Riding in Florida is a challenge for several reasons. One is the heat. Riding a 95º with humidity to match creates temps well over 100º. Then there is the traffic. Orlando is the number one rated worst place to cycle. And now, my fellow Spinsters, it will get even more challenging.
Well, I got a rare treat last Saturday to ride in "terrible" conditions -- rain and near freezing temps. I freakin' loved it. I finally got to break out gear that I have had in a package for two years. While I stayed in the neighborhood, it felt great to get lung-fulls of cold air. I rode until I couldn't feel my feet anymore -- thank heavens for clip-less pedals!
I have not made it to the gym for weeks and I am honestly considering opting out of the deal. While I enjoy the spin classes I enjoy sleeping on the weekends even more. Plus with addition of the RevMaster to my stable, I can have the "Gym-like" experience at home without the associated machismo.
Brooks update: He is an insomniac. Got past the bump, right into to tape worms. One dose of meds cured that in a day. Now, we have to figure out how to get the boy to sleep thru the night without waking me up 2-3 times to be fed. Refer to above sleeping on the weekends. But, he as been a really good boy otherwise and he and Shilo have bonded well.
Lastly, today I head out to BFE central Florida to shoot a mellon farm. Between my shaved legs and a photographer who is, shall we say, "theatrical", surrounded by trucks and red-neck country boys. I think it could be a sequel -- "Broke Back Mellon."
LABstrong
Friday, January 15, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Coffee Crank
It was time once again for the annual Captiva Cruise. Probably more aptly called the “Coffee Crank.” The past year or so, it seems that it is the only time Spenghali and I get to ride together. That means the pace is moderate and the destination is a place to sit, converse and catch-up on life and share goals. This year was no different and enjoyable as always.
We headed out on a pristine day, little traffic and fewer clouds. We wound our way up to Captiva for our traditional caffeinated delight and to chat up the Ukrainian girl serving coffee. We noted the third straight year the rest-room was out of order -- obviously on purpose. She saw no humor in our “bathroom humor.” It still amazes me how two grown (allegedly) men can still giggle over toilet humor like 12-year olds. But I assure you, we can.
Since nature was dialing in it’s call, we felt it was best to head back. But back was actually to grab a Belgian (ale) and some chowder. Who can ride 15 miles straight without nourishment. It is preposterous to consider otherwise. Besides, they have a bathroom. Man, this ride report is starting to sound like a Flowmax® commercial.
It was an easy ride, but a great on -- far to infrequent -- which will hopefully be rectified this year. Hee hee, I said “rectify.”
LABstrong
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
It's A Boy
Well, it has been a long time since I posted with any regularity, but I hope to do more of that in the coming year. I also hope to use the blog to generate more awareness and capital for Lab Rescue. Why is that important to me? Well meet Brooks, our new boy.
I think since Shilo "asked" for a sibling back on Fathers Day we could have adopted at least two Chinese babies by now... The great folks at Lab Rescue really hung in there with us, coached us and asked us to broaden our horizons. We were very stringent in what we were looking for and determined to wait for the right fit. Well, that came along months later in the opposite direction we were heading and we are SO glad.
After a short period of a "turf war" to establish who this dog was and what was he doing here, Brooks and Shilo are fast becoming friends. Fortunately, the war came in the form of ignoring each other, not fighting. Plus, we had a great scare when we noted a lump on his side, about the size and density of a walnut. While we prayed it was a fatty bump, it was too similar to what eventually ended Jake's life -- cancer. We tried to be calm, to observe and be patient, but that is not our doggie MO. I made a vet appointment as fast as I could the next week. One look and the vet immediately diagnosed it as a reaction to his heart-worm injection site. poor guy got two shots there in the course of a few weeks, deep into the muscle. A few doses of prednisone and the lump is already smaller, but may persist for weeks. Of course in her 30 years of practice, this is our vets first case of a reaction (happens in about 30% of the cases).
Right now Brooks is rocket fast, learning to behave on a leash and very willing to please. Next step is to build up enough trust equity in the bank so he does not need to be crated. He has been sleeping out of it at night and -- fingers crossed -- doing very well.
We know that there will be some joint issues -- with both dogs most likely -- but we are prepared to do what it takes to make them happy and healthy. That means my rides just got a little more personal. Hmmm, maybe it's time for that "4THE DOGS" tattoo across my quads? Relax mom, I'm kidding!
Happy New Year to all.
LABstrong
I think since Shilo "asked" for a sibling back on Fathers Day we could have adopted at least two Chinese babies by now... The great folks at Lab Rescue really hung in there with us, coached us and asked us to broaden our horizons. We were very stringent in what we were looking for and determined to wait for the right fit. Well, that came along months later in the opposite direction we were heading and we are SO glad.
After a short period of a "turf war" to establish who this dog was and what was he doing here, Brooks and Shilo are fast becoming friends. Fortunately, the war came in the form of ignoring each other, not fighting. Plus, we had a great scare when we noted a lump on his side, about the size and density of a walnut. While we prayed it was a fatty bump, it was too similar to what eventually ended Jake's life -- cancer. We tried to be calm, to observe and be patient, but that is not our doggie MO. I made a vet appointment as fast as I could the next week. One look and the vet immediately diagnosed it as a reaction to his heart-worm injection site. poor guy got two shots there in the course of a few weeks, deep into the muscle. A few doses of prednisone and the lump is already smaller, but may persist for weeks. Of course in her 30 years of practice, this is our vets first case of a reaction (happens in about 30% of the cases).
Right now Brooks is rocket fast, learning to behave on a leash and very willing to please. Next step is to build up enough trust equity in the bank so he does not need to be crated. He has been sleeping out of it at night and -- fingers crossed -- doing very well.
We know that there will be some joint issues -- with both dogs most likely -- but we are prepared to do what it takes to make them happy and healthy. That means my rides just got a little more personal. Hmmm, maybe it's time for that "4THE DOGS" tattoo across my quads? Relax mom, I'm kidding!
Happy New Year to all.
LABstrong
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cycling Shorts
Here are a couple observations from my neighborhood.
First is the Minstrel Cyclist I have noted riding around our street. The neighbor's teenage son has taken to riding his bike at night and I see him out riding while I walk Shilo. He is getting faster despite having a bike that is too small and a seat that is too low. The odd part is he wears an iPod and sings -- loudly and off key -- as he circumnavigates the route. Some of America does NOT have talent.
Secondly is the jogger in the morning. Now, I am a very happily married man to a beautiful woman -- my Nifi. And not that I condone the "can't look at the menu" mentality, I think it is male human nature to look at the sister of a neighborhood divorcee when she jogs by with her 0% body fat and rock hard abs. It is just a male reflex to suck in your gut, stick out your chest as you walk your dog, smelling of Rogaine and dog poop. Getting looks for all the wrong reasons.
LABstrong
First is the Minstrel Cyclist I have noted riding around our street. The neighbor's teenage son has taken to riding his bike at night and I see him out riding while I walk Shilo. He is getting faster despite having a bike that is too small and a seat that is too low. The odd part is he wears an iPod and sings -- loudly and off key -- as he circumnavigates the route. Some of America does NOT have talent.
Secondly is the jogger in the morning. Now, I am a very happily married man to a beautiful woman -- my Nifi. And not that I condone the "can't look at the menu" mentality, I think it is male human nature to look at the sister of a neighborhood divorcee when she jogs by with her 0% body fat and rock hard abs. It is just a male reflex to suck in your gut, stick out your chest as you walk your dog, smelling of Rogaine and dog poop. Getting looks for all the wrong reasons.
LABstrong
Friday, October 9, 2009
Riverlution Ride Report
There will be a quiz...
I would have to say the inaugural Riverlution was a success. No mechanicals, no injuries and a great family gathering.
We started out on a misty Minnesota morning at about 51º. As team “captain” I made sure the bikes were prepped, pumped up and numbers were on right side up. After a great breakfast of NMM’s legendary oatmeal bake and fruit, a little talk on group cycling etiquette, we headed out. I have to say I was quite surprised at the pace we held. Our SAG support had not left by the time we reached our first appointed stop, so we kept rolling. At fifteen miles in to the 70, we pulled in and SAG caught up to us for a photo opportunity.
The next leg was the climb I had been dreading/hearing about. It was at least two miles up and this flat-lander could not train for such elevations. But, we climbed, and climbed, saw the false crest -- and climbed some more. I have to admit, I had built it up in my head worse that it actually was. In reality I finally had a long enough climb to find a groove between legs, gear and heart rate. It was over the top and two miles down hill. We pulled over one time on the decent to regroup. Brother One can descend like a stone I found out, so we had to pull ahead on climbs to match him.
Through the town of Maiden Rock and Stockholm there were several little climbs that were steeper than the long one and burned a bit.
But there were flats too. Not my SAG wagon just about took me out right after this shot pulling into a boutique to shop!
I was not the only Little Goat out this day.
From there we met up with Brother Two or “T-Ross” so aptly named for his ancient Ross upright. The sun was out to stay now and it was time to shed some layers. We pushed on again through relatively flat, river estuary land. The roads were a bit rougher here and it made for some pain in the a** riding especially being about 40 miles into the ride. Once I get past that point, I am typically fine. The next agreed spot was Nelson (Cheese Curd Capital of the World) then back over to the MN side in Wabasha (infamous for the filming of “Grumpy Old Men”). Here we met up with our last rider for the final leg of the Riverlution, Diesel Dan. Now we had everyone together and a great photo op on a perfect fall day.
It was agreed that Cutter (think Breaking Away) would push on ahead. He had time to run an errand. That is an indication that he was the youngest and agile of the group by far.
Outside the town of Wabasha and on to Lake City (the reputed home to the invention of water skiing).
One thing I did not realize was the amount of slopes surrounding Lake City. They became the thorn in T-Ross’s side. His bicycle and a headwind made it difficult to keep climbing. But he managed to keep a conversation going and a positive attitude throughout. It was especially fun (and European) to see my nieces waving towels and cheering us on from the side of the road! Too funny.
I tried to keep all my chickens together, but this stretch put BroOne, Cutter and Diesel Dan out ahead. I had expected to see the group in Lake City but they were not in sight. I finally needed to pull over in a rest area for nature break and get off the saddle for a while. There I discovered Cutter and Diesel Dan hanging out. BroOne was gone! I was panicked for a moment then Cutter said he blew by him out of nowhere and pressed on to the end. He then immediately requested a drug test... however most of the drug labs are busy over in France right now mopping up from last year’s Tour. While I try to find the proper Team moniker for BroOne, I am refraining from calling him “Doper.” I have a year to develop a proper Team name so I will keep pondering.
While it was great to have SAG support, they really came in to play when they rescued my stranded nieces when their car broke down after waving us up a climb. We ate some of the prepped food and liquids, but good experience for next year. I drank a lot of fluid as I am used to riding in 100+º temps -- lesson for the team: Drink MORE! And sag really came in to play when we hooked up at a gas station short of home. I was out of water and wanted Diesel and T-Ross to come up, but they kept on going past the stop. I chatted with the SAG Sisters for a while waiting for Cutter whom I assumed was inside. Then they said no, he went on ahead to run his errand.
S**t! I’m just standing here?
Quiz time: How long does it take a Small Goat going 20 MPH into a 9 mile per hour headwind to catch two riders going 15.2 miles an hour with a nine minute head-start?
I have no idea but I did catch them. I had wrapped my sweet Emily’s collar and tags on my stem for inspiration. She just clinked along and kept me paced. When I let up on the throttle I would hear that clinking and push harder to maintain my pace.
That last push pretty much ended the final leg of the Riverlution. We went up the hill into the starting neighborhood and we were greeted by my mom, teary-eyed proud of our accomplishment, waving two small American flags. Now I was teary-eyed. We rode home together, a lump in my throat, proud of my friends, brothers, team and thankful for all the support and contributions made to help Lab Rescue save more dogs.
Great job EVERYONE!
LABstrong
I would have to say the inaugural Riverlution was a success. No mechanicals, no injuries and a great family gathering.
We started out on a misty Minnesota morning at about 51º. As team “captain” I made sure the bikes were prepped, pumped up and numbers were on right side up. After a great breakfast of NMM’s legendary oatmeal bake and fruit, a little talk on group cycling etiquette, we headed out. I have to say I was quite surprised at the pace we held. Our SAG support had not left by the time we reached our first appointed stop, so we kept rolling. At fifteen miles in to the 70, we pulled in and SAG caught up to us for a photo opportunity.
The next leg was the climb I had been dreading/hearing about. It was at least two miles up and this flat-lander could not train for such elevations. But, we climbed, and climbed, saw the false crest -- and climbed some more. I have to admit, I had built it up in my head worse that it actually was. In reality I finally had a long enough climb to find a groove between legs, gear and heart rate. It was over the top and two miles down hill. We pulled over one time on the decent to regroup. Brother One can descend like a stone I found out, so we had to pull ahead on climbs to match him.
Through the town of Maiden Rock and Stockholm there were several little climbs that were steeper than the long one and burned a bit.
But there were flats too. Not my SAG wagon just about took me out right after this shot pulling into a boutique to shop!
I was not the only Little Goat out this day.
From there we met up with Brother Two or “T-Ross” so aptly named for his ancient Ross upright. The sun was out to stay now and it was time to shed some layers. We pushed on again through relatively flat, river estuary land. The roads were a bit rougher here and it made for some pain in the a** riding especially being about 40 miles into the ride. Once I get past that point, I am typically fine. The next agreed spot was Nelson (Cheese Curd Capital of the World) then back over to the MN side in Wabasha (infamous for the filming of “Grumpy Old Men”). Here we met up with our last rider for the final leg of the Riverlution, Diesel Dan. Now we had everyone together and a great photo op on a perfect fall day.
It was agreed that Cutter (think Breaking Away) would push on ahead. He had time to run an errand. That is an indication that he was the youngest and agile of the group by far.
Outside the town of Wabasha and on to Lake City (the reputed home to the invention of water skiing).
One thing I did not realize was the amount of slopes surrounding Lake City. They became the thorn in T-Ross’s side. His bicycle and a headwind made it difficult to keep climbing. But he managed to keep a conversation going and a positive attitude throughout. It was especially fun (and European) to see my nieces waving towels and cheering us on from the side of the road! Too funny.
I tried to keep all my chickens together, but this stretch put BroOne, Cutter and Diesel Dan out ahead. I had expected to see the group in Lake City but they were not in sight. I finally needed to pull over in a rest area for nature break and get off the saddle for a while. There I discovered Cutter and Diesel Dan hanging out. BroOne was gone! I was panicked for a moment then Cutter said he blew by him out of nowhere and pressed on to the end. He then immediately requested a drug test... however most of the drug labs are busy over in France right now mopping up from last year’s Tour. While I try to find the proper Team moniker for BroOne, I am refraining from calling him “Doper.” I have a year to develop a proper Team name so I will keep pondering.
While it was great to have SAG support, they really came in to play when they rescued my stranded nieces when their car broke down after waving us up a climb. We ate some of the prepped food and liquids, but good experience for next year. I drank a lot of fluid as I am used to riding in 100+º temps -- lesson for the team: Drink MORE! And sag really came in to play when we hooked up at a gas station short of home. I was out of water and wanted Diesel and T-Ross to come up, but they kept on going past the stop. I chatted with the SAG Sisters for a while waiting for Cutter whom I assumed was inside. Then they said no, he went on ahead to run his errand.
S**t! I’m just standing here?
Quiz time: How long does it take a Small Goat going 20 MPH into a 9 mile per hour headwind to catch two riders going 15.2 miles an hour with a nine minute head-start?
I have no idea but I did catch them. I had wrapped my sweet Emily’s collar and tags on my stem for inspiration. She just clinked along and kept me paced. When I let up on the throttle I would hear that clinking and push harder to maintain my pace.
That last push pretty much ended the final leg of the Riverlution. We went up the hill into the starting neighborhood and we were greeted by my mom, teary-eyed proud of our accomplishment, waving two small American flags. Now I was teary-eyed. We rode home together, a lump in my throat, proud of my friends, brothers, team and thankful for all the support and contributions made to help Lab Rescue save more dogs.
Great job EVERYONE!
LABstrong
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ready...Set...
Ride!
The Riverlution is this weekend and I am feeling giddy with anticipation. Bonk is in his clam-shell coffin and winging his way across country thanks to UPS. $50 shipping beats $350 round trip flying.
I have done the most training I can due to my schedule. I finally peaked 150 miles last week topped off with 40 on Friday and 60 on Sunday in 3:41:30. Legs were spanky but my a** was cranky. Just need the saddle time to deaden the nerves some.
So I am off soon and will send pictures and a report. A few new riders have signed up to join the fun but I know that the distant members of Team R2R will be pulling for me to finish and make the big climb.
Finally, thank you to those who responded and donated to the last post. I was very pleased and touched by your generosity and kind words. Please, if you can, donate those dogs need your help!
LABstrong
The Riverlution is this weekend and I am feeling giddy with anticipation. Bonk is in his clam-shell coffin and winging his way across country thanks to UPS. $50 shipping beats $350 round trip flying.
I have done the most training I can due to my schedule. I finally peaked 150 miles last week topped off with 40 on Friday and 60 on Sunday in 3:41:30. Legs were spanky but my a** was cranky. Just need the saddle time to deaden the nerves some.
So I am off soon and will send pictures and a report. A few new riders have signed up to join the fun but I know that the distant members of Team R2R will be pulling for me to finish and make the big climb.
Finally, thank you to those who responded and donated to the last post. I was very pleased and touched by your generosity and kind words. Please, if you can, donate those dogs need your help!
LABstrong
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