Where the Heck has July Gone?!?!?!

This month went by WAY TOO FAST! The boys start school in 12 days (Bolivar decided to get things going super early this year and mid-week). Both the boys are bummed as they like them some summer time (although Jake never got to sleep in except for weekends).

Here's a clip of Ian and Deb playing some croquet and my out-building project yesterday evening:



I made the mistake of letting Jake introduce me to his (and his coaches') newest fixation: OLD GREG. It's kind of like Napoleon Dynamite as it gets oddly funnier the more times you watch it. WARNING: It is a different kind of humor so don't complain if you find it non-entertaining; you have been warned...

My mom and pop are coming up this evening and hanging out until tomorrow mid-afternoon. Nothing eventful planned, just a little eats, some croquet, and a bunch of nothing. I plan to continue my out-building project (power wash the floors and get some racks/hangers put in to gets the bikes organized.

Headed out this AM for my 'Friday Regular'. It was pretty chilly (upper 50's) at my 6am departure; felt amazing (almost a hint of 'cross in the air). Decided to take tons of video to document what Crusty is missing (you really need to come down and taste the good stuff). Dale was out of town and Ira is still off the bike so I hit it solo (ipod full of VH's Diver Down, older Kid Rock, smattering of Brad Paisley, and much much more). Ended up with a little under 45miles and 2:40hr ride time; a easy spinning pace. AWESOME is pretty much the only way to describe it. The below clips are in sequence, but only 1/2 of the ride; second half posted at a later time - check back

Stay tuned as more is on the way...

One Just for Winston

The only thing worse than passing up a SRAM Red gruppo for a 'dog hip/back specialist' is THIS; sad (sigh...), just pure sad (typed with a smirk). Does 'Where the Red Fern Grows' not mean anything to you; put him down!

Ian, Deb, and I (Jake was not too interested) loaded up after work, headed south to SPR, and watched the SBU teams play at The Courts. Always entertaining hanging out with the head boys' coach. Ian loves watching and commented a couple times on how disappointed SBU will be when he signs with UNC to play ball. Got home late and we all turn in, but not before I gave Jake a sound thrashing on the chess board.

Got a 1:30hr AM ride this morning and might sneak out with Deb for a bit this evening.

Another One (Project) Bites the Dust...

Garage is re-organized and entirely cleaned up. Glad that is done. Amazing how much room was added. Over the winter I will spackle the holes and re-paint, but for now it's great. Next up (this evening or next) is the out-building rehab into a bike/workout/shop. Not too much to be done, but enough to take up several evenings.

Deb and I snuck out for a 45min ride (on our respective steeds) last night. Incredible weather and, like always, good conversation.

Got an early start on shrub/garden work this AM as Coach picked up Jake for a XC camp in Log-Rog. This wet/semi-cool summer has done wonders for the flower/shrub beds. Satisfied with our garden, but we have had better (darn blite makes it look bad). Ian and I grabbed a couple donuts before dropping him off at BASE.

Met with a real estate agent at lunch as we are exploring the possibilities of selling the casa and building something with a basement and additional play/family room (just exploring and not real committed).

Fitness: Lunch strength workout (total blast to the system); no riding today

Spring Cleaning (better late than never)

Deb and I tackled the task of re-arranging/straightening our garage yesterday afternoon. It was amazing how much crap we had laying around that hadn't been moved (or seen) since we moved in (5 1/2yrs ago). We moved tons of stuff to the attic and a large portion to the trash. We aren't done yet, but it is already amazing how much room we now have. This week I will spackle some holes and it will look like a new place with a new coat of paint.

The plan is to upgrade my shop/detached garage with insulation, sheet rock, and a heater/cooling system; move all my cycling stuff out there and use it the way it was originally intended (Deb smiles every time I mention it).

Ian and I finished up the 'outside' evening with a couple games of basketball. It is still taking some getting used to the 10' goal height. Jake and I played some games of chess and wagered a little Durango usage/tank of gas on the last game and looks like I am driving the Isuzu until school starts (he is really playing well).

Hoped up this AM and met Dale and Nate for 1:30hrs cruising the various 'cross courses at SBU and YMCA ball fields; no efforts just a steady continuous ride. Felt good to ride 90% of the time in morning dew grass; starts the sensations coming. The Orbea has a more forgiving ride than the C'dale and feels a little quicker. Getting pretty antsy for the Blue (arriving some time in August - hopefully).

So by bro calls last night from their vacation in Cali (LA for the first part) filling me in on some of the family fun they are having and mentions how yesterday he is shopping for some kicks at an Adidas store and Issiah Thomas sits down next to him trying on the same shoes. They strike up a little conversation and the next thing you know he gets invited to his house for dinner... OK, maybe no invite to dinner, but does chit chat with the guy, who Jim says was super friendly and engaging. It's always nice to hear of higher profile folks being approachable as so many times that is not the case (at least presented in the media).

Jens Voigt: You are sick in the head if you don't love and root for this guy; between his WWJD (What Would Jens Do) mug, his 2008 interview on "... I tell my body to shut up and do what you are told...", and THIS interview about how to beat Astana this year he is a classic.

Fitness: 1:30hrs steady ride Noon basketball

THE APOLOGY

If you know me then you know from time to time (ok, a little more often than that) I do and say things that are completely stupid and offend numerous folks. Deb is usually good about keeping me in check, but this time I am checking myself.

Last week I ranted about my riding, how racing is connected, and pretty much made the 'leave me alone' comment. Initially I didn't think much of it, but then I started thinking how much I was out of line. Hindsight, I fully understand that Scott's comments (which I deleted) were in no way a dig or hack and he truly is interested in me being at my best for cross. I (and my ego) don't always deal with other's advice and opinions well and it's something I need to get over and take it for what it is - advice on what will help me.

Scott, I am getting ready to give you a call this afternoon to apologize in voice (not in person as I don't see you too often), but for now I apologize and hope to mend hard feelings. My bad...

Sunday and TdF

Randy W. hopped in the truck with me Sunday morning and we made our way to the Queen City Crit. Randy had never watched a race in person and was interested to see what I ramble on about.

I jumped in the Cat 4/5 race and after a couple surges and attacks in the first 15 minutes I could tell my legs were pretty flat and I needed to concentrate on simply finishing with the group (seems to be a recurring theme). All was fine until 2 laps to go; the pace was quickening, I was sitting around 10th or so, and the Big Shark guy in front of me simply lets a gap open quickly (and then he subsequently set up), and I spent the next full lap trying to cover the huge gap. I came close but with 1/4 lap to go I set up as I was toast. Slightly disappointed I couldn't cover and mix it in for the finish, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Randy and I spent the rest of the morning/afternoon watching the races and having a good time. The race turnout seemed pretty low as the field sizes were small. Too bad SPR can't get bigger turnouts and more events, but since those in KC and STL have local races all the time they don't seem to travel in bulk outside of their respective city limits (but then again the don't really need to).

Jake borrowed a Xbox 360 game from a friend and pretty much disappeared for the entire day. I am hoping he finishes soon so I can have a crack at it.

Deb had a girl's movie night (estrogen ocean) with some friends, but not before she whipped up ANOTHER blackberry cobbler for her man. It's great to see her hanging out more and more with friends doing 'girly' things as I know she has wanted such time like this for quite a while. As small town as Bolivar is it appears to have numerous clickish groups and sometimes hard to crack. She had such good close friends in SA and she is starting to get that here.

With mom off doing chick things Ian and I got the lawn mowed (oh yes, he is quite the driver), continues RipStick'in it, and played a ton of basketball. He has quickly moved to his #1 sport again in anticipation of The Courts in October. This year he moves to a 10' goal so he is having to adjust his shot some. I have always liked how goal height (and smaller balls are used) is lower for younger players and raised as their strength and abilities grow. That way kids can learn to shoot correctly and not 'sling' the ball at the goal. E-ball's ball handling skills continue to progress as his left hand is almost as natural as his right and his cross-overs are not to shabby. He is pretty funny as of late as he likes to 'back me down' in the post.

Ira and family dropped by and I got to see August Brown for the first time. I always forget how tiny are the newborns. He looks just like the rest of the Brown crew (luckily like their beautiful mom). You know for some reason Ira seemed to have a couple bags under his eyes and looked just a little drained... hmmmm, can't figure out why.

Jake overslept this mornings 6:20am XC run, but woke up at 6:30, called coach and found out they were running to the Frisco near our house. After a quick splash in the face he was off in search of his AM crew. I watched as he bolted out of the garage and he looks so light and easy it made brought out a huge smile across my grill. He has yet to miss a single AM run (except those while on vacation) this summer and never complains or gripes. He is constantly impressing me with his commitment to team responsibilities (boys team captain) and his individual development. I have no idea of expectations for this XC season, but anticipate a significant gain from last as he is physically stronger, many more base miles/time, and mentally is understanding what it takes to move to the next level (thanks for Coach Bandy and Dixon). He was going so smooth and strong before his Achilles injury in track and I think he is going to use that disappointment for fuel a little of this years fire (something to prove to a couple of the track coaches who wrote him off). Coach Bandy is a guest speaker at a Log-Rog running camp this Wednesday and it taking Jake (and a couple of his top girls) to run with the group. For those interested the following is his '09 schedule:

Sept 5th - SWCCCA @ East Newton (big event, all SPR and surrounding big schools)
Sept 10th - Carthage Invitational
Sept 15th - Bolivar Invitational
Sept 19th - MSSU Stampede @ Joplin - A 'Can't Miss' event
Sept 22nd - Nixa Invitational
Sept 29th - East Newton Invitational
Oct 13th - Logan Rogersville
Oct 24th - Conference Meet @ Reed Springs
Oct 31st - Districts @ Bolivar
Nov 7th - State @ Jeff City (most demanding course in the state)

What a blessed life I have with a best friend/girl who still makes me smile every time she walks in a room and continually spoils me, one son who's love/skill of running continues to grow, and another who can't play enough basketball. Don't shake or nudge me as there is no way I want to wake from this dream!

TdF is over and in the books. Absolutely impressed with AC winning it on his own, LA's physical ability for a podium finish, Cav's 6 wins (with GH and Renshaw's crazy lead outs), and Wiggin's monster rides. What I am sick of hearing is how disruptive and bad teammate was AC and how LA had to deal with him; from my perspective it was the other way around. Alberto was the clear leader of the team from the moment he won his 3rd grand tour last year and should have had a team dedicated to him instead of constantly dealing with the adversity of LA wanting to reclaim his throne. LA is in for numerous kicks to the groin if he thinks he is going to reclaim his winning ways. Yes he finished on the podium, but both AC and AS are head and shoulders better climbers (and will continue to be) and AS is only going to get better at his TT. Contador could have buried LA on the Ventoux climb if they were on separate teams. So, enough of the 'Lance is such a great team player and AC screwed everyone..." AC was his own team and he still won and as for what he did to AK, he was trying to WIN (putting more time into LA and Wiggins before the TT) and not focused on getting his team additional places. That is my $.02

Fitness: Sunday - 40min crit (hard efforts at time, but overall not a high paced) Monday - 1:30hrs of the hardest basketball I have played in some time (tons of interval-like efforts up and down the court) and PM strength workout in the gym (been a while, but time to get back to work).

RipStick Nation and Ramblings

So Ian (and the rest of us) is having a great time on his new mode of transportation. The following are clips of his SECOND day messing around (Jake and Deb's first); I swear the kid is a natural at about anything he tries:

Friday evening we hit the tandem with the Kemps for 1:30hrs. It was a beautiful evening. We finished up at 3Gs (met the boys there) for a little frozen yogurt. When we got home everyone was still taking rounds on the RipStick. Ian and I watched the end of stage 19 (as he's a big Cav fan and hadn't watched it yet).

Plopped myself in front of the tube (Ian joined me midway through) this morning and watched AC and LA defend their positions against the Schleck attacks. It was pretty good to watch, but not as dramatic as the advertised. Interesting to see if MC and Columbia makes it 6. Poll question: 6 stage wins or green jersey; as a ride and as a sponsor which one?

Got the Orbea switched to a 53 ring for today's crit in SPR. Loaded up the truck with Deb and Ira (Jake hanging out with friends and Ian at a SPR Cards game) and off to the races... I had watched the rain all morning and was hoping it would pass through and the crit course dry by race time, but it was not to be. I don't mind racing in the rain, but put several things together (Cat IV + rain = someones going down, don't want to damage a bike going up for sale next month, save some race fees for the new rig...) and I decided the best thing was to spend a relaxing afternoon watching. I could have jumped in the 3/4 race, but with a good group of fast guys I really didn't want to pay just to get dropped a couple laps in. Will reload for tomorrow morning. That's the great thing about mid-summer events; if you don't do them no big deal.

Took a look at Jake's '09 XC schedule and it has the potential for some fast times; more speed courses than climbing (which is good for him). Added more Saturday meets (5 of them) so will have to see how it works with my 'cross (obviously his takes priority).

No More Michael Phelps for IRA

Just got a NUTTY call from IB (a family JEWEL of a guy); seems four kids is enough. That guy is on the BALL. Wishing him a quick recovery; might take him some franks and BEANS while he recoups on the couch. Hope he is not all TIED up and has time to eat.

Luv'in My Friday Mornings

Thursday after work I was greeted at home with my sweetie whipping up a blackberry cobbler (THE BEST!). She spoils me (and the boys) to no end. I worked on the final trim/caulking around a window in our bathroom (which is finally done). Jake had a buddy over for the evening/night so they pretty much disappeared and after dinner Deb headed out for a girl's activity while Ian and I jumped over to Wal-Mart so he could cash in some allowance $$$ for a new RipStick. ***SIDE NOTE: Passing through biking isle at Wally World and they have carbon bottle cages!!!! Paper thin and super light for $19; Wal-Mart - too funny?!?!?!?!*** Ian rode (or tried to) one in SA at the McGrath ranch and he was instantly hooked; the entire way home he was doing allowance/chore calculations to see if he had enough $$$. We got home and after a quick video tutorial he was off and riding. It was a fun evening and E-ball is stoked about his new purchase.


***Above video showing that Crocs are still the mainstay and also the official shoe of the IICLoBRCC (International Inside City Limits of Bolivar Ripstick Championship Circuit - if you didn't already know...)***

Hopped on the rig for an hour last night and got in a couple shorter efforts at SBU. Funny thing is the SBU Security gave me some motor-pacing on the loop. Got home and went to work on the bb cobbler.

Woke up to a beautiful morning in the Ozarks and enjoyed a light 2hr spin on the dirt back roads. Knocked another 'Polk County road' off our list (Dale and I have a county map and are bound and determined to ride every road eventually - around 85% done). Got back in time to watch _____ win the stage (I will fill in the blank tomorrow as I don't want to be a spoiler). Looking forward to the action on Ventoux; will be interesting to see if AK holds LA's hand up the climb or if he gets free reign with the Schleck's and hopefully a podium spot. HERE is a good interview of C Horner giving his (always) candid take on things. ...and while on the subject of pro cycling - Radio Shack, seriously?!?!?! Can't wait for the 'presented by' Aaron's Rent-a-Stove.

I am heading to SPR Saturday and Sunday for the Queen City crits. Will be interesting to see how it goes as I have taken it pretty easy since TofKC so once again I don't have expectations of grandeur, but am looking forward to good courses and supporting local racing (still disappointed I missed the Sac River race).

Fitness: Thursday - 1:30hrs basketball/1hr ride with a couple short efforts Friday - 2:10hrs light spin on cross bike

Fun in the Sun

Trip to SA was great (for everyone). Quick Recap:

Thursday - Picked up Jake (who was exhausted from camp) and loaded everyone in car pointed south. Drove to south Dallas and got a room for the night.

Friday - Early wake up and on the road. Stopped off at San Marcos for a little shopping then on to SA. First stop was the AT&T Center as Ian wanted to see where the Spurs do their business. They were out of his sized Tony Parker #9 home jersey so the search was on during our stay. Checked in at hotel then a quick stop by Craig and Ann's (Deb's best friend) casa just to say hi. Jake got to see Michaela (his best friend growing up) and Ian saw Megan (his playmate in SA). Jake was funny after we left as he couldn't believe how beautiful Michaela was. He had a huge smile on his face the entire trip and couldn't wait to spend more time with her (peas in a pod they were). Met Jennifer and Chris Rulon (old tri buddies; Jen is part of the Shamu caretakers/show at Seaworld) at Mexican restaurant #1. Fun catching up with the two of them. Headed down to the River Walk/Alamo, but didn't stay too long as we have been there tons before. Topped off the evening with Marble Slab ice cream and browsing at Borders (used to be our Friday night staple when living in SA). Great first day.

***Above pics: Ian at AT&T/Spurs Fan Shop (his personal heaven) - Jake next to Elvis Kung Fu at Hard Rock and next one at Life Is Good shop - next two at Marble Slab (ex-favorite Friday night spot) and last is a familiar scene of Deb and Ian reading together at Borders***

Saturday - Early hook up with Chad then on to Joe's group ride. Small, but quality group and we ended up with 3+hrs hitting some of the old stomping (pedaling) grounds. Fun ride and great catching up with several of the guys. Joe, who is 60+yrs old is a multi-time masters national champ in TT and road racing owns the local shop we all raced out of (they still do). He and I had some great bantering and I miss hitting the Saturday rides with him (and TdG). They took it easy on me (thanks) for the most part. Deb hung out with Ann's crew at the hotel swimming pool then to her house. Jake and Michaela spent the afternoon together and later we all went to Mexican eatery #2. Another one of Deb's friends joined us for dinner. Afterwards more time spent at C&A's house.

***Above pic: Chad, myself, Patrick, Joe, and Jeff midway through Sat morning ride - Deb with friends - Jake and Michaela***

*** Above videos: Saturday morning ride***

Sunday - Early morning ride with Chad. We cruised around just talking and checking out all the growth since we left (HUGE). SEAWORLD! Jen hooked us up not only with free passes, but a 'behind the scenes' encounter with the killer whales (they feel a lot like dolphins but a little tougher). That was way cool. Michaela came with us so she and Jake disappeared for most of the day. Everyone had a great time as the temps were super nice for south Texas in July. Finished off the evening at Chad's house and ate a great meal Jennifer prepared for us. Awesome food, great conversation, and got to spend some time with his little ones - great evening.

***Above videos: Sunday morning cruise with Chad***

***Above pics: Ian feeding the dolphins and rubbing on a killer whale - posing with two types of penguins - Deb and Ian after riding 'Steel Eel'; Ian liked it... once!***

***Above videos: 'Journey to Atlantis' ride and Ian getting soaked on the observation deck - feeding the dolphins***

Monday - Leisure morning (nice). Ran downtown for lunch with old work-buddies at Mexican joint #3. Fun catching up and hearing the latest (makes me miss interrogations/interviews - to quote SNL's NPR skit - "good times"). Deb and Ian hung out with Ann and Megan while Jake spent time with Michaela. Dinner at Patrick and Amy's house and a lot of fun playing for the boys with their five kids. Super meal and fellowship. Back to C&A's for a last get-together and goodbyes.

Tuesday - AM departure and leisure drive back to Bolivar. Long drive, but didn't feel like a long day as the boys always travel easy. Nice to be home.

I have great friends here in Bolivar, but there are some special relationships I have in SA, especially Chad and Patrick. They are grounded Godly men who kept me in check on more than one occasion; I love the both of them tons and miss our time together. I have no idea why I let such time gaps go between seeing them?????

During our trip Deb and I celebrated (OK, we both forgot until afterwards) our 18th wedding anniversary (we dated 4yrs prior to getting married). Here is a picture from my luckiest day:

Spent Wednesday getting back to work stuff and spent the majority of the evening getting the lawn/shrubs/garden back under control. Played some basketball with Ian while Deb rode her bike for an hour. I headed out around 9pm and got in a solid hour of mixed speed work at SBU (incredible weather). Fitness: 1:30hr basketball (good run intervals) and a late PM 1hr ride.

TdF is finally getting good again. I am impressed with LA's 'hanging in there' ability and am scratching my head after AC's attack today which dropped AK (teammate). AC said in the post interview that AK gave the go ahead for the move, but it made no sense to do it (other to distance BW more, but a solid steady pace would have accomplished that); who knows

On a side note: very frustrating news about 'The Killer'. He WAS a favorite of mine, but will now join (again) the ranks of cheaters.

SA Here We Come...

Hit the garden/shrubs/lawn yesterday after work yesterday evening. The garden is in full swing and we are getting way more than what we consume. Will be interesting to see how much it grows over the next 5 days when we are gone. Our neighbors are taking care of it and they are looking forward to the cucumbers (hope they are hungry). Hopped over to a neighbor's lawn and gave it a trimming as he does not do so well in the humidity (near 80yrs old with a respiratory issue). We have a good thing going; I help with some trimming and he gives me access to his 20million tools in his garage. Place is looking really good and the new shrubs/flowers have done well with the current weather. Ian had his twin over and they played about every ball sport known to man.

Deb spent most of the evening getting us all packed and ready for today's departure once Jake arrives. Looks like Jake's run camp got pounded last night and this morning with rain so it will be interesting to see how the dreaded Dawt Mill run (13.5miles over tough hills) goes... I imagine he will spent the majority of today's drive snoozing.

Dale, Ira, and I got in 1:40hr ride (steady quick pace) this morning and the humidity was nasty. One of us (not mentioning names - IB) crossed the unspoken city limit sprint code and will pay for many rides to come. This is his second offense; Dale and I have long memories so it will come around.

Fitness: 1:40hrs

Three Amigos

With Jake off running in the middle of the Mark Twain National Forest, Deb and I took Ian to SPR for a little 'just the three of us' time. We ended up at Incredible Pizza (Deb's choice... just kidding, it was Ian's first thought). They have a deal on Tuesdays that includes unlimited play and so the evening (the ENTIRE evening) was set. After chowing down it was on to the go-carts, mini golf, air hockey, and tons of video games. Ian got his first experience at driving a go-cart and I think he is hooked. We (even Deb) got into the action and Ian's highlight was beating the crap out of me in a go-cart race. At the end of the evening the little man (and older ones) were wiped out (got there a little after 6pm and left around 9:45pm).

Deb and I were reflecting on the way home how we were at the end of trying to have a second child and were at the point of giving up when Ian took us by surprise. If he had not come along it is crazy how our lives would be different with Jake out of the house so much now; Deb would actually be stuck with just me (she sighed LOUDLY last night when I mentioned that as I am sure thoughts of Terry Bradshaw's transformed room in Failure to Launch came to mind). There is no way in the world I (and Deb) are ready to not have a little man around the house and are so thankful for the goofball (meant as a term of endearment). I know the time if flying and they both will be gone before you know it, but not for a little while yet.

Jake's coach gave us a call to fill us in on camp and all is going good. Jake is having a great time and is learning how long and steep hills really are outside of Polk County. They have been pounded with rain, but spirits and intensity of the workouts are high. Coach's call came during a brief break in the action and I asked what the kids do during breaks and one word was given - "SLEEP". Looking forward to seeing and hearing his recount tomorrow on the drive to SA.

Argus Bean review: I have had my new camera since Father's Day and overall I am pleased. It is sturdy, water resistant, simple, and most of all small. That being said the quality of pics is not near the Cannon I used before and it does not do well (at all) in low/slightly dim light settings. I would recommend it for what I use it and not as a primary family camera; shoot, for $59 it's a heck of a unit.

TdF has had better days as only a couple days (out of 11) had had some sort of interest. I do like watching a handful of team trying to take the lead out away from Columbia/HTC only to have them bide their time and motor to/through the front when it is go time. Tony Martin, George, and Renshaw are fearless motors and Cav is pure speed. R Mcewen has to wonder if this kid is his unknown long lost younger brother with the pedal turn and attitude/personality!?!?!?

Leaving for San Antonio tomorrow (as soon as Jake gets home) and everyone is really excited. Trying to time everything just right to pass through Austin at lunch and hit Freebirds.

Fitness: Wednesday - 1:30hrs ride after work (probably in the rain)

Sinatra's Singing (er...) Riding in the Rain

Totally relaxing Monday evening as Ian and I caught most of the Home Run Derby (kind of boring) and I tackled a couple inside chores. Took down the living room ceiling fan and hit it with some 'Hammered Texture' deep bronze to bring it up to speed with the new fixtures (Tuesday chore - putting it back together and re-hanging it.). Move to the den next for a few update details and then we are close to being done with the small projects. Big project (for hire thank goodness) is carpet replacement followed with some tile work in the bathrooms (done my yours truly).

Woke up to rain followed by a call from Ira saying he was under the weather all night and would not make our early AM ride. Poked my head outside (clip #1) and decided I wouldn't melt if I got a little wet so off I went. Rain held over Bolivar so I went a couple miles north to find some daylight. Got in a solid ride with 3 x 15min efforts (between efforts in clip #2). Finished up with a spin through SBU campus, ran through our 'cross loop a couple times, and headed home. I am taking most of the rides easy until mid-August, but will still throw some efforts in to stay half way sharp for SPR's Queen City crits and TofKC (part duex) or Gateway Cup crits.

Following weather/radar reports and looks like Jake is getting day #2 of big rains. I imagine he is loving it as he has laughed and gotten into our rainy trail runs in the past (pic after a Sac trail run with good friends John Bradley and his bride Cynthia after a soaker). It will be interesting to see how good of a tent Coach brought and how dry the inside is... I have always told Jake that it is the 'Epic' times when things go wrong/difficult/unusual he will remember later in life more than when things go to plan. That being said Deb if a fan of the routine and doesn't look for the Epics (everyone knows she is the smart one of our crew).

Fitness: Monday - 1:30hrs basketball Tuesday - 1:30hrs ride with 3 x 15min efforts/1:30hrs basketball at noon.

Weekend Activities

Friday after work some friends had us over for dinner (and pies made by Jake and Riley) and fun conversation. Afterwards we went out for a ride, which for us turned out to be shorted after two flats in a row (absolute fluke deals). Deb and I hobbled back home as the Kemps continued on their ride.


Woke to rain Saturday morning (and hot/humid the rest of the day) so I pulled the plug on any riding and turned to house/home related chores. Ian and I played some catch at SBU's multi-purpose gym. Finished hanging the light fixtures (thanks IB) and by afternoon's end made a pretty decent dent in the 'chore check list'. Played some cards with friends Saturday night and had a good time (but not great as I played really stupid) as the company and 'wit and banter ' is always fun. Still on the fence about racing Sunday at this point, but the forecast remained at 102* heat index - not looking too promising.


Saturday was a big day for Ian as it was his cat's birthday (1 yr old) and numerous rounds of 'Happy Birthday' were sung (to include a rendition referencing Shadow's bladder infection that was pretty clever). Ian bought his pal a mini 'kitty condo' and here are some pics (more coming):




After a couple days of following forecasts and playing the odds I decided to skip the Omba Caramba mtb race (sad that I don't make the closest race of the year and support local racing) as I saw little gain out of paying an entry fee to not perform well in the conditions. I have a long history of suffering in the heat and humidity and I am getting pretty good at knowing my limits and avoiding potential pitfalls (like spending some quality IV time in a hospital in Nowhere, Nebraska two summers ago). Instead Ira, Dale, and I hit the road for 2hrs of solid pace riding at 6am to avoid the harsher conditions later. It was in the low 70's and although the humidity was already thick it turned out to be a great ride and the right choice for the day. For some unknown reason (#1 - girl drives car into support spans, #2 - track hoe exceeds weight limit on bridge while clearing debris and crushes it, #3 ...) various bridges around Polk County are doing down left and right. The below clip is one example:





Ira called me from the Sac race (he watched and not raced) and said even though the cloud cover kept the temps under control the humidity was still stifling in the woods and reconfirmed we made the right choice in our early morning trek.


Mid-morning we dropped Jake (and run gear) off with his crew as they are heading to the Joe Bill Dixon Wilderness running camp (first of three sessions). Those those who don't know, Dixon is the head XC coach at West Plains and is an icon in his field; he is not only an incredible coach, but a Godly man who finds more value in 'team' than individual results and teaching kids 'life' over running success. His running camps are far from luxurious as all participants sleep in their own tents (Coach Bandy has a big one all the guys are sharing), meals are on picnic table and instructional seminars are under open air pavilions. Morning runs start at 6am and afternoon runs at 5pm. This is not tauted as a 'fun' camp, but a mental and physical challenge to test each individual. If you look at the list of state champs (not only from MO, but other surrounding states) probably all attend one of the sessions of this camp. The highlight at the end (Thursday) is a 13.5 mile run called the Dawt Mill run. It is supposed to be a butt-kicker with huge hills; Jake feels pretty good about it not being too big of an issue as he has several 14+mile runs under his belt and a solid 11mile run last week where in he felt fine. I am looking forward to hearing all about it when he returns.


Deb, Ian, and I had a pretty lazy day including several rounds of catch in the backyard, Deb snagging a nap (which she loves, but rarely get to have), Deb and Marla riding 1:30hrs, and she and I watching "Knowing" after E-ball hit the sack. Movie was pretty interesting and entertaining (worth a rental).


We are all looking forward to our San Antonio trip on Thursday. Will be fun to see friends and old stomping grounds and eat some great Mexican chow. Included is a Saturday morning ride with the Joe's Pro Bikes crew (which for me is the highlight) and hopefully a couple more rides snuck in somewhere.


Fitness: Saturday - nothing Sunday - 2hr road ride

Time Spent with a Long Lost Girlfriend and Weekend Chores

So early this morning I slipped out of the casa at 5:40am and had a 3:20hr date with a bit of sweetness I have neglected from some time - Friday morning dirt road ride! Dale and I watched a beautiful sunrise while kicking up a little dust southeast of Bodunklivar. First hour was a bit muggy, the temps dropped (and the lightening began) for the second and made for a comfy feel, and the last hour was the best as the skies opened up (a little at first and full on at the end) and kept us cooled off with a good soaking. Back roads, cross bikes, rain = BLISS. It had been several weeks since our last FMR (Friday Morning Ride), but hopefully that all changes.

Got cleaned up and caught the last hour of the TdF (see below).

Last night Deb tossed some steaks on the grill while Jake and I hung two of the three new light fixtures; it is amazing how little things are updating the house to a new level. I knew it was going good as the corners of Deb's mouth made their way north (big smiles for you non-interpretive sorts). One (the big one) to go in the dinning area, which is going to be a task in a 20' vaulted ceiling; hopefully Ira will come over (and bring his ladder as it needs two of them) and another project will go down. Not sure what is next, but I feel confident Deb will let me know soon (smirk, smirk). This weekend my big project is cleaning the gutters, fascia, sidewalk, driveway, and patio with a high pressure hose. I did this two years ago and it is time; amazing the difference it makes.

Jake is spending some time with young Kemp this afternoon baking some pies and turns out we are eating them this evening as our crew and that of Wes and Marla are having a dinner/ride date. As much as the ride-Nazi hates to hear that anyone would ride for fun that is what this evening has in store.

!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!! Don't read further if you are DVR'ing Friday's stage and don't want a hint of the results

TdF was pretty good today as the entire Astana team played their roles to perfection and everyone benefited (some more than others...). Attacks were controlled and another stage down where in none of the main contenders gained ground and lost another day to make up the difference. How nutty to have Astana standing on the top three steps... still a long ways off, but very doable.

Fitness: 3:20hr ride this morning at steady pace on cross bikes

Baseball '09 in the Books and Old Memories Opened

Last night was Ian's last baseball game and they came up short again. The guys have played well, but have a ways to go before they will compete in the top level leagues in the SPR area. Ian kept solid last night, as he did all season, with several plays (probably the most he has had in one game) to his third base which he handled like a pro. Several stabs on grounders and rockets to first and second, and one sweet stop and fake throw to first that had a second base runner (heading toward third) froze off the base about 10 feet; Ian turned to gun him down, but the 2nd baseman was not close enough to the bag so Ian held on to it (mentally way ahead of his age group in about every facet of the game and that one play in particular had me simply laughing inside how slick it was). We are going to miss baseball as E-ball is almost as good at it as he is basketball. With school starting sooner than regular (Aug 12th) and some traveling in July there wasn't really an opportunity for him to play in another league. I am looking to head up a basketball team this fall at The Courts, but for now it is some down time.

Below is a clip of Ian taking a grounder during pre-game warm ups. I try to get clips of him in action during games, but I am so into the action that I stand there with the Bean in hand and never remember to record:



Stopped off at Fudruckers afterwards and had my monthly intake of calories. It is really hard to beat a good cheeseburger and fries. Looking forward to chowing down at Chris Madrid's in SA next weekend (hopefully our only non-Mexican food meal the entire trip). Ended up grabbing Jake another pair of running shoes as it is recommended to have two and rotate on a regular basis. Last stop at Lowes and we picked up some new light fixtures for the entry, dinning room, breakfast nook area (Thursday night 'honey-do'). Got home pretty late and everyone headed straight to the sack.

Really enjoying the new stretch of 13hwy and looking forward to the last 7 mile section. 'Bloody 13' has needed this for a long time and i will feel much better about Jake coming home from SPR once they are done.

ROCKET - Nice to have you on board and great talking with you last night. I need to get to the Metroplex area and see you (and the crew). Still sporting the Mini (funnest car I have ever cornered in, hands down)? Drop a line if you still make the treks to STL as you have a new detour on your way. And yes, you are seeing me still in SimplyFit gear; the stuff won't die and is still in great shape.

After talking with Rod I got to going down memory lane and some of my favorites are of of TdG (Tour de Gruene), which was one of Lance's first races back after his cancer. TdG is a two-person TT in a small town outside of New Braunfels (between San Antonio and Austin) and the course is a 26.something loop with one super tough long climb about 5/8ths of the way through. It is held in October and is the closer for most all road races and a huge festival atmosphere. The first pics from below was from 2001 where 24/7 (Patrick McGrath - great friend and super competitor) and I won our Cat III Division and had a top 5 overall finish:

This set of pics are from the 2003 TdG (2002 cancelled due to a huge flood) and as you can tell Patrick and I were very focused in our warm ups. We finished 2nd in the Cat 3 and 5th overall:

That reminds me... I sure hope THIS guy is ready for my arrival in SA as I plan to pick up where I left off over 5 years ago (minus those darn hot peppers you passes around)!

TdF is pretty decent to watch/follow and the pecking order will start to shape after tomorrow's mountain top finish Will Alberto do the work for Armstrong or take the lead and show the team who is the new "Boss"? I would like to see Kloden stay up there as he is my dark horse for a 2nd podium spot. Cav seems to be doing his thing although I expected more from his today (not a complete spoiler for those DVR'ing it for later) as he gets up slight climbs pretty well (San Remo reference). My personal opinion is that the media is making much more of the Lance .vs. Alberto that what it is although I think there is SOME struggle for control of Astana for now. I have bagged on Armstrong in the past posts, but only as his respect for Contador (and Saste) has been a misplay on his part. Sure he won the Tour 7 times, but that was a whole different set of climbers and I think he is in for a(nother) wake up call similar to the Giro once the roads start climbing. I like him back in cycling and the incredible impact he has on cancer issues, remarkable, but his 'teamwork' with the rightful TdF leader (Alberto) has been sad. Who knows, he might just turn out to be a great lieutenant by the end, but doubt it. As for the other main contenders... sorry, the lights were turned out after the TTT and you are fighting for Astana scraps. This is a great link to some of Armstrong's insights (video) before and after stages.

Fitness: Thursday - rest Friday - 3hr cross ride early AM

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (so far...)

Monday evening had a late baseball game for Ian so he made the 13hwy drive and watched his crew play the #1 team in the league to an exciting 14-10 loss. With Ian's group was short two players (vacation) the boys played out of their heads to keep it close, but ran out of innings. My mom and dad and Jim, Alexandra, and Ashton all showed up which was way cool. Andy's on the way home made losing a little easier to take.


Tuesday was a pretty routine day as Dale and I loaded up the mtb's and hit Sac for a couple hours and pre-rode Sunday's course again. We cruised steady the first loop then I dropped into race pace for two 15 minute efforts on the second loop and then headed over to Ritter Springs to finish out 2hrs. I don't know if it is the good trail conditions, my fitness, or the new route, but riding Sac the past couple times has been absolutely fun and some of my better mtb riding (not saying a lot as I tend to ram through obstacles instead of flowing around them). I am hoping for decent weather Sunday (and yes, I am a pansie for not riding in hot temps; I have absolutely no problem admitting it).


Snuck out this morning at 5:30am for 1:30hr easy spin cross ride. Ran a couple of the SBU loops and found a couple 'add-ons' (more grass and less pavement stretches) and hit the YMCA ball fields where Dale and I created a sweet technical loop at the end of last cross season. Swung by Jake's morning run group and chatted it up with his coach for a couple minutes.


Speaking of Jake's morning runs, they are getting near 30 kids running every morning. Jake's mileage is progressing nicely as yesterday he hit his longest of this summer (11 miles - last year he knocked out a couple 16 milers). Coach Bandy monitors their mileage/time running to a T and has a good mix during the week to ensure they don't over train. He is a student of West Plains' Coach Joe Bill Dixon; speaking of which, Jake and Coach Bandy (speaker at the camp) leave for the Wilderness XC camp this Sunday.

Ian has his last baseball this evening (missing the year end tournament with our trip to SA) and he is a little bummed as he had such a great time this year. I am not sure what (sport) is next or if we will simply take some breathing time (which is good for everyone).

Jake and I still contest our death chess matches (similar to Harry Potter) on a daily basis and he is still keeping it close (much closer then I prefer).

We have started a routine harvest from the garden as onion, tomato's, bell peppers, and cucumbers are plentiful. The blackberries (all 29 of them) are coming along and next year the crop will be good; same with the strawberries. I am anxiously waiting the zucchini; the two plants are enormous and just short of taking over (I am trimming them back daily). One of the tomato plants has 'blite' and the lower leaves are yellowing/dying although the tomato's themselves are still growing.





Fitness: Tuesday - 2hr mtb with two 15min efforts Wednesday - 1:30 easy spin on cross bike

Just watched my (used to be 'my') C'dale loaded up on Jim's truck and away it goes... (sigh). Always a goofy feeling when one leaves (don't really care for it). Luckily it won't be near as tough watching Jake drive off to college.

'Cross Moves to Priority #1

Today was 1:30hrs on the Frisco Trail and surrounding dirt/gravel roads of Polk County. Temps were a little warmer than expected, but nothing like what is forecasted to come in mid-week (HEAT).



This was the first ride on the interum bike (Orbea Lobular) and the first true 'cross ride we have done in some time; that is about to change... Up until now we logged miles on the mtb and the cross bike (with road tires) with mtb and crit racing as the focus, but now the weekly rides shift more to the feel of drifting over the loose stuff, riding rough terrain, powering up and over short steep climbs and blasting out of corners (with the last one coming in August). It will be a breath of fresh change as cross means more morning rides and re-familiarizing myself with the roads/trails that creates an all-day-lasting smile on my face. In mid-August the barriers will return and the SBU course(s) will be a twice a week affair. I still have a couple crits to do along with one or two mtb's events, but not with such priority.

Tomorrow I am parting with the C'dale (going to my brother) and I am really torn about it. We have logged some fun miles and adventures together. Oh well, moving on... For some time I have wanted to move from a 56c frame to a 57c (same tt length) and the Lobular accomplished that. The C'dale fits my bro nicely so we both benefit from the transition. The Orbea has a 'lighter' ride than the C'dale and felt a little easier on the bum, but the front was more stiff and 'quicker' directionally with the Alpha Q. It is a good transition until the Blue touches down.

Below are clips of us heading out on the Frisco (south of 13hwy) and returning (north of 13hwy). The northern end of the FT is quickly becoming wide single track (which is fine with us).