I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out).
"The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Monday, December 29, 2008
The Snow is Gone and the Rain is Back!
Tonight, I worked out in the gym.
I spent twenty minutes on the treadmill, looking down to the first floor watching folks work out on the weights. Not too much exciting there except for the young man practicing his kick boxing. I would not want to be the target of those kicks!
For sounds, I had my iPod. And it was loud.
So, there I was, walking at 4 miles per hour with the treadmill inclined so I could keep my heart rate at 120 beats per minutes with sweat running into my eyes. Yum.
Next, I joined those lifting and work my arms for fifteen minutes with no resting between machines, just one right after another.
Why am I working out? I'm not ready to say, but here is a clue...
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Dead of Winter...
What does one think about in the Dead of Winter?
You think about warm, Summer rides.
A rare picture of Keith and Pat Lippy in matching jerseys!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Headlines in the local paper I hate to see "Another winter storm may be on way". The Salem Bicycle Club has canceled all rides this weekend (already). Luckily for me, Joanne is filling in as the Spinning instructor at Gold's gym on Saturday morning.
My friend Martin sent me a YouTube video - of the trike he build! Last summer, he sold it and the new owner put the video up. In Martin's words "Ain't she sweet!"
Additional videos of the trike without the engine cover and of the engine itself.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Winter Snow Storm
Our lawn gnome seems to enjoy the snow. I however, feel trapped inside my house. I can't ride by bicycle!. Looks like a good day to do house works.
Joanne worked over an hour to thaw the hummingbird feeder which was frozen solid.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Salem Festival of Lights Holiday Parade
More
Joanne and I attended the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade. I arrived at 5:00 pm to claim sidewalk for the 6:30 parade start. I managed to endure the cold with the help of my 20 oz Latte, a blanket, and many layers of clothing.
Shortly after 6:00 pm, I was joined by Carol and Martin whose daughter, Marni, was warm inside the YMCA where she works. Right at 6:30, as the parade started, Joanne joined us. Fun was had by all.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Did you say Snow?
From the National Weather Service...
Synopsis...a strong...rapidly intensifying low pressure center made
landfall onto the olympic peninsula at about 1 PM PST this afternoon.
This low pressure system pushed a strong fast moving front onshore
late this morning...which was pushing into the Cascades this
afternoon. This front has been characterized by a burst of strong
winds with rapidly lowering snow levels as a very cold air mass
begins to move onshore. High surf will begin pounding the coast by
this evening...with minor coastal flooding possible Saturday. The
combination of snow and wind will continue blizzard conditions for
the mountains into tonight...with snow continuing through the
weekend. As colder air moves into the district Sunday...a weak
secondary low pressure system will likely bring enough moisture to
cause accumulating snow down to the valley floor. A cold Arctic air
mass will linger across the Pacific northwest through next week...
bringing the longest and most intense cold spell the district has
seen for at least a decade.
I have ridden my bike in snow, and trust me, it is not fun. If indeed it does snow, I intend to ride the Power Cranked equipped Cannondale to two-hours ecah weekend day. Please, do not pray for snow!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Golds Gym in the Winter
It is winter.
It is raining in Oregon.
It is dark after work.
Sounds like it's time to go back to the gym!
I did some cardio and then worked my arms tonight. Nothing too serious, but yes, I am getting back into lifting weights at Golds. Martin and I plan on meeting on Monday and Thursday nights at Golds for some winter workouts. I hope to increase my upper body muscle mass and strengthen my bones as bicyclists tend to have brittle bones.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Three Prairies Route Map
The route begins in Newburg and travels to the southwest to Dallas. The route then returns to Newburg and then visits Mt. Angel to the southeast.
Sunset in the Willamette Valley
Friday, December 05, 2008
Crash!
Five of us were riding on a dark, country road. We all had lights, and they were very good lights. But we did not see the barb wire crossing the road until it was too late. Gary was in the lead and the barb wire got caught up in his front wheel and he went over the handlebars. Joanne and I were next but we did not go down; we just flatted.
Gary is OK, just some scraps and soreness.
Apparently, just before a vehicle could not make the corner and went off into the farmer's field. When they came back onto the road, they brought portions of the barb wire fence into the road. I really hate it when cars do not pick up after themselves.
Tomorrow, Joanne and I will attempt our twelfth 200 km, one per month for the year.
Meanwhile, here is my bike enjoying a rest during this year's Oregon Bicycle Ride.
