my mental health) but riding helps me stay somewhat sane. Had a weird (even for me) incident last week, had a lady who was riding a mechanical bull down @ one of the watering holes, fell off and tried to land on her feet. She destroyed her ankle, fracture/dislocation, was sitting in a limo outside the E.R.. We had to go out in the limo, put on a splint, and then get her out and into a wheelchair to get her inside. We laughed about the fact that getting here by limo was cheaper than taking an ambulance.

Am off to Tacoma, WA. For the Daffodil Ride this weekend, plan to do a century and the weather is supposed to be pretty good. I am picking up my new wheels this week, Mavik Open rims with 36 stainless steel spokes, brass spoke nipples, and Shimano hubs. The mechanic makes them for a 250lb cyclocross rider and says they are almost bulletproof. We'll see about rolling my ass across 3,300 miles.

My computer @ home is sick (and I hope not dead) and need to get it in to the shop. When I get it back I will post some pictures from the Tulip Pedal and Daffodil Ride for your entertainment. Check back so you can see them.

Riding - finally!!!

Had a great last 2 weeks, decided it was time to get out on the road and get some base miles in. Commuted to work for the whole time, rode 5 days and 115 miles 2 weeks ago and 6 days and 120 miles last week. Felt really good on "Bullet" (my bike's name) and have been able to ride @ a really good pace due to the winter training. The weather has been fairly decent, 40-50 degrees, occasional wind and 3 days of fairly significant rain. The wet weather did not dampen my spirit though. Played 3 consecutive games of soccer Friday night and didn't get to bed till 0300, so took Saturday off. Worked tonight but had been up all day doing the taxes, so I took a nap and then drove to work. Seems like you work harder and more often just to pay more taxes, just can't seem to get ahead.

Have been reading "The Metal Cowboy", by Joe Kurmanskie, and have been yearning to get out on the road. Great author, really funny, and entertaining. If you ever have thought about just hopping on your bike and riding into adventure, you should read this guy's books.

Work goes on, (and on and on and on), the pace only seems to get faster and busier. It's tough to stay caring and compassionate when you are being bitch slapped night after night. Sorry to get negative but it gets to you! Am looking so forward to getting on the bike and only having to worry about pushing the pedals over and over, a simpler existence, almost primal effort to get from place to place. Well I will sign off for now, stay tuned, same bat time, same bat channel!!!