Let's Do It Again !!!!!!!

OK, I got my one political post out of the way and it'd time to move on! I guess I am gonna go ahead and pay to put pics on here. Several times lately I have wanted to post pics and couldn't. So I am gonna pay.

Next! I don't know about you but I have had a lot of fun this year and can't wait to do it again. I avoided growing up another year and don't plan on changing that next year.

Cody, is finally about 95% percent healed with his knee and back on the bike. Chase has grown a lot and doing well. Karen loves her job and is happy. So overall I think life is pretty good!

We finished the year with a beach trip just the two of us, that was nice. Mom came and watched the kids and we went down for a quick trip. I love the beach in the winter time, nobody is there and it's nice and quite. We drank some beer and did the walk on the beach. We even drove down to Myrtle Beach and walked around for awhile. Haven't done that in years!

Yes it was cold, actually it was colder there than here. We got home yesterday and it was a lot warmer.

Hell, we even made a late year bike race! The one and only bike race we made all year! We have plans to race the whole Southern Classic Series this year so that should be fun. With that and the fact we plan to qualify, we are gonna head to upstate Pennsylvania in the early fall for the USA Cycling nationals. that should be a good ending to the summer.

As long as where talking about vacations we seem to get stuck in a rut as far as doing the same thing. The last few years we have done the beach in the late summer and the kids have enjoyed it, We have too, I like a week at the beach. But this year I think we are gonna try a trip to Michigan! Yea, Michigan! Why not, Cody went up this year and really enjoyed it. He went up with Emma's dad to pick her up and bring her home. She spends the summer up there with her mom every year.

This coming year we are gonna try to time it so we pick her up and get a week up that way. So stay tuned!

So again "Let's Do It Again"...............

Talk at ya Wednesday..................

Yep, Its Sunday........

The day before New Year's Eve....Why am I on here? Because I wanted to say one thing.

We as a country should be ashamed! The officials we have elected are the biggest bunch of losers we have ever had in the history of this country!

They have one crappy job to do and they can't even get that done. I never mention politics on here just because. But tonight I can't help it. Unless you have your head in the sand you have heard about the stalled negotiations over the fiscal cliff.

Every one of them should resign effective immediately..... This is an embarrassment for this country...........

This Is Becoming A Habit ..............

Yep I did the pool again this morning, and it was cold as hell outside at 5am! Damn cold! I don't like the cold. I can deal with the cold but I sure don't like it!

I even had to wait for the frost to clear from the windshield before I could pull out of the driveway. That was after I tried to drive up the driveway and ended up in the yard. So then I sat up next to the road for 5 minutes and of course I didn't wait long enough and tried to go. I figured I would turn and take the back road out to the hwy, there would be no traffic that way.

NOT, hell I met 2 cars as soon as I turned on the side road. So then I was trying to look through a little hole of frost and dodge cars and mailboxes. Lesson learned, "wait for the frost to clear before you kill yourself or someone else".

Anyhow, got the grandma coming over and watching the kids this weekend, the wife and I are gonna head to the beach for a little break. Not a long trip but a little break. I like going to the beach in the winter when it's cold. The beach will be empty and the restaurants will be too.

We'll get to eat some good food and enjoy some peace and quite. Plus we are gonna do a little scouting for a place to stay this summer. Maybe try a different place. Although that will be more for something to do than anything. I like staying on the very end and I like the place we usually stay so I bet we will be there again this year.

Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach. Here we come.........

Back At It ...........

They were open and I got in the water! I was there at 5:25am, in the water at 5:30am! I like hitting the pool early, it's a great way to start the day.

Also, I know it's only my 3rd time going and believe me I have yet to figure out my "process". But It's fun! I have increased my laps every time I went, I am up to 13 laps or 26 lengths. I like the way "lengths" sounds better than laps but I figured out real swimmers refer to each session by "laps".

As far as process goes, I have to plan ahead the night before, what I am going to wear and does it need ironing? I go ahead and load it up so I have it in the morning. Last time I went I realized right about the time I hit the water that I forgot my goggles.

Today I have come to realize I need a bigger gym bag. I have no where to put my sweat pants and sweat shirt, after I get ready for work. I go to the gym  wearing my swim shorts under my sweat pants and then get ready after I swim and shower. I did get a lock for Christmas and I have my flip flops. Now I need a bag.

Even with the purchase of a new gym bag, fins and goggles. This is still the cheapest sport I have found yet!!!!

Now For New Year's ..............

Not that I have any plans for New Years, but I do get another day off! Then I get another 3 weeks off. I always use this time of year to think about the year. Good or bad it's gone and we get  to try again.

We had a good Christmas, the kids had a great time and got a few things they wanted. The wife had a nice Christmas and I did too. We saw all Karen's family and spent time with them, Wriston and Quincy are growing like crazy. We only see them a few times a year, so it's always a treat to see them.

I rode about everyday, the weather was nice. Then Monday it finally started raining. Christmas day was nice and then today has been a total wipe out! It may never dry! We haven't had this much rain in months. I do have a night ride tentatively planned for tomorrow night (Thursday) so we'll see.

Also I did get up this morning to go swim and got to the gym only to find it was closed! They go back to their regular hours tomorrow so I will try again. I like the swimming and after all the food I ate over the holiday's I need to get back in the pool!

Yep, I Did It Again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, I got outta bed and hit the pool again this morning! We made plans and the alarm went off at 5am. I sent Kelly a text and said skip it it's cold outside.

Then I felt guilty! I knew if I didn't go on the second day I would set the wrong tone and it would be down hill from there! So I went...

I sent Kelly another text and said get up meet me there, he didn't get it so I swam alone. Or at least I went by myself, there where several people swimming. I like it and actually did a lot better today. I found a rhythm and it seemed to work. I ended up doing a little more today than I did yesterday.

550 yards today! I could have gone farther, I just needed more time. If I had stuck to my original plan I would have had more time. A few more trips and I will have my system down.

Did I ever think I would enjoy swimming? Nope! But I really do like it, I might do a triathlon one of these days after all....

Wow !!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally did it! I got up at 5:30 and woke Cody up and we hit the door. At the aquatic centic by 5:50 and in the pool by 6am!

Kelly showed up a few minutes later and I got my first swim in! 20 lengths of the pool!

500 yards!!!!!

I suck at my breathing technic but I will figure it out. I went to get my goggles yesterday and dropped by the aquatic center on the way home. Got my new badge so I could start going and that's what we did. Now we are gonna go again tomorrow am and then maybe Saturday if I can make my arms move!

Kelly said I actually did pretty good for my first time, I just need to get my breathing down. It's harder than it looks! I am gonna loose 30 pounds come hell or high water!

Or I drown first!!!!!!!

I Must Be Scared..........

First of all, I totally forgot the blog again yesterday. That's twice here lately I let it slip my mind. We have gotten busier at work and that's a good thing for sure. I just need to start doing the blog early am or late at night, one of the two.

Now for the title: "I Must Be Scared"

Why, because every time Kelly tries to get me to start swimming I come up with an excuse! Yes I need to loose some weight and that would be the perfect way to get a jump start on that. But every time I come up with a reason.

Last night was the same! Kelly Cody and I went night riding at Steve's place and he was  trying to talk me into showing up at 6am this morning. He even has Cody talked into coming. Cody will go to the aquatic center and swim already so he's all for it.

Then throw in the fact that Kelly, who started doing triathlons this year, is telling me how he will swim for 45min to an hour and how when he started he could only swim 25 yards before he was out of breath! Great, can't wait for that!

Well I finally gave last night. We are gonna meet Friday morning, I am gonna finally give it a go. For better or worse I am gonna show up at 6 am and go swimming.

At least the pool is only 3ft deep so I think I will be safe from drowning.....

We Back Jack !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back where? Back racing! OK, so it's honestly been the better part of 2 almost 3 years since we lined up for a race. With Cody spending a year playing school soccer and then blowing his knee apart playing soccer the next year. Then a full year of rehab it has been that long.

Until yesterday! Yep he plans on racing everything next year. By everything I mean the Southern Classic Series and a few other races. So that being said we went to Columbia SC yesterday for the "Rudolph Rampage". Me Cody and Kelly. Cody did juniors and won by a mere 30 seconds. He had his hands full, Kelly did single speed and ended up 2nd. If he hadn't of flatted he would have been first.

As for me I had about 25 in my class and had no ideal what to expect. Of course I found myself in the lead at the first turn up the gravel road. We had about a 3/4 mile start up a gravel road so I knew I needed to see how it played out and not kill myself trying to get to the woods first. So I backed out of it, and then fell in line about 5th place.

I had 18 miles to go so it was on! I made 1 big mistake yesterday, not enough warm up. That proved to be a big mistake, my legs where on fire for the first lap and a half! Then once they (my legs) got up to speed I was really comfortable. I ended up with 2 more guys getting by me and another who thought he wanted by. I let him, and stayed dead on his ass, he fell apart shortly after that and I never saw him again.

I ended up finishing with an 8th place! Yep, I am happy as hell with that! It's been a while since I raced and I was rusty but I still held my own, and I will get better as the year goes by and I lose some weight. I have to get back into my routine and figure out what works for my pre-race warm up then I will start moving up.

It's gonna be a fun year!!!!!!

Time Heels............

Wounds and sickness! Sickness being the one I care about.

First, I do feel better. I just let the blog slip my mind. I did break down and go to the doctor Wednesday. I got a shot and some meds. and I am ready to go. Or at least I will be ready in a few more days. I still need the rest and I am tired but at least I can sleep and function a little better. The start of the week was rough so it's nice to at least finish the week feeling like I am improving..

Since I haven't ridden this week I have had to come up with stuff to talk about. Of course I've been sick so I whined about that all week but now lets talk about something else. Grudges....

I ran into a guy yesterday that I have known forever and I really don't like him. Truth is he probably doesn't really care for me anymore either but that's his own fault. Why is that his fault? Because he owes me 25 bucks from 20 years ago, and I have not let it go! Just last year. We ran into each other at a mutual friends house and I brought it up!

It pisses me off!

Then yesterday we saw each other and the first thought thru my head was "that sum-bitch owes me money". Then it hit me. The way life has played out I can pretty much tell ya, mine is better than his. So with that thought I actually was happy to chat with him.

At first I really think he was thinking "oh god I have to talk to him". But then we chatted and even shook hands and wished each other a merry Christmas.

Believe it or not I wish I had dropped it long ago. No we won't be any better friends than we are now, were just 2 different types of people. But it did feel good to be nice, and I honestly do hope he has a nice Christmas.....

I might grow up one of these days............

I Get Grumpy When I am Sick !!!!!!!!!!!

For 2 reasons: 1- I am wasting valuable ride time that I will never get back !!! 2- I don't feel good !!!!!!

That being said I had to go by Walgreens last night on the way home and drop off prescriptions for Chase.  That pissed me off. Or should I say the dumb ass who works at Walgreens pissed me off.......... Here's how it went..

I pull up, nobody's in the drive through line in front of me. Good. I pull up push the button. Looking through the mirrors, I can see the little tech pharmacy student sitting at the counter. Nobody is inside at the counter and he's there by himself.

I push the button, he picks up the phone from inside at the counter where he is "can I help you". That hit me wrong, My reply, "no I ride through these drive thru's all the time and hit the button just for the hell of it".

To which he replies "huhhhhh"... So now I am getting kinda irritated, I explain. "of course I need help, I can plainly see you are in there by yourself and not with any customers" "why would you pick up the phone all the way over there and offer to help! Knowing your gonna have to get up off the stool and walk over here anyway"

"to help"

Now he hangs up and walks over to the window, picks up phone number 2 and says, hold on to your hat! "can I help you" I just look at him now and shake my head. He now can kinda tell I am thinking he isn't very bright. The next thing he says just makes me start laughing.

"I was playing with my phone and just wasn't paying attention" So now I know he wasn't even working! Now he says "when do you want to pick it up"

To which I reply "I am here now, you just said you weren't working" he grins "oh yea". He sits the phone down and walks off. Less than 5 minutes later he is back, hands me my stuff and I am on my way. It took longer to get him to come to the window than it did to fill the prescription!!!!

Still On Break.....

But feeling better! Maybe not a lot, but a little bit. I did work yesterday and then went home and crashed hard on the couch. Got up and hung out for awhile then went to bed.

What a night!

Although my first question to the wife this morning was "should I ride today"  her reply "no, you'll wear yourself out". Not what I wanted to hear but it does make sense. My plan last week was to ride tonight and Thursday then be ready for Sunday.

Plans change!!!!!

I still plan to go Sunday, I am looking forward to it. I was just hoping to have a little more seat time. Like it would make a difference, it might have. Everything will help in the long run. But because of my illness I will probably end up with a ride Thursday and line up Sunday.

I could lie and tell ya how I can use it as a training ride and I need the ride, blah,blah,blah. Which is all BS, If I line up for a race, in my mind I plan on beating everybody else there. I might not, but I will beat the better half of everybody. Even at 44 years old I still get the "butterflies" when we are about to start.

Now if I can just get rid of the crud...........

Time For A Break...............

Not by choice! So I rode Saturday with all the fast guys, and when I say "fast" I mean somkin' Fast. I showed up sick and told them at the start don't worry about me, I was just gonna spin for 2 laps and was in no mood to kick it!

Ha! Even if I had tried to kick it and stay with the crowd I couldn't have done it, even on a good day! Even Dane got dropped and he's faster than I am, so I know I wouldn't have made it. Of course we where at Steve's trail and I have been turning 55 minute laps when I am kicking it. Saturday I did 2 laps at 1 hour each.

Kelly Charles Scott and Buddy did 2 laps at 46min. each! That's fast,,,,way fast!!!

Now for the "break"! I should have stayed home all day and not even rode at all. I am sick, really sick. 2 laps probably didn't help me at all. I didn't even go out of the house yesterday, I stayed on the couch all day. Last night I slept a total of 3 hours. I did make it to work, I might as well get payed to be sick. Sitting around all day for nothing and no money would suck even worse...............

I "Willed" It To Rain !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right! I talked about it this morning and made my wish. I wanted rain! I got rain...... Oh yea''''''

Please Rain !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I said it! "Please Rain" We need it, in a bad way. All day, slow drizzle just let it rain. It's so dry in the woods that last night we rode and if you where in the back you had a hard time seeing! Much less trying to breath!

On the fast sections it's hard to keep up because you can't even see the trail. But we had fun! That's why we went me, Cody and Charles hit the woods.

Steve's Trail it was. The place rocks! I know I say that every time we go there but it's the truth. Even Cody has come to like it, at first he was kinda on the fence. He liked it but he thought it was kinda hard. Now he has gotten used to it and thinks it's the bomb. Our plan is to ride there all weekend.

Next Sunday is the race so we will ride Sat. Sun. Tues. Thur. Then go Sunday, I am looking forward to it. Not sure who's gonna join us yet but were talking about it. After that we have the winter series.

I still hate it but I am kinda looking forward to it. Now that Cody is into it again so am I....

Need To Check That!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My light! That's what I need to check. Last night I met the boys and we headed in the woods at 4:30. At 5:30 it was dark, the only problem with that was I was still in the woods!

It wasn't totally dark but in the woods it was! I went to turn on my little helmet light about 10 minutes from the end and nothing. On the last section through the woods It was really dark. But I had fun so that was cool.

Kelly and Scott along with their boss did a triathlon Sunday so I got to hear all about that. Kelly finished 17th and Scott was 28th, the boss was 8th. Not bad, they kicked ass on that! I know I couldn't do it. Maybe one of these days I might try something like that, but not right now. Funny thing is, they all did their first one this summer and since then they have done about 3 each. They act like they like doing them.

It's all I can do to get ready for a bike race and they are gonna show up just for the hell of it.

By the way I started this post yesterday and meant to put it up last night. I got home and did a little laundry, helped fix dinner and did nothing else. The wife is sick and not feeling well at all so I stayed close to the house. I even worked in a nap. Hadn't done that in a long time......

Tonight we ride !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back To The Trail !!!!!!!!!!!!

So, to be honest I didn't ride last night, I did do my stretching though. I serviced the bike too. Today I am heading to Steve's to meet Kelly and Scott right after work so I know I will earn it today.  I am actually looking forward to climbing the hills today!

I want to get stronger, with the race in Columbia coming up I feel like I can't ride enough. I like the trails down there so I want to do good.

Now I need to get a few things at the shop. Then decide which bike I want to ride or race. I think it would help if I would stick to one or the other. I like to ride both. I am thinking about putting a new set of carbon wheels on the 29er. That should be a drop of about 2 pounds!

That's a lot of weight! If I did that it would improve the snap out of the turns, which is what I am looking for........

Why Not.............

I know I said I wasn't gonna ride today but I swear I went to bed last night really stoked. I had such a good ride yesterday I want to go again. Nothing to long, just enough to push the legs.

Behind the house we have a church with a really step hill in front of it. I have been over there before and done nothing but climb the hill for training. It will definitely get your heart rate up and make your legs burn! Or I might go walking.

Not my favorite thing to do but I am starting to notice my jeans are fitting a little better. Between my ramp up in riding and paying a little closer attention to what I am eating things are starting to come together. Plus we have the race on the 16th. I know I am not in the shape I need to be to ride at the front but I know I won't be in the back either

My goal is to loose 25 pounds, so far I am about 5 pounds lighter. Between "myfitnesspal.com" and my renewed commitment to riding and racing, this year should be fun!

Something To Think About...........

So I quite smoking about 5  months ago and I honestly thought I would see an improvement the day I quite. Much to my disappointment I honestly don't think I have seen any improvement. Until now!

I have been riding really hard lately. Making a point of riding with my fast buddies and just trying as hard as I can to get faster and loose some weight. I am on a 4 day a week schedule and my legs have been killing me.

Yesterday I went with Charles and Dane and rode 2 laps at Backyard Trails, first time I have ever done that. I was honestly ready to head to the car after one lap! But I stuck it out, I really had no other choice. They where gonna ride another anyway so I did too.

Then today after church Cody and I went to Uhwarrie, I figured I would suffer but what the hell, tomorrow is a off day as far as riding goes. But to my amazement I felt really good and the same hills that were kicking my ass last time I was over there weren't that bad!

I felt good, really good! Maybe I am gonna get better this year. I just need to stick with the crowd I have been riding with and leave the smokes alone..............

A Couple Of Things....................

First thing:
Yes, I am gonna sign up for the extra memory so I can start posting pictures again.

Second thing:
I did go ride last night and had a good time. The trails were right and I only needed the light for the final half mile.

Third thing:
Yesterday Jerry did trail work at my new favorite trail, "Steve's place", leaf blowing.

Forth thing:
I hate leaf blowing! Of course this is my opinion, but this is also my blog so I can bitch all I want on this space. The trail went from a nice tight 12" wide path to a big 3ft wide greenway. Yes you can go a lot faster but it took the better part of the skill factor out of the ride. Speeds picked up so much I was rolling my tires in the corners. Yes it's fun when things are like that but then again, does every trail have to be a time trial course. I like the untouched new trails. It really reminded me of the original Poplar Tent, back when nobody had a leaf blower!

Fifth thing:
Thanks for doing the work, Jerry. It must have taken 3 to 4 hours to accomplish what was done. The man is dedicated, and without him the trails in this area wouldn't be nearly as nice. I really need to start making a point to help do trail work.

Sixth thing:
For the first time last night my feet started to get cold! That's when I know winter is upon us. Time to get out the foot covers!

Have a good weekend..............

Lazy Week.................

I do have my toys packed and ready to go, but over all I haven't ridden any this week. I got my 4 straight days in for thanksgiving and I planned to take a few days, meaning 2, off the bike. But 2 turned into 3 and I knew if I didn't pack my stuff and head straight from work I wouldn't make it today.

I know some people exercise religiously, but me! I really do fight the demon's as far as getting out and doing something. I could walk away from everyday exercise and get fat and not really worry about it. Hell all that would happen would be the fact I looked like everybody else in Wal-Mart!

The main reason I push myself to the limits and try to keep my weight in check is the fact that I have a ball playing out doors! To enjoy the things I like to enjoy I have to stay in some type of shape. So to the woods I head! Steve's place for a few laps. I plan to start in the day light and finish in the dark.

Then I can go home, have a beer, and think about how much fun I had. I love motivation!!!!!!! Some people just find it in different ways.......

I Was Busy....

Or I forgot, I don't really know which happen but bottom line is I never posted. I might be a little aggravated by the fact I found the bottom of "free" but I am old enough I knew it was coming. Or at least I should have, now I have a delima of weather or not I want to pay it.


How much are we talking about? $2.48... A month.... Not a lot but it is a recurring bill every month out of my checking account. Just something else to tend too! I like to write and want to put pics up but how much is it worth to me....

Decisions decisions,,,,, life sucks... Then you pat the 2.48 and move on. LOL.....

Back To The Regular.........

This is the part of a holiday that you don't like! The, "END" all the fun is over and it's time to head back to work. I hate a Monday after such a long time off.

Yes, I rode every day and my legs hurt, I got to see some of our family and had a good meal. Blah,Blah,Blah.... Except for the riding I did the same thing as everybody else!!

So let's move on!!!!!

One of my rides was down at Cheraw. As I said I was in the mood to ride a lap all by myself and just enjoy the scenery. Cheraw is so much different from what we have around here, it's neat. They have been removing all the under growth trying to return it to it's original state. Why, I have no clue. Something to do with it being a state forest..

I am just glad they have trails.

OK, haven't seen that before. I just tried to up load pictures of the state forest down in Cheraw and they are telling my I need to buy storage. What's funny is I have been using Blogspot for a total of 2 years. I finally found the limit........

Back to the golden rule!!!!!

                              "Nothing Is Free"

Yea, I am Still Here...............

I might have put on a pound or two but "I am still here". We enjoyed a great day Thursday with all the family, I got a ride in that morning and Karen went out to shop that night.

She got home about 4 am in one piece so I guess that would be success! Yes I hit the woods for a 2 lap session yesterday at my new favorite trail, Steve's. Most all my buddies showed up so that was fun.

Then today I am going to slip in a short ride somewhere I just haven't made my mind up yet. I kinda want to hit one of the lesser used places like Cane Creek or Cheraw. Every once in awhile I like a nice easy smell the roses type ride alone by myself!

That way I can stop and get a few pictures. I haven't had any on here lately..... Have a good day........

Tomorrow Is The Day..........

The day I don't pay attention to my calorie counting! As much fun as I am having learning about the food I eat. I am gonna eat like a regular fat boy tomorrow!

No excuses, pie and all!

Thanksgiving is the only day of the year when people cook excessive amounts of food and gorge till they need a nap and then do it again. What a perfect day.

Then it's back to the plan on Friday, with a lot of riding planned for the next 4 days, and yes we made it to the woods last night. Cody Charles Kelly and Scott and I made it to the woods. Steve's place was the destination and it was right. I love that place more and more every time I hit it. The climbs are the bomb!

Now back to Thanksgiving, what am I thankful for! Right now I can just about say everything is going pretty good in my life. I have great kids and everybody is healthy, including my extended family. The wife is happy and my job is doing good.

We are finally turning around in the building industry and it is starting to show on my check. That is reason enough for me to be thankful!

Bottom line is thanks for reading my stupid blog and I hope you have a good day tomorrow.....

Eat and be HAPPY.......... Diet's can wait..............

Eye Opener !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yea, my eye's are open! What I normally order for lunch on Tuesday would leave me with about 500 more calories for the rest of the day! So far I have been addicted to my new best buddy.

My fitness pal dot com.....

Yesterday I ended up with 50 calories to spare! I also got in a 30 minute walk because I would have been over if not for that. Also I am going no soft drinks and water only. Nothing after 8pm either!

Yes I had a headache yesterday from no caffeine but what the hell small price to pay! Now back to lunch, I usually have a hamburger steak plate from south 21. It comes with onion rings french fries and a side salad.

1000 calories!!!!!!!!!  I can only have a total of 1800 a day! That's out! The site is really amazing all the info you can find on there. Yesterday I knew I was gonna eat Chinese for lunch so I used the site for a reference point and realized I needed to order it a different way.

I ordered steamed chicken broccoli with brown rice no egg roll and the sauce on the side. By doing that it was only 300 calories compared to 550 the regular way. To say I am learning would be an under statement. Like my buddy said, of course you won't do the site forever. You just do it long enough to learn what you need to know.

You are really learning how to eat better!

So now I am a student, I even had my kids checking it out last night. Maybe we can all learn at the same time.......

Now or Never..............

Of all weeks to start I pick this one! Start what you ask, my new best buddy!                          "My Fitness Pal dot com"

I am gonna loose 30 pounds or else! Yea I know that's not a great picture but it's a hell of a tool! You hear me whine about being slow and I ride like crazy but the weight really doesn't change. Part of it is just the way I am built but part of it is the fact I really don't try!

Untill now!

3 years ago when I was racing all the time I got down to 180 and could hold my own with just about anybody! Now I am at 210 and I suck! Skill wise I can ride with the best of them, but climbing I get left behind.

We were riding the other day, me Kelly and Scott and talking about weight. We all ride bikes that weight about 25 pounds, throw in the fact they are all about 40 pounds lighter than I am and it don't take a genius to figure out why I am falling behind on the climbs!

Think about it, for it to be a level playing field they would need to ride with 40 pounds of sugar in their pockets. Think about that!

Everyone can relate to a 5 pound bag of sugar. That would mean they need 8 bags of sugar! Or 8 bags is the amount I am caring around in my pockets!

Yes I quit smoking and I did gain about 15 pounds from that but that's no excuse. I am as fat as I have ever been!!! The funny thing is at work I look like I am in shape, and except for the weight I really am in pretty good shape. But that doesn't say much for my co-workers!!!!

Then I go hang out with all my riding buddies and I really look fat. They are all a bunch of fitness freaks and do triathlons and run and shit. I ain't running, at least not yet....

So Kelly pointed me toward this website, he has used it before and still does sometimes to stay in line with his eating. I have already figured out the Monster Energy drink has got to go....

I Got a feeling alot is going to have to go........

It's getting Close.................

It's kinda hit me this morning! It's count down time! The one day of every year that it's OK to eat like a pig and get away with it. I love Thanksgiving!

We always have a crowd over and they bring plenty of food! So next weekend I will have turkey, ham you name it leftovers galore! I can go ride and come home and pig out again.

I haven't even mentioned the fact that we get a 4 day weekend! I was asking Karen about heading to the mountains for another few days rest. So we'll see. The only problem with that plan would be the fact I would miss out on my leftovers!

Actually that's kind of a big problem!

So anyhow I did hit the road for a quick 20 miles last night, in the dark. It was chilly and the air felt good. Kinda nice to get a lung full of cold air!

The weather looks good for the next few days so it's time to roll, I need more cold air and lots of trail! Have a good weekend.....

OK, Didn't Plan On This.......

Yep woke up this morning got ready and headed for the door! Easy enough, as I am going out the door I am already thinking about hitting the woods.

We have a night ride planned for tonight and I am ready.

Until I open the door, "OK, Didn't Plan on This" It's pouring rain!! Not just sprinkling it's raining!!!

So that kills the woods. I don't want to whine to much but I really wanted to hit the woods, everybody was planning on coming and I wanted to go!

I like night riding, it's like a "high" riding in the dark looking just where your lights are and going fast. You have to concentrate and I lose thought of anything else. It's just you and the bike.

At least it usually ends up that way for me, even my kid is faster than me! My buds always wait at some point for me but I am usually bringing up the rear. If we ride anywhere there is hills I am screwed! I like riding Beatty because it is just flat enough I can kick it and keep up with most everybody there.

Well anyhow I like riding in the dark, You feel like you are in your own private little world. "Is it scary" That's what most people ask, but to be honest, nope!

Not anymore than being in the woods during the day! The first few times I went alone I got spooked, but then I realized how much fun I was having!  Now I tend to enjoy going by myself.

When my plans workout.............

Make ya' Say WTH........

OK, so sometimes I get accused of not letting the trails dry enough before I go ride. Yesterday it rained and I was worried about doing damage to the new trail at Steve's. So I go home and tell myself I am gonna go ride. Not! I didn't do squat.

Then I read the local trail forum and somebody is talking about riding their last night! WTH.... I try to be good for once and someone else gets in a ride!

Bet your ass I will be on the trail today! 4:30 it's on!!!!!

Yep...........

It's Tuesday and finally raining a little . Usually this would irritate me but we need the rain really bad. I read or heard the other day we are like 7" behind in the rain category right now! So let it rain.

Besides my legs are still killing me, I can stand another day off the bike.

So as I said yesterday Cody had his birthday Saturday and his girlfriend was over early and he was out of the loop for the day. Chase had no intentions of riding with me so I met Dane at Steve's trail, it's my new secret super hangout trail.

The damn place will kick your ass, and I need a lot of hard riding for now. I would like to think when I go to Columbia on the 16th of Dec. I have something to show.

Two laps and my legs where shot! As I said Sunday I didn't even try to climb the one hill on lap 2. Just wasn't happening! Then Sunday Cody and I took all our stuff to church and headed to Back Yard Trails.

His first ride there! He liked it, and wants to go back. He thought the Marion Deihl side was a waste but so do I. It just adds miles, no tech stuff just extra trail. So after the ride we headed home and ended the day. By the time we where at the house we had been gone all day.

It was 5pm, dark by 6, day over...............

Might do a night ride tonight..........

Let's Catch Up................

First off, it's been a busy 2 weeks for my oldest son Cody. He really enjoys the church we go to and he decided to get baptized.

he was way nervous speaking....

he had mom with him, I was in charge of pictures

Yes we are really proud of him! Both my boys are really good and seem to be on the right track. Not that I take any credit for this.......LOL.

Then we had his birthday over the weekend. Check out the cake we had made for him.

Karen works with a girl who loves to bake and she made this for us! Complete with strings! Now that's a cake!!!!!

Karen took her a picture of his guitar and she made it. He is now 17, and a junior in high school. It seems like we just had him. It won't be long before they are both grown and gone!

So now your caught up! Tomorrow we will talk about our weekend of riding....

What The Hell...................

Not sure where they are coming from or why I am getting killed with the hits but hell I ain't complaining! Yesterday I had the most page views I have ever had in one day!

112 !!!!

Why, that's the magic question..................

Speaking of yesterday, Dane and I hit Steve's trail for 2 laps and it kicked my ass! I did clear all the climbs on the first lap and I got 2 out of 3 on the second lap. I didn't even try the one I didn't make, it's just a ball buster. If you live anywhere close to the Charlotte area and read this, take my word for it and hit the place up!

It's worth it...............

Oh Yea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When we lost Poplar Tent I really hated it! It was kinda sad to see a trail that had been around so long close down. So we started hitting Back Yard Trail a little bit and I thought it could be the fill in.            Until now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night we hit "Steve's Trail" aka "Rocky River Trail". First time in the dark!

It freaking rocks!!!!!! AND it's close to the house!! I couldn't ask for a better replacement for Poplar Tent. It's got some climbs from hell and is really tight! I can't wait to hit it again. It amazes me that people are willing to open up their property for the use of so many people.

I can't wait to meet Steve and tell him thank you! The place is awesome!!!

Yes it will be my only destination this weekend!

Speaking of the weekend it's Cody's birthday and we are heading out to dinner tonight and getting his hunting license tomorrow! He's all happy and ready for the woods.

17!!! Damn it seems like he was 2 yesterday!

I usually don't post on the weekend but I will put a picture of his cake on here tonight it's cool............

Plans Are Made................

Me the kid Charles and Dane, Steve's trail 6pm. Night ride! What else is there to do on a Thursday night. I saw Dane at church last night and filled him in on the plans and he was ready, then got home and got Charles on the phone.

Plans where made........

Yesterday was a good day, I found a race for mid December that I am looking forward to, it kinda fills in a gap in my planned training. Or training plans how ever you want to say it. I like the trails at Harbison State Forest and that's another plus for the reason I want to go. Cody even got excited about it!

He likes the place too. So it looks like we will be in Columbia SC on the 16th. I haven't been on a starting line in about 2 plus years so I am getting excited. The more I plan next year the happier I seem to be getting! Hell if I really get back into the swing of things I might even need to get a new bike.

Back to yesterday, we had to go to church last night, the youth program involved the parents. So our presence was required, it was a good program and I like the new youth pastor. Then I came home and our plans where made. I even washed all of our riding gear. I like this time of year, the chill in the air is just right for riding.

Then we have Thanksgiving coming and Christmas, what a great time of the year to be a kid! I hope I never grow up!!!!!!!!!!!! Being a kid is fun...............

Time For an Adventure.....

Tonight we are tied up at church so can't make it happen but tomorrow night will be perfect. What better way to ride a brand new trail than in the dark!

Last night Cody and I hit Beatty for a ride and had fun. It went well and I like the place, we even went hunting in the dark for the new section. He hadn't seen it yet, we found it and checked it out.

Then I told him about Steve's place and we decided to try it Thursday. Since Poplar closed we have Beatty, the Whitewater Center, North Meck. and Fisher Farm for night riding. The 2 on the north side of town are just to far from the house. So there out!

I am tired of Beatty and we need somewhere close. Steve's it is! Now that I have my boy working toward the same goals I am I have a partner. Now if I can just get Chase motivated I will have my crew back!!!!

A new trail at night is just what we need! A new adventure........

Time To Play In The Dark,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

My plan is to head to the polls right after work and then to the house and to the woods! Cody and I are gonna start our training tonight!

Yep, I said training!

Believe it or not we decided to we are gonna race next year, Southern Classic series and a few other one off races. We are gonna start with the winter series.

I hate the winter series! "

"The Winter Short Track Series" To be specific!

Why, because all the want-t-be mtn. bike roadies come out and try to race. They go fast in the asphalt sections and hold you up in the woods!

Plus I never do good in the no skill required races. I need long races in the woods with lots of hard sections. Shit that a bunch of roadies cry about...

It is fantastic training though, and that's the point of doing it! It's been about 2 years since we raced anything and I am ready! I like to travel all over and spend the night in different places. Plus that's one of the main reasons I started this blog was to tell about our racing and travels. Once Cody tore his knee apart it all came to a halt! I am ready to get back at it.................

What Are Bikes Good For !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Saturday I went to the Backyard Trails with my buddies and had a great ride, we rode for a solid 2 plus hours and had a good time. I think I have finally ridden the entire system. There might be a part of the Marion Deihl Center side that we haven't hit yet but that would be it.

So Saturday was a good day, that left Sunday. We hit church and came home with a plan, and that was as far as we made it! Now I usually leave out the majority of what's happening in my house on this blog. Yes I talk about all of the play things we do and the good things that happen.

BUT.. Don't worry I have teenagers and they piss me off!

Nothing major and I am thankful for the fact that they are really good kids. Yes we have already straightened things out so all is well....

But before we talked about how things work I was mad! Instead of talking about it at that given time I went and pedaled my bike. MAD...

When I was done riding I wasn't quite as mad, and when I got home we talked. Thank god for bikes. If we had talked prior to my ride it wouldn't have went as well. I hit the woods and pedaled as hard as I could, passing people left and right just focusing on the task at hand!

What a stress relief!!!!!!

When I came home I was in a better state of mind and ready to talk rationally..

That's "What Bikes Are Good For"

WTH.............

You might have seen these already or maybe not! I liked both of them!

What The Hell.... They almost made it........ A = for effort..... D = for planning....

Then, this is just creepy..... They say this happens about every 50 million lobsters..

So.................... After the first 2 shots this almost looks normal.......

OK with that out of the way we can move on. With going out of town last weekend and the storm coming through(high wind)I haven't been on a bike in a week. Not since last Thursday's night ride!

BUT, I am packed and ready for Sherman this afternoon! It will probably be the last afternoon daylight ride for the year. With time changing Saturday night It will be night riding from here on out.

With all the wind it will be neat to see the amount of leaves that have fallen. It should be a big difference from last week. Until tomorrow....................

Horse's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine was Coco!!!!!! He was cool, we got along fine.....

You like the angle I got of him. I sat on him for 3 hours, we walked and talked and had a great time! Although it was pretty one sided conversation. He would snort once in awhile and seemed the happiest when I let him break the rules!

That's right he was a rebel!

They told us they prefer you don't let them eat as we ride because they tend to loose focus and could trip or stumble. Then you might fall off! Well I figured as tight as I was gonna hold on he would have to buck pretty hard for me to fall off! He liked the red leaf stuff!

Hell, I even pointed out a few red leafs for him. We got along just fine.

our train!!!

Emma rode Durango and he seemed like a good guy too. We stayed in the back the whole time and chatted away.

Cody had Spot..... Name seemed to fit..... Not the best picture but you can see some spots on his ass in this picture........

Chase has Blaze, he was supposed to be the calmest one but ironically he was the only horse to get spooked. A dog whose owner did not have him under control ran up on us and Chase's horse started jumping around! Scared the shit out of me, but Chase didn't even flinch! He had him under control fast! I was impressed!!!!

With him riding behind Karen and in front of one of the guides I didn't get to talk to him much. But he had fun... He had to wear a helmet because of his age.

I think we crossed about 5 streams.. It was a blast!!!!

Steps.........Signs.............

OK, so maybe I should have swept the steps before I took the picture...

The big concrete steps are at the elementary school, they have 3 buses!

For some reason the kids got a big kick out of that! They also liked this sign! When we went riding we meet the guide at a old country music hall up in the mountains. From there they take you up to the area where you actually ride. If they tried to give you directions to the trail head you would never find it!

Yep, the kids really laughed at that sign!!!! So did I.....I love the mountains............

A Few Shots.....................

You can't go to the mountains without stairs...............

Ooops......

Yea I had said I would let everybody in on my super secret surprise for the wife Friday. Then I forgot, I started talking about my night ride and never said a word.

Well it was a surprise horse ride in the Pisgah National Forest! Karen had a horse when she was a kid and loves them! She hadn't ridden in awhile and I have no use fo4r a horse. The only time I have ever ridden I got chunked off the back, so I prefer to be in control!

In other words horses scare the shit out of me. To damn big and have a mind of there own! Nuf' said....

So for me to plan this and show up and ride is a pretty big deal!!!

Friday night we meet up and had dinner, that is when we told her what the plan was.

No, we had nothing packed and she knew we were going out of town to Saluda but she didn't know we were leaving after dinner! She was waiting to pack until we told her what we where doing!

So home we went, packed and out the door by 9pm!

Not bad! 11:15 we where there and unloading the car! I would show pictures of that but it was dark!!!!!!

Tomorrow the horse ride...

That's The Way it Works !!!!!!!!!!!!

The night before I had no mojo! Last night I had all my mojo! All is well in the universe of cycling!

At least in my universe!

Charles and I met at 7pm for a night ride at Beatty and we rocked! 3 laps and the weather was perfect. Of course a night ride in a public park you never know what's gonna happen.

First off we get there and there is a group getting ready to roll, no big deal the more the merrier! Only problem, I guess they didn't want to roll with us. I saw the thread on the Trailblazers website yesterday and figured we would run into them. But I never thought I might not be invited...... It was kinda weird.

We are parked right beside them and there are like 12 people getting ready to ride and not one of them said hi or are you gonna ride with us or anything. So we got ready and went into the woods about 5 minutes behind them. Of course we caught almost all of them before they stopped for a break.

So we pass them and head around straight into the woods for lap 2, as we approach the end of lap 2 we find a beer can sitting on the rail of a bridge. That wasn't there the first lap. At the end of lap 2 we look and all those guys who came rode 1 lap and loaded up and left! What the hell! One lap at Beatty is only like 6 miles.

Why bother!

Then lap 3 we have some kids try to scare us! As we are coming down a hill they start yelling and hooting like an owl! It was kinda funny! Last we stop and get the beer can of the railing and take it back to the trash. Ride over.

I got there at 6:45 and left at 8:45, got 3 laps in and had a great time. Picked up trash and had some kids try to scare me...... I love bicycles............

Yea never know what you'll find in the woods...........

Sometimes It just Ain't happening............

So I rode all weekend and had a ball, it felt like I could go as fast as I wanted to and it didn't hurt. That's when a ride is fun! Then yesterday I had all my stuff and headed to the trail.

I knew before I made it a mile into the woods that this wasn't gonna work! I had the legs and felt fine, just no heart. I don't know where it went but I packed everything but the heart!

Just wasn't into it! I went ahead and rode the whole loop for the hell of it but I didn't even try to go fast. I saw nobody and that was just fine.

I did see the white squirrel again! He was hanging out, hauling nuts. I guess he's getting ready for the winter. I even stopped and watched him for a minute.

I can't tell you the last time I stopped and watched an animal. That ought to tell ya where my head and heart was. I wished I had packed my camera, I want a shot of the squirrel!

So tonight I will try again. I am meeting a few friends for a night ride and I am actually looking forward to it...........

The Other 2 Wheels.....And A Kid............

Here lately I have been riding my motorcycles a lot more. Every chance I get I ride them to work, saving gas! The only problem with that is it means I have to plan out my rides a little better.

I can't carry my mtn bike on a motorcycle!

Of course it's that time of year again. If you notice in the evening the sun sets so low in the sky that it makes it rather dangerous to ride the road bike. Well it's no lower than it usually is, it's just low at 5 when everybody is heading home from work! This is the only time of the year I really don't feel safe riding after work. So I do all my riding in the woods.

Again I have to plan it a little better. I have riden the street bike for the last 2 days and last night I announce my plan to ride after work today and my son speaks up and says "uh your out of gas". He's been driving my car everyday.

So for me to ride today I had to go get gas in my car and his. Of course he's driving mine because he's out of gas. The guy at the gas station thought that was funny, me going in and having him turn on 2 pumps!

Then we get home and he needs to get all "his" stuff out of "my" car. He drove it for 2 days and moved in. The kid is a trip!!

I haven't even left the house to ride and somehow I spent 60 bucks !!!!!!!

Gonna Go By Fast...................

I just have that feeling. This week is gonna be a fast one. You blink an eye and it's over.

That's my favorite kind!

Yesterday was over before I could even get to the blog, I came to work and got going and all of a sudden it was time to go. I did have a good weekend, I rode Sherman so many times I started to get dizzy. Saturday everybody no showed on me so I ended up riding by myself.

Sunday I couldn't make it on time to ride with the guys so I ended up riding alone again. When the sun set Sunday I had ridin 3 full loops and 2 main loops. All at speed! I was tired but it was fun. Sometimes I like to ride by myself.

Plus it's always fun to catch and pass people! That's what I did all weekend! You see somebody out in front of you and the race is on! It's funny the way people will try to stay out in front of you, they will kick it and do all they can, then all of a sudden just pull off to the side and stop!

So anyhow we have the big weekend coming up Saturday so it's gonna be fun. The wife still has no clue what we have planned. Friday I will tell everybody what we are gonna do, I can get away with it then. We are all going out to eat Friday night and that's when we are gonna tell her.

So you just have to wait too........

For The Hell Of It............

Do you ever do anything "For The Hell Of it".......... I do and it's usually fun.. Yesterday I came home and knew my legs where fried and had nothing in them.

But.....

Sometimes it's fun to push yourself to the point you feel like your gonna drop. Into that zone where your kinda dizzy! Then other times I ride "For The Hell Of It". Last night was the later of the two.

I mowed the yard and watched it get dark, then I strapped my lights on the road bike for a short night ride. First time this year I went out on the road bike at night! 17 miles later and I was at the house.

No hurry, just a nice evening ride..... Sometimes that's all you need for a little stress relief.......

Lately it seems I need a little more relief than usual. Nothing out of the ordinary, it's just been hectic at work..........

Stay'in Home.............

This weekend! No camp trip nothing!

I can't wait!

Next weekend we will be out of town for the wife's birthday so that will be nice. I have a surprise lined up so it's gonna be cool! I think I am just as excited as she will be.

She would never in a million years guess what I have planned! Hell I wish it was time now! I promise I will take plenty of pictures on this trip.

OK so back too this weekend, ride ride ride, baby. The same thing I have done all week. I am on a roll! I have been every night this week.

Including last weekend that makes 5 straight days! No wonder when I went last night I had no energy! Zero, I was dragging bad!!!!!!!!

BUTTTTTTTT I can't wait to go tonight!!!!!!

That Was Cool.....

Two things, first my son Cody meet me at the trail. Sherman was our choice, and yes he is getting fast. The kid has been off the bike for the better part of a year and just now getting going and he's rolling.

It's amazing how a 16 year old can recover! I would have taken 2 years to recover from what he's been through. His speed is pretty much spot on. I actually thought that when he started to ride again I would be waiting on him. NOT..... It won't be long before we are back to him waiting on me!

Second, I had heard about it and Ive seen a picture of it. But never seen it! What you ask? The white squirrel of Sherman Branch. Yes he lives! Stone white no dark on him at all. We were flying along and came upon a friend of ours stopped in the trail. She says "look check it out". Sure enough, there he was!!!



He must be from Brevard..................

Other Peoples Stuff..............

http://millerperspectives.squarespace.com/

If you get a chance you need to follow the link.....The guy does some incredible photography and paintings........ Not counting the adventures he gets into...........

I Can see Clearly Now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a difference a day can make! Yesterday it rained and was all cloudy, today it's nice and pretty out. Sherman is the destination for the afternoon. Temp is gonna be around 70 and I can't wait. I rode all weekend and it still feels like I haven't ridin in a week.

All I did was bike maintenance last night. Cody came out and helped till his girlfriend came over and then I was on my own. I serviced the Epic 26 so it's my weapon of choice. I like that bike and put a lot of time on it. Although lately I find myself eyeing the new stuff a lot. My wallet says not yet!

So I wait!

I keep telling my self the longer I wait the more I can justify a larger purchase!

It's All Good ...................

If you have been reading this any length of time you know how I like to use every available minute of a weekend. Leaving myself slam worn out and needing a rest day. I have talked about the fact we need 3 day weekends and 4 day work weeks.

Blah,blah,blah!

The reality of those statements is the fact that I would just wear myself out for an extra day. I would still need the rest day, it would just be at the end of 3 days instead of 2. I slept like a baby last night and still got up and walked into the bathroom wall! The same wall that's been there for years.

I was to lazy to bring the camera today so all you get is my words of wisdom. We went to Lake Norman State Park and spent the weekend. Friday night we damn near froze to death! Apparently a marine battery won't last forever if it isn't charged very often. So first thing Saturday morning I had to hit Autozone for a new battery. Once I had it the heat worked just fine.

Saturday night we slept great!

So Saturday we rode the trails and went hiking. Cody flatted and had to walk back to the camp site while Chase and I had a good ride. Chase really makes me proud! He Hadn't ridden his bike in a few weeks and went out and put in a good solid ride on the Laurel Loop. It's about 12 miles total!

For not riding much he really did good. He seemed to have a good time and wants to go back this coming weekend. I told him we could always go to Uhwarrie and set the camper up for a night. So we will see, it might workout.

Anyway we had good company good wine and cheap beer. It made for a good weekend. Glen and his wife Sally had the spot next to us so it was cool. Once we got home yesterday I loaded up and hit Sherman for a lap. Once I found out the rain was coming I had no choice! I figured I might as well get in a good ride and sit around on Monday.

Life sucks.......NOT.......

Now I need A welder !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I think I found my calling! I need to build custom bicycle frames. Or better yet I need to build custom bicycle frames and SELL them! that would be the ticket...

I stole these stats from a frame builder and fellow blogger. "Waltworks bicycle frames". He originally posted these stats and talked about frame builders.

Here is a link to his blog. He's in Salt Lake City.

http://waltworks.blogspot.com/

So if you read this correctly, I need to get too where I can produce at least 2 frames a month at $2000 or 4 frames at 7 or 8 hundred. Or 1 a week....

According to the one graph I only need to make one frame before I start selling them!

Want to buy a bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Walkin' In Circles..................

So yesterday when we had the guest I had to drive my truck. Yea the truck I let the kid drive everyday. The truck I haven't even driven in about 3 or 4 months.

I let the kid drive it for 2 reasons.

One it's the biggest thing I have in the driveway and if he has a wreck I want him in the biggest vehicle. Two it only gets about 15 miles to the gallon, that way he ain't riding the roads very much!

No job means limited gas money! As long as I am giving him money I know how much riding he is doing!

OK back to the fact I haven't driven it in a long time. I get in it the other night and I only get down the road a few miles before I realize this thing needs brakes! How can I tell? From the noise the brakes are making when you hit them!

So I ask Cody about it and he says "huh", like he has no clue! Guess what, he don't, no clue what so ever!

TURN DOWN THE RADIO!!!!!!!!

I guess I need to start driving it once and awhile! Well I stopped at Autozone on the way home and got new brake shoes, then headed to the house. So I have to get my tools together.

I get the truck jacked up. I change one side no problem, side two.... What the hell! I have the air ratchet and remove 5 out of 6 lug nuts. Number 6 ain't budging! Well shit, now what.

Now we start "Walking In Circles", I look for the 4 way lug wrench can't find it. As I am hunting it I start thinking maybe I ought to take a picture for the blog. I haven't done that lately. So then I can't find the camera.

Now I am side tracked, I spend the next 20 minutes hunting my camera. Once I find it I discover the batteries are dead! After about 10 more minutes looking for a battery that has a charge I finally give up! I need to finish the truck. No, I still have no lug wrench! 

Although I find it pretty quick once I get back to looking for it. Alright problem solved! Nope! It takes me about 2 tries before I manage to break it! Damn it.. Yes I am starting to get mad! And kinda concerned! The damn thing is that tight how the hell am I going to get it loose?

So I go back to "Walking In Circles". Looking, thinking! Of all the tools I have what can I use to get it loose?

One thing I have going for me is the fact that my dad could do it all, and he had the tools to do it with! My brother is the computer whiz and not that mechanically inclined. I am! No, I hate the computers. When we lost dad Mike was happy with the computer items he kept and I was really happy with the tools I kept.

Heck if you ask me I got the better end of the deal! You ask him he probably thinks the other way!

Anyhow dad came through! As I am looking and thinking I spot my big box of 1in drive ratchet and sockets! It don't get any bigger than that! 5 minutes later lug nut is off and I am about done! Total time spent 5 minutes one side and an hour and a half the other.

Although all that walking I feel like I got in some exercise!!!!!!!!

Another Passes Through....................

Another cyclist! Yep we had a couple who are touring through the area stop by and stay last night. They are 21 and 23. A young couple, they are from Arlington Va. and started in Wilmington. From his mom's house.

They drove down and started there, they are heading to Memphis and then to New Orleans. From there they plan to head back to Wilmington get the car and head home. She is unemployed so it wasn't that big of deal for her and he works at a bike shop. He hadn't taken any time off in awhile so they let him have the time.

Seemed like a really nice couple, they made it to Wadesboro yesterday about 6pm and I went and picked them up. From my house in Monroe that's only about a 30 minute drive. We came home and had a nice dinner drank a few beers and went to bed.

This morning I gave them a ride down to Fort Mill and sent them on their way! That saved them the nightmare of trying to get through Charlotte and gave them a good head start for the day. We have been members of the website Warmshowers for about a year now and this makes the second time someone has made it through our area.

I have been contacted a few other times that just didn't workout, one time we where out of town and one time I didn't really seem to hit it off with the person who wanted to stop. I made up an excuse and they made other arrangements. It's totally up to you who you allow to stop by so it's pretty cool!

So after having 2 visitors I have a few observations I want to share.

First, you really don't need a high tech bike and equipment to do a bike tour. Pete (our first guess) had a bike he bought of Craigslist and Ortlieb panniers (bags).

John and Stephanie, they were riding old bikes, they even had the shift levers on the stem. Guess what, John bought his bike off Craigslist!

The one common thing these cyclist had has been the Ortlieb panniers. Both of them commented on how nice they are and how you don't want your stuff to get wet! John, even working at a bike shop said he wanted to have more money on the trip, that was a lot more important than getting a new bike at cost. So he plowed through Craigslist until he found what he wanted and then got it!

So if you want to tour spend your money on the important stuff and you will be a lot happier. Skip the fancy high end bike and get the nice bags and a light weight tent.

Second, be very flexible. Both times our visitors seem to be totally relaxed and flowing with the changes. No worries, they haven't been stressing over the route, just dealing with the changes. It seems as though they move at a different pace than "the rest of us" do!

Bikes will do that.......

One last observation, both of them made the comment that they seem to keep a 14mph pace....... Sounds like fun to me.........

It Might Be Time................

It might be time! Yep, I need to go to school. Camera school! I have a really nice camera, a Nikon D50. It's bad ass!

Why do I have a camera of that quality? Because it was a gift, I would never buy one this nice. The reason I wouldn't, because I can barely use a point and shoot!

Much less one that requires me to use my head.

Yes it will take some amazing shots and like I said it's way above my ability but I would like to be able to use it..... Better....

The reason for all this rambling would be the fact that I missed a shot I wanted yesterday.

Dammit......

The other night I was playing with the camera and changed some settings, when I had the chance to get my shot I didn't realize I had not changed things back, so I ended up with crap......

Yea, that's what I got!! It should be a beautiful picture of the white deer that lives in downtown Matthews. She was behind our warehouse yesterday and I was no more than a 100 feet from her.....

Again,,,,,Dammit............