"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"