Saved the quad...

...from damage as my chainsaw accident required only 8 stiches to close up and didn't get into muscle. By myself, happened so fast I didn't even realize it. 80 mph to the ER...didn't want to look at it....but it wasn't bleeding too bad so I knew I was lucky. Get to yank the stiches in 10 days. Despite the scare, no worse for the wear. Afib even warned me to be careful.

Man do I suck.

Checkin In

The boys were out on the MTBs today.I almost went, but instead headed over to the new property and spent another entire day with chainsaw in hand. I thought the whole gang was in the woods, but I almost delivered a log when Richy and Randy startled me as I was cutting wood. They were about 2/3 of the way through the Fear This 14 and stopped to say hi. It was good to see them. Took a short break, Richy shed some clothes in the back of my Suburban, and off they went. It was a gorgeous day and I was jealous.

Bridge Over the River Conno-Q

Broke the law twice on the 'cross bike w/ HD Saturday morning....first time riding over the (closed) new Wayne St bridge, second time riding back over the (closed) new but muddy Monroe St bridge.

You say 'cross...

...I say just checkin' in. Haven't ridden much at all since the 9/11 ride...swore this wouldn't happen again this year...

Remembering 9-11

Thanks to all (except one) who participated in escorting the American Flag from Butler to Cranberry yesterday. We did change time by altering the time space continuum as the clock turned backwards with our pace, but a very nice event overall. Many honks of support from motorists and even salutes from veterans along the way. Support was provided along the way at stops at NexTier Bank, BASF, and Mars National Bank.

Props to the United Way, Butler Radio, and the PA State Police. Thanks to HD for outstanding assistance/organization, as always.

The Kranicks boys turned up the heat on the ride home, making for a great workout on a 50+ mile day. I certainly was knackered when I got home.

Most importantly, we provided visibility in remembrance to the victims and families of the 9-11 attack on America. At the end of the day everybody had the chance to reflect and make sure that we "never forget".

A Dirty Joke...

...is me on the MTB.

(image removed)

The opposite of posing is living in Boulder...AND having an altitude tent IN YOUR DORM ROOM!










When I was in college...early 80s...we trained with a rebreathing system. I think it was called "VO2 Max", but I'm not sure. You wore a mask connected to 2 tanks on your back with CO2 scrub crystals in a cannister, then went running/riding while rebreathing your expired O2, which is about 16%, compared to normal air which is 21%. It was PAINFUL, hot, and really uncomfortable. Gee why didn't it last? That system is so archaic now that I couldn't find a hint of it on a google search. I'm frickin' old.

PS Stay tuned for an easy group ride mid-October following the same course as LaTour.

(Initial) Top Ten LaTour De LaTonka Memories

10. Richie flying on Stage 20; Richie flatting on Stage 21.
9. The somewhat regular warning shout of "horseshit!" to the peloton.
8. Bleary eyes upon arrival in the morning.
7. Frosty having a Heiny Light waiting before I was off the bike!
6. Johnny Mac taking the first K.O.M.; Johnny Mac plotting his s**t strategy for the last 16 stages.
5. The great attitude of everyone while we BAKED...even with a 2-hour time overrun.
4. Holding Turner's wheel...sometimes.
3. Henry's outstanding scoring and support assistance.
2. The volunteers...Ali, Ali, Hunter, Tic, Afib Rider, and Tracey.

...and the no.1 Latour de LaTonka memory is...

1. THE PAIN!