It's Been a While, But ...

I've been busy.  Very busy.

My training's going well.  I've gotten over the hump, and I'm enjoying riding again.  It doesn't mean it's been an easy road though ... in fact, there have been quite a few obstacles along the way.

Low water crossings everywhere!

If I had one of these at work, it would make my training a little easier:

Speaking of work, I flew one of our new 737-800s to Chicago the other day.  The -800 carries 175 passengers compared to our normal load of 137.  It's loooong!

I was able to finally take a bike out to Las Vegas.  I bought a single-speed Trek Soho, and it's AWESOME!

I rode it over to REI and outfitted it with a rear rack, a rear bag (with panniers), and some new grips.

Claire actually made it out to Vegas last week and we managed to spend some time at a very nice resort and casino.  It's called Green Valley Ranch and Casino.  Check it out.

OK.  Well, I've made it my goal to ride 500 miles in July.  I'll write more about that later.

Progress

River Road Ice House

Well, I didn't want to get up at 6 am, but I did.  I rolled out at 7 am with the temperature at 70 degrees -- that's about as good as it gets for summertime in Texas.  River Road was quiet and I'm happy to report good progress.  I've ridden 4 days in a row, and overnight, it appears my body has made some adjustments.  My heart rate remained steady at about 70% of max except when climbing when it would go up to 80-85% of max and return to 70% quickly.  Good news.

Gotta go to work tonight.  AUS-HOU-MDW-PHX.  Hopefully, will return home Friday morning and get in a hot, afternoon ride!

First Sounds of Battle

It's a tough road back after losing my fitness.  It's a struggle to get out the door and I can think of a million excuses to skip the ride.  I have resolved not to miss a day of riding though, so I will not be deterred.  It's funny ... I can't think of a single time I've ridden and then regretted it -- it's just getting out the door that's the hard part.

Even so, riding now is not pleasant.  I can still remember just a year ago when my level of fitness was off the charts.  To compare myself now to then is such a disappointment.  I keep reminding myself of something to get me through:

There's a verse in the Bible I often rely on during tough times.  It's in Romans 8:18:

"For I consider the suffering of the present time not worthy to be compared to the glory which will be revealed to us."

I think that verse is directly applicable to what I'm doing today.  Conquering Yarnell Grade and Mingus Mountain are battles being fought RIGHT NOW not in the future!  My success or failure this year is being fought with my alarm clock!  Get out of bed and ride!  No excuses!  It will all be worth it next June!

Today, I hit the flat lands.  Where I live, west of I-35 hilly; east of I-35 flat.  I think the flats did me well today.  I got started a bit later than I wanted and I paid the price.  When I arrived in Marion, it was 9:30 am and already the bank thermometer was displaying 95 degrees!  Still, a good ride.

I got a new scale today.  It's pretty fancy; maybe I'll write about it in a few days.  Interestingly enough, during my sweaty ride of 1 hour 13 minutes, I lost 2.3 lbs even though I drank two 16 oz bottles.  That's a lot of sweat!

Early Morning ... Much Better

Sunrise over 3rd Crossing

After yesterday's "desert training" session, I decided to get up early.  I rolled out of my driveway about 7:00 am and headed down River Road.  Although River Road is usually a lost cause this time of year, I knew if I could be down and back by 8:30ish, I wouldn't see too much traffic.

A mild 72 degrees actually felt cold before I tackled the first hill of the morning.  It heated up quickly after that though.  As always, I felt blessed to live near such a beautiful place to ride -- the prettiest 13 miles in Texas!

Back in the Saddle ... Again

Well, it's been almost a year since I had french toast in Salt Lake City.

I will try to fill in the blanks of the last year as we go along; for now, let's get this thing started again ...

I decided it couldn't get any hotter, so I clipped in and headed to the boat.  Oh yeah ... we've moved.  We left New Braunfels in October and moved to the north side of Canyon Lake.  It's a wonderful house and we love it.  Although it's about 5 miles of walking for Jesus, it's 13 miles on the bike around the lake for me to get to the boat.

Did I mention how hot it was?

During the Race Across the West last year, I enjoyed the greatest fitness of my life.  I still remember climbing into Durango with Ron and asking him, "What if this is as good as it gets?  Is it going to be all downhill from here?"

Maybe.  After RAW, my saddle sores became infected which turned into an extended absence from the bike and all my hard-earned fitness evaporated.  When I tried to return, I was plagued by some kind of odd pinched-nerve injury which prevented me from riding for several months.

Even though I wanted to get back on the bike, the downhill plunge had its own inertia, and it's been tough to get going.

Well, I've set my sights on RAW again in 2013 and today's the first day.

It was hot.  It was hard.  But, I know it has to be done.

Best French Toast in America

Best French Toast in America, a photo by geauxkj on Flickr.

Red Lion Hotel in Salt Lake City

Semper Fi

Semper Fi, a photo by geauxkj on Flickr.

Today, New Braunfels welcomed home Lance Corporal John F. Farias, a 2009 graduate of Canyon High School, who was killed in Afghanistan last week. Thousands lined Seguin Avenue and the Main Plaza as the Marine was escorted by hundreds of motorcycles and other vehicles. I am proud of this young American and proud of how the citizens of New Braunfels honored his sacrifice. He is a year older than my son, Tanner.

The most amazing thing about today's procession -- no one said a word. Flags waved, tears ran down cheeks, elderly veterans silently saluted -- in complete silence. Sometimes words are just not enough.

Semper Fi, Marine.