So, What's New?

Well, a bunch, starting with the Blog banner and the updated Ride web site. I owe a BIG thank you to Jim at EMCC for his part in donating time against the cause in managing and updating the site.

The training to ride events for Lab Rescue/Shelters means even more to me this year. Sadly, on May 2 we lost our sweet chocolate girl, Emily. It was a long, tragic night that I will not soon forget with her seizures, dementia and fear. The most touching moment is when she drifted off and out of our world, she smiled. Her discomfort and long suffering had ended. I still miss her every day.

One dog, being Shilo, means twice as much love and attention and three times the walks! We are trying to get her weight down and it is working a little but it tends to be offset by extra "cookies."

A recent trip to Minnesota has me on a new cycling quest: The Three-Speed Tour next May. This group rides, eats and toasts their way around a 72 mile route along Lake Pepin riding vintage English 3-speeds and wearing vintage garb. Looked like a hoot and I hope I can make join in next year, possibly with a teammate or two!

My return to FL made me realize that I was REALLY belated in training for our late summer fall events. Yes, our "season" starts very late, I train at the worst possible time of year, in the most unbearable climate. Never said I was smart, just dedicated. My first plan of action was to join a new gym (more on that later) and get our new jersey's done. Gratefully, we had many business sponsors this year, enough to cover the cost of the production. Even during a difficult economy, friends and animal lovers have come through with much appreciated support.



Rather than continue on blathering about my weight training experience -- I will save that for the next post -- I will sign off for today. The heat index's are in the triple digits and dangerous. Even lawn work seems to be life threatening! Being Father's Day I want to wish all the GREAT dad's I know a happy day: Leonard, Larry, Mike, Eric, Chris, Kevin, Bob and David in Heaven. Shilo managed a great gift for me too, the request for a new sister! Look out Lab Rescue, here we come!

Spin On

Measure Twice...

and cut the check once.

Alas, my initial fixie build is complete but I cannot ride it. After careful consideration, searching and loads of time and parts investigation, it is too big for me! You might say "Ebayer Beware" but I was very careful with the selection of my '79 Raleigh Grand Prix frame. I researched, measured, even got caught with a book between my legs against a wall. Long story. Anyway, best I can figure the vintage geometry is taller than todays sizing. Or I am shrinking. In any event 53cm on the old Raleigh versus today equates to about an inch difference. Or ruptured gonads. Either way, it won't work.

So, I hope you enjoy the attache pictures as much as I enjoyed the build and the research. All the bits will be saved and used on my next build. The search is on for a 50cm frame of similar linage. Drop me a note if you have any leads on one, I have left over paint:)

Spin On

Long Time...

no post. Actually it has been a long time since I did any training/riding of significance at all. I plan to change all that soon.

I felt compelled to post today because of a sad but funny meeting we had today. We are working for a series of retirement communities. They are lovely, filled with caring, happy people. One part of our tour was to the Assisted Living units, specifically people with memory problems, like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Terrible, terrible illnesses.

In one living room setting were about a dozen elderly ladies listening to vintage music. Very bucolic. Later on the trip home, one of my team asked "Why were they listening to that old music?" We explained that it took them back to a time they could remember and that they lived that life now.

The funny part? When I'm that age I will be sitting with a bunch of other old folks listening to the Violent Femms and The Ramone's.

Gabba Gabba Hey!

Happy St. Patty's Day

Posts have been limited due to limited training/riding. It hit me today that I have not been on a serious ride since October. I would say that my "recovery period" has officially run it's course.

I am pretty certain that the gym I attend is on a death-roll now. I showed up to a locked door early Saturday with two waiting classmates leaving. I was certain there would be no class so I headed back home to begin a long day of errands and projects. No exercise. Add to that a bountiful dinner with Two Dawgz (thanks to Nifi and her spicy shrimp risotto:) nothing much happened Sunday either.

I am hopeful to pull the team together in June for the Tour du Pepin in MN. We'll see, but I at least have to start training for something.

I can also add to my regiment riding a fixie! Raleigh number one is done (practically:) Thanks to Sir Wooly it is ready to roll. Took a lot of parts bin searching to fit everything together. Again, eBayer beware when it comes to buying parts from strangers.

Spin On

I Should Have Know...

when I glued my fingers together (twice) trying to attach the head badge to the vintage Raleigh I was in for some struggles yesterday. After a long while of cleaning parts, dropping parts and assembling what I could, it went to Sir Wooley today for completion. The bottom bracket, which several folks assured me was Italian thread, is not fitting. Which is ironically, fitting. I also learned that a ball bearing dropped from about shoulder height will bounce about 18" high. Just before they roll under a trash can, car or other garage obstacle. Plus, don't mess with $80 Brooks bar tape -- leave it to the pros.

The bright side was that Sir Wooley assured me I "would be riding by the weekend." I am looking forward to it for sure -- having never ridden fixed before, I think I have a lot to learn.

Weather here was not conducive to riding Sunday (laugh now as Alaska Jill heads out into the Yukon for a 350 mile Ididarod race) so I was only able to spin on Saturday. Not sure if having a bad instructor is easier or worse. He is just learning, can't keep up with the students so spends over half the time off the bike. Lots of repetitive jumps, no climbs and irregular speed work. He'll learn.

On the doggie front, we realized just what a gentle giant Shilo is when late last night she tenderly tried to bring a baby rabbit into the house. She dropped it in the porch and it got away unscathed. Emily would have eaten it:)

Spin On

The Sweet Smell of Success...

is really toxic, in fact. The commercial grade automotive paints have nasty, nasty fumes. But after weeks of trial and error, waiting, sanding and trying again I finally got my frames painted, cleared and pin striped. It took about 10 weeks to accomplish what should happen in a day, but I am pleased with the outcome -- finally.

I am focusing on one bike from here on out. I have a collection of new and vintage parts and some luxury items -- like Brooks leather bar tape. Need a couple more items then I can finish up and take her for a spin.

What a sense of relief!

And, congratulations to Levi and Astana for the ToC win!

Spin On

My New Wednesday Routine...

seems to involve getting cramps in my calves every time I do wind sprints in Spin Class.

Hmmm. I did have that great massage -- thanks again Nifi for the gift. The masseuse really worked out my hamstrings and with some stretching my calf loosened up. Fine all week but last night BOTH locked up doing sprints.

I hydrated well. Even had a bottle of CytoMax (way too sweet a mix -- have to adjust some ratios). One classmate suggested taking 2-3 Tums before class to get a calcium boost. Guess I will try that next.

Looking for suggestions.

Sister-In-Law starts her visit this weekend. She is a very easy house guest to have over. Plus it gives me time to fuss on bikes and ride some and not feel guilty about being selfish and leaving Nifi and the girls:)

No weights tonight, chores to tend to.

Spin On