Worse Flat Ever...

Finally the weather around here broke and we had two days in a row with no rain. Yesterday the ground was still pretty wet, so I went out on a short road ride. Later in the day Rachael and I went to Delaware Natural History Museum. They currently have a pretty cool exhibit, the Super Croc.

Really impressive up close.

Today while most folks around here went to Fair Hill, I made my way west to Lykens. Some of the best riding around. I met up with Keith G, Tomi, Buck, Old Man Withers, Bender, and a few other locals for a sweet ride. Lykens may be one of my all time favorites. Plenty of rocks a few tough climbs, but mostly rolling.

The ride was going well, until I shredded my sidewall. I ripped it from bead to tread. Never ride Bontrager tires in central PA. I pulled out a tube, took a boot from Bender and tried to fix my tire. Turns out I had a bad tube. Keith gives me one of his, while pumping it up with a hand pump, the valve stem broke off. So, Keith gives me his other tube, note to self, always bring more than one tube to central PA. I finally got the tire inflated and we rolled on. It wasn't long after we stopped and I realized the boot needed to be re-situated, so I let the air out again and set the boot. By now a lot of time had passed, my intention was to be back at the car by 1ish, so I had to bail on the last 5 miles of trail and take the road back. It was still and awesome ride. If you have never been to Lykens, you don't know what you are missing.

I am hoping to have a good week on the bike. My trip to Mt. Washington is coming fast, so I need to build a little fitness. Lets hope the weather is on our side this week.

Cheers,

Buddy

Gonna Try Something New...

I am always up for an adventure. One sport I have always wanted to try was Mountaineering, but with the cost of clothing and gear it wasn't practical. That is until Bob found the EMS Climbing School. They offer a very reasonably priced beginner trip up Mt. Washington that includes all you gear, I just need the clothes. I jumped at the chance and signed up. I am really looking forward to this trip. It looks like it will Bob, Craig, a guide and myself making the ascent.

In the mean time I am going to be doing some long rides trying to get back some fitness. It may only be a 8.2 mile round trip, but you gain over 4000', that is pretty damn steep.

Other than that it has been work, try to ride, and work around the house. Hopefully I can find some company for these long rides.

Cheers,
Buddy

Perspective...

I have been an Eagles season ticket holder for 11 years now. In those 11 years I have met and hung out with all kinds of different people. I also know several people that are, or have battled that dreaded disease, cancer. Today I met a woman from South Carolina, who is dealing with terminal lung cancer. After only a brief conversation, I came to admire this lady. She has not only come to grips with her fate, but she is doing her best to live every day to it's fullest. I have worn a yellow Live Strong bracelet for the past 5 years without ever taking it off. I gave it to her, hoping she could maybe find a little more inspiration. She shed the slightest tear and gave me a hug. I came away just hoping a miracle could find its way to her. The make a wish foundation gave her the opportunity to see her favorite team play, and they did not disappoint. the Eagles crushed the Giants today. I didn't get to see her after the game, but I know she had the time of her life.

After seeing a few friends battle this dreaded disease, I learned things are never that bad. It seems silly to let little things get to you when others are fighting for there life. I hope everybody that has to or is dealing with this awful disease, has some good fortune come there way. God knows they deserve it.

Go Phils,
Cheers,
Buddy

It's Been Awhile...

Things are starting to settle down. Rachael is home safe from her really awesome trip to Jordan with her mother and sister. So we are starting to get back to normal around here. We even managed a trip to DRG, and we are going again tonight.

The house stuff has slowed down a bit, but I may get into the next thing tomorrow.
Last night I did my first group ride in a long tome. I met the boys at Brandywine for some rocks and fun trail. It wasn't our longest ride, but it sure was fun. I have to say, for not having ridden rocks in a while, we all did pretty damn good.
After the ride and a quick bite to eat we went to see, Race Across The Sky. A very well done documentary about this year's Leadville 100. If you get a chance to see it I suggest you do.

I have been commuting twice a week as well. Weather permitting I will try to keep it up.

Cheers,
Buddy

Scratch That Off The List...

Thanks to the guys at Stoltzfus Fence, our fence is done. What would have taken me weeks, they did in 6 hours. Plus they did a very professional job.

With Rachael away, I have been pretty busy. I've tried to squeeze in some riding, but not much. I snuck out Saturday morning for a short ride before heading to the Kennett Brewfest. Always a good time, though they changed things up a bit this year. For the connoisseur tasting they had nothing but session beers. Nothing was over 4.5%. I look forward to the big beers during the connoisseur session and was a little disappointed, however, I was still pretty sober for the regular session. There were some pretty good beers as always, but nothing that blew me away. I will mention the food guy that was selling bacon on a stick. That was awesome, anything that bad for you has to be good.

I am looking forward to tomorrow. If things go OK I will be commuting to work for the first time. Hopefully I am not late, or even worse, too early.

Well time for bed.

Cheers,

Buddy

Another Project Underway...

First off Sunday marked the first Official Anti-Cross ride of 2009. Todd, Keith, Les, Kurtee, and John showed up for a great ride at Fair Hill. Todd led us on a great, but hilly loop. There was plenty of good talk and the trails were fantastic. Along the way we ran into Stew. Stew has Lyme really bad. He is on the mend but it had gotten into his spinal cord, his face was even paralyzed. Everybody send your best wishes to Stew having a speedy recovery. After a beer break we rolled on. When we got to the covered bridge, Todd, Kurtee, and John called it a day. The rest of us rode for another 45min. to an hour. Really good time. Stay tuned for the next Anti-Cross ride.

Now to the current project. This is the old fence. This is no fence.

This is soon to be new fence.

Lucky for me we hired someone to put it up.

To be continued...

Cheers,

Buddy

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends...

When Rachael and first started looking for houses, we both a greed that we didn't want to do a whole lot of work. I guess things never work out quite the way you want. Turns out we have a few projects. The first big one is the new fence, which we are hiring someone to do. Next was the shed floor.

Half of the existing floor was rotted out. Since I am an electrician and not a carpenter, I called my Friend iPaul. Saturday morning we, mostly Paul, ripped up the bad floor. Then we rolled out of here, met up with Slick Rik, and had a nice ride around White Clay and Middle Run.

Then it was back to my place and off to Lowes.

It was a mess, but Paul was able to put it back together. And don't tell anyone, but he works for Pizza and Beer.Now my lawn mower has a stable home. Thanks a lot Paul.

Next up a new fence. Stay tuned.

Cheers,

Buddy