It's Good to be Champion

I enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies defeat Tampa Bay the other day in the world series. Mostly because my name is Phillip, and it is always a slight comfort when the team that took yours out of the race wins it all. Lucky for Major League Baseball too, since if it continued, it would have been a mess for the fans who had tickets for the games in Florida with the delay effect on hotel reservations and the such.

I also happen to find myself the USA Cycling Wisconsin State Champion for citizen class men 40-44 category. Yes, I am a champion. I'll have to make sure to remember to tell all my competition when the new season begins next year, in case they aren't readers. I'm sure they will rejoice at my conveyance of the news.

It's Halloween. No jack-o-lanterns or decorations. The effort is better spent on house repairs as are the cost savings in electricity for the lighting. 'Have to have pictures,' says my wife or the blog is boring. Here is the yard I've been helping a friend with. Removed the topsoil and many inches of clay and hauled it away and then brought in new top soil. He has an extensive garden and lawn both front and back. Good to get some work vaguely related with my profession. Though hardly all that he had been guaranteeing this summer. Worked for a handyman in the past too. Always saying they have work for you. I'd be rich if all that was promised came through.

I got a dollar in the mail.

Scandal!

My wife and I had a wonderful ride together the other day. The downside to dressing one's wife well is the criticism one will receive if not dressed in proper mode yourself. My wife was critical of my red Badgers sweatshirt, mustard sweat pants (it was cold out) and my blue biking shoes. She said I wasn't color coordinated and seemed embarrassed to ride with me, often lagging far behind. She called it 'Chinese fashion.' When we watch the Korean dramas she loves so much she says the same thing when she doesn't like what the woman (or men) are wearing. 'Chinese fashion.'

But the fashion sense of the producers of America's clothing isn't the scandal I want to talk about.

I was impressed with the WORS movie embedded below. I was surprised so much was done in such a short time, and done very well. Obviously the producer worked very hard. Which just magnifies the pain I felt when I realized the unimaginable. That at least one of the video clips in the WORS '2008' movie was actually from 2007.

But I blame myself. The second half of the movie actually lulls in video clips, an obvious step down from the excitement of the first half. Video had to be supplied from somewhere (my 2007 clip pulled from you/tube). If I had just been able to make more of the races. Taken more video clips. Clips that far exceed the quality of what others provide. This tarnishing of an impeccable organization could have been avoided.

Unfortunately, as the poorest of WORS competitors, I wasn't able to go to more races or buy a new camera when mine was smashed and rendered into utter brokenness. But there is something you can do. Something you all can do. Send me money. Money so I can buy a proper camera and take pictures and video deserving of all your athletic prowess.

You drop your jaw. Murmuring over feigned laughter in disbelief. Yes, I myself could never have imagined that such a scandal could strike WORS. But you don't have to let this happen again. Give! Give me your money! 'Spread the wealth' that such a tragedy never need be repeated.

WORS the Movie, Enjoy!

WORS 2008: The Movie from Team WORS on Vimeo.

Daylight Savings Time

We used to change the clocks today. My computer and VCR have put their clocks back an hour but the rules have changed. But why do we need such frivolity? The government telling us how to set our clocks. How much sunlight we should enjoy. Boy if it weren't for them..... Then you have some states, or even counties, who don't switch back and forth. Everyone could just go to work an hour earlier and then we need never change the clocks.

Today is the infamous CX Halloween race nearby in Washington Park. And it surely is a beautiful day; clear, brisk, with scattered white puffy clouds and a strong gusty breeze. A perfect Autumn day. No, I didn't get up early to go watch attention seekers dress in humiliating garb. We had a long weekend, spending the day in Chicago Yesterday. No time for any trail maintenance or other projects planned for Saturday, especially with us working the weekends. I believe I got to two trail maintenance outings this year. One was a Wednesday night. The last couple years they have been predominantly Sunday mornings. I guess most bike people don't go to church. Of course I often miss Church for a WORS race (or hit Gesu at 6:00p.m.) but I say; 'WORS is short for WORSHIP. That's why we race on Sundays.' And I have to get to my own church sometime.

We are in the process of hiding out at the moment. We didn't buy any candy for the 'trick or treaters' so we have the blinds closed and I'm typing very quietly. I wish they would just have it the night of. Kids would get more candy. It's five days away! It wasn't just us who forgot to buy candy you know.

The potted plants have circled the wagons, so to speak, around the tomato plant in our garden bed. To keep warm or in fear of the ghosts and goblins this time of year stirs up? They will be easy to cover if frost should strike. With the lake effect and ups and downs of the terrain there is no uniform changing of the leaves. Some trees are near bare in some areas and some still green. Of course type of tree makes a difference too.

My wife and I will go out riding soon (after the Brett Favre game). Have to get her out in her new riding clothes. I knew that would work. Young men listen and learn. Or read in this case.

Dangerous Nights

My wife loved her riding outfit I bought her. Pretty colors with flower patterns on the long sleeves. Have to find time to get out riding more but the days are getting short and I have too many tasks before me to be efficient. A real overload. Nice to get out and do some yard work. Getting everything ready for Winter. With the poor production of my small garden plot this year have to look to add good soil and fertilizer.

Down in Kenosha, more than a week ago now, I came across this bunch of brainless bloodied zombies going around on their bicycles. (Sorry for the picture quality.) Yes, all October people enjoy the Halloween spirit. Obviously going from bar to bar as a group I notice few to none had lights on their bicycles. I see a lot of people on bicycles down there all the time. Maybe 1 out of 25 actual have lights. Many are ride on the wrong side of the street or even weaving back and forth (not referring to this group). Often they wear dark colored clothes. Now, ... I was in Racine the other day just after dark and saw many bicyclists. I would say 9 out of 10 had proper lights.

That same day a beat down started right behind my parked car. I jumped out with my wife's cell phone to take a picture which scared the attackers off. Some may say the camera is mightier than the sword but obviously it was my domineering physical presence. OK.. it was the camera. Sort of the concealed carry concept to reduce crime. Yeah, you don't need the government to put cameras all over the place to play big brother with their populations, like those poor saps in Britain, just an involved public. We saw a big brawl one night, some months ago, when a guy showed up with an metal pipe. Was on the phone to 911 before I ever thought of taking a picture.

After my Eco, ultrasound, I was having intense pain in my ribs. Thought the procedure may have aggravated a possible slight fracture from my last crash. Talked to a nurse on the phone and she said she never heard of that. She thought my positioning for the test may have been the factor. Checked the Internet and found the opposite to be the case. Perhaps a small blood clot let loose as my arm healed and circulation was restored. I say that because after I took an aspirin, a blood thinner, rather than an Advil and most of the pain 'moved' and then vanished. Still hurts a bit. See the doctor for my test results next week.

300 U.S. visitors and over 400 worldwide in less than five months.

Tuesday's Gone

I missed the Tuesday night meeting of the local WORBA Chapter. My wife couldn't make it in time and I didn't want to ride my bike in the dark. Last year they had been talking a lot about a pump track at the Crystal Ridge facilities. I'm wondering if the idea is dead. The Alpha trail, built by the local chapter, has a listing and description in Well magazine, a Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare publication. Included are the Hoyt Park trail and some of our rail to trail trails.

My wife wants me to cut my hair but it keeps my head warm in the Winter months. At the Wigwam Challenge the young career professional commented on my hair. He said I looked like George Washington. I went and told my wife and said; "There's no way I'm cutting my hair now!"

She was also mesmerized by the colorful Wigwam performance socks I came home with. "Are those for me?" she said.

"No" I said, "they're not your size. Sorry."

I think I've hit on a way to get my wife to ride with me more. Buy her beautiful riding outfits that make her look good (not hard). Her birthday is this Sweetest Day.

Here is the one arbitrarily called 'Wally' climbing the equalizer at the last race. I think not many citizen class came close this year to completing the climb without dismounting with the heaviness of the trail from the recent rains. I made my best effort the second lap but the front derailleur, which I thought I had corrected, failed me and I couldn't drop down into the small ring. .....Actually ... His name really is Wally. ... That was just rude of me. ... And all this time. ... But it's all for fun.

Supplied WORS with my videos and best pictures from this year. There is a WORS 2008 movie in the making. Been promised a free copy for my submittals. They should give me like three cause I got all the best shots by far. Gotta get me a new camera for next year.

The next main event is one I have yet to attend. Good luck to all the professionals and enthusiasts going to the Iceman, the Midwest Regional Championship.

Wigwam Ultimax, An American Classic

Wigwam was the major sponsor of the Wigwam MTB Challenge. Again a very enjoyable and successful event, typical for WORS, put on by Fatkats. Here is the course map. It is a challenging course with lots of slippery roots and intimidating drops, and the Equalizer of course. Click Here

I finished about nine minutes slower than last year though I've had improved times this year prior to this race. There were some changes and the course was damp in places. All times seemed slightly longer than last year. Contributing to my poor time was the fact that I had not been on my bike for three weeks after my last crash, gaining some weight. Could feel it in my legs. My ribs ached a bit, especially the next day, and had pain in my lower right back. Lost some time caught back in the long train of bicycles when we all hit the first single track. As things loosened up I was racing two in my field, both in red shirts. Passed both of them before the single track in the second lap. One of them passed me and left me behind. The other, having trouble keeping up, slipped and did a belly flop in the mud. He said he was OK. My designated nemesis, the one I set my sights on to overcome this year, was sitting by the side of the trail, having crashed earlier, to offer him assistance if needed. I kept going and he never challenged again. I had a great flow and worked all the elements well with no major mishap. Felt satisfied with my performance considering.

One of my goals this year was not to be caught by the women, who start three minutes behind us. Not so that day, though their compliments and encouragement they gave when passing sure make one feel better. Caught a few other compliments from the spectators too. I was just working everything so well, but I could have been pushing my limits more. Skipped the bypass and took the jump the second lap. Hope they got a picture. Maybe I'll go for one of Extreme Photography Unlimited's collages. It appears they have been working to get more action shots this year. Many actually crashed, if not that day on the pre-ride the day before, and one taco-ed his wheel. They were pushing hard and those I had been competing with this year finished well ahead of me.

Yes, I am quite proud of my field fellows and how well they did this year in response to my encouraging razzes. I'm sure they are all grateful. One was anxious to show me the replacement frame he received from Gary Fischer on warranty when his broke. He had the new frame painted black, obviously wanting to emulate me, rather than the flame pattern he had on the original frame.

"Did lots of people comment on your flames?" I asked.

"Only You!" he said.

I just keep giving and giving.

I was tempted to buy a new camera but resisted. It's just not as fun to watch the rest of the races without a camera. Went to a friends house and was rewarded with being able to watch the Bears lose. The Bears were leading and kicked the ball to the Falcons with 11 seconds left. Ha! Ha! Returned later for the raffle, but alas, WORS has not been a raffle friendly environment for me. Two people won twice! Lots and lots of prizes supplied by Wigwam and WORS.

More Pictures

Autumn Pruning

Got out on my mountain bike yesterday. Couldn't do too much off road with the wet conditions but my arm was feeling fine, just some slight discomfort. Glad to get some riding in again. Have kept my weight from going up but I really need to work out more. Still far above what I want to be at. Have to keep focus on weight loss through the entire Winter. Will most likely wrap up my arm for the next race, even just for the psychological effect. The doctor said it would take six to eight weeks to completely heal. Mmmm. Just in time for Thanksgiving feasting.

Looks like I will make it to the Wigwam MTB Challenge. I'm sure all my fellow Clydesdale's have missed my gentle taunts. It has been a while and I bet they have slacked in their training without them. They should all be grateful for my challenges that push them to improve themselves. The nemesis of old, designated nemesis and the one arbitrarily called 'Wally' (using real names would just be rude, seeing I don't know them well). We'll see how they match up on Sunday.

Here is another shot of my bike from another angle. All this blood gushed suddenly, after I got up, from the adrenaline reaching the contracted veins. I have to say again, always remember to control the bleeding before you do anything else, even if it doesn't look like its bleeding too bad.

I pruned the peach tree. Here are some before and after pictures. This interesting article came up on the sidebar. I was wondering if they were racing chainless.

Sweet Slumber

Have to give my brother a big Happy Birthday today. Hope it was a good one. Though it's raining and the Brewers lost to the Phillies. Hope you still had fun at the game Tom.

And what about dem der Packers... arghhhh!

The doctor wants to see me again and have another ultrasound done of my heart. Decided to have my CPAP machine checked out before then and found the settings off. No wonder I've been short on energy and focus, and not able to lose weight. Got in some nice sleeps after getting things back to the prescribed setting. My first ultrasound, some four years ago, was somewhat troubling. Before my next one, scheduled a year later, I went to Korea for some spiritual healing. Was having symptoms of a heart attack for several weeks before my trip, but didn't want to go to the hospital and jeopardize my travels. The symptoms stopped when the plane landed and after forty days there and a couple months later my new ultrasound showed my heart functioning surprisingly better.

My arm appears to be healing fine. Thanks to all those expressing concern. Looked through some blogs and found no pictures of the bloody bike so I took some myself with my wife's cell phone. Here is a guy who cut his tire open at the same race. My wife made corned beef after my accident and I found it a bit traumatic slicing up the brisket. Actually she makes corned beef every time I get a cut and hands me a knife to carve it up.

I had to down load i-tunes on my PC for some reason. It appears quite easier and quicker to get Internet radio with i-tunes than media player. I like to listen to Bluegrass Radio (under country). At least the older stuff (damn hippie freaks ruin everything). My wife says it sounds like music playing on an old radio in an abandoned town in some horror movie. ...

It's my ribs that have been really hurting. Don't know if that means we'll have bar-B-Q'd ribs for dinner. My ribs had been feeling fine, but Thursday after I spent the day digging and hauling dirt in five gallon buckets. A few hours the following days also. Too bad I couldn't take any pictures, my camera being most broken. My friend has a beautiful garden and landscaping, quite extensive. We are working on the back now. When I went to get my stitches out, looked over some issues of Garden Design. Even their advertisements were attractive. I like looking at the pretty pictures.

WEMS is finished for the year. Looks like the first Wolf River Rendezvous was a little short on attendance. Everyone shooting for the big event in Sheboygan. With gas prices so high it really cuts into ones budget to try to make every race. Sounded like an interesting venue, with a tunnel even. I got a good video of the equalizer at Sheboygan last year but couldn't get you/tube to hold a portrait format. Have to get back out on my bike but it has been raining today.

Tun-Tun sleeps a lot these days. Then goes outside and trots around demanding our utmost attention. He enjoys the Autumn weather.... He has trouble catching his breath.