Thursday, March 27, 2008

Ronde van Vlaanderen: In a perfect world

Stole this from another site, nice if it were like that here.

Two Tons of Fun

I'm out of shape. I remember when I was in shape, thinking that it wasn't that great that I should be in better shape. After essentially being of the bike for six weeks (only rode 5 times and not in a row) beginning to realize that where I was was pretty good. I really miss where I was. Sickness, family pressures and a big dose of the mullygrubs haven't allowed for much riding. That was blindingly evident this past Tuesday at our club ride ( which a really is more like a race than a ride). Still had plenty of power on the flats ala CX, but the gravity demons really enjoy grabbing hold of the extra tonnage around the mid section, and pulling me backwards like a bug's intestines after bug hits windshield. Really can't believe how fast the mighty have fallen. Last November I was a svelte 166lbs, now the scale is edging up to 178! 14 L B's! When you get old it's harder and harder to keep the weight off, especially if you're only exercising your table muscle. It is getting warmer an I keep telling myself I'm going to fix up that "vintage" Motobecane for a commuter and start riding to work again, but the Moto just keeps hanging on the hook. Lack of motivation is the devil. I can hear it saying why bother, whats the use. Eat, drink and be merry.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Life is but a Vapor...

Life is but a vapor... That's what the pastor said two weeks ago at the funeral of one of my daughters best friends. The quote is from the bible, paraphrasing: "life is but a vapor that appears but for a moment and then is gone" Nicole was only twenty three when she took her own life. I didn't know her well but it has affected me deeply. She was young, and pretty, but life was just to much for her, she couldn't cope. The last time I saw her was at the Chattanooga cross race. She had my big cow bell and was running along beside me yelling and screaming, having a good time. You never know the inner turmoil someone is dealing with, from their outward appearance. I feel bad for her family and friends, and hope that in time they can come to terms.

If I've taken any thing from her death it is, life is way to short and we need to love now, do now, and be thankful for every breath we take, every day that we wake up. Each time I get on my bike I'm thankful to get to do it again, no matter how bad it hurts. I know this post isn't about CX or bike racing, but I feel like I should honor her in some way. This for you Nicole Renee Johnson where ever you may be.