Post Script on 2010

Less than 10 hours remaining in 2010. Man....I'm getting old! About to celebrate my 62nd New Years Day. Where did the time go anyway? Seems like the older I get the more I hate to keep track of the time. But, I was blessed with another year to enjoy life as I like it with the Mrs, my kids, my grand kids, and my friends. Oh yes..and with my bicycles!

It's been 500 days today since my August 17, 2009 major heart attack. It still shocks me beyond belief that I was given such a reprieve on life. For all intent and purposes today should have marked the 500th day since my passing. It's a very sobering thought, which I do not take lightly. And, it gives me pause to consider what my priorities for 2011 and beyond must be.

New Year's resolutions have never been something I ever paid a mind to, let alone made with any seriousness. But, I take exception this year. So, I have pledged myself, at the almost tender age of 63 (BD in Feb 2011) to get myself in the best possible physical shape to meet some personal challenges I have set for myself in the coming years. I have an extensive bucket list. See my Nov 8, 2010 post.

To that end, I've been riding the road and mtb bikes as much as possible, getting plenty of rest, and eating right (some 44 days now on a strict Vegan diet). I've lost 18 pounds so far and have my resting heart rate back down in the mid-to-upper 40s like it was pre-heart attack. I feel so much better and seem to have more energy and motivation. All of these things are good for that ever present committee in my head.

Take my word for it, staying in shape at my age is really hard work. I wasn't blessed with good genetics either. Found out recently,through some extensive medical tests, that I have a genetically linked condition which prevents me from metabolizing blood sugar efficiently. The diet and special medication I'm taking should take care of it. At least that's the plan. The jury's out until the end of Feb 2011 when new lab tests will reveal if the plan is working. In any event, I've committed myself to a lifelong change from which there is no turning back.

Huge on my list of 2011 cycling objectives is more saddle time on the mountain bike and some Great Divide trail riding in and around Butte, Montana.  I'll be coming back to Montana for my third summer as a lean, mean, old guy, cycling machine. Now, if I could just grow more hair.

A Great Time Was Had By All

http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=5740

2010 USA Cycling Bill Woodul Race Mechanic Clinic, Colorado Springs, CO

08 Dec 2010

Well, it’s been a couple of days since I returned from the US Olympic Training Center and the USA Cycling Bill Woodul Race Mechanics Clinic in Colorado Springs. During this time I’ve just given myself time to digest what I experienced and have let it soak into my consciousness. This is what I have concluded. 

What I didn’t experience was training in specific methods of bicycle mechanics and maintenance.

What I did experience was so much more valuable. The clinic’s core theme was consistently hammered home by each instructor in each and every class as an intimate, uncensored focus on the subtleties and complexities of human interaction in stressful situations, the critical value of team work, professionalism, self-initiative, cooperation, adaptability, resourcefulness under duress, resource management, organization, personal accountability, and the importance of clear, timely communication.

Interactions with Race Clinic instructors was in the true sense of the word a mentoring enterprise. No question was taboo, answers were candid, and shared experience was the benchmark of conversation. 

The talent pool of the 2010 Graduating Class was as varied in background as anyone could imagine. There was an ER doctor, an EMT, several engineers, bike shop owners, athletes, coaches, mechanics of every speciality, bike industry folks, community bike organizers, lots of college graduates, a professional cook, and a sports nutritionist.

But the one thing we all had in common was our love for the sport of cycling and all that revolves around on two wheels. To have been part of this experience was unbelievable and one I well never forget or fail to appreciate.

Here are some photos of the experience.

I came away from the experience with a USA Cycling Mechanics License for Road, Mountain, Track, and BMX Level 4 and a USAC Officials License for Road Regional C, Mountain Regional C, and Track Regional C.  Also had a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Code issued.

You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks..or Can You?

01 Dec 2010 Attending the Bill Woodul Race Mechanic Clinic

Well, at least that’s how the ‘ol saying goes, doesn’t it! But, nothing could be further from the truth in my book. The committee in my head has never looked inward at itself and given into the notion that because the physical body is aging that the brain governing the whole thing isn’t forever locked in some sort of suspended animation. From behind my eyeballs I see the world as a young buck, full of promise, adventure, and revelling in the anticipation of what tomorrow brings to the table. For my entire life I’ve always pushed the envelop. Just ask my lovely bride of 41 years. She’ll tell you, as she anxiously counts the gray hair I have caused her, how intrepid I launch myself into to everything I do. There seems to be no end to my pushing the boundaries. But that’s how I roll, and she’s resigned herself to my often self-absorbed myopic view of the world and how I interact with it. I love her for that! She lets me be me. Can’t ask anything more---- really!

Now I find myself sitting on an airplane at 39,000 feet winging my way to Colorado Springs to attend the USA Cycling Bill Woodul Race Mechanic Clinic at the US Olympic Training Center. It's hollowed ground and I'm in shock I'll be walking those grounds soon.

Why am I doing this? It’s actually quite simple. As an intellectual and emotional enterprise I have always loved learning for learning’s sake. And, I’ll have to admit that I have a seriously addictive passion for all that is cycling. Cycling has been the eternal savior for that committee in my head over the years. And, in addition to the mental health benefits cycling has given me, I’ve had the good fortune to have had the physical edge to overcome two very serious health events that would have killed me under normal circumstances---twice over. God bless the top tube addiction, a strong heart, and clear lungs.

Another major driving force in my decision to attend this one-of-a-kind-nowhere-else-in-the-world-once-in-a-lifetime clinic, is my constant need reinvention of myself. There is no better adventure than those adventures that make you stretch yourself, bring you a deeper sense of what it means to be alive, and makes you feel forever young. There are NO options in death. I prefer to have as many options as I can beg, borrow, or steal!  So, I’ll keep pushing the envelop!

My motto of “Live Free..Ride Free” prevails as the rule of the day and can be seen as a mask on my down tube on my single speed.  I  “ Ride to Live...Live to Ride.” If you know me, have ridden with me.....you understand!

Had our first class tonight at the USA Cycling venue at the Olympic Training Center.  Had dinner in the OTC Dining Hall and class from 6-9PM. Here are some pics on the day.

Our airport shuttle

Inside the Athlete Center

Across from the Athlete Registration Desk

Off to the USA Olympic Training Center

Well, in about 13 hours from now I'll be on a flight enroute to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO for the 2010 Bill Woodul USA Cycling Race Mechanic Clinic.  The clinic runs from Dec 1 through Sunday, Dec 5th.

 TOPICS COVERED DURING THE CLINIC INCLUDE:

 Race Support for

Road 

Criterium 

Time Trial 

Track 

Mountain Bike 

Bmx 

Cyclocross 

 Team Mechanic Responsibilities 

 Neutral Mechanic Responsibilities 

 Interaction (Coach, Soigneur, Director) 

 Wheel Change Techniques 

 Team Inventory Procedures 

 Bike Wash and Inspection 

 Tool, Equipment And Supply Needs 

 Bicycle Design Fundamentals 

 Bicycle Material Fundamentals 

 Suspension Theory And Tuning 

 Wheel Theory and Fundamentals 

 Tubular Tire Fundamentals 

 DOT Compliance 

 Packing And Transportation 

 USA Cycling Opportunities 

If I do well on the final exam, I'll walk away with a CAT 4 USA Cycling Mechanics License. 

I plan to post photos and my thoughts of the experience along the way.

Ride to Live...Live to Ride

The nature of cycling puts you out in nature.
28 Nov 2010
Temp 34F

When The Sum of The Parts is Greater Than The Whole

"The whole is more than the sum of its parts" is a statement attributed to Aristotle. Holism is the notion that the properties of a system can not be explained or understood by looking at its components alone.
Take a look at a bike frame build.

You start with a basic frame set designed for a specific purpose. In the case pictured, a sleek aerodynamic Time Trail bike. You have a lengthy list of components: frame, fork, headset, base bar, aero bars, front/rear hubs, spokes, rims, BB, crank set, cassette, front/rear derailleurs, chain, brake/shift cables and housings, front/rear brakes, brakes levers, bar end shifters, bar tape, seat, tires, pedals, and wheel quick releases.

It's an elegant assemblage of simple engineered subsystems that combine form and function, bio-mechanical advantage, the laws of physics and motion, and thermodynamics to propel the user in space and time to a higher plane of consciousness.....but, only if the architect of the design can execute the whole from the proper sum of the individual parts and finely tune these precision components to work in total harmony.

It's a beautiful thing to create and a wonder to behold when the tires hit the road.

Scarecrow in the Desert

Someone has a sense of humor. On a recent desert ride along the Landmine and Mustang Trail Loops west of Blue Diamond, NV I encountered this happy fellow sun worshiper.

In the previous hour and a half I hadn't seen another mountain biker along the trail, so stumbling on him was a welcome sight. Although, he wasn't much of a conversationalist. And, at the junction of three trails without a sign identifying any of the routes, he wasn't about to tell me which one to take back to my car. Good thing I had a map of the terrain 'cause he just stood there catching rays with that silly smile on his face.

It was a stellar day on the trail and in this remote area, hidden from observation, I managed to avoid getting abducted by aliens in their mother ship. It was quite, peaceful, and starkly beautiful. Oh, and did I mention I was glad not to have fallen and become a scarecrow in the desert.

The Great Divide in Montana Calls

Montana's Great Divide Route from Montana Office of Tourism on Vimeo.

"Ride to Live...Live to Ride"

Since I left Butte, Montana in late September I've been really busy trying to get myself in shape both mentally and physically. I had a miserable bike riding summer in Montana because of the combination of crazy mountain weather, family commitments, and working at the bike shop. Here's how bad. From late May through the end of September, a 124 day period, I had only 15 rides, rode a total of 237.88 miles, had spent 22h32m10sec in the saddle, and did 15,502 ft. of climbing. Hardly enough to keep me in shape and keep that committee in my head at bay.

By contrast, since my return to Las Vegas 43 days ago, I've done a fairly respectable job in the fitness and conditioning department. As of yesterday I have done 21 rides, have ridden 580.54 miles, put in 39h48m57s of saddle time, and have done 30,926 ft of climbing. Just this last week I rode 7 days in a row, logged 220.1 miles, had 14h44m40s of saddle time, and accomplished 11,504 feet of climbing. Now we're talking! I hope the winter weather here allows me to continue the pace. But, I do have the back up of our fully equipped gym nearby and my in-house trainer.

I have some pretty ambitious goals for the next few years. First and foremost is putting this 62 year old body back in to its pre-2009 heart attack condition, losing weight, and rehabilitating my knees as best I can. To that end I have recently undergone an extensive array of medial exams, lab work, x-rays, and I am currently working with my internist, orthopedic surgeon, and a nutritionist to kick the plan into high gear.

The primary focus of this renewed health initiative is to live long enough to make lasting memories in the minds of my three grandchildren. I can think of no more lasting legacy than to have them remember me clearly as the Grannan who made them laugh and made everything fun!

On the selfish side of the equation I have some cycling goals as well. My bucket list of cycling endeavors, if you will, includes:

• riding all of the Montana sections of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
• riding the Beartooth Highway road in southern Montana
• riding the 100 mile course of Levi's Granfondo in Sonoma, County, CA
• mountain bike riding in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Sierra Nevada
• riding around Lake Tahoe
• riding across Death Valley
• riding in Moab, UT
• riding portions of the Tour of California route
• riding from Texas to Alaska
• riding the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway
• riding across England, Ireland, and Scotland

I'd like to start by doing several sections of the GDBR next summer on my new 29er with Rob Leipheimer and friends. It's ambitious...but goals are goals. Even if I don't get to do any of these rides on my list I won't be disappointed because I'll still be riding the bike.....that I'll do until they cremate me with the handlebars still in my hands. "Ride to Live...Live to Ride"

 

Sunrise in The Desert

Sunrise from my patio in Las Vegas. Blessed with another cycling day!

On My Wish List For The Outdoorsman

A wash station would be a god send for the bike shop where I work in Butte, Montana. This would especially come in handy for all those trashed out Divide rider's bikes we see during the summer. Maybe I'll buy one for the shop as a gift for my buddy, Rob.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears Oh My

Some of the wildlife we saw in California and Nevada 

on our trip this October.

Mountain Sheep in the Spring Mountains, NV

Coyote in Death Valley

Wild burros in Blue Diamond, NV

Mountain sheep at Spring Mountain, NV

Black bear in Sequoia NP, CA

Lizzard on Moro Rock climb, Sequoia NP

White tail deer in Sequoia NP

Wooly Mammoth...whoops only a statue in turns out
at Mammoth Lakes, CA

Free range cattle crossing the road on CA168 west of NV State Line.

Sheep flock south of Mono Lakes

Ptarmigan at Glacier Point in Yosemite NP