As you may have figured out, I am following the iPhone hoopla. I'm trying not to get sucked in by the frenzy. (I have a fondness for cool gadgets, but I think the price is too high for the features) As of 6:00 CST, which is when I started writing this, they should be going on sale here, right now! They are showing the long line in downtown Chicago on CNBC right now. In New York the first person got in line at 5 am on Monday, they say.
Apparently it's pretty common to pay people to stand in line. The first guy in line at the AT&T store was being paid $15 an hour - he said he would make about $400 for sitting in line. The funny part is that the guy who paid him was there almost the whole time except when he was at work. The man was in town for business from Puerto Rico and felt like he wanted to be there even though he was paying someone else to wait in line. They showed him buying Coke and pizza for everyone in line.
Now the guy has come out with his two phones. He opened one and showed it to the reporter. He said he was practically shaking. It's bigger than I thought it would be. Not a little pocket phone.
At the Apple Store in New York, all of the store employees were applauding each person who bought a phone.
Another purely American marketing thing is that other companies are outside the Apple stores giving out free stuff, hoping to get their product some exposure on national TV!! That is even funnier than paying people to wait in line. Now lots of people in line are wearing free t-shirts advertising other products.
The TV is saying iPhones are already on sale on ebay for over $1750. Must be the New Yorkers.
I was reading the article on CNET about the launch in New York, where they went on sale an hour before here. Looks like there were tons of press, spectators, and customers in the street. They also happened to mention that the San Francisco Critical Mass ride is likely to go right by the Apple Store right around the time they let people in. Could be interesting.
Now I am going to go for a road ride. I will be riding right by an AT&T store. I will try to control myself and not stop, even if there is no line!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Hire a Diversion, and Working Dates??
Need someone to scare up a spot in the iPhone line for you this weekend? You can hire a mercenary to create a diversion to help you get a better spot in line. I'm not so sure this would actually work.....
I was looking for Walt Mossberg's iPhone review on the WSJ website and found this article before I got there. Apparently a new dating trend is "working dates" where both people bring their laptops, have dinner, then work side by side.
I was looking for Walt Mossberg's iPhone review on the WSJ website and found this article before I got there. Apparently a new dating trend is "working dates" where both people bring their laptops, have dinner, then work side by side.
More on the Evanston Crit
Here is the link to the web site for the Evanston Crit. I can't wait, that is gonna be a fun day! So glad there is not a WORS race that Sunday.
They have a sponsorship recruitment page extolling the virtues of Evanston. They also have a couple of paragraphs about bike racing and bike racers. Did you know that we are more self-confident, and interested in wellness, the outdoors, and environmental issues? Here is what they have to say about bike racing:
Bicycle Racing Fans and the Race Itself
The global bicycle industry is estimated to have total retail sales in excess of $20 billion (from a 2001 report) with the U.S. bicycle industry generating sales totaling $5.89 billion in 2000. In addition to riding for both pleasure and transportation, Americans are showing a growing interest in cycling events.
Bicycle racing events typically attract a higher income, younger, college-educated audience that dovetails neatly with Evanston’s demographic profile. Cyclists and bike racing fans tend to be self-confident and more interested in wellness, the outdoors and environmental issues.
Cycling events — somewhat like stock car races — are well suited to sponsors in part because cycling teams are identified by their sponsors’ names. Sponsors’ logos and messages appear throughout the course on banners and in the race announcer’s commentary over the public address system.
They have a sponsorship recruitment page extolling the virtues of Evanston. They also have a couple of paragraphs about bike racing and bike racers. Did you know that we are more self-confident, and interested in wellness, the outdoors, and environmental issues? Here is what they have to say about bike racing:
Bicycle Racing Fans and the Race Itself
The global bicycle industry is estimated to have total retail sales in excess of $20 billion (from a 2001 report) with the U.S. bicycle industry generating sales totaling $5.89 billion in 2000. In addition to riding for both pleasure and transportation, Americans are showing a growing interest in cycling events.
Bicycle racing events typically attract a higher income, younger, college-educated audience that dovetails neatly with Evanston’s demographic profile. Cyclists and bike racing fans tend to be self-confident and more interested in wellness, the outdoors and environmental issues.
Cycling events — somewhat like stock car races — are well suited to sponsors in part because cycling teams are identified by their sponsors’ names. Sponsors’ logos and messages appear throughout the course on banners and in the race announcer’s commentary over the public address system.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Stuff to check out
I was surprised to be reading the August issue of Mountain Bike Action and turn to page 104, the "Inside the Pro's Bikes" column. Hey, that's a WORS racer!! The featured pro this month is Chris Peariso, with his Titus Racer X. I don't know Chris but I think that's pretty cool that they are featuring a Midwesterner!
Also, on page 22 of the same issue is what might be the perfect race vehicle for WORS and WEMS. Everything but a shower and a bathroom! It's a converted Dodge Sprinter van, converted by Sportsmobile. They have a model designed by Brian Lopes called the Lopes 55, which is about $71,000!!! (hey, you can live in it!) Or you can design your own. The Lopes model is the most popular, says the article. Sleeps 4, has a kitchen with fridge, an area in the back for bikes, and it can get 22 mpg. It also is allowed in places that an RV isn't, and it can drive on dirt roads. The article says that it qualifies for a 15 year RV loan. (I didn't know RV loans could be that long!) While I don't think most of us will be able to run out and buy this, it's droolworthy. Check it out at their web site. Under "Gallery" check out the pics of the "bikes/toy haulers".
And now, after reading and writing about the Sprinter van this morning, I noticed Sprinter vans everywhere this afternoon! I must have seen like 10 of them today! Funny how that works. They are so plain looking I normally don't notice them, but they are everywhere.
Also, on page 22 of the same issue is what might be the perfect race vehicle for WORS and WEMS. Everything but a shower and a bathroom! It's a converted Dodge Sprinter van, converted by Sportsmobile. They have a model designed by Brian Lopes called the Lopes 55, which is about $71,000!!! (hey, you can live in it!) Or you can design your own. The Lopes model is the most popular, says the article. Sleeps 4, has a kitchen with fridge, an area in the back for bikes, and it can get 22 mpg. It also is allowed in places that an RV isn't, and it can drive on dirt roads. The article says that it qualifies for a 15 year RV loan. (I didn't know RV loans could be that long!) While I don't think most of us will be able to run out and buy this, it's droolworthy. Check it out at their web site. Under "Gallery" check out the pics of the "bikes/toy haulers".
And now, after reading and writing about the Sprinter van this morning, I noticed Sprinter vans everywhere this afternoon! I must have seen like 10 of them today! Funny how that works. They are so plain looking I normally don't notice them, but they are everywhere.
LaCrossin'
I had a feeling when I read up on the HPT that I was going to be in over my head in this race. Human Powered Trails is an appropriate name for this trail system. Bring every ounce of power you have to these trails!
The day started when I woke up early but did that thing where you hit the alarm to turn it off but then close your eyes "just for a minute". 25 minutes (and some more sleep) later, I actually did get up. So much for my extra time "cushion" that I was shooting for. I could barely stay awake on the drive there, I almost had to pull over. Once in LaCrosse, when I saw the "mountain" on the left, I felt I had really traveled somewhere. I had the feeling that I had left the Midwest and entered some other zone entirely. I had forgotten about the bluffs and scenic vistas around LaCrosse, all I remembered was that it was hilly. When I found that we had to drive up the "mountain" to get to the course, the task that lay ahead really sunk in. There were a bunch of the singlespeeders driving down the hill, leaving, as I was driving up. I think I passed Rachael and John.
No time for a warmup but that was fine, it's a long race. Right before the start I lowered my seat, thinking that would be better for what was shaping up to be a technical course. I didn't have enough time to do it right and test it out. Mistake.
The running starts are not my favorite. Ugh. I usually have to walk them so as not to aggravate old injuries, but this time they said if we couldn't run we could wait for the last people to finish running and then go. I gladly took that option, and I was not the only one. So there I was, starting last into the prologue lap. Immediately I realized the seat was way too low to go fast in the open stuff. I felt like one of those old guys you see riding on Sheridan Road with their seat way too low and their knees sticking out. I passed one of the women on the grassy hill at the end of the prologue, but had to stop to raise the seat. Arrrgh. It still felt way too low for the wide open stuff but I knew I'd be getting off the bike alot, or at least dabbing, and I didn't want to end up tumbling down the side of a bluff.... I was the last one into the singletrack. Early on I encountered the woman I had passed before, and I could see Jan ahead. They were both walking, and soon I was too. Already!! Oh, and a monkey too. He wasn't walking, just hanging out, laughing at us.
I immediately felt better, seeing the others walking ahead of me. The bad part of that is that is that it encouraged me to keep walking stuff that I should have been trying to ride. Jan was joking that she didn't know she'd be going for a hike that day. And quite a hike it was. Ride some, get off, get back on, get back off, and so on. Uh, oh, I think I hear someone coming up, wish they would say something when they need to pass, pull off the trail into the leafy itchy vegetation so they can pass.... over and over we would pull over to let the fast guys pass. That's the most frustrating part when you are already struggling with the trail and are trying to focus - having the constant stress that you might not hear someone coming up behind you in the singletrack and you might not get out of the way fast enough. Looking back on that lap, I think that we shouldn't have let the other girl with us get away, considering that we both were faster than she was in the open. We weren't paying close enough attention. Too much talking and walking and not enough riding. It was fun though, in a miserable sort of way.
Readers, I have to say these trails are the kind of well-planned trails most of you dream about! They are the kind that keep me awake the night before a race, but we already know I need more practice in the singletrack! These are the trails that people who think WORS trails are too easy would absolutely love! But they are very demanding and you have to have great balance and technical skills. And you can't ever let your attention lapse. All singletrack - roots, log piles, a big rock here and there, bench cut stuff on the side of the hill, tight trees, super tight switchbacks, some off camber stuff - no room for mistakes! It was very slippery that day in places. I think it would have been alot easier for me had it been less slippery.
In the middle of the next lap, I rolled over some roots and heard that pingy noise you hear when there is a stick in your spokes. Errrrrrrrrk - the bike stopped cold in the middle of the trail. Would not budge. Huh? I got off to figure out where this errant stick was, and instead found something totally unexpected. There was a big hunk of rooty thing wedged in my rear wheel, keeping it from moving. Picture a giant fat sweet potato with a curly end. The curly end was wrapped around a spoke, and the fat part was wedged between the seat stay, the wheel spokes, the rear brake assembly, and the rear brake cable. The way it was wedged caused the brake cable to be shoved up at almost a right angle from where it came out of the caliper assembly (I don't know the real name for this part). Yikes. I couldn't get it out, being wrapped around the spoke was the kiss of death. Neither could others who came along the trail and tried. Wheel would not move. So, I started "walking" the bike, which involved lifting up the (heavy) rear and trying to roll the front wheel along. A really ackward process. A nice local guy stopped to ask if he could help - he had already done the singlespeed race and was just out riding this race for fun. He showed me a shorter way back to the start. It was still plenty long!! I'm guessing I had to drag that thing for a mile total, though it could have been a lot less. It just seemed like a long way.
The race volunteers were great and super helpful. One of them took me over to some guys with tools, and one of those guys was was able to dislodge the rooty thing right away by wiggling it out. That's when you really feel stupid - a bunch of people try something, can't do it, then someone else comes along and makes it look ridiculously easy! But I was happy he was able to get it out. It probably loosened up on the way out of the woods. But, my rear brake was shot. The guy squeezed the lever to see if the root had caused a leak, and sure enough the fluid came out where the root bent the cable. Ah, just what I want dripping inside of my car (and definitely not dripping on the roof paint!)......he took off the brake and wrapped it up in a bag. I put a few more bags around it just in case the fluid started to eat through the first bag. I am not really sure what hydraulic DOT fluid can eat through and what it can't, and how fast, so I ended up taking some cardboard and some newspaper and putting those under the brake area when I later put the bike in the car.
As far as the inflatable monkey counting contest, which was fun, I had trouble keeping count. You wouldn't think so, given that I wasn't going all that fast, but I did. My mind was focused on other things, I guess. I got 18 in the woods plus three more at the finish, for 21. The winner, Al B., counted 29. I don't remember what he won, but it was something good.
I hung out for a while talking to people and stayed for the various awards and the raffle, and ate some brats , that was fun. (thanks Ray, Jen, for sharing your brats) Didn't win anything in the raffle. The race was well organized. Thanks to the promoters for putting it on.. Nice day, much nicer than it was at home. The long drive home took even longer cuz I stopped for a couple of naps. Got home at 4 ish am, to bed at 5ish.
The bike shop called tonight (Monday). They are having to send the brake to the manufacturer, and have no idea if it will make it back in time for the race this weekend. The brakes are pretty old, so I hope they are still supported. I've been lucky, those brakes have worked really well for me over the years, with minimal problems.
It's really late, now I have to get to bed.
The day started when I woke up early but did that thing where you hit the alarm to turn it off but then close your eyes "just for a minute". 25 minutes (and some more sleep) later, I actually did get up. So much for my extra time "cushion" that I was shooting for. I could barely stay awake on the drive there, I almost had to pull over. Once in LaCrosse, when I saw the "mountain" on the left, I felt I had really traveled somewhere. I had the feeling that I had left the Midwest and entered some other zone entirely. I had forgotten about the bluffs and scenic vistas around LaCrosse, all I remembered was that it was hilly. When I found that we had to drive up the "mountain" to get to the course, the task that lay ahead really sunk in. There were a bunch of the singlespeeders driving down the hill, leaving, as I was driving up. I think I passed Rachael and John.
No time for a warmup but that was fine, it's a long race. Right before the start I lowered my seat, thinking that would be better for what was shaping up to be a technical course. I didn't have enough time to do it right and test it out. Mistake.
The running starts are not my favorite. Ugh. I usually have to walk them so as not to aggravate old injuries, but this time they said if we couldn't run we could wait for the last people to finish running and then go. I gladly took that option, and I was not the only one. So there I was, starting last into the prologue lap. Immediately I realized the seat was way too low to go fast in the open stuff. I felt like one of those old guys you see riding on Sheridan Road with their seat way too low and their knees sticking out. I passed one of the women on the grassy hill at the end of the prologue, but had to stop to raise the seat. Arrrgh. It still felt way too low for the wide open stuff but I knew I'd be getting off the bike alot, or at least dabbing, and I didn't want to end up tumbling down the side of a bluff.... I was the last one into the singletrack. Early on I encountered the woman I had passed before, and I could see Jan ahead. They were both walking, and soon I was too. Already!! Oh, and a monkey too. He wasn't walking, just hanging out, laughing at us.
I immediately felt better, seeing the others walking ahead of me. The bad part of that is that is that it encouraged me to keep walking stuff that I should have been trying to ride. Jan was joking that she didn't know she'd be going for a hike that day. And quite a hike it was. Ride some, get off, get back on, get back off, and so on. Uh, oh, I think I hear someone coming up, wish they would say something when they need to pass, pull off the trail into the leafy itchy vegetation so they can pass.... over and over we would pull over to let the fast guys pass. That's the most frustrating part when you are already struggling with the trail and are trying to focus - having the constant stress that you might not hear someone coming up behind you in the singletrack and you might not get out of the way fast enough. Looking back on that lap, I think that we shouldn't have let the other girl with us get away, considering that we both were faster than she was in the open. We weren't paying close enough attention. Too much talking and walking and not enough riding. It was fun though, in a miserable sort of way.
Readers, I have to say these trails are the kind of well-planned trails most of you dream about! They are the kind that keep me awake the night before a race, but we already know I need more practice in the singletrack! These are the trails that people who think WORS trails are too easy would absolutely love! But they are very demanding and you have to have great balance and technical skills. And you can't ever let your attention lapse. All singletrack - roots, log piles, a big rock here and there, bench cut stuff on the side of the hill, tight trees, super tight switchbacks, some off camber stuff - no room for mistakes! It was very slippery that day in places. I think it would have been alot easier for me had it been less slippery.
In the middle of the next lap, I rolled over some roots and heard that pingy noise you hear when there is a stick in your spokes. Errrrrrrrrk - the bike stopped cold in the middle of the trail. Would not budge. Huh? I got off to figure out where this errant stick was, and instead found something totally unexpected. There was a big hunk of rooty thing wedged in my rear wheel, keeping it from moving. Picture a giant fat sweet potato with a curly end. The curly end was wrapped around a spoke, and the fat part was wedged between the seat stay, the wheel spokes, the rear brake assembly, and the rear brake cable. The way it was wedged caused the brake cable to be shoved up at almost a right angle from where it came out of the caliper assembly (I don't know the real name for this part). Yikes. I couldn't get it out, being wrapped around the spoke was the kiss of death. Neither could others who came along the trail and tried. Wheel would not move. So, I started "walking" the bike, which involved lifting up the (heavy) rear and trying to roll the front wheel along. A really ackward process. A nice local guy stopped to ask if he could help - he had already done the singlespeed race and was just out riding this race for fun. He showed me a shorter way back to the start. It was still plenty long!! I'm guessing I had to drag that thing for a mile total, though it could have been a lot less. It just seemed like a long way.
The race volunteers were great and super helpful. One of them took me over to some guys with tools, and one of those guys was was able to dislodge the rooty thing right away by wiggling it out. That's when you really feel stupid - a bunch of people try something, can't do it, then someone else comes along and makes it look ridiculously easy! But I was happy he was able to get it out. It probably loosened up on the way out of the woods. But, my rear brake was shot. The guy squeezed the lever to see if the root had caused a leak, and sure enough the fluid came out where the root bent the cable. Ah, just what I want dripping inside of my car (and definitely not dripping on the roof paint!)......he took off the brake and wrapped it up in a bag. I put a few more bags around it just in case the fluid started to eat through the first bag. I am not really sure what hydraulic DOT fluid can eat through and what it can't, and how fast, so I ended up taking some cardboard and some newspaper and putting those under the brake area when I later put the bike in the car.
As far as the inflatable monkey counting contest, which was fun, I had trouble keeping count. You wouldn't think so, given that I wasn't going all that fast, but I did. My mind was focused on other things, I guess. I got 18 in the woods plus three more at the finish, for 21. The winner, Al B., counted 29. I don't remember what he won, but it was something good.
I hung out for a while talking to people and stayed for the various awards and the raffle, and ate some brats , that was fun. (thanks Ray, Jen, for sharing your brats) Didn't win anything in the raffle. The race was well organized. Thanks to the promoters for putting it on.. Nice day, much nicer than it was at home. The long drive home took even longer cuz I stopped for a couple of naps. Got home at 4 ish am, to bed at 5ish.
The bike shop called tonight (Monday). They are having to send the brake to the manufacturer, and have no idea if it will make it back in time for the race this weekend. The brakes are pretty old, so I hope they are still supported. I've been lucky, those brakes have worked really well for me over the years, with minimal problems.
It's really late, now I have to get to bed.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Great Customer Service at Wild Oats
Tonight instead of going for a ride I went to dinner with NZ Wendy, Kristin, and Wendy's sister, bro in law and nephew who are still visiting from New Zealand. It was her family's last day before leaving Chicago. We went to the Heartland Cafe and ate outside. This was a good thing, cuz two year old Jasper was able to use the yard, sidewalk and the dirt as his personal playground. I don't think he sat down for more than 5 or 10 minutes. Little Matchbox trucks were constantly rolling off the table and squirrels got chased and so on. Did you know they don't have squirrels in New Zealand? It was great to see them one more time before they go. I can't believe three weeks has gone by so quickly.
They really enjoyed their visit to Chicago, they liked so many things about our city. Everyone was so friendly, and they often got special treatment, they found. They thought some of it had to do with having a cute 2 year old along. At the Field Museum, even though the museum staff was turning away people because it was closing soon, they let them in when they said, in their NZ accents, that they wanted to see the Maori exhibit before they leave town! They said that things are alot cheaper, in general, here than they are in New Zealand, and that we have a higher standard of living. On the other hand New Zealand has wonderful open space and some natural resources that aren't available to many people here. They don't have alot of malls or chain stores yet, although that has been changing in recent years. Marie said there are more cool boutique-y places there, but alot more available in basics at Gap and Old Navy type places for great prices here.
After dinner instead of going to the gym I decided I had better try to get to the grocery store before it closed, thinking tomorrow is going to be crazy trying to get everything done and I had better try to get some stuff now. After 9 this store starts putting stuff away and cleaning up at the deli, salad bar and meat counter. It was 9:30 and the woman at the meat counter was still willing to take my order instead of telling me that she was closed. Good thing number one! As I walked past the deli area I saw that all the food had been taken out and put away for the night. That was what I expected. The staff was standing around in the back and I smiled at the familiar faces as I walked by. When I was in the checkout line later, just before they were closing, one of the deli guys finds me in line and hands me a container flilled with my absolute favorite quinoa with black bean salad that I buy whenever they have it. He said, "I thought you'd like to have this." He must have gone in the back after I walked by and pulled out the put-away salad and filled up the container for me. I was so surprised, and happy to have the salad for after the race at LaCrosse! Now that is great customer service! That would be Good thing number two about my shopping experience at Wild Oats tonight. Thank you Wild Oats employees for being so cool!
They really enjoyed their visit to Chicago, they liked so many things about our city. Everyone was so friendly, and they often got special treatment, they found. They thought some of it had to do with having a cute 2 year old along. At the Field Museum, even though the museum staff was turning away people because it was closing soon, they let them in when they said, in their NZ accents, that they wanted to see the Maori exhibit before they leave town! They said that things are alot cheaper, in general, here than they are in New Zealand, and that we have a higher standard of living. On the other hand New Zealand has wonderful open space and some natural resources that aren't available to many people here. They don't have alot of malls or chain stores yet, although that has been changing in recent years. Marie said there are more cool boutique-y places there, but alot more available in basics at Gap and Old Navy type places for great prices here.
After dinner instead of going to the gym I decided I had better try to get to the grocery store before it closed, thinking tomorrow is going to be crazy trying to get everything done and I had better try to get some stuff now. After 9 this store starts putting stuff away and cleaning up at the deli, salad bar and meat counter. It was 9:30 and the woman at the meat counter was still willing to take my order instead of telling me that she was closed. Good thing number one! As I walked past the deli area I saw that all the food had been taken out and put away for the night. That was what I expected. The staff was standing around in the back and I smiled at the familiar faces as I walked by. When I was in the checkout line later, just before they were closing, one of the deli guys finds me in line and hands me a container flilled with my absolute favorite quinoa with black bean salad that I buy whenever they have it. He said, "I thought you'd like to have this." He must have gone in the back after I walked by and pulled out the put-away salad and filled up the container for me. I was so surprised, and happy to have the salad for after the race at LaCrosse! Now that is great customer service! That would be Good thing number two about my shopping experience at Wild Oats tonight. Thank you Wild Oats employees for being so cool!
At the Back in VeloNews
I read Maynard Hershon's At the Back column in the new June 25 VeloNews today. It is titled "Bygone Bootcamp". He notes how the new road riders today, with all the top-notch gear, have him fooled until he sees them riding. He points out the difference between riders in previous years who were taught the rules of riding, and these new riders who act clueless not because they are stupid, but because no one has taught them the rules.
I think everyone, road or otherwise, should read this article! The new riders could get a start on learning something about the rules of cycling and the basis for the rules. Many of us, myself included, could get a much-needed refresher course on the rules. Since I am now officially slow and seldom go on fast group rides like I once did, I have gotten rusty. And even those who know all this stuff backwards and forwards could get a reminder to help someone else they know learn how to ride better by passing along some of the things that are second nature to them but not obvious to someone new.
And lastly, next time someone teases me for wearing knee warmers when it's 69.5 degrees out, I will point them to this article!!
I think everyone, road or otherwise, should read this article! The new riders could get a start on learning something about the rules of cycling and the basis for the rules. Many of us, myself included, could get a much-needed refresher course on the rules. Since I am now officially slow and seldom go on fast group rides like I once did, I have gotten rusty. And even those who know all this stuff backwards and forwards could get a reminder to help someone else they know learn how to ride better by passing along some of the things that are second nature to them but not obvious to someone new.
And lastly, next time someone teases me for wearing knee warmers when it's 69.5 degrees out, I will point them to this article!!
Waiting
Last winter I had an opportunity to put the wheels in motion to make an addition to my bike family. A few of you know how much trouble I have had over the years modifying bikes in an attempt to make them fit. Zillions of spacers, Sears Tower-like seatposts, adjustable stems, ridiculously short stems, sore back from bending over too far, and so on. When I look at old pics from races like Cactus Cup or look at my old road racing bike I wonder how I ever was able to ride like that. Some people probably still look at my bikes and wonder about them. At cross nationals one year I lent a friend my bike as his extra bike, and he said it was almost unrideable for him, our proportions were so different. In one Cactus Cup picture I ran across the other day, my knee looks like it's going to bop me in the chin (ok, I'm exaggerating a little). Thank goodness for the advent of trailbikes with longer travel forks and higher riding positions!
Things hit some snags here and there, out of my control, but apparently my new frame has arrived at the end of last week. Due to racing over the weekend and various other things (like work) that have kept me busy during the weekdays when they are open, I haven't been able to visit it yet. I was able to go today or tomorrow but that didn't work on their end. Friday is going to be the day I take the parts there and get to meet it, at last!!! Can't wait.
I came up with a new idea for the color scheme after it was too late. So they are sending extra decals in case I want to change. I may be needing some advice soon from you bloggers soon on what looks best....
Tonight (Wed) I went to pick up a copy of Erin Mirabella's children's book. She was signing books at Turin. I hadn't seen her in years, since she was a junior (or shortly thereafter) racing in Kenosha. I think my nephew will really like her book. Although we didn't know each other well, It was nice to see her.
Then I went for a ride, coming home in the dark. I had plenty of lights a blinkin', but some dude leaving Bar Louie on his Big Dog or Harley almost flattened me anyway. I think that by wearing his sunglasses in the dark and sliding them down his nose so he could squint over them, he thought he was following the law that you have to wear eye protection on a motorcycle! Or maybe his girlfriend on the back was giving him directions since he couldn't see out of those sunglasses in the dark....
I am still getting dive-bombed by cicadas in the north suburbs when I ride. And I saw the first ones I have seen so far in my neighborhood today, on the sidewalk right in front.
And, today I read that cutting edge companies are doing job interviews in Second Life! Apparently newbies that just joined for the job interview don't know how to control their avatars yet, and they end up doing things they didn't intend to in the interview, like handing the interviewer a beer, or slumping and looking like they are falling asleep in a chair, or sitting on the table instead of in a chair, or whatever. Also, ,one guy said he couldn't figure out how to dress his avatar in a suit, so he had to wear a t shirt and jeans to his interview. I haven't tried Second Life yet, I wonder if it works on a Mac?
Things hit some snags here and there, out of my control, but apparently my new frame has arrived at the end of last week. Due to racing over the weekend and various other things (like work) that have kept me busy during the weekdays when they are open, I haven't been able to visit it yet. I was able to go today or tomorrow but that didn't work on their end. Friday is going to be the day I take the parts there and get to meet it, at last!!! Can't wait.
I came up with a new idea for the color scheme after it was too late. So they are sending extra decals in case I want to change. I may be needing some advice soon from you bloggers soon on what looks best....
Tonight (Wed) I went to pick up a copy of Erin Mirabella's children's book. She was signing books at Turin. I hadn't seen her in years, since she was a junior (or shortly thereafter) racing in Kenosha. I think my nephew will really like her book. Although we didn't know each other well, It was nice to see her.
Then I went for a ride, coming home in the dark. I had plenty of lights a blinkin', but some dude leaving Bar Louie on his Big Dog or Harley almost flattened me anyway. I think that by wearing his sunglasses in the dark and sliding them down his nose so he could squint over them, he thought he was following the law that you have to wear eye protection on a motorcycle! Or maybe his girlfriend on the back was giving him directions since he couldn't see out of those sunglasses in the dark....
I am still getting dive-bombed by cicadas in the north suburbs when I ride. And I saw the first ones I have seen so far in my neighborhood today, on the sidewalk right in front.
And, today I read that cutting edge companies are doing job interviews in Second Life! Apparently newbies that just joined for the job interview don't know how to control their avatars yet, and they end up doing things they didn't intend to in the interview, like handing the interviewer a beer, or slumping and looking like they are falling asleep in a chair, or sitting on the table instead of in a chair, or whatever. Also, ,one guy said he couldn't figure out how to dress his avatar in a suit, so he had to wear a t shirt and jeans to his interview. I haven't tried Second Life yet, I wonder if it works on a Mac?
Bumping along in Phillips
Here it is midnight on Wednesday and I still haven't written a race report on Phillips. This is what happens every week, I get busy at the beginning of the week, then by Thursday or so I don't want to sit down for an hour or two and write when I should be doing laundry and getting ready for the next race that weekend.....
Anyway, I wasn't sure about going to Phillips. The long drive was a deterrent, and the idea of a weekend at home was very tempting. I decided to go, though, and got there a little before 1 am Saturday night. More sleep would have been nice, but, oh well, I am used to not getting a good sleep before race day at this point. When I got to the venue Sunday morning, the lot didn't seem as full as last year. I can think of at least 10 or more people I know that went last year that didn't go this year. Multiply that and it adds up.
The course was v-v-v-v-verrrry b-b-b-b-b-b-bumpppppy. It's a good thing I don't have a good memory for courses. For some reason I couldn't remember this one at all (except for the road leadout), although I could picture the campgrounds and I did remember how nice the volunteers were. If I had known how much the course would aggravate my back I might have stayed home. I don't get to WORS early enough to preride, so the courses are always a bit of a surprise. This one was a bumpy, dusty, teeth-rattling surprise!! Even the open areas were too bumpy, for me at least, to go fast and pass people.
It got windy and overcast before the start. Cooler, uh-oh. I heard them calling up the women earlier than usual, I had thought I had another 4 or 5 minutes, so I made a beeline over to the start and slipped into the start area just after my name was called. The road leadout went well for me, until we hit the hill. Then a clump of better hill climbers passed me. In the singletrack we had some raindrops, which fortunately didn't last for long at all. Then we heard air raid sirens. They kept going, and going, and......going. We were asking each other what was up. Tornado? war? I asked some volunteers - one said if I could hear the sirens I wasn't racing hard enough. Turns out they were probably summoning firefighters in town to a big fire. Thanks to all the volunteers that were out there directing us. There were lots of people to ask about the sirens, even if they didn't know the answer.
The people I usually see around me in a race passed me, which was discouraging. Shoulda gotten here earlier, gotten more sleep last night...a longer warm up... ridden less last week....eaten better.....all the stuff that goes through your mind.... I did more walking/running up hills than I would have liked, but I couldn't afford to crash on top of the pounding my back was getting. At one point I took a really big hit to the spine on a downhill - usually I can get out of the saddle in time for those giant ones but this one caught me totally by surprise. Boom!!! I could visualize my poor L5-S1 disc squishing out in all directions like a marshmallow in a squashed s'more. I was hoping that was not the case, but I couldn't shake the visual.
Near the middle of the second lap some people passed me that I wasn't expecting to see - that woke me up out of my haze and at that point I had to pour it on in the open sections, bumpy or not. I managed to pass most of them back, whew. Some of it I had to do at the squishy marshy grassy area near the end . I was expecting a long open stretch where I could gain some time and instead I was going "oh, yeah, now I remember this" as my tires sunk into marshy ground and I felt like I was swimming to the finish. Glub, glub....
Ahhhhh, the nice cold, wet towel at the finish. That I did remember. Perfect for the dust all over our legs. We sat down at the picnic table for a few minutes and dug in to the all you can eat watermelon! Yum! Sticky watermelon fingers and a nice cool cloth to wash them. Thanks again to the volunteers who had the washclothes and watermelon waiting for us!
The Sports got rained on and had they not been in the woods they might have blown away. The guy in the building with the walkie talkie told all the lunch-eaters not to leave the building due to the dangerous high winds. It was sunny by the Expert and Comp race. What a schizophrenic day! During the expert race the fairgrounds felt deserted because so many people drove over to the feed zone to watch and feed. It felt like everyone had gone home.
There were some impressive results - I don't remember them all right now, but I will congratulate fellow blogger Brittany on her awesome second place overall in sport as well as teammate John for winning his age group and placing well overall!
All the way home in the car, among other things, my tailbone ached. I squirmed around alot, trying to find a more comfortable position. When I told the chiropractor yesterday about the big hit to the spine, she said, "yeah, I can tell. Your tailbone got slammed into your sacrum, the tailbone area is puffy, and it affected your neck, too." It amazes me that they can pick up on stuff like that before we even tell them. I don't know how people on hardtails survived this race. Maybe it will catch up with them years down the road like it is with me. Hope not, though. I have this unwelcome vision of the bike racers' old age home, all of us hobbling around, bent over our canes and such after all the crashes we've all had over all the years. As Holly K. put it earlier this year when I was worrying a bit about injuries, you want to be able to walk when you are 80!
Anyway, I wasn't sure about going to Phillips. The long drive was a deterrent, and the idea of a weekend at home was very tempting. I decided to go, though, and got there a little before 1 am Saturday night. More sleep would have been nice, but, oh well, I am used to not getting a good sleep before race day at this point. When I got to the venue Sunday morning, the lot didn't seem as full as last year. I can think of at least 10 or more people I know that went last year that didn't go this year. Multiply that and it adds up.
The course was v-v-v-v-verrrry b-b-b-b-b-b-bumpppppy. It's a good thing I don't have a good memory for courses. For some reason I couldn't remember this one at all (except for the road leadout), although I could picture the campgrounds and I did remember how nice the volunteers were. If I had known how much the course would aggravate my back I might have stayed home. I don't get to WORS early enough to preride, so the courses are always a bit of a surprise. This one was a bumpy, dusty, teeth-rattling surprise!! Even the open areas were too bumpy, for me at least, to go fast and pass people.
It got windy and overcast before the start. Cooler, uh-oh. I heard them calling up the women earlier than usual, I had thought I had another 4 or 5 minutes, so I made a beeline over to the start and slipped into the start area just after my name was called. The road leadout went well for me, until we hit the hill. Then a clump of better hill climbers passed me. In the singletrack we had some raindrops, which fortunately didn't last for long at all. Then we heard air raid sirens. They kept going, and going, and......going. We were asking each other what was up. Tornado? war? I asked some volunteers - one said if I could hear the sirens I wasn't racing hard enough. Turns out they were probably summoning firefighters in town to a big fire. Thanks to all the volunteers that were out there directing us. There were lots of people to ask about the sirens, even if they didn't know the answer.
The people I usually see around me in a race passed me, which was discouraging. Shoulda gotten here earlier, gotten more sleep last night...a longer warm up... ridden less last week....eaten better.....all the stuff that goes through your mind.... I did more walking/running up hills than I would have liked, but I couldn't afford to crash on top of the pounding my back was getting. At one point I took a really big hit to the spine on a downhill - usually I can get out of the saddle in time for those giant ones but this one caught me totally by surprise. Boom!!! I could visualize my poor L5-S1 disc squishing out in all directions like a marshmallow in a squashed s'more. I was hoping that was not the case, but I couldn't shake the visual.
Near the middle of the second lap some people passed me that I wasn't expecting to see - that woke me up out of my haze and at that point I had to pour it on in the open sections, bumpy or not. I managed to pass most of them back, whew. Some of it I had to do at the squishy marshy grassy area near the end . I was expecting a long open stretch where I could gain some time and instead I was going "oh, yeah, now I remember this" as my tires sunk into marshy ground and I felt like I was swimming to the finish. Glub, glub....
Ahhhhh, the nice cold, wet towel at the finish. That I did remember. Perfect for the dust all over our legs. We sat down at the picnic table for a few minutes and dug in to the all you can eat watermelon! Yum! Sticky watermelon fingers and a nice cool cloth to wash them. Thanks again to the volunteers who had the washclothes and watermelon waiting for us!
The Sports got rained on and had they not been in the woods they might have blown away. The guy in the building with the walkie talkie told all the lunch-eaters not to leave the building due to the dangerous high winds. It was sunny by the Expert and Comp race. What a schizophrenic day! During the expert race the fairgrounds felt deserted because so many people drove over to the feed zone to watch and feed. It felt like everyone had gone home.
There were some impressive results - I don't remember them all right now, but I will congratulate fellow blogger Brittany on her awesome second place overall in sport as well as teammate John for winning his age group and placing well overall!
All the way home in the car, among other things, my tailbone ached. I squirmed around alot, trying to find a more comfortable position. When I told the chiropractor yesterday about the big hit to the spine, she said, "yeah, I can tell. Your tailbone got slammed into your sacrum, the tailbone area is puffy, and it affected your neck, too." It amazes me that they can pick up on stuff like that before we even tell them. I don't know how people on hardtails survived this race. Maybe it will catch up with them years down the road like it is with me. Hope not, though. I have this unwelcome vision of the bike racers' old age home, all of us hobbling around, bent over our canes and such after all the crashes we've all had over all the years. As Holly K. put it earlier this year when I was worrying a bit about injuries, you want to be able to walk when you are 80!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Genetically Modified food
I got an email titled "Is your rice contaminated with human genes?". Now that is a new one to me. Human genes in our food? A new twist on Genetically Modified foods, I guess. I haven't watched this video to comment on whether it's worth watching, but here is the link to it and to some articles for anyone with an interest in the subject.
Video Link
Note: the first time I went to the link I could access the whole thing, but the second time they asked me to sign up for their newsletter before I could go any further.
Video Link
Note: the first time I went to the link I could access the whole thing, but the second time they asked me to sign up for their newsletter before I could go any further.
HPT?
Has anyone ever ridden at the Human Powered Trails in LaCrosse? If so, how would you describe them? I'm guessing they are pretty hilly, being LaCrosse. I am wondering how technical they are?
Friday, June 15, 2007
Chicago Criterium
(CORRECTION on the date of this event: Ooops, I was so excited when I read about this (or so tired) that it failed to register that the Chicago Crit is in 2008 NOT 2007!! Sorry for the misinformation.)
Well, I just read about the new Chicago Criterium, to be held in Grant Park on July 27, 2008. Two big local race announcements in one week. At first I thought they meant July 27, 2007, hence the correction. Whew, glad I don't have to choose where to go that weekend.
Well, I just read about the new Chicago Criterium, to be held in Grant Park on July 27, 2008. Two big local race announcements in one week. At first I thought they meant July 27, 2007, hence the correction. Whew, glad I don't have to choose where to go that weekend.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cooler by the lake
I can't wait until the daytime lakefront temperatures catch up with everywhere else! The radio weather report says it's only 72 here by the lake, but 86 inland. 86 sounds perfect to me. I guess either the water has to get warmer or the wind has to be coming from inland. Hopefully this will happen any day now. Can't wait.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Evanston Crit!
I just found out that there is an Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Grand Prix of Cycling in the Superweek Schedule! How cool is that?
I haven't made it to watch a Stupidweek race in a couple of years, due to mountain bike race conflicts. I don't know as many people racing superweek as I used to, either. Regardless, I am really excited about having this so close to home! I did not know this was coming here, I have fallen really out of the loop on road stuff....
I'm just about jumping up and down about this! I think that may help make the decision about whether or not to go to Mtb Nats... which I am way too out of shape for anyway.....
I haven't made it to watch a Stupidweek race in a couple of years, due to mountain bike race conflicts. I don't know as many people racing superweek as I used to, either. Regardless, I am really excited about having this so close to home! I did not know this was coming here, I have fallen really out of the loop on road stuff....
I'm just about jumping up and down about this! I think that may help make the decision about whether or not to go to Mtb Nats... which I am way too out of shape for anyway.....
Monday, June 11, 2007
12 Hours of John Muir, part 1
Perfect weather, fluffy clouds overhead, all in all a great day at Kettle. Thanks to Kenny and the Cyclopath crew for putting on a great race!
My friend Scott got stuck in city traffic getting to my house so we got a late start on the road. We got there at 2:15 or so for a 3:00 race, but it all worked out. Neither of us got warmups. I did forget to put my Garmin on my wrist in the hurry to get ready, so I had a heart monitor strap on with no watch! The Forerunner would have really helped, but at least I had my regular watch on. We both missed the prerace meeting. I have done so many of these that I hoped I'd be ok.
When we got to registration Sheri said that for me, it would be $100. Good thing for me she was just kidding. I bought some raffle tix, too. Some sweet prizes on the picnic table.
The running starts are not my favorite thing. I had to give up running years ago, so I do a pretty lame fast walk to the bikes. This put me last, or close to last, onto the trail and into the woods. I hadn't been to Kettle since the Fall Color Fest last year, that would be like 7 months? Since I race pretty much every weekend, I seldom get to go ride there. I know the blue trail the best, although the 3 and 6 hour did do the orange last year at the 2006 12 hour race. So we went right at the junctions where the marshalls were standing, when my last ride there was left. Before long, after the next very sharp left into the woods, nothing seemed familiar! I had no idea where I was, I was pretty confused! There were still people around, so I kept plugging along. Later on in the lap, when we were more spread out, I was convinced that I had made a wrong turn somewhere, because it didn't look anything like what I remembered the orange trail to be. As faster riders passed me, I kept asking if I was on the right trail for the 3 and 6 hour.... I couldn't stop thinking about it. I'd see something that was familiar but then it would get weird again! I have to say it was fun, though! I loved the old trails - I prefer roller coaster old school fall-line trails - but they did a great job on these new ones! (built, I imagine, to the current standard of environmentally correct trailbuilding) Bench cut trails (Colorado race courses, and 12 Hours of Winter in Kewaunee come to mind) often make me squirm, but these were rideable even for me.
Do you like your bench cut trails to drop away on the right or the left or you don't care? I used to have a strong preference. Currently I think I would rather ride on trails that drop away to the left, where the uphill is on your right. I think it's cuz I am better with putting the right foot down and/or falling to the right. I also tell people to pass to the left. I am much more comfortable with that, probably, again, cuz I like to bail to the right. Anyone else besides me care about this stuff? Maybe you guys never get passed!
That's all for now, gotta get to bed! Hopefully more later.
My friend Scott got stuck in city traffic getting to my house so we got a late start on the road. We got there at 2:15 or so for a 3:00 race, but it all worked out. Neither of us got warmups. I did forget to put my Garmin on my wrist in the hurry to get ready, so I had a heart monitor strap on with no watch! The Forerunner would have really helped, but at least I had my regular watch on. We both missed the prerace meeting. I have done so many of these that I hoped I'd be ok.
When we got to registration Sheri said that for me, it would be $100. Good thing for me she was just kidding. I bought some raffle tix, too. Some sweet prizes on the picnic table.
The running starts are not my favorite thing. I had to give up running years ago, so I do a pretty lame fast walk to the bikes. This put me last, or close to last, onto the trail and into the woods. I hadn't been to Kettle since the Fall Color Fest last year, that would be like 7 months? Since I race pretty much every weekend, I seldom get to go ride there. I know the blue trail the best, although the 3 and 6 hour did do the orange last year at the 2006 12 hour race. So we went right at the junctions where the marshalls were standing, when my last ride there was left. Before long, after the next very sharp left into the woods, nothing seemed familiar! I had no idea where I was, I was pretty confused! There were still people around, so I kept plugging along. Later on in the lap, when we were more spread out, I was convinced that I had made a wrong turn somewhere, because it didn't look anything like what I remembered the orange trail to be. As faster riders passed me, I kept asking if I was on the right trail for the 3 and 6 hour.... I couldn't stop thinking about it. I'd see something that was familiar but then it would get weird again! I have to say it was fun, though! I loved the old trails - I prefer roller coaster old school fall-line trails - but they did a great job on these new ones! (built, I imagine, to the current standard of environmentally correct trailbuilding) Bench cut trails (Colorado race courses, and 12 Hours of Winter in Kewaunee come to mind) often make me squirm, but these were rideable even for me.
Do you like your bench cut trails to drop away on the right or the left or you don't care? I used to have a strong preference. Currently I think I would rather ride on trails that drop away to the left, where the uphill is on your right. I think it's cuz I am better with putting the right foot down and/or falling to the right. I also tell people to pass to the left. I am much more comfortable with that, probably, again, cuz I like to bail to the right. Anyone else besides me care about this stuff? Maybe you guys never get passed!
That's all for now, gotta get to bed! Hopefully more later.
Please vote for Raggedy Andy for the Toy Hall of Fame!
12 Hours of John Muir report will be coming soon, probably when my visiting friend leaves town!
in the meantime, please humor me as you read this.... you can just read the next two paragraphs if you'd rather not read the whole story.
Raggedy Ann sits alone in the Toy Hall of Fame, without Raggedy Andy! How sad! I got a mailing last week asking me to vote for Andy to enter the hall of fame. I was reminded of this yesterday when my visiting friend Tawnya and I went walking around E-town to see how it has changed since she moved away. We saw a window display at a toy store with lots of Anns and Andys, which charmed us both. Then today I read in the Chicago Tribune that at the Raggedy Festival over the weekend in Arcola, IL, they had a big push to have people sign petitions to put Raggedy Andy in the Toy Hall of Fame alongside Ann. This is Raggedy Andy's chance to join his sister!
So I am asking you (even if you think it's kind of silly) to go to the Raggedy Ann museum site and sign the petition to put Andy in the Hall of Fame! You can have your name appear as "anonymous" if you check the box. And uncheck the second box if you don't want junk mail from the petition site.
http://www.raggedyann-museum.org/
Why am I asking you to sign this petition?
When I was about one, my grandmother gave me a Raggedy Andy. It became my favorite toy, and it wasn't long before Raggedy Andy was joined by a Raggedy Ann. Andy stayed a favorite, even when his entire mop of red hair fell off in one piece one day! Even bald, with a dirty face, and a little the worse for wear, Raggedy Andy, along with Ann, was one of the best toy friends a little girl could have. Eventually I had a whole family of them in different sizes, like other girls collected Barbies. One of them would almost always go along on family trips and other outings. They were so much more lovable to me and such better companions, from my point of view, than alot of the other more "fashionable" dolls out there.
Eventually their arms would be hanging by a thread, then would fall off, from being carried around by the arm, and would get sewn back on. When Andy "broke" his leg from jumping off a ledge or fighting off the bad guys, I would wrap the leg with gauze or even toilet paper, to the embarrassment of my mother, I am sure, who had to be seen in public with me. I would spend hours drawing Raggedy Ann and Andy comics, and I would force my poor parents to sit through "performances" (really boring plays) that they would act in.
As I got older I got interested in things like bicycles (really? you're kidding? bet that was a surprise to you!!), collecting Matchbox cars, and other kid stuff. But I never lost interest in Raggedy Ann and Andy. I had the books and the bedsheets and a wastebasket and so on. When I grew up, I didn't think much about Ann and Andy, but I kept the old ones, most of them stored at my parent's house along with my old Matchbox and Hot Wheels collection.
When my friends started having kids, I had the dilemma of "what do I buy for a gift?" After some thought, the answer seemed obvious! Raggedy Ann and Andy, or at least one of them. The friends who had triplet boys (yikes!!) got three Raggedy Andys from me at their shower, and they said that was one of the best presents they got!!
I have somehow become the Raggedy Evangelist when it comes to shower gifts. I would like the kids of this new generation to at least be exposed to old-fashioned Ann and Andy, and they can make their own choice about whether or not they like them.
Then my little nephew came along, and it turns out he loves Ann and Andy, and usually sleeps with at least one of them. Then my mother got him a big Andy, whom he absolutely adores. That gave me the idea to do a photo book of "Raggedy Andy's Adventures in Chicago", so he would think that his Andy went on an exciting trip to see his aunt and grandmother. He has a duplicate Big Andy at my mother's house for when they come to town to visit. So I have borrowed Big Andy #2 and have been taking pictures of him in various places, intending to either assemble a photo book myself, or to use Apple's mac.com website to make a "real" bound book for him. Andy has even attempted to learn to ride a bike, with limited success, due to short legs! (thanks to Mike S. for patiently helping with those Andy on a bike photos) Someday you might even see Big Andy on the start line at a WORS or WEMS race.
(photos coming soon)
in the meantime, please humor me as you read this.... you can just read the next two paragraphs if you'd rather not read the whole story.
Raggedy Ann sits alone in the Toy Hall of Fame, without Raggedy Andy! How sad! I got a mailing last week asking me to vote for Andy to enter the hall of fame. I was reminded of this yesterday when my visiting friend Tawnya and I went walking around E-town to see how it has changed since she moved away. We saw a window display at a toy store with lots of Anns and Andys, which charmed us both. Then today I read in the Chicago Tribune that at the Raggedy Festival over the weekend in Arcola, IL, they had a big push to have people sign petitions to put Raggedy Andy in the Toy Hall of Fame alongside Ann. This is Raggedy Andy's chance to join his sister!
So I am asking you (even if you think it's kind of silly) to go to the Raggedy Ann museum site and sign the petition to put Andy in the Hall of Fame! You can have your name appear as "anonymous" if you check the box. And uncheck the second box if you don't want junk mail from the petition site.
http://www.raggedyann-museum.org/
Why am I asking you to sign this petition?
When I was about one, my grandmother gave me a Raggedy Andy. It became my favorite toy, and it wasn't long before Raggedy Andy was joined by a Raggedy Ann. Andy stayed a favorite, even when his entire mop of red hair fell off in one piece one day! Even bald, with a dirty face, and a little the worse for wear, Raggedy Andy, along with Ann, was one of the best toy friends a little girl could have. Eventually I had a whole family of them in different sizes, like other girls collected Barbies. One of them would almost always go along on family trips and other outings. They were so much more lovable to me and such better companions, from my point of view, than alot of the other more "fashionable" dolls out there.
Eventually their arms would be hanging by a thread, then would fall off, from being carried around by the arm, and would get sewn back on. When Andy "broke" his leg from jumping off a ledge or fighting off the bad guys, I would wrap the leg with gauze or even toilet paper, to the embarrassment of my mother, I am sure, who had to be seen in public with me. I would spend hours drawing Raggedy Ann and Andy comics, and I would force my poor parents to sit through "performances" (really boring plays) that they would act in.
As I got older I got interested in things like bicycles (really? you're kidding? bet that was a surprise to you!!), collecting Matchbox cars, and other kid stuff. But I never lost interest in Raggedy Ann and Andy. I had the books and the bedsheets and a wastebasket and so on. When I grew up, I didn't think much about Ann and Andy, but I kept the old ones, most of them stored at my parent's house along with my old Matchbox and Hot Wheels collection.
When my friends started having kids, I had the dilemma of "what do I buy for a gift?" After some thought, the answer seemed obvious! Raggedy Ann and Andy, or at least one of them. The friends who had triplet boys (yikes!!) got three Raggedy Andys from me at their shower, and they said that was one of the best presents they got!!
I have somehow become the Raggedy Evangelist when it comes to shower gifts. I would like the kids of this new generation to at least be exposed to old-fashioned Ann and Andy, and they can make their own choice about whether or not they like them.
Then my little nephew came along, and it turns out he loves Ann and Andy, and usually sleeps with at least one of them. Then my mother got him a big Andy, whom he absolutely adores. That gave me the idea to do a photo book of "Raggedy Andy's Adventures in Chicago", so he would think that his Andy went on an exciting trip to see his aunt and grandmother. He has a duplicate Big Andy at my mother's house for when they come to town to visit. So I have borrowed Big Andy #2 and have been taking pictures of him in various places, intending to either assemble a photo book myself, or to use Apple's mac.com website to make a "real" bound book for him. Andy has even attempted to learn to ride a bike, with limited success, due to short legs! (thanks to Mike S. for patiently helping with those Andy on a bike photos) Someday you might even see Big Andy on the start line at a WORS or WEMS race.
(photos coming soon)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Chicago is not the only Windy City
Tawnya missed her plane - there wasn't room for a bike box on the one she was supposed to be on so she is taking the next one. But, with the high winds in Denver causing big delays, it's almost 11 pm and the plane still hasn't taken off yet. She asked if I could pick her up since it's so late, and the train won't be running anymore. She staying at another friend's house not far from me. When she called right before take off at 11:25, that would put her in at 1:30 am .... time for a nap?
I missed riding both Monday and Tuesday, because of rain one day, then staying late at work. Tonight the same thing was happening - it was really too late for a ride in daylight. But I just couldn't miss another day of riding, so out came the "real" lights, not just the blinkies I always have at dusk. There is something refreshing about night riding anyway. It was really windy already, and tomorrow the winds are supposed to get up to 45 mph!
Ok, time for the nap. I'm only going to get like 45 minutes before it's time to go! I usually don't have any trouble staying up, but I couldn't get comfortable last night and didn't sleep much. Sounds like the sciatica thing must be keeping other WORS people up, too - Russell mentioned his in his blog today.
I missed riding both Monday and Tuesday, because of rain one day, then staying late at work. Tonight the same thing was happening - it was really too late for a ride in daylight. But I just couldn't miss another day of riding, so out came the "real" lights, not just the blinkies I always have at dusk. There is something refreshing about night riding anyway. It was really windy already, and tomorrow the winds are supposed to get up to 45 mph!
Ok, time for the nap. I'm only going to get like 45 minutes before it's time to go! I usually don't have any trouble staying up, but I couldn't get comfortable last night and didn't sleep much. Sounds like the sciatica thing must be keeping other WORS people up, too - Russell mentioned his in his blog today.
Breach of Security
Ah, nothing like a few surprises in the mail along with the fresh new Velo-News! I got a letter from the state telling me that security was breached on a computer that had my name and ss number on it. They recommend putting a fraud alert on my file at each of the credit bureaus, and going over my credit reports carefully. And possibly taking stronger measures, such as doing a freeze. It's race season, don't they know know there isn't time for one more thing on the list??!!
Couldn't the hackers do this stuff in the wintertime? Seriously though, this is at least the fourth time over the past few years I have gotten a notice like this from a company or organization, not counting the time someone actually did steal my card number and start buying stuff!!
My to do list is out of control. The whirlwind of race season is in full tilt. It seems like I get back from one race, and before I have a chance to get the car cleaned out and my stuff washed, it's the weekend and time to pack for another one! And in between I am tracking down shoe buckles, or trying to locate new brake pads and rotors (which of course I should have "in stock" at home), or trying to get a wobbly wheel trued, or whatever. And that's just bike stuff. "Life" stuff is really getting neglected, I'm way behind and it's only the beginning of June!
I never got to post a story from the Lake Geneva race. I'm still hoping to get one written about Wausau weekend.
My friend Tawnya gets into town late tonight, to visit her old friends and to meet up with her Dad and sister. She is training for Leadville in August. She is bringing a road bike, but would love to borrow a mountain bike while she is here, until Tuesday. If anyone close by knows a place to rent from or someone about 5'5" (a small frame, I think) to borrow from?? My bikes are too big. She wants to ride either at Kettle or Palos.
Tomorrow morning she is going to road ride 4 hours, then 2 on Friday. I will likely start out on both rides, and turn around when my back says "enough of this", and go to work.
WEMS is going to be fun on Saturday! It sounds like the whole world is going to this race. Someone was asking me if the parking lot will fill up. I think that the grassy part will eventually fill, but that hopefully we won't end up having to go across the street to the Nordic lot.
Couldn't the hackers do this stuff in the wintertime? Seriously though, this is at least the fourth time over the past few years I have gotten a notice like this from a company or organization, not counting the time someone actually did steal my card number and start buying stuff!!
My to do list is out of control. The whirlwind of race season is in full tilt. It seems like I get back from one race, and before I have a chance to get the car cleaned out and my stuff washed, it's the weekend and time to pack for another one! And in between I am tracking down shoe buckles, or trying to locate new brake pads and rotors (which of course I should have "in stock" at home), or trying to get a wobbly wheel trued, or whatever. And that's just bike stuff. "Life" stuff is really getting neglected, I'm way behind and it's only the beginning of June!
I never got to post a story from the Lake Geneva race. I'm still hoping to get one written about Wausau weekend.
My friend Tawnya gets into town late tonight, to visit her old friends and to meet up with her Dad and sister. She is training for Leadville in August. She is bringing a road bike, but would love to borrow a mountain bike while she is here, until Tuesday. If anyone close by knows a place to rent from or someone about 5'5" (a small frame, I think) to borrow from?? My bikes are too big. She wants to ride either at Kettle or Palos.
Tomorrow morning she is going to road ride 4 hours, then 2 on Friday. I will likely start out on both rides, and turn around when my back says "enough of this", and go to work.
WEMS is going to be fun on Saturday! It sounds like the whole world is going to this race. Someone was asking me if the parking lot will fill up. I think that the grassy part will eventually fill, but that hopefully we won't end up having to go across the street to the Nordic lot.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Congratulations
Congratulations to young WORS racer Arin L. who is graduating this weekend. It's high school for her next year! She will miss the Wausau race. Have a fun weekend, Arin!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Broken Spoke
No, not the saloon in Sturgis and Daytona....
In the race Saturday I noticed a sound that made me wonder if my new brake pads were rubbing on my new rotor. Later at home, when checking to see if the pads were really rubbing (they were fine), I saw that the wheel was out of true. I took it into the shop near me to see if they could true it. Lou, the owner, noticed something that I wouldn't have - a broken spoke that hadn't popped out yet. (I realize most of you blog readers would have known to look for this, but I don't think I have ever broken one) He fixed it on the spot. A Big Thanks goes out to Lou, John and Chris at the Pony Shop! In the past few weeks, it seems like every week I have had something on my race bike that has needed fixing or replacing or changing. Each time, one of the guys has managed to get my bike done in time for my weekend race, even though they were crazy busy!! Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!
In the race Saturday I noticed a sound that made me wonder if my new brake pads were rubbing on my new rotor. Later at home, when checking to see if the pads were really rubbing (they were fine), I saw that the wheel was out of true. I took it into the shop near me to see if they could true it. Lou, the owner, noticed something that I wouldn't have - a broken spoke that hadn't popped out yet. (I realize most of you blog readers would have known to look for this, but I don't think I have ever broken one) He fixed it on the spot. A Big Thanks goes out to Lou, John and Chris at the Pony Shop! In the past few weeks, it seems like every week I have had something on my race bike that has needed fixing or replacing or changing. Each time, one of the guys has managed to get my bike done in time for my weekend race, even though they were crazy busy!! Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!
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