A Split Second

This past weekend I took my third trip to the Moke Races, a fun event put on by the local whitewater club, Loma Prieta Paddlers. The weekend consists of a downriver race on Saturday followed by a slalom race on Sunday, and there are usually 50 or so racers, everyone from near-beginners to national team members.

On Saturday, I decided to repeat my stunt of 2 years ago when I entered my sea kayak into the downriver race. Once again, they didn't allow my 16-foot plastic boat into the river-running 8-foot-and-up category and instead entered me in the wildwater category, which consists of the super-fast, super-fragile, Olympic-style race boats. Once again, there were no actual wildwater boats, but this time there was another sea kayak piloted by a fellow WSK member. Ahh, competition.

The first sea kayak started off the race. My start was a minute later. I started off sprinting, totally forgetting to pace myself. The result was that I got winded pretty quickly and had to back off a bit. As fatigue set in, I was actually able to calm down a bit and just focus on the river which was quite a good feeling. I could see the other paddler ahead of me most of the way. I kept figuring I could catch him, but I never seemed to get closer.

In the last half of the run were the two most notable rapids. This was a good thing considering they're very straightforward class II rapids. Just line up the boat at the top and let the rapid propel you forward while you get a second or two of rest. Ahh, acceleration!

I made it to the finish line and sat there in my boat a while, panting and dizzy, feeling very much myself-- a slightly out-of-shape kayaker who usually doesn't paddle with this much purpose. My time was 19:39 for the 3 mile run, just over a 9 mph average, and 10 seconds better than my fellow sea kayaker. I was hoping to break the 19-minute mark since I had 19:02 two years ago, but was consoled by the fact that the flow this year was only 700 cfs compared to 1000 before.

Sunday was the slalom race (see the Moke Races site for detail about slalom). Once again I was in the Novice class. You can keep signing up for the same category until you actually win it, so Novice tends to be the largest and most varied class. In the past, I've finished in the middle of the pack.

This time, I had a "new" boat for the slalom race-- a Perception Corsica-- a 10-foot long old-school river-runner. A boat I had never paddled on the river before. I figured the extra speed over my usual 8-foot boat would help, though during some practice runs Saturday, I was questioning that wisdom, wishing for a bit more maneuverability.

I started my first run and made it through the first 3 gates easily. Then a stumbled through the next two, touching them and incurring 2-second penalties. I then made it cleanly through the next several gates and set myself up nicely in the eddy below gate 12. I pulled out through the gate and into the current but didn't have enough speed. I started getting pushed back and toward the gate, so I leaned forward and away from it to avoid a touch. Still heading toward it, I leaned further and further out. Next thing I know, I'm underwater. After a quick roll up, I notice that I'm now downstream of gate 13 and headed for 14. I didn't think to paddle back up the eddy to catch 13 to avoid the 50-second missed-gate penalty. Instead, I just drifted through 14 and set myself up for the next gate. After that, I relaxed a bit and finished off the course nicely. Suprisingly, my time was pretty decent, but the penalties put me in familiar territory in the middle of the pack.

Luckily, only the best of the two runs count, so I started my second run with a clean slate more or less. Once again, the first 3 gates were no problem. I slowed down a little at 4 and 5 but avoided touching them this time. I cruised down toward 12, but I hit the eddy too low. Although I'd lose time working my way up, I'd at least have a running start crossing the eddyline. Still, I got pushed a bit and ended up touching the gate, but I ignored it and pulled myself forward so I could surf over to 13. I carelessly touched gate 14 (easy to do when the gate is 5 feet wide and your paddle is 6-1/2), but finished the rest of course cleanly. My time was 3 seconds slower, but still respectable. I thought I even had a good chance of placing.

At the end of the day, I checked the results. Second place! The first time I had actually placed. Overall time, including penalties (including 50 seconds for a gate the novices didn't have to run), was 209.61 seconds. I then looked at the first place time, 209.37 seconds. I was less than a 1/4 second from getting kicked out of novice class (err, or promoted to intermediate).

It was a really fun weekend, as always. I'm already looking forward to next year.

[For pics, see here, here, and here.]

Riding Again

Today was a perfect riding day. 70 degrees and the wind was almost nonexistent. I donned my riding gear complete with a can of Halt, thanks to CK, and headed out for a ride. Since the Blood Pressure is still high and we haven't solved all of my current health issues as of yet, I decided to ride my Stumpjumper. I figured with the Tricross i'd just be tempted to really push it. I rode south for about 35 minutes and then turned around and came home. I forgot how nice it is to just feel the miles roll past. After an almost three week break from biking, I was worried that my legs would give out. I actually felt better on the bike then I have in a long time. Maybe I needed an extended break.

Funny what a couple of weeks can do. The leaves were beginning to change and the soy beans and corn were all ready to harvest. I share the sentiments of Darth I do miss riding with my pals! I find myself rating the routes I take based on who would enjoy it. No traffic routes and no dog routes for Darth. Epic rides with lot's of open country for CK to see, and with HR it's just would he ride this?

What would a ride in the country be with out reporting on the vehicles I saw along the way. There was a landscaping truck, a school bus, a mail truck, two cars and an Amish wagon pulled by a donkey. A very busy day as far as riding in the country goes. Well it's off to the Dekalb County fair with the family. It's great to ride again, but the slight chill in the air had me asking myself if I'd ride this whole winter outside wiothout CK?

30 Minutes OUTSIDE and Hit by a CAR!

Well tonight I decided to take the bike outside. When I went out it was sunny, 65 and NO WIND!!! I started out really strong and had little problems keeping a 14 MPH pace... I guess the inside riding has kept my bike legs going. Well I was riding into the Duplex Area of my subdivision about 10 minutes into the ride when I see a car coming down the street. It is on the wrong side of the road so I move to the otherside of the street. As I get close it turns sharp, I try to avoid it, but my front tire slams into it. I fought to keep my balance and did. The driver apoligized and then picked up his 1/18th scale RC car off the street... (Got You!) Actually it was pretty scary to have the front of the toy car go under my front wheel. I was wearing my regular shoes and so I was not clipped in. If I was clipped in I would have probably crashed. I then continued on and kept the pace going. Riding past the ponds I noticed they were smooth as glass and the leaves were not even rustling. The air was calm and just cool enough to be almost perfect for riding. The quite in the air strange after hearing the trainer when I rode for the past month. As I rode I could have swore I saw the shadows of my friends riding along beside me...

I truly miss riding with my friends...

Stats:
30 Minutes
7 Miles
14.00 MPH Avg Speed
5 Minute Cool Down...

Ride On...

first two weeks of bowling

Well I decided to join the bowling league with my aunt. This is a sanction league at the end goes to Las Vagas.The first Friday Sept 15 I bowled sub average for my satisfication bowling a 120,159,143. The second we was last Friday and I bowl more to my liking and I had a blast. With some competion and trash talking with the oponnent (which happened to be my Aunts boss) we had a blast. He beat me each game but I gave him a run for his money. I end up bowling a 170, 173, 179. The 173 game I had an easy 190 to 200 game going until the 9th frame were I double guttered trying for that perfect shot, which made me lose about 20 pins. I don't know why I was trying to go out so far towards the gutter that frame. I was trowing my large hook which I usually throw when the lanes are dry. Then in the 10 frame I got 3 strikes to end the game. The last game I bowled 179 I was trying to lock up the game for our time with a strike shot, which ended up a little heavey on the headpin which game me a 6 10 split. If I did not pick up the split we would have lost the game for sure. So I said to my opponent it's no problem I can make it. And even with my cockiness I proceed to make the split to save the game and trying again to make that perfect shot to finish off the game which I ended off with a high hit and recieviing a total of 7 pins. We ended up winning that game by 2 pins over the other team. All in all It was a fun night win or lose which we lost the first two games and winning the last one. Update next week.

Reconstruction Begins

Well

I have been working all day on fixing the drywall from the sewage problem. When the guy came to remove the drywall he did a nice job cutting, but not very straight... A differance of 3" in a couple spots. So I spent the first couple hours making a very nice EVEN cut for the drywall repair. After the fun part of cutting and fixing the original cuts I began to cut the drywall to fit. (Really nice to have the VAN...2 Sheets of 4 x 8 1/2 Drywall) Getting the measurements was not too bad, but I was on the concrete floor of the basement and garage for about 4 hours... I am rather sore right now and hope to be doing better tomorrow. I will be getting up in the morning and heading back to Home Depot to get some trim and odds and ends. My BIL will be here sometime in the morning and will help with the taping. I also need to borrow the neighbors compound miter saw to cut the trim... This is when I wished I had better skills. I am just glad it was in the closets and not the main room. I am on a deadline since Mrs Darth has set up the carpet for late this coming week! DOH!!

Here are a few pictures of the closets BEFORE






























Here are some Pictures after the drywall install

Pt Lobos

Not much time to write up elaborate reports lately. But just so you didn't think I haven't been doing anything, I thought I'd post some pics and videos of a paddle at Pt Lobos that I did last Sunday. The area is just south of Carmel and has to be about the most beautiful stretch of coastline within a day's reach of the Bay Area. Nice clear day, a slight breeze, and small to moderate swell.

Sewage a new bike location and a cut lawn

Well it seems the weeks are just getting better and better. Tuesday was AWFUL... Waking up to raw sewage in my finished basement...DOH! Well since my basement is being torn apart I moved my bike to the family room for a temporary change. I thought about leaving it there all winter and move the TreadMill to the basement, but Mrs Darth put a stop to that idea. I put D2 down for his nap and decided to hop on the bike. I had the TV on and started riding. At 10 minutes D2 decided he really did not want a nap so I had to get him. Lucky for me he was having a good time watching TV, Playing cars and watching Daddy. I rode 10 miles and it was a little slower pace then Sunday. I think I was at 11.5 MPH Average. Well once D1 got home from school I went out back and scooped the yard and prepared to cut the grass. When Mrs Darth arrive home I started the work. It has been nearly 50 days since I cut my own grass. It was really nice to do it myself once again! Took me about 1:30...

So I rode for about 50 Minute and Did Yard work for about 1:30... Not too bad...

I am really excited about getting to ride outside once again!!!! I CAN NOT WAIT!!!

Riding Inside While Chatting...

Last Night I rode inside again for about 30 minutes. I was in a rather bad mood so for a good five minutes I was exceeding 25 MPH. Last week was a bad week. Not only did I hear of my friends having problems (Health and running into a Truck) My 87 YO grandmother was in the hospital Thursday - Saturday. She had issues breating and turns out she has a MASS in her lungs. They did the biopsy and will have the results this week. (Note:Doctors Did Not like what they saw) I went and spent a good portion of the morning with her. So last night I was in a rather bad mood so I pushed it hard...

I am watching the weather for the week and weekend. I am going to go for a ride OUTSIDE hopefully this weekend if it is nice out. I am not going to push it, but a nice ride outside would be fantastic...

Maybe the easyside near CK?

Ride On...

FYI

I'm back in the saddle today (although the headwind home was equal to the worse I can remember). With the full set of bags I was greatful for passing vehicles as it shieldd the wind somewhat. It was head on, mostly so I didn't overheat as I sported my dad's village provided ANSI II complient orange vest with reflective lime and silver stripping. The vest is a bit overly snug which feels good on hurt ribs. My downstairs neigbor who works in a hospital and whose late husband was an avid biker suspects fracture of rib(s) but agrees that they would just wrap it, since I apparently didn't puncture a lung. No shame coming home slowly today. Middle chainring all the way.

Weather.com says winds are at 23 gusts to 31. That is not a lie. I wish t was a tail wind. It wasn't there in the morning.

If I Can't Then I'll Hike

As most of you know already I have been having some trouble with my health and as a result the doctor recommended that I take it easy until we get the test results back on Monday the 25th. Define take it easy. No major bike rides! But I couldn’t just sit around doing nothing. I had the week off work so we decided to do some hiking and go to the Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve.

The Buffalo Preserve was very cool. We loaded into the back of a pick up truck that had raised seating and drove out into the 400 acre preserve. I wondered why the seating was raised. I later learned that buffalo can jump flat footed 5 to 6 feet in the air. Some other interesting facts about buffalo are; They can swim as well or better then man, they can run 35 to 40 miles an hour and keep that pace up for hours without stopping, they accelerate to 35 MPH in three steps, and they can bend in half thus turning in a 24” circle. The animals were amazing and powerful.

We hiked three times over the last 5 days for a total of about 14 miles, two 4 mile hikes and one 6 mile hike. I had the Baby strapped to my back in the ergo, FGB strapped on a little day pack and Mrs. DM snapped the photos. We saw many different types of fungus and several species of caterpillar, butterfly, and moth. On two of the hikes we heard the hooting of an owl. Of course there were deer, chipmunks, squirrels, moles, rabbits, and more birds then I can name. With all of the biking I had forgoton how nice hiking can be. By the way all 14 miles were in Steuben County, the hilly county, and we climbed the second highest hill in the county for a breathtaking view of the forest below. The family and I have decided to try and hike all of the parks within a two-hour drive of our house, exploring every trail. I’m excited to hike with Mrs. DM but I am eager to get on the bike again. The weather is supposed to be nice starting Tuesday or Wednesday so I’ll probably do a little 15 Miler with FGB.

8.6 the hard way

Yesterday around 4 we got a buzz at the door. The nice mail carrier lady brought up a big box from Nashbar. It was Mrs. CK's helmet, clear glasses (which were apparently too dorky to wear) and a taillight. I still need to find her an 'acceptable' water bottle but she wanted to ride! She stored a little bottlle in my camelback. The new helmet is good looking and seemed to be the primary reason for her wanting to go. Hey...whatever it takes.

The helmet is Titanium or dark silver in color and really nice. Although the description said it didn't, it in fact came with with with a Blackburn 3.0 blinkie that actually clips right to the back of the helmet (on built in spot). The helmet has a nice rain cover that snaps right into matching snaps around the helmet. I didn't check out the ear muff things that slide in too much, but it looks ok too. I didn't bother with the included mirror. I really like this design. The taillight is nice and bright with side amber lights, a solid, blinking, and chase mode.

We headed out and crossed 176 and did so again as we went toward ' the hard side'. I said OK and we could stop, turn around, or I could go get the car at any time. We never made it to the parking lot on that side because you can turn left and use the underpass tunnel now. She never gave up! She walked up some hills but kept saying how pretty it was. We stopped occasionally, but we kept going. We made it to the asphalt and she wanted to go to my parents! there were the hills and I reminded her to gear down and remember to breath. I tried to pass on a few things learned from DM. She said she wanted to go the backway or stop before we got to the Midlothian entrance to hillside,which I said would be longer but less traffic. But, she decided she was ok when she crested the hill and we continued to 60 and onward. She did about 8.6 hilly miles in under an hour. I, again, could not be prouder.

Cruising for a bruising

Yesterday, Sadly, I drove. Today it rained the whole way in but a nice mist that made it musty and hard to see. Anyway, that was OK. I haven't been feeling energized much or motivated but after I ride I feel better than if I don't ride. In fact I get cranky when I think about not riding. I did not ride yesterday and now I may not ride tomorrow. (If so tomorrow will be the 4th missed day for the year. I was crossing Bradkey St on the 176 Path heading West not too far from 43. I was not quick today but I just kept rolling. Before I get to the intersection I unclipped and made eye contact with a driver of a blue truck and he stopped short of the intersection so I clipped back in and went. Just as I get off the sidewalk I realize he has pulled up to turn right on Red! I grasped for the hood and I think I unclipped but in any case I went down and felt the wind knocked out of me. A paint guy (construction guy marking lines etc. with paint) asked if I was OK etc but I felt sore but ok. I went home showered and ate turkey and cheese. Upon trying to move I got a lot of pain.

Left side must have hit bar end or something. I feel some majorley bruised ribs or some such. In retrospect I should have gotten info before the guy took off but he didn't even get out of his truck. He could at least bought me a new earbud. (on long sections with no crossings I listen to news and weather to know well... the news and weather.) It was not on at the time but the wire had pulled out of the connector and left only the metal stub in the ear phone jack. It's just the one (like they use on cell phones?) My local radioshack has closed. We will see how I feel after 2nd job but I may again use the stupid car as per my wife's wishes.

I did not feel any loose spokes but did not do a thourough check. I felt like it wasn't rolling right a half hour after the collision but I was tired and the adrenaline and shock had worn off. I do not like rude inconsiderate cager drivers. Should I have been more careful? Yu, live and learn but I do not think it wwas my fault. Oh emailed Trek to figure out year of my bike. I don't have owners manual... Can a trek owner tell me where to look for the serial #?

I am going to join a bowling league

WONKEMTEL
I recieved a call from my Aunt Shari today and she asked if I wanted to join a league with her on Friday nights. I told her yes. I usually go the the Barrington Broncos football games on Friday nights until November, so when she asked and I said yes so fast I don't know what I was thinking. It must be that bowling semi- competively is still in me. I still have fun bowling when I do it in open bowling and still get very competive with myself and those craze pins. I did go bowling with a friend of my Kevin last Monday and bowled a 177 average in 5 games (the scores were 193, 203, 129,197,178), which is about my average when I quit bowling in a league. I hope I made the correct choice and to miss the football games that I enjoy going to. Sometimes I lose track on what I am watching at the games and do not understand what is happening on the field and why penalties are called when I look like a great play and they take the long play away and start ten yars ferther back.
I guess that is why I would like to get back into bowling a sport I somewhat understand. Even though I get frusterated on why I can't pick up a ten pin or why I get a split even though it looked like a good shot in the pocket ( betwen the head pin and the 2 pin).
Well enough babbling I made my discussion and I am going to have to stick with it.

New steed

Well we went to the cyclery yesterday and it was a bit busy so we went over and looked at helmets. After some fiddling the wife locked her gaze on a candy apple red one that was actually a test helmet. Of course it was an older model and a discontinued color and we would find out later that we could not buy the test helmet.

We got some help from a sales girl but they didn't have much built. I was going to start with a 17.5 size but the girl couldn't find a 7100,7200 or 7300 in that size, After a wait Larry took what I think was a cutomers 7200 and a 20 inch frame and Mrs. CK gave that a try. Larry and I watched and agreed that that was in fact the right size with the seat all the way down. Mrs. wanted the bars more upright but said the seat was good so Larry did that and brought it back and she seamed pleased and ready to pull the trigger. Then Tim was available and he said we couldn't sell that one but there were two or three 7200's Larry had not seen. One was grey tones, one was green tones, and I don't remember the other. She liked the grey one, we decided to wait on the helmet and I decided to wait on the interchange panniers which seem awsome with built in rain covers that store in one of the many pockets and are stitched to the bags so you can't loose them. Mrs tried on a three strap shoe and asked for a different size but they don't cme in half sizes or he didn't have it. There was also a lace pair of a different model with 1 strap at the top (seemed like a good system. They were $90 but on the 1/2 off table. Mrs said that that pair felt better. At the register Tim knocked off 10% of the approximate 369 maybe because it was a 2006 and the 2007's are in or maybe because he is very good to his good customers. 3 of us have now bought 4 bikes and I have bought wheels etc to equal a lower end bike or more. It was about $400 out the door for the 7200 and shoes and I then decided to get some cleats too. I had encouraged Mrs. CK to try some specialized bikes too but she declined and I didn't argue too much.

Mrs. looked online and liked the silvery titanium colored Bell Metro helmet and we found it on nashbar with winter kit (ventcovers and ear muffs), rain cover, and mirror for about 89. It shoed the picture to be the right color so we will see. If not it goes back. Mrs. CK likes to be coordinated! I also added a tail light for her bike and mounted the old trek headlight mount and bottle cage on her bike. She declined gloves and I will eventually get her a bottle she likes. I picked up a 5.99 clear glasses fo her that are different than the noframe ones I have in case she wants to keep the bugs out (for 5.99 if she doesn't like it no biggie. If she stops riding becasue it's too cold maybe I'll give the helmet a try. For really cold my brother suggested a snowmobile helmet as they have a seperate breathing part to avoid fog up. I had a 19.19 voucher and 10% off from a bikeforums coupon so not a bad deal. Now I just hope it gets here before it is too cold for Mrs. CK to want to ride!

check your head at the door

It was with happy tiredness that I set out today, stopping at Carmel to put one headphone on and get some news and Weather. I heard a hey you are a teacher from behind and it was one of the guys I met once last May It was nice to not br alone and we parted at the T as I go Right since I dont like that left turn. The legs weren't feeling great but after 15 miles I was comfortable. Didn't leave until after 3 due to staff meeting an in a hurry since the dog would be suffering. Of Coarse a strong ENE headwind bashed me the whole way so I got low on the bars and dug in. HMmm why is it so windy/// oh yeah 6 miles out I realize I have forgotten the brain bucket. I have my old one in the truck at home and my light id in my pack so Monday I will have to put it on the bars instead of helmet but I made it home fine if slow at 5:00. Dog is fine and I got a strong workout! I think I will rest this weekend and maybe take wife to LBS. I have to hydrate more!!!!


Opinion: From the specs the 7500 serems to be the best $$ for component set with the steps below each being $80-110. The 7700 wow great but almost double the sub $700 of the Trek 7500

If wife buys bike he will prob give me 10% on shoes for both of us and do you really like your panniers DM? wondering if I should buy 2nd rack too so I can have a true back up? Input please I think for the $$ as a good bike for wife and back up for e the 7200 seems good or is it not worth the $$ over the 7100 or am I better going to the 7300? I would just give wife my bike and go 7500 but I want her to have her own and mine is rigid. I suspect she will vastly prefer the Suspension seat post and front rim. For a low milage novice rider comfort is key I suspect. I would like to ask HR if I could test the seat from the FS bike and when will he be able and willing to come to dinner and/or ride? I miss that guy!

Too much FOG grrrr

Tired but geared up and rolled to 176 and I could not see the other side. My two headlights went far enough for their beams to cross and that was about it.

Tonight I will go to Target to get AAA batss to get my 2nd blinky back online but this morning turned around and parked the bike and activated the infernal machine. It just didn't seem a good day to die. We will see about tomorrow.

30 Minute Walk & a 1 Hour Ride!!

Well this morning after DI got on the bus for school DII and I went for a walk. I was pushing the Jogger Stroller for about 30 minutes, maybe a little longer. It was really humid and DII was starting to get cranky so we went home and did some errands. While we were out we visited my Grandmother and she was able to play with DII without DI... She missed DI, but was happy to have some time with DII. By the time we got back home DII was really tired and wanted a nap. Since my work is on hold today due to issues beyond my control I decided nap time would be a good time for a ride. So I put in a movie and started to spin for an hour. I rode just under 13 miles and 12.? MPH. Being in the finished basement the temp was nice, but there is no breeze... Worked up a good and hard sweat and realized it has been a while since I have gone that long. Not used to being in the saddle that long...

It was GREAT to ride again and really miss the outside... However on the negative side after an hour I can feel the pressure in my arm. Even sitting still and just holding myself up it caused a bit of discomfort... Next week I visit the DR again and hopefully sometime soon I can go for at least a hour or 2 outside ride with the guys...

Ride On...

Another great deer romp

Mrs CK tried out Mrs Darth's ride tonight and it was a great romp with the deer. She was really great and really crusing. She has carpul tunnel issues ad would prefer a more upright anglee on the bars but liked the seat and stuff. We would like to really thank Mrs Darth for the use of the bike!

We saw 4 or 5 clusters of deer and it was really great. Mrs CK swallowed a lot of bugs (not so great). We went all the way to the trail intersection where you have to go to Bonner or Wauconda road path. She did great!

Flight 7300 grounded 7100 cancelled

I drove today becasue on the way home yesterday my handlebars became "perpetually adjustable". I was really surprised how hard it was to maintain any speed above 8 or 10 mph when the habdle bars were loose. I thought they were stripped, but Tim was able to tighten them and send me on home. I got wife's bike home too. Maybe she will try the 7100 today as it has been raining. I rode in though and through soak on the way in yesterday which is not always fun in the dark as you can't always pick your line or sometimes the line choice were right, left, or middle of all consuming mini lake. My shoes were sloshing as soon as I exited the trail at Fairfield and 176 and waited for the light in 6-8 inches of water. I was happy to have dry socks at work. Still it took me 10 or 15 extra minutes so almost 2 hours to get to work. I put my glasses in my pocket when I got to Hawley as they were useless in that much rain.
With handlebars gone bad it was a slow ride home too. I thought about taking the borrowed 7100 to work today because I wanted to keep the streak alive. I attached my light and washed the camelback and all panniers ( as they were MUDD) I don't think Darth or Mrs. Darth would have minded but I decided agaist it this morning. I had to work last night so 5 hours instead of 4 was nice but I missed riding. All bikes are now in normal states. I hope to get Mrs. CK a bike if she starts riding and it would be nice to have hers as a backup and keep the SC 30 as a 2nd back up or possible winter bike since it has nobbies etc. 4 or 5 bikes should be a good start.

For example: 1 Regular commuter
2Day Tourer for long rides with carrying capacity (not 20
lbs of lights)
3Wet commuter (fenders and more lights than normal
better brakes or disk brakes for the rain
4 Winter bike (could be recumbent trike)
5 Road or Semi Road bike for speed/long trips and
outpacing dogs (cycle cross)

I think I shall now nap

Dogs, Wrong Turns, and A Fall

It was Friday a cloudy day with a forty percent chance of rain. The wind was blowing from the North East and the temperature was sixty-four degrees. I filled my three-liter water bag as well as two extra bottles of water; I was planning a long bike ride. The first one since the CK and HR wipe out ride back in IL. I didn’t have great power food for a long ride so I mixed up some raw seeds and nuts with some carob chips, coconut, and raisins. The plan was to ride to my parent’s house, about thirty-seven miles north, take a potty/food break and head back for a total of seventy miles. This added to the 37.6 miles I rode on Thursday would make for over a hundred miles in two days. You may remember from an earlier post, “Hills Hills and More Hills,” that this was also the land of steep hills. It was 2pm when I left my house and the sunset was at 8:15pm so I had my work cut out for me, but I was thankful to be riding.

The real fun started about 12 miles into the ride. I had made a copy of my Indiana map so that I could avoid the main roads and travel through the farm country. The map was wrong and so I ended up heading down a road that ended in a driveway, the first of many wrong turns on this ill-fated trip. While turning around I was looking over my shoulder to get my bearings when all of a sudden I’m on the ground, loose gravel under the front tire had claimed another victim. I scraped my lower leg on the way down and then landed on my elbow. I immediately thought of Darth and his elbow breaking fall. While using some of my precious water to clean the gravel out of my leg and elbow I thought of CK and his “boy-scout pack” full of first aid goodies. The pain had subsided so I forged ahead.

As if the ominous wind and darkening skies weren’t enough to warn me that this trip was better left for another day or at least another route the fall should have, but it didn’t. I was well into the hills of Steuben County and had ridden about 28 miles when the first dog appeared, a pit bull boxer mongrel with a menacing glint in his eyes. There was no turning around, I shifted and started to accelerate, he was coming on fast and growling. My speedometer said 26 27 28 and still he kept coming snapping at my tires and feet; 29 30 31 he finally begins to drop off. Soon I can hear his bark in the distance, my heart is racing, my legs are aching, and I’m thinking “There is no way I’m going home that way.”

During the excitement of the dog chase I may have missed a turn but I don’t feel comfortable letting up for awhile just in case he is still pacing me and readying himself for another attack. After riding on for ten minutes I stop to check the map. The cloud cover makes it impossible to locate the sun so I use the wind and determine that I am on a road heading North West, not terrible but I need to head Due North as I have already traveled too far West. Oh well what’s a couple more miles.

The hills are really taking their toll when I notice that there is another dog charging out of his yard to give chase and as this happens to be on a slight downhill I easily accelerate to 33.4 MPH and leave him barking in the road behind me. But he’s not stopping and there’s another hill to climb dead ahead. Head down, legs aching, snot bubble forming, heart racing, I crest the hill at 24.6 miles per hour the dog is no where to be seen even his barking has stopped. This time I remember to look at my heart monitor 168 beats per minute. Dog number two encountered and defeated. He may have been a friendly dog just wanting to lick me as he was golden retriever nix of some sort but after the first dog I wasn’t taking any chances. Even a playful dog can inflict a good injury if he knocks you off your bike.

I would like to say that I arrived at my parents house with no further incident, but what’s the fun in that? The clouds had thinned slightly and so I knew that I was heading North. What I didn’t know was that the road I was heading North on had no roads heading East until I got up to Michigan. Is it a law that when your in Michigan you have to ride on a sand road? Oh yea and they named it Dust Bowl Road. Anyways I finally made it to my parents house for a much needed potty break. What should have been 35 to 37 miles turned out to be over 41 miles. Oh well what’s a couple of extra miles.

After eating two of mom’s bananas and a huge hunk of ginger bread I refilled my water pack and headed back home. This time I was going to go home via the South East route, the “safe” route. Safe? Not in Steuben County.

After virtually flying down SR 827, a main road with a huge shoulder, I made another wrong turn and ended up heading straight West. The sun was still concealed so I didn’t realize I was heading straight west and not South West until I was all the way back to SR 69. Oh well what’s a couple of extra miles? At least I was South of the scary dog that wanted to eat me.

Unbeknownst to me turning South would lead me directly into the path of four more dogs but turn South I did. The first of which was a white terrier at the bottom of a hill, this was going to be easy! I blew past him at over 30 MPH and he didn’t even hardly move. Just a rapid cacophony of barks and it was over. I was feeling pretty proud of myself when half way up a hill two dogs came flying out of their yard, the one sprinting out ahead of me an the other hot on my tail, I was doing 20 something MPH up hill and the one mutt ran past me like I was standing still. Thankfully neither of these two dogs really wanted me very badly or they would have had me. At the top of the hill my lungs were burning and my legs felt like jello. “Please no more dogs!” my mind yelled. The Fourth dog was the probably the second scariest I had been riding for another 5 or ten minutes since the last dog chase when I heard deep breathing next to me. I looked down and to my left and a huge brown dog with matted hair and hollow eyes looked up at me. I was just cresting the hill so I kicked it up and accelerated to 34. 3 MPH. I felt like I was going to puke but thankfully I was almost out of Steuben County and back to Dekalb County where there are leash laws!

Sadly I did have to call my wife to pick me up 3.3 miles from home as I was out of day light and I wasn’t willing to risk riding in low light conditions without the proper equipment. The totals for the ride were as follows 80.7 miles, 14.5 MPH average, Max speed 34.3 MPH, Time in the saddle 5 hours 33 minutes. The two day total 118.3 miles. As the sunset picture shows the clouds began to break apart just as the sun set and the evening was gorgeous if a little windy. Need I say it the ride was great but it lacked the key components of CK, HR, and Darth.

Football

Friday started out with me trucking down 176 (sometimes on the early way in I skip the forest preserve as there are jogger ninjas with no reflective clothing on the path and I feel safer on the road) and I had not clipped the trunk in so I had to get off and pick it up off the road. No harm. I had also forgotten my pannier(s) so I was unable to bring work home and stuffed my work clothes in my camelbak on the way home. It was a fine ride, nothing remarkable except I had also forgotten to take my joint pills the night before. I felt tired and slow but not bad. Honked at more than usual as I crossed streets in liberalville, cranky cagers on Friday I suppose.

I actually had a poor day at work as I still don't have transcripts for kids and a co-worker talked to me until 2:40 about frustrations etc so I was wiped out on the way home. Still I had an average of 12.3 or 4 for the two days (forgot to reset). I think that is pretty good. I got home at 4:?? and was a little late for 4:30 at MHS to work crowd control for a football game (trying to find any job $ to replace Saturday school) I was standing on the edge of a field until 9 PM. That is too long for me but $75 should get Amanda a nice new helmet. She may want a bell Citi retail for about 45 or 50 on the web, She told me last night that she stopped by M and M and he said $100! This would be reaffirmation of Tim #1. I was feeling very tired and in a bad mood but it was from the bad day at work and maybe from not enough food, I finally ate when I got home.

Saturday and I just now finally ate again past due according to my mood. Wife's bike is at Cyclery getting the basic Tune UP for $50. Tim did not ebnen charge me to tighten like 10 very loose spokes and fix the 1 spoke the barrington place put in wrong. Reaffirmation #2 The cyclrey shop will be getting 1-2 plates of Cristmas cookies and I will make them from all of us. Tim confirmed that the 7200 would be easier to upgrade to trigger shifters (i.e. no switch of derailer) or the 7500! Not yet I think. I brought Wife's tennis shoes but decided to wait for her to try on shoe's. I also found out secret (kidding) info that should have been Blogged from Tim and Mrs. Magnet. 1) Magnet is considering switching to the next smaller size on his cross bike and he did a mega 86+ mile ride topping 32 or 34 mph including wrong turns leading to Michigan and mean bad Pit mix dogs and 5 more dogs on the way home. Mrs. Magnet retold that the Pit mix was inches away nipping at the tire and Magnet considered bailing in the ditch. Remeber stay with the bike and keep it between you and the dog if you can. Also consider (from what I have read) slowind down before accelerating as the change in Velocity is hard for a dog's brain to consider. Some also say head right for the dog and it will back down. I would recommend just riding with me as I have to put my bike down to dismount and as I get chewed others can make a good getaway. I think I will send http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=11371&item=40-0616&slitrk=search&slisearch=true# to have it tried out. It is unfortunate that ownwers are so poor at caring and supervising their dogs. I look forward to DM's story and hope the son is on the mend (and DM too as I understand he drew some blood?!? on a small fall?