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Leadman 2011

2011-05-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

Show the world what you’re made of. Race in five Leadville events — Leadville Marathon, Silver Rush 50 bike or run, Leadville Trail 100 run, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB and the 10K run — and you’ll be forever known as a Leadville Leadman or Leadwoman.

Racers must complete the Trail Marathon and at least one of the Silver Rush events within the cut-off times in order to be eligible for the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. To be crowned a Leadman or Leadwoman, racer must complete the five events within the designated cut-off times. Registration closes 8pm (MST), January 31, 2011.

I have registered for this and hope to be a Leadman this year!

I guess I should update this thing

2011-05-23T14:42:00.002-05:00

Very old blog, needs some reviving...soon!

Mail and Packages during Bootcamp USMC Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD

2009-11-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

Mail and Packages during Bootcamp USMC Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD

First Phone Call at Marine Corps Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD

2009-11-13T15:01:00.000-05:00

First Phone Call at Marine Corps Bootcamp Recruit Training MCRD

FSC Race 2 Fort Clinch

2009-09-28T21:25:00.001-05:00

Steve Spencer's contribution to our library of pictures, thanks Steve and thanks for coming out to hang out as well!!!!:

FSC Race 1

2009-09-14T22:41:00.003-05:00

Miami the greenest city????

2009-02-23T20:15:00.001-05:00

New Belgium Team Wonderbike

Team Wonderbike is a laughing war whoop, a social movement, an opening salvo in the campaign to greatly increase the use of one of mankind's greatest inventions, the bicycle. Human-powered, carbon-free, and more fun than walking, driving or running in place - the bicycle offers an elegant solution to so many issues. All that AND it's good for you.

Currently more than 15,000 strong, we on Team Wonderbike have pledged to bike - not drive - better than 14 million miles in the coming year. But that's just the beginning. We need you (and your family and friends too) to take the pledge and commit to biking whenever you can. We're building an online community with regional chapters and a national voice for sensible transportation alternatives. And we're having a damn good time doing it.

So join us, won't you? Together, we'll change the future one bike at a time.

Also
Assault the City

I will be posting this other info at bike shops soon, I will get a package with promo material. Please join me in logging some ride miles for Team Wonderbike. My team name is et3surge if you want to see it on the map. I can add your miles to mine or you can create your own profile and we can make Miami the biking city.

YIPPEE Card!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

I will never forget Lexis BDay from now on, she brought me good luck.

Thanks

Leadville or not to Leadville

2008-12-22T22:57:00.002-05:00

I don't even know what the right thing to do would be this year. I entered last year got in and could not go. I don't want that to happen again and $250 dollars is not a drop in the bucket.

About Leadville Trail races

Leadville Trail 100 2009 application

NYC after Halloween

2008-12-03T00:12:00.003-05:00

Poor me, I know but I had to go to NYC to cover for one of the other guys in my ompay while he served on Jury Duty for a whole two weeks...LOL

So I got a hotel in Chinatown at first, well let me re-phrase that, between Chinatown and Little Italy one block either way and two or three from The Village. It was a pretty nice Holiday Inn and quite central but at night it left a little to be desired which from what I learned later was a fairly quiet and safe area. So about mid trip when I decided to bring Lucas up with Ximena as an escort on the flight, I booked a nicer hotl actually quite an amazing hook-up in MidTown at the W "the Court" location on 39th and Lexington. What a great hotel, great service, great vibe, fun bar packed every night, music was great all over the property really a great experience.

I did so much I slept so little that it's hard to capture it all, next time I will blog daily. I started out trying to figure out work things like where the sites were, where the storage with parts was, the command center etc.. I met with Kasim, the first night we met in Union Square at the Heartland Brewery, a very goo Brewery and restaurant. Afterwards, we went to McSorleys for some good beers with him and his friends.

The next day I decided it was time to plan my days better so I bought the Time Out Top 100 things to do in NYC. This is from a publication for New Yorkers but I got a book which covered way more than the weekly. I started labelling pages and tackling things to do, I labelled a whole lot more than time allowed, albeit if the book were laid out by area it may have been easier. I will list some of what I did and can say I have done in NYC...later.

I got a few calls for work minor issues and minor problems but nonetheless it was a work week.

Once Ximena and Luke arrived we had three days to tackle a whole lot, he wanted to do stuff, I had things marked in my book, there was timing involved, taxis, trains and a lot of walking and again very little sleep. I would say we did A LOT A LOT A WHOLE DAMN LOT! But that was the intention and maybe he now sees it like I always did, I think Ximena left loving it just as much also.

LUKE Pics 1:

Small list for them mainly Lucas would be, Empire State, ChinaTown, FAO + Apple store underground, Central Park + Zoo + Midnight Carriage Ride, Museum of Natural History, MOMA Tweens Tour, Shopping Shopping Shopping, Rockettes Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall, Prada Changing Rooms and round glass elevator, Thai Dinner, Pretzels, Cookies from Treat Truck, Rockefeller Center Visit, Time Square, Coffee shake from Juan Valdez, Trains and taxis, Tunnels, Bridges, Little Italy, Lower East Side + Trash Vaudeville + Andy Cheapies + The Cube + Free BDay Starbucks Frap, Haircut at the Astor Place with NY Yankees shaved into his head, MTV Studios, Queens cemetery, walking the Brooklyn Bridge...and so much I can't remember.

a must see for cyclists

2008-12-02T21:06:00.001-05:00

Bike Jerks Weekend from BikeJerks on Vimeo

Bike Jerks All-City Championship from BikeJerks on Vimeo.

Mom and Dads 40th anniversary

2008-11-23T12:23:00.002-05:00

So they hit 40 years and we procrastinated quite a bit. We had ideas of parties, inviting people from all over, floating things in our pool and tents in the yard, sooooo many ideas that in the end we did nothing.

Then in a Brainstorm, Ximena and I pu together a very nice package to go to Niagara Falls, they had Falls views from their room, they had dinner atop a hotel, falls boat tours and walking tours, they visited wineries. In all I think it turned out very very nice. I have some pics to scan but for now here are some of when we gave them their vacation package.

Ximenas Birthday

2008-11-23T12:20:00.003-05:00

We had a little shindig round the pool for Ximenas BDay, we invited her friends and we think she did not expect it. I hope so. Some pictures below:

I guess the house has become the "party central" LOL, but we enjoy it, it's fun to have everyone over.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-23T11:49:00.002-05:00

So Halloween came and went and this is a very late update. We created a haunted house at our new house. We covered the front carport with tarps and created a maze with tarps. Inside we had dead guys in coffins, smoke machines, strobe lights and at the end was my dad, with his head in a hole in a table with him appearing as if he was a head on a platter. I dressed up like a devil using liquid latex to create a wierd skin, it smelled terrible and I had to remove it after a few hours. It required a shaving of arms and chest to prevent yanking hair. Liz was a black angel, Andre was a punk, Lucas was a jailbird, and Noah was a Ninja. Pics below but more as I get them.

I will try to collect pics from several people, mine did not come out so well but it was fun for us, fun for the neighborhood and the party was pretty fun as well.

Here are some of them:

Halloween Time

2008-10-08T13:11:00.005-05:00

It's Halloween time again and we finally decided to throw a good party. I hope everyone can come as planned, if you read this and do not have an invite you can expect it soon, I just did not have everyone's email address when I started sending them.

Come at 7, take your kids Trick or Treating in the "hood", and come back to the party round 8-830. We will have snacks and drinks but BYOB please.

I will work with Dre and the boys to get the house Halloweeny this weekend, should look pretty cool I hope.

You know how to reach me, if you know me and read this and you have not been invited...consider this the invite, let me know you're coming.

Thanks c u soon

Here is link to invite:
HALLOWEEN PARTY

18 year Anniversary

2008-09-02T07:49:00.005-05:00

Well, what a nice weekend, despite Hurricanes and Tropical depressions. My sister and mother put together a very nice weekend for my wife and I. We were told to keep Sat and Sun free and they would dole out instructions as time went by.

We were told to pack a day bag with toiletries (yes it makes a difference Ximena), and be prepared to be told what to do. Ximena came over at about 1PM and we handed the boys off to her and were lucky Gemma was there to watch the dogs. She handed us a folder at the car and said read the sheets of paper and open envelopes based on instructions marked on the outside. Once we rolled out we started reading and we were told to head for Lincoln Road with all stores and restaurants listed on the paper, to have a nice walk, shop, lunch etc. free of kids and "you have to hold hands" was the text message that followed. The first envelope had to be opened right on 152nd street so as we left and on the corner we opened it to find a nice poem and cashola...yes Lincoln Road, started to sound even more fun.

Once on Lincoln, we walked around, decided to get lunch at a nice Italian cafe, food was good and we met interesting guy named Robert at table next to us, big movie buff... Anyway, we walked a little more, went to Books and Books, Liz found an autographed Salman Rushdie book and so she had a big smile. Instructions were to call at 4PM so I set an alarm on my phn, we called at 3:59 because Liz was so anxious she wouldn't even shop. The next instructions were to head to 1677 Collins, I had to ask about parking but was told "just go". When we arrived, it was the National Hotel a very nice Art Deco hotel preserved to it's original luster. The lobby was very nice so our anticipation was incredible. We checked in and were told the pool was 24 hours, and that we had a Cabana room facing the pool, we headed to the room and it was great, view of a long narrow pool the length of the hotel and views of the ocean as well. After rummaging the robes, chocolate, flip flops and other nice things in the room we put on swimming suits and headed to the pool. When we got there, it was blustery so we decided to walk to the beach and see the weather and watch the waves, after a short beach walk, we got on the boardwalk. We walked down Ocean Drive a bit then on to Espanola Way. The young lady wanted a pastry. There we stopped at a little cafe and ate some Palmier type pastries . On Espanola we found a quaint little French Cafe where we wanted to come back and have dinner, but then we headed back to the hotel. Once back at the hotel we got in the square pool by the bar and just relaxed for a while and I had my first $14 dollar drink...yes $14 wow that's a whole bottle, but hey, I didn't pay for it it was gift so it was the best $14 dollar drink.

So the only other instruction we had that night was to have fun, hold hands and...well have fun, enough said. We went to the room took showers and headed out all primped up for a night on the Beach. The weather was cooperative, windy but quite ok. We went to the little French Cafe and had a nice Crepe and some French Cider.

Here is a preview of more pics to come (Liz is drinking too!!!):

So now I found some time to continue.

After our nice dinner at the French Bistro called "A la Folie" on 516 Espanola Way, where we had nice Soup, Crepes, Salad and Cider we headed back towards the hotel. On the way there we remembered the bartender by the pool mentioning that if we wanted to do anything we should simply go to The Delano(click and listen to cool tunes)Check this place out. Forget all the other clubs and nightspots the Delano was where it was happening. So since it was next to our hotel we went there. The lobby was covered by long flowing white curtains floor to ceiling making it secluded from outside passersby. There was cool loungy music playing and lots of people decked out for a typical night out on the beach. The only difference was that it was very laid back and not a crowded pushy nightclub. We had a couple more drinks there for more DING DING DING$$$, and actually too strong for Liz. After some light dancing and roaming out by the pool where the party continued we noticed that there was an actual nightclub in the basement also. We skipped this and called it a night. Back at the Hotel we opened the last envelope only to discover some more gift money for our next day out...how awesome.

The next day, we slept in just long enough to get out on time for some French pastries up the street and back for checkout time. Once we checked out we decided to go check out Bal Harbour and act like the Rich and Famous. Well shopping is not easy there, but window shopping is fun. My favorite was obviously Agent Provacateur, if you don't know who they are go check it out... Maybe on another day Liz can come back to actually shop there. I almost forgot, on the way there we stopped in N Miami Beach and ate churros at a cool little Latin cafe, I wish I knew the name but it was on a corner around the block from the Days Inn. From there we decided to go get some lunch and I did not want to interfere with a Dinner I had planned so we went to an Asian restaurant right next to Soyka on North Biscayne Blvd.. It was a light lunch and we followed it up with a little shopping where I bought a nice shirt that I have yet to wear, maybe tomorrow.

Finally we headed back to South Beach for a small stroll on Lincoln Road to kill some time before dinner. There we visited lots of clothing boutiques like Guess, Victoria Secrets, and some smaller local shops. When it came time to leave so we could head for a 7PM dinner we realized we had nowhere to change into nice clothes so I drove to the roof of the Convention center parking and found the most secluded spot where we changed out and into our nice evening clothes. Truthfully had anyone shown up in any elevator they would have been about 10 spaces away from seeing our naked asses. This just added some fun to the day and we did a pretty good job changing in the car. Then I took Liz to my gift for the night a dinner at Capital Grill. Ximena came through with the reservations, because our table had been decorated with rose petals and we got a nice corner booth. Liz had the Dry Aged Sirloin and I had a special New Orleans Delmonico , we topped this off with a Creme Brulee the restaurant gave us as a gift...it was truly incredible and I don't do sweets. We were kinda pooped and lunch ended up lasting longer than we thought so once we got dinner, it was hard to put it all down. By the way, if you ever go to Capital Grill, make sure you don't sit under an AC vent as they condense and drip on your dinner...yeah we had to move a bit.

This was a very nice weekend, I appreciate everyone who worked hard to make it happen and hope that one day we could make it up to you guys. Sorry for the long boring story...but it's been a long time since we first met.

Family in the Olympics!?!?!

2008-08-11T18:56:00.004-05:00

I never knew until recently that I had a Pro BMX'er for a cousin. Just as soon as I knew about him, I found out he's now an Olympian. I so cheering for him, apparently he is no slouch, I have read up on him and he has been a rocket since about 16 in the elite of the elite.

Here is more about him:
FAT BMX
MORE BMX MAGAZINE
And Sports Illustrated

and a video of him flying

Go COLOMBIA!!!! and Augusto.

Leadville 2008

2008-08-11T18:40:00.003-05:00

OK so everyone knows I cancelled but I kept in touch with many people and here is the lowdown. Doc (Bill Wenmark) on his UMPTeenth race in Leadville fell down and broke his collarbone during the parade leading up to race day. Mick another awesome guy in his UMPteenth race, broke his wrist prior to raceday and raced in a cast, and finished!! I feel like such a bum. Art, the wonderful guy we all asked a million questions before race day and past National and World MTB Champion somehow had some blood clotting issues and had to rush home for treatment ( I hope he reads this I wish you the speediest recovery ).

Of course this is not all bad, Jan from Cali finished the race. Joh Odle apparently did also on his single speed in 10:27:04, whoa... Nancy his wife DNF'ed somewhere around Columbine but she just broke something recently I don't remember I think her ankle sheesh thats hardcore.

Finally here is what everyone wants to know more about, yes Lance did NOT win but he is so awesome to blow this race out of the water the way he did:

removed the autoplaying video

We've moved again

2008-07-11T19:35:00.003-05:00

Yeah I know, what the hell is wrong with us!!! Well as you may have read in a previous post we bailed on the other house, it was becoming a money pit. Not because of the house but because of the market, so like any investment we got out instead of continuing the downward spiral.

We found a great house in The Village of Palmetto bay, or some of you may know it as south of Pinecrest. It's a great neighborhood, unaffordable to us until this market crash but now we are enjoying it. We have a nice pool, corner lot, lots and lots of trees, mangos, jackfruit, oaks, palms palms palms, squirrels and an occassional mouse/rat eating out of the bird feeder.

The house is a little dated but maybe in a couple years we can buy it or one in this neighborhood.

Here is a map to the general area as I wouldn't put my address here. We are pretty much east of US1, near the Deering Estate.

The boys have schools within bicycle distance and Dre well he'll just finish up at MAST.

We had a great BDay party here last week, and hope to continue this way til we get kicked out or our lease expires.

Mike and Claudias little man

2008-07-11T19:20:00.003-05:00

Thought I'd share some very nice pics of little Alexander. He's growing fast. He is now 5 lbs 10 oz according to his latest weigh-in, almost a Featherweight.

Mike, he will be your nemesis on the next Ironman!!!

response to Miami Herald article

2008-07-08T16:18:00.002-05:00

I read this like many other articles about the foreclosures going on and I could not resist any longer...Miami Herald Article:
________________________

I am one of these described people in the foreclosure "market", and yes we will soon become a strong market, everyone wants to capitalize.

We are a dual income family, we earn a good wage and qualified for a loan within our means. The rates in late 2006 were still favorable so we bought into a home in Homestead where we could get more home or better yet an affordable home versus Miami. Our lender and builder were one in the same (DR Horton and DHI Mtg). We were shooting for a conventional or even better a VA loan, but ended up with conventional or so we thought. At the last minute the broker told us he was able to work out a better deal and our payments were going to be lower. That turned out to be an interest only loan, for 15 years, I found this out when I contacted Countrywide (they bought the loan) to find out why they were not excrowing for taxes.

To make this short, we got a loan we did not want, a house delivered 6 months late although it was a "quick move in" inventory home, tax bills instead of escrowed taxes, no pool yet, no rec center, paved streets just this past week, street lights half of which don't work, THE WORST association Castle Management (the builder has control of it still since they have not made the necessary sales), terrible landscaping, terrible cable and internet service.

Now to top it off, the builder is now selling the same house they sold us for 377K and 40K in upgrades for starting prices of 260K. I have now lost 117k of the base price into negative equity, still have no rec center or pool overdue since Sept 2007.

This is what is happening to people with good credit, good incomes, good savings and families to take care of. I have just walked away and will soon expect to start getting foreclosure letters. I know I can stay in the house for free until then but before I have bad credit I have already rented a GREAT house in a high end of Miami for almost 1000 dollars less.

What a terrible situation this has become...

____________

Now I posted this on the herald because I just got very fired up reading about this but to top it off, I had spoken with Countrywide and asked what can be done and they let me speak with 6 people in 4 departments and the answer was consistently..."there's nothing we can do". The last gent I spoke with was some Broker Manager and he basically explained, they just manage some Wall Street investors' money and therefore cannot do anything with my loan. To top it off he blatantly suggested I simply default, otherwise, I will continue to lose money every month.

Now what is going to happen in the next 7-10 years, as people default and more homes empty out, there will be less capable buyers to buy those homes. Will we start to see Ghost Towns? Or maybe Ghost Developments? I mean in the next seven years I can continue to make the same income, but I can no longer buy anything because of my now scarred credit but I am not alone so WHO is the next buyer???

Also, what will happen to military or federal employees and contractors, will the government revise the rules of "fiduciary responsibility" or will many people lose their jobs and clearances?

What is coming is far worse than the situation we are in. I don't care what party your affiliated to, I would hate to take over this economy.

Old bike, new bike

2008-05-21T21:27:00.002-05:00

the bike is now completed, I rebuilt the peugeot 1985 PGN10 size is a 58 CM frame. It's was a gift from an old co-worker that had it in a garage and I think it was a great gift. It was given to Steve-O but he felt the frame was too large and had some trouble finding some of the parts. I got it back together and rolling in the past month for about 125, maybe more if I add some nice pedals instead of the GT platform pedals I put on it to test ride it.

So here it is:

It rides very stiff but very nice, I am not used to the old chrom-o feel anymore, lovin it.

Riders on Freeway

2008-05-15T06:59:00.001-05:00

Radical Cyclists Take to L.A. Freeways to Say Bikes Are Better
By Chuck Squatriglia EmailMay 14, 2008 | 6:41:53 PMCategories: Bicycles

Crimanimal_mass_02

For the second time in two months, a bunch of Los Angeles bike advocates calling themselves Crimanimalz took to one of the busiest freeways in the world to make the case that, when your freeways are gridlocked, bikes are better.

About 30 cyclists rode onto the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) at the height of Friday's rush-hour commute and went east to the San Diego Freeway (I-405), where they rode north to the Santa Monica Boulevard exit, moving easily through traffic. In all, they rode more than two miles.

"There's thousands of cars and you're just flying by," said one of the group, called RichToTheIE, by phone on Wednesday. "It's an amazing feeling."

The renegade rides are a radical off-shoot of the popular - and often controversial - Critical Mass rides held each month in cities around the world as cyclists grow increasingly vocal in asserting their rights to the road and extolling the environmental and societal benefits of ditching your car in favor of a bike.

Such rides are usually limited to downtown areas, but Crimanimalz are taking them to the freeways of Los Angeles to prove that riding a bike is faster than creeping through bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Crimanimalz first appeared around the end of last year after Santa Monica police started coming down hard on the monthly Critical Mass ride.

"The freeway is the last stronghold of the car, so when you've got 30 cyclists flying down the lanes, you feel like General Custer, you feel like the good guys," said Alex Cantarero, another of the group "People look on the bicycle as an anachronism. Now with high gas prices, the car looks like an anachronism."

Crimanimalz has held three Crimanimal Mass rides since April 18, when 15 cyclists rode almost three miles on the Santa Monica and San Diego freeways.

They haven't had much trouble with the California Highway Patrol, who managed to nab two of the cyclists in Friday's rides but let them off with a lecture even though Section 21960(a) of the California Vehicle Code gives police the authority to cite cyclists for riding on highways.

Bay Area cyclists haven't been quite so lucky. They've been busted biking over the Bay Bridge as part of their campaign to get a bike lane added to the span.

The Crimanimalz plan to keep pushing their luck - they're promising more Crimanimal rides. "We want to do a bigger freeway with more riders," said Cantarero.

The rides have garnered mixed reaction from cyclists at the Midnight Ridazz website.

Photo by Alex Thompson. See more on his Flickr page.

Here's video of the May 9 ride. More videos here.

VIDEO on HWY, bad music though

2008 is a good year for whine!

2008-05-01T15:58:00.002-05:00

Man just when I thought things were going good. My MDC year has gone downhill, Dre is havin school troubles again, Luke is having discipline issues at school, the house is 100k in negative equity and for some reason my credit has gone haywire..probably some identity theft issue.

I have been considering options, like move to Spain, or leave the house, or put boys in private school but none really appeal to me enough. Gotta make some sort of changes though.

Riding has become increasingly difficult, even though it should be easier with this new job schedule. The new dog is very sweet but not easily trained and it is an allergen magnet at least for me and the boys.

My mom is having blood pressure issues while in Colombia almost hospitalized, and my uncle is getting operated today. My sis just got over tonsillectomy...geez slow down 2008 SHEITZE

Well I am employed and pretty well at that and so is Liz. That's kinda good no?

I write to myself here a lot huh...very therapeutic. I think I am getting Asthma in my older years.

Here is something nice to look at.

This grows at one of my work sites

2008-04-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

It's a really cool looking flower looks like a Poppy bud must be in that family. This site is very close to Jonathan Dickinson park where I ride after I work up there.

NC for Dre's B-Day

2008-03-06T11:46:00.003-05:00

So I decided to take a few days off before things get busy with work. I had Andre's BDay coming up and no good plan for it. I thought about a big party, DJ and the whole gig but then Liz pointed out his interest in Outdoor activities etc.. This came from a book he was reading called "Into the Wild" about Christopher Mcandless and his venture into Denali where he later was found dead. So he had been talking about Outward Bound

So I decided to take him as a surprise to NC and visit Nantahala Outdoor Center, US National Whitewater Center, Appallachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Smoky Mountains National Park etc.. The plan changed a bit once we got there, so I will post more about the rest of the trip soon...

OK so we ended up doing a University visit trip. Andre suggested and I jumped.

We visited UNC Asheville, Appalachian State University, Davidson College, Queens University and UNC Charlotte. Apparently Andre like many of us felt more comfortable with the smaller schools like Davidson but Queens University is probably his favorite. It had a nursing program and is ranked in the top of nursing programs in NC.

So we'll see where it goes from there..Up to Dre now. Maybe some more April open houses to see what can happen.

a few more of Maya

2008-02-24T23:53:00.004-05:00

Yeah I know they are both very cute, and Noah even takes out the trash !!! LOL he's so sweet.

Maya is in the house!!

2008-02-22T08:28:00.003-05:00

So we added a new member to the family, it was a tough one because she had brothers and a mom that were also gorgeous but here she is:
She is almost 6 weeks old but the vet said she is so healthy and big she can come home with us already. I also loved her brother a white one with brindle patches on the eyes. If anyone wants a new puppy or a gorgeous brindle boxer mom let me know she is only 10 months old also.

that's all.

Leadville Tunnel disaster imminent

2008-02-17T17:40:00.003-05:00

First of all I got this info from Bill (Doc), so thanks for keeping us posted. If there is anything we can do to help people there please let me know.

Here is an article I found and also one other from the paper below...first the info locals got:

LEADVILLE TUNNEL please read this.

Newspaper:

Sen. Salazar weighs in on tunnel threat
By Kirk Mitchell The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 02/16/2008 05:48:28 PM MST

U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar visited the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel today, where officials are striving to stave off a gigantic spill of toxic materials.
Salazar met with Lake County commissioners to discuss a four-point plan for swiftly dealing with a blocked tunnel that threatens to blow out.
"This is a serious issue, and the Bureau of Reclamation needs to act with urgency," Salazar said.
On Friday, Gov. Bill Ritter asked President Bush to take immediate action to "avert a catastrophic event."
Local, state and federal officials agreed Friday to a four-point plan including immediately pumping water out of the mine shaft beginning next week, conducting a risk assessment, creating an incident action plan and testing groundwater for contamination.
Colorado health officials estimate it will cost about $5 million to pump the tunnel out and permanently address safety issues.
Salazar earlier wrote a letter to Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Robert W. Johnson, requesting a report of possible blockage in the drainage tunnel and the likely effects of contaminated water on California Gulch and the Arkansas River if there is a discharge.
The tunnel, which is owned and operated by the bureau, has a major blockage, and behind the blockage is about 1 billion gallons of toxic acid and metal-laden water, now almost 200 feet high.
Because of a buildup of pressure, the blockage could blow, inflicting numerous deaths and the destruction of property, the Lake County commissioners said in a news release on Wednesday.
"As the Bureau moves forward to address the blockage I will monitor their actions closely and provide any assistance that I can," Salazar said.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com

Airport hangin...

2008-02-16T20:53:00.002-05:00

I am sitting in Charlotte Airport waiting on a connecting flight back to Miami. I had a nice Carolina BBQ sandwich and cornbread. Yes I am bored.

So I am completeing another trip to Scottsdale to visit my new bosses and get a better idea of the systems I will be supporting. I am confident that I can do this easily. I hope they feel the same, but there is an underlying feeling that they are soooo big that I will have to do VERY well to impress them. In Scottsdale they have someone for everything, they have admin people for every detail of daily work, there are managers of managers of managers..etc. It isn't a bad structure, as they would put it a "matrix" instead of hierarchial.

I did what they call a PC or Personal Commitment, which is a doc to state what my goals are for the year, my personal traits etc.. I basically tried to make it a little lofty while using what they already had as an example of some good starter goals.

I just read up to page 88 of the Billy Bragg book, it is an interesting book teaching me about some of Englands history as well as how Billy has been influenced by England and it's history in his music, especially the more political parts of his music and career. He gets into the geneaology of his family that albeit they were fairly normal people, they seem to have had as much interest in social causes as he does.

I guess I need to shut down..running out of battery.

cyall in Miami

My sons...

2008-02-14T02:18:00.002-05:00

From Billy Bragg's book "The Progressive Patriot" page 5 of the intro, yes I got that far...:

"My son is a part of me, and I want the best for him; I want him to flourish, to be at ease with himself, to be admired. But I recognize that he is not perfect, and when he makes mistakes I am compelled to speak out and correct him - I can't merely accept and applaud everything he does just because he's my son. Why not? Because I love him and I don't want him to grow up to be a spoiled brat whom others despise - I want him to understand that there are consequences for his actions in the wide world. When he lives up to my expectations, I am immensely proud. And when we're apart, I think of him every day."

That is how I feel, I love you happy Valentines day, you make me very proud because you are an especially good son.
Dad

New Rescue 21 job

2008-02-09T13:04:00.000-05:00

It has been hectic to say the least but this new contract and position seems to have been a positive move. I will be running solo but the infrastructure behind me is robust. I will have a call center handling most of the trouble calls and when it is beyond their reach, from Scottsdale, then I will have to go to the sites and resolve whatever is going on.

I think the nature of this position is much more management of the system and subcontracts and less climbing towers or redoing weather proofing of cables. The USCG operators have a lot to learn but I think it is a great step ahead for the USCG.

Here is some info on what Rescue 21 is all about.

Here is a little video of a Rescue 21 case

CO in August

2008-02-09T13:02:00.001-05:00

Woohoooo, I guess I am in, I made the lottery cut! I can't wait to be back in CO riding in August.

YIPPEE!!

Oh no I did it. Click here for info.

2008-01-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

OK so I lost my mind and signed up again. I have road rash on my elbows and knees, bruises from an "over the bar" experience and my legs are generally sore. But......

Thanks to people like my wife Liz, Bill, Nancy and John as well as many others like Mike and Steve I have decided to go for it.

Here is the app...I hope I get picked in the lottery.

need to keep up the training

2008-01-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

I have a lot on my hands lately, change in job, school starting again, kids getting sick, kids needing stitches and a bunch of other stuff. So what has suffered is my plans to start training very regularly. I have been training just not on a well laid out schedule.

Now I have a series of ideas for the year including Leadville but I am concerned that things will continue this hectic and strenuous. I trained in the gym Thursday and I was taking Friday off to go ride with my sister Saturday. She got sick and she needed time off, so I should have trained alone, but I had to go to the college and speak with an advisor. The rest of the day I had to spend with the wife and kids, and it was a nice day with them. Sunday was shot because I promised Liz the opportunity to go to the spa, I bought her a package, so the boys were with me and I promised them a fishing afternoon. That was cool too, they had to use their new rods etc..

I really have to fit in the training, I just don't understand how other people fit so much in their days because after all that f you train you also need the added sleep and time for food prep and gear prep etc.. It's a nutty hobby I think, I hope I can pull this off. I need a complete home gym so there is no travel time and I can train while I eat dinner, check homework, guide Andre while he hangs his curtains, fix the home computer, fill out insurance paperwork, pay bills and do my homework...is there such a home gym? Does some like OhnoFlex make one or NordicCrack??

Now I understand illegal enhancement drugs LOL. They are for people with a life who don't want to waste 7-10 good hours a day sleeping.

I need a pot of coffee. Clicky this...

Ciao

New Gig

2008-01-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

New year, more change in the air. First Anteon in 04, then the subsequent buy out by General Dynamics IT until...

I recently moved to Allied Technologies, the company that took over my contract. The government always looks towards lower bidders and lower bidders look to hire all the employees on that contract.

I did this to maintain a paycheck but also to stay with the program and site that I had built up since June 2004. I had built this site from being phone less, computer less, vehicle less, no office, no tools etc... to now having twice the sites (about 20 and up to 15 boats), 3 vehicles, office in Doral and 3 other techs. I saw several hurricanes and tropical storms destroy the sites and rebuilt from the ground up. I was able to work with DHS, USCG, Miami Police, Miami Dade Police, Customs, Fish and Wildlife. National Park rangers and many more. I worked at events like Organization of American States helping secure the inner Port.

So now the time came to change and an opportunity came my way to go back to General Dynamics only this time to a different division working a different contract. This time I will not be working to secure the South Florida Ports, instead I will be working to keep the National Distress System up and running, now aptly called Rescue 21. This is the system that is always listening for that scary "mayday" and has Coast Guard personnel listening 24/7/365.

So this comes with some change, I will leave the office to work from home, responding by myself to all calls in S FL from East Central Coast down to South FL not including Keys. I think this will be nice to learn a new system, a new set of problems, and new opportunities. I don't know how long this will last, there are always hopeful reassurances about longevity of a contract but in reality, 3 years, 3 companies taught me there is no rule, rhyme or reason. It can all end tomorrow.

So that's all for today, I start the 28th...CYA Hawkeye...

I loved this quote:
Ours is a sick profession. [A profession marked by] incompetence, lack of training, misconduct, and bad manners. Ineptness, bungling, malpractice, and bad ethics can be observed in court houses all over this country every day.
- Chief Justice Warren Burger

Incredible cyclist

2008-01-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

And I thought I can ride a bike for a while!?! WOW

Read Jill's blog as she prepares for the Iditarod Bike Ride a 350 mile journey in Alaska.

Jill's Blog

I was HIGH on my BDay

2008-01-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

I had a fantastic day and I owe it all to my wife and kids..

I was told to be awake by 8AM so we could be out and somewhere by 9AM. Liz and I had been joking all week because she said she put something together that was appropriate for the adrenaline junkie that I am. Well, I know I would like to do a lot of things but never actually thought I'd get to do many of them. We joked about alligator wrestling, cave diving, spelunking and other goofy ideas. I really had lots of ideas but thought I'd end up paint balling or something more grounded.

We drove by and picked up Ximena and Matt (sis and hubby), and started driving towards the everglades on the Homestead side, by the time we reached the end of the road and the last farm we turned and were in front of Homestead Regional Airport . The first thing I noticed was that there was an Ultra Light club there and thought "wow that is cool, I hope this is what I will do...". Then as we turned into the airport we drove by one building as Liz looked for what she wanted to find when suddenly I see a sign that said Miami Skydiving. The only thing I could think to say was "hijos de puta", I won't translate this.

Yes I was going skydiving, which is such a thing I wanted to do but never thought I'd get to it. We got out and walked by a plane and proceeded to check in. There were options and I would tell you all of them but instead go check them out yourself at their website . I ended up with the longest Tandem free fall they offered of 1 minute and 2-3 of parachute fall and full DVD picture package.

So, my camera man, quite the joker was also called Sergio and we had a few laughs while I waited for the instructor/tandem jumper coming with me. As the plane was boarding out comes this big viking of a man, LOL, really nice guy though (in case you ever read this). Once on the plane we put our helmets on for takeoff and then he said I could remove it. As we flew Sergio asked me a few questions for the video, and there was a sense of anticipation but it was a fairly calm short flight. Then came the moment of truth.

The viking told me to kneel on the floor and arch my back as he clipped onto the back of my harness, we scooted up to the opening where he had explained I would duck my head out the door tilt it back and cross my arms. At this point I am at his mercy, my body is out the door no hands to hold me in and even my head can't lean on the door frame...then "GO!".

WHHHOOOOSSSSHHH, WHIIIRRRRRR,,,SSHHHHSHSHSHSHSHSHRRRRRGRGRGRGRGRG. These are the things you hear at terminal velocity of 120 mph. Then my lips were flapping, my eyes were tearing but I loved it.

Two taps and I can unfold my arms, then Sergio (Camera man in a Batman suit) is in front of my waving, prompting me to do things like Shaka sign, at this point I could not make my hands do what I was thinking, weird but obvious in pictures later, I was hooting hollering...WOW. Viking spins us around several times, pretty fast, I can see the clouds below, I want to feel and see as we go through them....oh shit, they've already passed look up there they go....The floor is coming super fast, like if you were in a falling glass elevator only louder. He grabs my left hand I see 6000...5500 ft, I know I have to pull the orange ball, he couldn't wait, he ejected the chute. Whip, flap and all goes silent, my legs swing out and back and then steady. I am now floating, it is an awesome view, the air is crisp, I look around and then he says, "look up, you see that...(tangled twisted right end of the chute) that is not good, I am going to release it and use the secondary chute." UHHHHH, OK?!?! We free fall again for a few seconds, then the chute comes out, it felt different, not as crisp an opening, but it looks normal. I never saw the falling chute but it created it's own havoc on the ground that Liz will have to explain on her own blog.

I have to say it left me in such a buzz the rest of the day, I could not figure out fast or slow driving, I could not answer many questions, I had had a double adrenaline rush that had depleted me more than Leadville. I was in a state of strange bliss for hours.

Liz that was a spectacular gift, it may even be considered a disease with no cure.

And here are the pictures...more about the BDay later.

Liz has a blog

2008-01-04T14:29:00.000-05:00

Check it out and harrass HER plenty, but she has a sharp wit so be prepared.

It's a New Year

2008-01-03T15:02:00.000-05:00

I guess, Happy New Years, Happy Holidays etc... to all that I have not yet spoken to. I hope everyone has a s good a year as mine is ambitious.

I have avoided the resolution scenario simply because I don't like the idea of it, I don't know why. However, I intend to start training again, maybe to do more than one race, maybe to try some tri-athlons, maybe some running this year. I have now even semi-confirmed my attendance in next years Polar Plunge in Lake Minnetonka, I need to run this by the wife because it is on New Years day.

I did make some early mistakes and ignored riding or training since Leadville until now and it has cost me a chance to do the local 12 hours of Oleta. Nonetheless there are 2 more FL races as well as the Trilogy of mini tri-athlons.

I want to do more outdoors this year, involve the kids more, support Lucas on BMX riding, get Noah riding off training wheels, get Andre more fit, less lazy and more focused. I hope Liz will participate in something physical, less couch surfing. But I am honest, the only ones that may do any of this is Noah and Lucas.

Work is in flux, this company can do better for it's customer and employess by far. Other compnaies continue to attempt to recruit me but some is silly for me, or not in my expertise, or simply doesn't pay well. I have had some interesting offers to relocate but none to date that are of any interest. That may change...Miami is getting lame for me and Liz.

Well, that is my New Year start, let's see what happens from here, I will try to keep this up to date.

Doesn't Elvis Costello look like Andre???

CYA

Leadville 2008

2007-12-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

So it's a dilemma facing many people again, do the race or not this coming year?? Maybe I should leave it to see if there is room in my annual resolutions or maybe I should go for it already. I don't know, but it appears Mike won't be coming he's expecting a baby around the same time and Steve is talking about the Cream Puff instead. I wish Andre would train with me or even my sister but they'd be starting from scratch like I did last year. Nonetheless the experience is worth the effort in the end.

Well I guess I have til end of January to decide.

SH Happy New Year.

work life

2007-12-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

I now work for yet another defense contractor. Only this one is smaller than the past 2. I always said I'd never do this once I got out of the CG but now I did in '04 and it has been an interesting experience. The volatility of your job is so high and the changeover of hands from contract to contract and business to business is constant. Company one bought by company 2 so we all stayed and kept our jobs and the contract went untouched. Then company 2 which was confident that they were positioned very well to maintain this contract for an extended period seemed to have missed some details and lost the contract at renewal time. Funny thing is winning a contract does not make you the adequate company for the job. Company 3 so far seems to have bit off more than it can chew, only time will tell but so far it's an administrative mess. Loads of confusion, no communication and our faith as employees is dwindling. There have been a few to walk away from this and we are only 2 months in... This is all transparent to the customer however, because we all make it so, so as to not show the unprofessionalism of the company we all now work for.

Well, we'll see where it takes us...over 100million$ and this is what we get as taxpayers...

LOL so you wanna use a taser

2007-09-18T13:16:00.000-05:00

So I have been steaming about this taser thing.

I have spoken to people "in the know" and one of my consultants and I have figured out that the only way to keep these tasers and overzealous Police Officers at bay would be if the same novel idea of tasering were used in other situations.

For example:

I recommend we use tasers very similarly in the Democratic and Republican debates and conventions. Whenever a candidate exceeds their alloted time or gets a little "feisty", they get tasered, on national television, and since they are upstanding citizens, they get one freeby. Yes one free tasering, after the first one they simply go straight to jail and convicted of a felony.

In fact maybe we give Wolf Blitzer a remote taser control to each of their podiums...

Here ya go Wolf have fun:

Mr. Kerry please help a student!!!

2007-09-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

I just saw the video of the student in Gainesville that got a little carried away with his questions at a John Kerry conference. I don't blame John Kerry for what happened but below is a letter I posted on his blog asking him to stand up for this student.

If you haven't seen the video or story here it is:
http://www.local10.com/news/14138122/detail.html?rss=mia&psp=news

Here is a link to John Kerry's Blog as well if you want to send him a note, again John Kerry is not at fault but let's make these guys stand up for what is right:
http://www.johnkerry.com/blog

Here is my post, crossposted to John Kerry's September 17th posting titled: Nation must provide better care for rural veterans by John Kerry on September 17th, 2007

My Post

Mr. Kerry,

I will not get into some long rant but I saw something on the news today that was very disturbing. This young man Andrew Meyer, at the young age of 21, was quite overzealous in his questions at your recent conference. However, what occurred afterwards was absolutely disturbing and should not be what our young minds have to endure for their passionate stance on issues. I am well aware that you were part of a generation that protested and held rallies about things you opposed and supported. Had you been faced with the possibility of a taser for speaking out, maybe many of you would have never stood up to speak out.

I said I would not rant so I won't, I would like to ask you for a favor as a Statesman instead. Please, stand up for what is right, don't let this young mans' life be ruined for speaking out. Apparently he faces felony charges which will make him ineligible to vote as well as ineligible to serve in the military. A felony is a tough thing to overcome and I think he should not be facing such serious charges.

Please speak out on his behalf and stop the steamroller that will ruin his life. After all, it seems that he was in favor of Democratic ideals, he was just overzealous in his approach.

Thank you for your kind attention, I will repost this on my own blog.

Sergio Herrera

Some nice pictures I found and scanned

2007-08-28T17:02:00.000-05:00

I really miss North Carolina...I know Liz does as well.

In order left to right top to bottom, Lucas about 3 to 4 years old in NC, Dre in InLaws house drinking from a Catalan Porron, me and Liz side by side behind the NC house, Liz and Dre on old couch at InLaws house about 94-95, Lucas and Liz in hammock behind NC house.

Lots of these were taken by JK on a visit to NC...Thanks JK.

F150 Truck for sale

2007-08-21T16:45:00.000-05:00

Guys I hate to do a sales pitch but here goes:

I have a 2004 Ford F150 with super low miles, 10500 more or less
.
It has an ARE Topper for hobbyist or work truck, like new
.
I bought it with a warranty that covers the PowerTrain until 2010.

No problems and the body is almost perfect, that's the low miles effect...

It is a 4.6L V8 engine, it is quite economical for a big truck, about 380 miles to a tank.

AM/FM cassette radio and AC

This is a Steal, I am only asking $15,500 or make me an offer...but it is already an awesome deal.

Thanks and sorry for the sales pitch...ciao

Serge

Here is the truck:

Great article on the race

2007-08-15T11:40:00.001-05:00

http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20070811/SPORTS/70811018

Enjoy

John Storb Pictures...Thanks John

2007-08-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

These are some good picture John gave us on a CD...Thanks John.

Race day update

2007-08-15T09:50:00.000-05:00

I did not post what actually happened race day and afterwards.

We got up at about 4AM to get the last few things done but we were all prepared the night before with bikes tagged and bags ready, with nutrition etc. We had already handed off some drop bags for John Odle and Michelle Ortiz to crew for us at Twin Lakes. We ate a quick little breakfast and drove down to main Street. After parking, we rolled the bikes over to the strart and found a good spot at the 11-12 hour mark. We did not want to get run over but also thought we should at least arrive within that time.

Hangin around we met Floyd as he rolled his bike to the start at the front with Dave and other invited Pros. He signed Mikes and my shirt so we rode with signed shirts, kinda cool.

The race started at 6:30 and we rolled downhill with the pack, it was a fast roll but quite crowded. We made the turn towards the Junction at the entrance to Turqoise lake and then hit grid lock, everyone bottlenecked getting on the dirtroad to St. Kevins.. Once things opened up we started towards St. Kevins (first climb). All three of us were pretty close together until about the mid point of the climb, Mike pulled ahead a bit and Steve and I rolled back and forth for a bit. It is truly a tough initial climb that separates the pack (acclimating is key before this point or it will break you). After this we passed carter Summit and I think none of us stopped and we continued down Hagerman Pass with a fast 40 mph paved downhill leading to a rougher dirt road leading to Powerline.

Once we got to Powerline we were a bit more separated, Mike and Steve ahead of me. I started up and down the upper sections of Powerline (a big rougher downhill section on top of Sugarloaf). I got past all the upper sections but on the lowest section where the ruts are pretty big and the granite dust is loose, I took a good spill. It took some time to uunclip, inspect myself, wash the dirt off the cuts and hobble back on the bike. I imagine I lost about an extra 10-15 minutes there. I started downhil and finished Powerline.

John Storb was at the end of it on the paved road where he got pics of Mike and I coming out. I started down flatter sections of the ride towards Pipeline Station. John passed me in his car to check on me since he saw me bleeding. Thanks John!!! I got to Pipeline, washed my wound, avoided the medical guys, I did not want to get pulled, and rode towards Twin Lakes. I thought I would make it but later found out I had lost too much time. On the way to TL, its a series of dirt roads, some rougher some smoother, some steep some flat but nothing too hard except the "Cobra" or "North Face". This is where the leaders zipped past me with Dave in the lead. I got to the "Cobra" when a helicopter was overhead, but my understanding is a rider broke his femur there and was medevaced!! I am glad I did not see this it would have been a bit more nerve racking.

Once I got on the pavement to TL, I could see the aid station and dam, I rolled onto the Dam where Mike mentioned..."Se Acabo" or it's over. I knew it was when he was off his bike, but I said some foul words about my leg and siad I was going to at least check in. I rolled over the dam and never found the checkpoint table, so I rolled to our Crew where John Odle, greeted me and took my bike. Bill one of the race coordinators came running and asked if I had just passed the dam, when I agreed he asked to cut off my wrist band. It was over.

In this craziness, Nancy came back down from the Columbine climb. She was pissed, understandably, she flatted on the way up, but in the swap of her bags at the aid station the air pump did not make it into her new bag. After some fast work by John repairing the tire and some encouragement she took off back up the mountain. Now it was a waiting game. We waited there for Janice, Jill and Nancy to come back. We saw, "Doc", Mick, Bob (Minnesota) and several others come back. Jan came back first of the ladies, fresh as day and hungry, she replenished and flew out. The Jill, just as fresh and she was gone. We were biting our nails hoping Nancy would make the cutoff but it was too much time to go up that Mountain 2 times, she came back and hopped in the van with the rest of us...congrats Nancy you rock.

We checked to see that they all made it past Pipeline on the way back and apparently they had. We went to the finish line where Mike and John had watched the leaders finish. There we watched all our new friends arrive. Jan got the buckle and Jill finished over 12 but she finished which is a HUGE accomplishment! Congrats everyone.

I had such a great time I hope everyone else did also. See you all next year at the finish line...

During the race photos...2 slide shows

2007-08-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

Leadville Race Start photos

2007-08-14T14:27:00.000-05:00

Run your mouse over the photo...

Bill/Docs Pre Race House Party

2007-08-10T00:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks a million Bill!!!
From Left:
Jan (Cali), Jill (Boise and proudly Unattached), Mike (Guapo), Steve (Cartel), Sergio (Me), Nancy (she has an operated knee..tough lady), Michelle (Steves wife), John (Nancy's Husband climbed a 14er and sat down to read a book while he was picked up by the road) and Bill a 12 time LT100 finisher (see the buckles in my other post below), 60 years old this year, the host (Doc)...

Leadville Thursday

2007-08-10T00:10:00.000-05:00

Below is a slideshow of a very mellow Thursday in Leadville for us. We started slow and went down to the coffeehouse (Proving Ground) for some good coffee. Afterwards we met up with some of the other riders and went to do some gift shopping, at the LT100 store as well as to the Bike Shop (Cycle for Life). Afterwards we had already agreed to volunteer at 4:30 to help set up the gymnasium for the Friday and Saturday events but as it turns out they also needed us at 11 so we helped both at 11 and 4:30 stuffing bags of goodies, rolling posters, setting up chairs and sponsor banners.

Between the volunteering Jan, a California cycling veteran accompanied us out to the course where she showed us how it runs through the flat lands and through some forest up to an aid station, about 20 miles into the course (Pipeline). We also paid a visit to the monster they call Powerline, it's about a 3 -4 mile climb/descent, we do it in both directions and it is steep, mean, rough and dirty. I hiked with her and Steve part way, Mike chose to leave it as a surprise. The pictures you'll see below are of a stream we pass after the Powerline and of the lower section of Powerline, there are 3 sections like it.

After all of that we changed into our Got Mountain/Got Cruiser t-shirts and headed over to Bill (Doc)'s house, where he put on a nice spread of salad, snacks, beer and wine etc. and we brought our own meat or whatever to cook on his grill. Mike and I had Churrasco, Steve and Michelle had more steak. This was a very pleasant gathering of mostly Minnesotans all part of Bill's INDY riding group, (I'm Not Dead Yet) and a few more riders he invited. It was such a pleasant experience with such nice people. Doc if you ever read this THANKS A MILLION!!! We goofed off using his Pulse Oximeter to measure how well we all mainatain heart rate and oxygen levels in our bodies. It's amazing how well more athletic people can adapt to the altitude.

Well now we plan our bags bikes and go to a medical check in tomorrow, so it's right around the corner. Wish we had a large group of loud Miamians here, UNA GRITERIA, but we will represent you all well, I am sure.

More tomorrow I hope.

Serge

More from Pb Ville (Pb = Lead)

2007-08-09T00:29:00.000-05:00

You can see below that we've finally arrived in Leadville. The first day here we visited the Offices and store of the Race Officials. We bought a few things and asked a lot of questions.

When we checked in to the hotel, we found it to be very nice new and clean, so that was a plus. We added a roll away bed until Steve gets a room of his own on Thursday, his wife arrives then. We decided to take the first day and night easy while we got acclimated to the altitude a bit.

The next morning we got up at about 8:30 and by 9:30 we were riding the road from the race starting point down to the first trails and started up the first mountain. We got up part way and decided we shouldn't over exert ourselves and we headed back. It was lots of fun because we did not know what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the dirt roads, they were not as bad as I expected. The ride back was all climb for about 5-6 miles, it was not a brutal climb but long and since we were not quite acclimated it felt tremendous. But we took it easy and had fun doing it.

We cleaned up and decided to drive out to view other parts of the course. We saw some of the worst of it and the large mountain in the middle of the course...whoa! The roughest is called Powerline and it is exactly that a dirt road under powerlines climbing up a steep messed up part of a mountain. Te large climb is called Columbine and that is not viewable from the road, but the top of the mountain is...did I say WHOA YET!!!!

We finished that and decided to do some sightseeing, and we went down to Buena Vista, where, if you look at an older posting you will find a link to South Main. That was a spectacular place in a low valley surrounded by 14k foot mountains, with a whitewater park built next to a Urban Development where houses and businesses are being built. I LOVE THIS IDEA! I wanted to buy something here but missed the opportunity.

Today we rode a 15 mile loop around Leadville, the climb was slow and long again ut it was a great view of the town and we rode it with a bunch of nice people. If you see the ride video below it is recorded from my bike with a new camera that is mounted on my bar. That was on the loop around Leadville. We ended the day by visiting Breckenridge and eating a great Italian meal. Once we got back we visited more of the course before dark. It will be lots of fun to do this race Saturday.

More as soon as I can. Sorry about the phone not working in the room, they are supposed to have fixed it already.

Visiting around Leadville

2007-08-09T00:20:00.001-05:00

This is Visiting Buena Vista, Breckenridge and surrounding areas.

Enjoy the music too..

Leadville bike loop video

2007-08-08T23:58:00.001-05:00

Filmed in low quality sorry...

Leadville bike loop pictures, best viewed with sound

2007-08-08T23:39:00.000-05:00

slideshow 4 Leadville

2007-08-06T23:22:00.000-05:00

slideshow 3 Leadville

2007-08-06T23:20:00.001-05:00

slideshow 2 Leadville

2007-08-06T23:18:00.001-05:00

slideshow 1 Leadville

2007-08-06T23:13:00.000-05:00

have you been watching

2007-08-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

OK so I have not posted, I am just a little remote so here you go.

We arrived in Denver, did a little sightseeing had lunch at a Mexican Restaurant and then visited REI, what a playground for us... After many hours at REI we did some more driving around and then had a good dinner at Old Chicago downtown. It was a little rainy and cool so it was kind of a slow night but it seemed to be picking up as we slowly started to get tired. We checked into a Marriott Courtyard, it was in Lakewood where Mike used to live so he knew his way around.

The next morning, he took us up to Red Rocks where we walked a little, gasped a little, at the beauty and the lack of air. I had not realized it was like a museum to Music, some of the best music acts have played there. I took a good load of pictures soon to be posted, then we took off and went to the mountains.

Mike will probably remind me of other stuff, but we went to Empire where the original Hard Rock Cafe is, basically it's a country cafe with great food. We ate some delicious food and hit the road shortly afterwards. On our way to Steamboat Springs, where we were going to spend some time at Strawberry Springs Park.

I will post plenty of pictures but for starters we rolled into Steamboat, shopped a little at Wal Mart and then on up to Strawberry Springs where there is a pristene, natural hot spring. I expected it to be very rustic but they have done a beautiful job of moving rocks around and creating 6-10 little pools all over the area that collect varying degrees of the water from the spring. We also checked into a rustic!!! cabi on top of a hil overlooking the spring area. This is where we spent the night and it was awesome. First though we went to Steamboat again, about 20 minutes away, and ate some dinner, before returning to the springs that were open to us until midnight. We sat in the hot springs for a good long while, watched the sun set and then watched the stars in the sky. That all sounds wierd for 3 guys, but really it was spectacular, it felt like being in a planetarium, it was soooo clear. That night at the cabin we slept pretty well, three futons one on the floor, on full size on a wood platform and one single also on a platform. We even had a visit from some critters in th night that knocked over the garbage can outside. Evereybody's thought was bear, but of course noone wanted to check.

Well more later about Leadville, we are here now, the hotel is nice. The town is very western mining town and we are excited to be here....more to come

Call the Silver King Inn 719-486-2610 ask for my room. We have NO CELL COVERAGE be advised so call the hotel please.

I wanted to BRING ONE OF THESE BACK HOME

2007-08-03T14:32:00.000-05:00

some links for all about the trip

2007-08-02T23:27:00.000-05:00

http://leadvilletrail100.com/ la carrera-the race
http://leadvilletrail100.com/merchant.ihtml?id=1425&step=2 mas espesifico-more details
http://bloggingsurge.blogspot.com/ Mi pagina web-my wepage
http://www.strawberryhotsprings.com/2005/ me quedo aqui una noche-staying here one night
http://www.leadville.org/ el pueblo de la carrera-the town where the race is
http://www.leadville-train.com/ Un viaje que haremos-a small trip we will do
http://www.southmainco.com/ Quiero visitar esto en Buena Vista Colorado que me interesa muchisimo-I really want to visit here, I like their project
http://www.14ers.com/ Estas son montanas en el area-area mountains, the fourteeners
http://www.coloradotrail.org/planning.html Puede ser lindo caminar parte-would be nice to hike part of it one day
http://www.skicb.com/summer-activities-adventure-powerade.html This is a race we will also go and watch should be cool because it's cross-country
http://www.southmainco.com/calendar.asp Ohh more stuff to do!!!
More later, mas manana

Art Fleming is cool

2007-07-31T19:22:00.000-05:00

Hey Art is the guy I have spoken with online a few times and the one who offers a pre-race ride with him to get familiar. Well this is an article he contributed to and a must read.

By the way he is: "...Art Fleming, past National and World MTB Champion, and now coach"

I did not realize this until today.

He is also a huge wealth of knowledge on LT100MTB race.

Read up:

http://cyclingupdate.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=9

best race tips yet

2007-07-31T19:07:00.001-05:00

In case you missed it here's the now infamous leadville tips. One
things changed. There is no longer a white tractor buried in the
road 1/2 up the Columbine climb. But don't worry! About 5 or 10
minutes past the 1/2 way point is a big metal shed as you make a
right dog leg turn.

====================

- It's better to quit than to die, but not by much.
- Dean C., Leadville 100 Racer

====================

I've spent way too many hours thinking about this race, I think it is
an infection. Here are a few tips I try to follow as I ride and race
the course:

- Don't start out too fast, the lead pack will fly out of Leadville
like it were a 20 mile sprint. Now that the single track has been
removed at about mile 14 the only backups you might experience are
the St. Kevins climb and the Powerline descent, worst case these
probably won't cost you more than 3 minutes. Try never to engage
your turbo power; you will pay dearly later in the race.

- The descent down Powerline is very loose and rutted especially near
the bottom. Rains can form very deep ruts. There are always some bad
crashes and flats in here. Even after it gets flat before the stream
crossing there are some potentially deep rain-formed ruts. (RUN AT
LEAST 45PSI TO AVOID PINCH FLATS!!!)

- Join a paceline once you hit the pavement at the base of the
powerline descent to the gravel pits if you can but stay in your
zone. Get in one on the way back too. You're most likely to encounter
a head wind inbound from TLD to FH (fish hatchery), steel yourself
for it and try drafting as much as possible.

- Just as the long climb begins to Columbine (about 2 miles after
TLD) you'll encounter a long stretch (1/2+ miles) of the steepest
sustained part of the climb. This is just as you enter the trees
after going through the cow pasture. Take it easy and don't push too
hard here, you'll be able to speed up after this section, e.g. from 4
to 6 MPH.

- There is NO white piece of tracked mining equipment 1/2 up
Columbine. It's gone, removed, cleaned up, sanitized. Instead
there's a metal shed at a right dog leg with big doors about 5 or 10
minutes past the 1/2 way point in time.

- There are at least 6 places almost everyone must walk, I plan in
advance to walk these sections and no others:

* 2.5 miles from Columbine right next to a tall silver pipe mining
tripod thing there is about a 100-yard stretch.

* 2 miles from Columbine there is about a 50 yard stretch just as you
turn off the main road to Gold Basin mine; it's loose, rocky and
steep.

* About 1 mile from columbine there is another 50-yard section only a
few studs ride.

* Between TLD and CR just after leaving the pavement there is a very
steep rutted hill, no one rides this. Sometimes called North Face
(in honor of sponsor)

* 1/2 mile later there is another pretty steep but short hill.

* Near the bottom of Powerline there is about a 150-yard section.

- Recover but stay on the gas coming down from CM; you can save 5+
minutes by not coasting.

- There are 3 false summits going up Powerline, at a 9-10 hour
overall pace it takes about an hour to get from FH up Powerline to
Sugarloaf pass.

- It's a 3 mile climb on pavement going back up to St Kevins. When
you leave the pavement after this climb you're an hour or so from the
finish at a 10 hour pace. Get supplies at this point at the mini-aid
station if you're low.

- At a 9-10 hour pace it takes 25-30 mins to get from Leadville
Junction (RR track crossing) to the finish. It's still about 5 miles!

- Most racers carry way too much equipment. THINK OF THE RACE AS
SEVERAL SHORT ONES. Carry enough to get between aid stations and have
spares there. NORBA rules apply with exceptions, you can accept
spares (even whole wheels) and food at aid stations but you must
carry all of your tools and do all you own work.

- If you're going for speed don't stop at CM (even if you're not
don't linger at this altitude), eat/drink on the flat area near CM
and again about 1/2 way down when there is a little uphill section
(it's short and right after a hairpin turn so eat quickly).

English Beat, Matisyahu and 311 concert

2007-07-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

First of all thanks Dave, what a wonderful invite!!! The English Beat played a classic Ska show, always positive, always energetic, to a crowd that was confused but happy to hear them. Confused because the bill did not show them listed for the most part, but when many people heard them they were super pleasantly surprised. Dave Wakeling, is a super nice guy, have a look at my default picture, he's sweating out the Florida heat.

Matisyahu, was everything they seem to be and maybe a touch more, all positive, all NY, and super hip, rockin, hip hoppin, reggae stylie I don't know how to describe them. they did some instrumental jams that were amazing. Matisyahu did some awesome beatbox sets, they are really a great band and could have been the headliner.

311, well I always liked them, they are such a soulful kinda rock... However, I have to say, that I have not seen a band in a good long while jam like these guys did. They played a LOT of songs, for a long time, they were sweating from head to toe and still asked the crowd, "West Palm beach can you hang with us a little longer???" as if we were doing them the favor of hangin out. They were what people pay to see, and we also got 2 other awesome bands in the mix. Oh did I mention, one of the best drum sets I have ever seen, the whole band was on the drums...wow.

What a great night!

SH

Key B Info

2007-07-08T23:09:00.000-05:00

1 mile long more or less, 100 feet elevation give or take=46 climbs or 4600 feet of climbing.

Leadville Trail 100 low point 9600 feet, high point 12,600. Difference is 3000 feet...but that is not the right math, if you take into account the ups and downs you actually climb 14,000 feet, all at the above elevations.

I think I am gonna be sick just thinking about it. LOL

Hey Mike, I'll have a nice cup of soup ready for you when you get to the end...

Smack talk is the only thing we've got right now, because this is truly a sick endeavor for all of us.

I can't wait to get our shirts.

Key Biscayne rides

2007-07-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

So here is a picture of what we have recently enjoyed so much that we decided to ride it over and over. Me 44 or 46 times till I pulled something in my Quad, Steve like 46-48 and Mike 52 or 54...let's face it it's easy to lose count.

The last picture is what the bridge used to look like...

Yeah I hate the drive out there, I said it!! LOL but, in reality, what choices do we have, there is no hill riding anywhere else now is there??

80 mile ride...

2007-07-08T22:15:00.000-05:00

So I have been badgered about not posting recently, and it's true there is alot to catch up on. Mike and I recently did a really good ride, 80 miles almost exactly, from his house to Key Biscayne all the way to Bill Baggs, including the Virginia Key. Then to South beach via Venetian Causeway all the way to South Point and back, through downtown, over the Miami Ave Bridge back to Key Biscayne to do the same loop and back to his house. Overall it was fast, even though we slowed ourselves down, 80 miles in 6.5 hours.

specs of Dres bike

2007-06-04T20:19:00.000-05:00

Response Comp `07

Sizes SM (16"), MD (18"), LG (20"), XL (22")
Colors Pluto Gold
Frame DB 6061-T6 heat-treated / OS / butted aluminum frame w/ Strongbox Headtube Junction, "D" fillet gusset, DB Snake Stays, replaceable hanger, H2O Bottle Mounts
Fork Marzocchi MZ Comp 120mm Travel w/ 30.0mm Stanchions
Headset Ahead 1 1/8"
Bottom Bracket Truvativ Power Spline Sealed Cartridge
F. Derailleur SRAM X-7
R. Derailleur SRAM X-7
Shift Lever SRAM SX5 trigger 9spd
Cog Set SRAM PG-950 9spd Cassette (11-34t)
Chain KMC-Z9000
Hubset (F) 32h Alloy w/ CNC Disc Mount (R) 32h Alloy Cassette w/ CNC Disc Mount
Spokes Black 14g Stainless Steel
Rims 32h Sun Ditch Witch w/ eyelets
Tires Kenda Klaw XT 26x2.1
Brakes Avid BB5 Disc w/ 6" rotors
Brake Levers Avid FR-5
Pedals Alloy Patform
Handlebar Alloy riser
Grips DB D2 Kraton
Stem Alloy Blockhead 4-bolt Ahead
Seatpost Alloy Micro Adjust 30mm
Saddle WTB Pure V Sport
Extras Clear coat, owner’s manual, H20 bottle mounts

Andres summer projects

2007-06-04T20:08:00.000-05:00

So I decided that since Dre didn't do so stellar in school his punishment would be good for everyone. I bought him a pretty nice bike and will outfit it with road tires like mine. He will start at only one way rides with me to work but so far here is his first ride and he was pretty strong at it, although a little road weary.

URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1017372

Here is the bike I bought him:

B & B ride (Bike & Beer)

2007-04-09T16:16:00.000-05:00

This was the fun ride Mike and I did through Charlotte on bike. From about 4 PM to 1 AM, 11 bars 14-16 beers estimated the longest 9 mile bike ride. One per bar til the Penguin.

LOL

40 acre rock on spring break

2007-04-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

We visited this place by Monroe NC that was gorgeous quiet and secluded. It looked like being on the surface of the moon in a wierd way then we hiked down to the base of the "rock" or mound and walked by a little waterfall it was very nice for us and the boys. Later in the week, Mike and I rode the same place with mountain bikes that was a unique experience to say the least. Below was the route, more or less.

This is a link to picutres of the place itself taken by someone else.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v431/mccaskil/40%20Acre%20Rock/?action=view&slideshow=true

Okee Dokee ride

2007-03-22T16:14:00.000-05:00

This is most likely a soon to be done ride. It is an offroad route on Lake Okeechobee's Birm. There isnt too much topography but we will be able to ride the birm up and down for some steep challenging climbs, but we'll have to do it quit a few times. I assume they are about 50-60 feet tall in some places and more than 45% grade also so we would have to climb at angles.

Anyway we'll see what happens. Mike, Steve input?

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=793396

Last weeks ride...uggggg

2007-03-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

This is the link to the last ride we did, it was my hardest yet.

Steve cramped up at mile 7 or so and rode back to the car. Mike and I rode it out, but about mile 20 offroad section, Mike said, maybe we should turn back here...Like a fool I said naaaaw, lets at least get to 8th street...

Well about 10 miles later and a severe limestone beating later, we got there. It wasn't so bad yet but that portion of the ride had destroyed us to the point that the next 30 on-road miles, were grueling.

The S>>N section is all off road.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=790738

O'dude so me these days

2007-03-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

New rides planned

2007-03-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a new ride I am planning, we'll see how it goes, it will be starting at the entrance to Everglades National Park on dirt roads up to Tamiami Trail see it here in red. The L shape is 23 miles the other is 24.6 or so, all dirt trail. cool

Sunday Ride in Clermont

2007-03-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=766845 Sunday ride, a bit inaccurate it was closer to 30 miles but I cut some corners when mapping it.

Geez, I guess I need to make some special comments here for Mr. Mike since he has problems typing!!

By the way Mike we are the only ones reading this...LOL

Saturday was a 40 or so mile ride that started at 6:15 from the same start point as in the map above, we rode quite a few more hills, including the one on Jamarly rd. which we did on Sunday also but we also did Cardiac hill and the ones after it. It was portions of the ironman course but not all of it according to Mike. Some of these hills were gnarly for me at least on day one, getting used to gear switching made me lose alot of momentum but it was good fun, better training next time. At least I didn't walk the hills!

Sunday it was a bit more flatland but still the same hill on Jamarly, and then some extra riding down some country roads, hilly but but not as bad as day one. We also did the loop of the lake an extra time early on as a warm up on Sunday but eventually we hit some longer roads but the overall ride was 30 miles or so according to Mikes computer.

Well maybe later I will post the route of the first days ride.

C y'all

2007-02-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

Great ride today, got from work to my house in 1 HR 45. Rode some additional miles since I missed the Sunday ride with Mike and Steve. Probably added about 10 miles to my ride doing that.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=733644 is the link to what I rode.

I got home before Liz and the boys so that was a very good thing cnsidering I rode the bike.

48 mile ride in Homestead

2007-02-25T11:09:00.000-05:00

Check it out guys, I know there is a big or farm trail on parts of the course also. There are alos many many canal roads, near the park I will look into how we can do an all offroad ride.

other ride

2007-02-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

One of the future commutes I will do back and forth to work.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=729862

Ride on Saturday was just loke the one last Saturday, about 25 miles round trip, only this time we did it in about under 2 hrs averaging about 13-15 mph. Kinda toucg so far on MTB's but we have lots of time left for training.

Mike gets his bike this next week, then I will have to up my pace because he'll be able to fly.

We all had mechanical things squeaking this Saturday, time for checkups.

Longest ride so far

2007-02-19T16:50:00.000-05:00

There and back

Hillclimb training

2007-02-15T12:34:00.000-05:00

Looks like Key Biscayne and Claremont it is.

RE: [LT100Bike] training advice for long climbs ?

Riding a big gear ratio into the wind for an hour is just as good as climbing a
hill for an hour. But, mental determination has to compensate for the absence
of gradient. Also, I think riding a climb 'feels' more rewarding than riding
flats at the same output, so its 'easier' to keep at it.

Hill repeats are great stuff. I have a place to do 5:15 minute repeats at high
effort on a moderate grade. I do most of them seated, but mix it up too - one
standing the whole rep, a couple seated at high tension (big gear ratio), a
couple at high cadence. I think these reps are great climb conditioners,
training (tricking) the body into better performance on long climbs simply by
raising AT and tolerance of discomfort. Usually I prefer to do high intensity
stuff on my own, but these repeats lend themselves to partnered work, too.
Equally strong riders can press one another from the line, and at the top can
take turns saying, "Come on, let's do one more." Or, if your mate is a bit
faster or slower on such a circuit, start the first repeat together and mark the
time gap at the top. 'Handicap' the next start to set up a spirited rep.

In Heaven there are no trainers. People ride outside when its gray and wet and
cold because it still sucks less than the trainer. But, trainers are great too.
I suggest to all that the secret to trainers is session management. Do not do
trainer sessions without purpose and proper stimulus. Have a plan for the whole
session, BEFORE you get on the saddle. Junk miles on a trainer are worse than
useless. A TV in front of you is good, but do not watch a movie or network
programming; they are counter-productive. Forty-five minutes of focused work is
way more beneficial than two hours of "My Cousin Vinny" (Although that is a
great movie.) Road racing videos are inspiring and tend to keep my intensity up
(Phil Liggett commentary as I whup some Euro-ass at the line, or pace a climb
with Lance). Training videos are good. I have "Spinervals" tapes that are
pretty good, ranging in program length and purpose from 45 -120 minutes.

Lots of flatland riders enjoy great success on Leadville climbs. Training for
endurance and force is training for climbs, wherever you do it.

course in review

2007-02-15T12:29:00.000-05:00

Again from a 28 time rider
Re: [LT100Bike] LT100 course review

Nate:

I'll give it a try, since I just rode the first 50 miles or so last weekend.
(Warning: long email ...)

There are Leadville locals on this list, I think, so they can keep me
honest.

You pretty much got the start: mostly downhill (there's a little uphill
in town, but with the adrenaline, who notices?) You follow the pack
(or the escort, if you're at the front), until what's known as Leadville
Junction. That's where you leave the pavement, and cross what
you called the puddle. It seems there's a puddle and a big group
cluster-flick (er, you know) at the puddle, since it usually rains
like heck the night before. (;o) Last year, I tried to hike-a-bike around
the puddle and the group, but the bushes are worse. Get to the puddle
first, or get in line.

Then you continue, slightly up most of the time, until you join the creek
and head up proper (near an abandoned mine, on the right). You continue
up until what's known as St. Kevins (pronounced Kee-vins), at which
point you more-or-less flatten out. You continue on some cool double-
track until you hit the pavement, and a mini-aid-station. (Last year
was the first time for this mini aid station, but I'm assuming they'll
continue
with it this year.)

You head down on pavement, hitting speeds of perhaps 35 MPH (I'm
going so fast, I don't have much time to check the speedometer!) When
you reach the bottom, just continue on! Up the pavement until you hit
a dirt road to the right. I forget the name of this road, but it heads over
some pass if you stay on it. But you only stay on it perhaps 3-4 miles, then
hang a hard left. Now you get the benefit of not only thin air and a climb,
but lots of loose baby-head and fist-sized rocks. (It's *really* loose and
rocky this year, more than I remember it in the 4 years I've been doing
this.)

It gets better though, near the top of this climb to Sugar loaf. (Wipe
the drewel off your face, here, since there's usually a photographer here!)

After the Sugar loaf climb, you're ready for a big downhill, and the power
lines give it to you. Be careful of hot brakes (I have a front disk now
because
of this and the Columbine descent), other folks, and loose stuff 2/3 of
the way
down. I usually have to try to pass 3 or 4 folks here: little help, since
they usually pass me back later.

You hit pavement again, and head right, past the Fish Hatchery, site
of previous years' aid station, but no more. Keep going. When you're
about 2-3 miles (??) past the hatchery, now heading east, take
a right on a dirt road. This takes you due south, towards the
holy Columbine climb (still 25 miles away). You veer left
off the paved road onto a dirt road (where the cars continue
straight). In about a mile or two you come to the pipe line
aid station. You continue from there along the pipeline road,
turning off of it right before the 3rd (I think) gully. (I missed
this last weekend, after having ridden it at least 3 times before!)

You head over to a local road, with a couple of downhills, one of which
can be treacherous (though short). Coming back, this hill is called the
north face (shameless plug for you-know-who).

On the local road, you continue south again, until a really yucky
looking uphill, which you thankfully avoid by turning west. This
is where you come in the back way to a housing development that
is near twin lakes. You continue on a nice fast (but not too steep) paved
downhill until you reach the highway just in front of twin lakes.

You cross this highway (there will be somebody controlling traffic), and
enter some single track that parallels the highway. You head east on
this until you hit the crushed-gravel trail that crosses the damn. (This
is closed other than race day, for 9-11 reasons.)

The aid station on the other side of the lake. If you're lucky, your
pit crew made it here faster than you from the pipe line. (some don't)

Now you take double track along some pipe line, on private property
(only legally ridable on race day, though many seem to ride it all
the time anyway), and come out on the Columbine Mine road.

You have about 1 or 2 minutes before the suffering begins. As others
have pointed out, the bottom part is some of the hardest climbing (not
counting the very top). I'll let other better rides describe this climb.
For me,
it's about 7 miles or riding and 3 miles of hike a bike. (No kidding, the
first year, I really walked at least 3 miles!) If you're in good shape,
you might do anything from ride the whole thing to ride most of it,
perhaps dismounting in 3 or 4 places.

There's a wrecked tractor about 1/2 way from Twin Lakes to the top,
so watch for it on the left.

About 2-3 miles from the top, the road becomes a torture trail: more or
less 4x4 trail, with ruts that could eat a VW. This always adds to the
fun of no air and a steep climb.

Near the top, you can look left and see the Columbine aid station (about
a mile away?). You actually climb a little above it, then descend to it
about
200 yds or so. WARNING: try not to stay long up here. There ain't no
air! If you ever get to see video of John Stamstead and the first LT100,
he didn't even stop at Columbine: he just rolled in a circle and kept going!
(My hero!)

If you think you might get really cold on the descent from Columbine,
you can leave a drop bag here. (PIT crews are not allowed up here.)

Let the nice folks refill your water, sports drink, get your drop bag,
etc. (They're very nice there! Does anybody remember what
group mans this station each year? I think it's some rescue group?)

Head down, and try to go as fast as you can w/o overheating breaks,
crashing into some really slow person (like me), or going numb in
the hands. If you've dressed warm for the descent, you're likely going
to cook when you hit the bottom: it just gets warmer and warmer.
When you get in the open and head back north again, you'll have
to stop and take clothes off (if you have any extra!).

The return trip is mostly just the reverse. Watch out for north
face: just plan on waking up it (and panting a lot). You're just
about back at pipe line. At this point, you're body is past hurting,
and your brain is trying to talk you into quitting.

To be honest (and it really hurts to be honest in this case), I've never
made it past pipe-line returning, in three attempts. In some fairness,
for one of those attempts, it was raining, with big ol' lightning bolts
coming down. And one of those years was my first, at which time
I was lucky I made it 50 miles let alone 100 miles (I was completely
unprepared for how hard it was.)

Nutrition info from a 28th time rider

2007-02-15T12:17:00.000-05:00

RE: [LT100Bike] eating real food?

Nate- I've tried both systems. Real food and then E-Caps products. I'm
very new to the sport of cycling but have some experience with ultrarunning.
When I first started ultrarunning I was having lots of stomach problems. I
was trying to eat gel products, energy drinks and real food. In my first
five 50 mile runs I threw up in every event more than once. I heard about
the E-Caps products and decided to give them a try.

I switched to a sustained energy, hammer gel, water and enduralytes before
the Western States 100 mile run. For the first time ever in an ultra run I
didn't throw up. I had energy for the entire run and finished well.

Here is what I've noticed. My body can take 300-400 calories per hour. The
harder the effort the less I can digest. When you work hard the blood is in
the muscles and can't help the stomach with digestion. The hotter the
weather the less I can digest. If the food is solid "real" I can only
digest around 200 calories. I can take in more calories if eaten in small
amounts every 5-10 minutes. Rather than chug a whole sustained energy mixed
with hammer gel, I take a swallow every 10 minutes followed by some water
from my pack. Spreading the calories out over time allows the stomach to
process more food.

The few times when I have eaten solid food in endurance events, I notice
that if I chew the food very, very well it makes a big difference. It also
makes a big difference for me If I eat little bit all day rather than a
whole PBJ at once.

If you get to the point where your stomach is upset, you don't have any
energy and your race is suffering it's best to throw up if you have the
urge. Don't fight it. You will feel better immediately. Slow your pace
for a little bit, take in some Hammer Gel or Sprite and you will feel
better.

These are my experiences from running. I haven't had any stomach problems
on a bike yet. I did the Brian Head 50 mile event in 4:24 and will be at
Leadville for my first attempt at a 100. Should be fun.

More good info on the race

2007-02-15T12:14:00.000-05:00

This is an update to a post I've done several times over the last
5(OMG!) years. It's free advice, and worth every penny! These are in
addition to some pointers Dean posted a couple weeks ago. My favorite
from his post and one I can personally attest to:

- It's better to quit than to die, but not by much.

====================

I've spent way too many hours thinking about this race, I think it is
an infection. Here are a few tips I try to follow as I ride and race
the course:

- Don't start out too fast, the lead pack will fly out of Leadville
like it were a 20 mile sprint. Now that the single track has been
removed at about mile 14 the only backups you might experience are the
St. Kevins climb and the Powerline descent, worst case these probably
won't cost you more than 3 minutes. Try never to engage your turbo
power; you will pay dearly later in the race.

- The descent down Powerline is very loose and rutted especially near
the bottom. Rains can form very deep ruts. There are always some bad
crashes and flats in here. Even after it gets flat before the stream
crossing there are some potentially deep rain-formed ruts. (RUN AT
LEAST 45PSI!!!)

- Join a paceline once you hit the pavement at the base of the
powerline descent to the gravel pits if you can but stay in your zone.
Get in one on the way back too. You're most likely to encounter a head
wind inbound from TLD to FH (fish hatchery), steel yourself for it and
try drafting as much as possible.

- Just as the long climb begins to Columbine (about 2 miles after TLD)
you'll encounter a long stretch (1/2+ miles) of the steepest sustained
part of the climb. This is just as you enter the trees after going
through the cow pasture. Take it easy and don't push too hard here,
you'll be able to speed up after this section, e.g. from 4 to 6 MPH.

- There is a white piece of tracked mining equipment 1/2 buried on the
left half of the road as you're climbing, you can't miss it. It's
VERY close to the 1/2 waypoint in time between TLD and CM if you're
holding a steady effort.

- There are at least 6 places almost everyone must walk, I plan in
advance to walk these sections and no others:

* 2.5 miles from Columbine right next to a tall silver pipe mining
tripod thing there is about a 100-yard stretch.

* 2 miles from Columbine there is about a 50 yard stretch just as you
turn off the main road to Gold Basin mine; it's loose, rocky and
steep.

* About 1 mile from columbine there is another 50-yard section only a
few studs ride.

* Between TLD and CR just after leaving the pavement there is a very
steep rutted hill, no one rides this. Sometimes called North Face (in
honor of sponsor)

* 1/2 mile later there is another pretty steep but short hill.

* Near the bottom of Powerline there is about a 150-yard section.

- Recover but stay on the gas coming down from CM; you can save 5+
minutes by not coasting.

- There are 3 false summits going up Powerline, at a 9-10 hour overall
pace it takes about an hour to get from FH up Powerline to Sugarloaf
pass.

- It's a 3 mile climb on pavement going back up to St Kevins. When
you leave the pavement after this climb you're an hour or so from the
finish at a 10 hour pace. Get supplies at this point at the mini-aid
station if you're low.

- At a 9-10 hour pace it takes about 25-30 mins to get from Leadville
Junction (RR track crossing) to the finish. It's still about 5 miles!

- Most racers carry way too much equipment. THINK OF THE RACE AS
SEVERAL SHORT ONES. Carry enough to get between aid stations and have
spares there. NORBA rules apply with exceptions, you can accept spares
(even whole wheels) and food at aid stations but you must carry all of
your tools.

- If you're going for speed don't stop at CM (even if you're not don't
linger at this altitude), eat/drink on the flat area near CM and again
about 1/2 way down when there is a little uphill section (it's short
and right after a hairpin turn so eat quickly).

- Give plenty of space to the tandems, they are crazy maniacs who
exhibit little control and even less caution. With gross rig weights
near 400 lbs they can mow you down like a bowling pin.

- HAVE FUN!

Some tips I found on the LT 100

2007-02-15T12:12:00.000-05:00

Mike and Steve I will post here what I find so you can read it here or search on your own. I did not write any of these.
* Never, never, never make eye contact with road kill. Funny one
* Crash out of a race; never race in that jersey again. Superstitious one

Here are some tips and truths I've heard / learned, that I think have value for LT100 racers.

* The shortest distance between two points is a lot of little circles.
* Train harder than you race.
* Hydrate or fail. No exceptions will be granted.
* Bikes and components - strong, light, cheap: pick two.
* Relax.
* Shift your weight around on the bars and saddle.
* Stand up at least once every fifteen minutes.
* Drink at least once every fifteen minutes.
* Travel light.
* Be prepared to deal with hot, cold, wet, dry, windy.
* Pre-ride the course if at all possible (priority to Columbine & Sugarloaf).
* Don't do anything on race day you didn't do in training.
* You can't do twice as much on race day than you ever did in training.
* See and attack the race in sections, not as one daunting beast.
* Be deliberate. Dictate your pace.
* Tell your support people what you're thinking, and listen to them, especially at stations 3, 4 & 5.
* It's all about climbing at altitude. Train for sustained hard effort.
* Top two miles, Columbine climb: stay way right, keep moving.
* Top two miles, Columbine descent: the climbers are too gassed to stay way right. Watch out!
* Lower Powerline descent; stay well inside your envelope.
* Powerline climb; words fail here, you just gotta get it done.
* Bite off more time/effort than you can chew on at least one training ride. Time in cycling hell is golden experience.
* Visualize and believe in what you are going to do. LT100 can smell fear.
* Don't mash. Spin.
* Eat comfortable food.
* In the heat of the day, squirt some water on your head and the back of your neck.
* It's better to quit than to die, but not by much.

Leadville here we come!

2007-02-13T14:37:00.000-05:00

I signed up for a lottery to be in the LT100 or the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race. It is in Leadville Colorado in August. I really didn't think it would happen but it was a great excuse to buy the bike I wanted etc.. Well, after some interesting calls and a week later I found out that I got in, and so did Mike and Steve O. We will be training like mad for one of the most grueling races in the US the highest altitude Mountain Bike race in the US. I heard that Lance and Floyd Landis would be there, seems like Lance is waffling a bit but Floyd may still be in. That would be awesome just to meet those guys. Here is the race profile below. 14,400 feet of climbing between 9600ft altitude and 12600. I am so psyched up about this.
First the skyview top right is start and finish line, to the closest point being the peak at 12600 ft.

Its a new hotty coming to town

2007-02-09T00:43:00.000-05:00

My new Motobecane Fly Team 2007 god damn that is such a hot bike!

this is a classic article

2007-02-05T01:09:00.000-05:00

Does This Cock Ring Make Me Look Fat?

losing the marbles

2007-01-28T20:58:00.000-05:00

Time for an update I suppose. I am working so hard these days not to lose my mind there is way too much on the plate. I am launching the Key West sites this month, starting a new semester in school, fighting the VA for my money, getting the new home issues squared away, fighting with the wife about lack of time to speak to each other, the kids are all sick, money is slow to roll in, Liz needs a raise, I need a raise and a half. UGGGGGGHHHHHH....

I am so worn out right now.

More when I have time.

school started again

2007-01-04T14:52:00.000-05:00

So here is what I am taking this semester:
COLLEGE ALGEBRA
INTRO OCEANOGRAPHY
AMERICAN FEDERAL GOV
INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY

I had already taken the Psychology but it got deleted when I filed for Amnesty, the Math is something I have never bothered to finish.

The latest problem is that the VA still has sent me Nothing, you hear me VA F**K Y*U!!!
I have sent and resent and double sent and mailed and faxed and called and bitched etc.... Maybe I should contact a Republican Cronie they seem to get everything they want.

Anyway one day I'll get some huge overpayment and then I owe them money.

wwe'll see

You pulled it off Mike

2006-12-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

MIKE YOU FINALLY DID IT!!! YOU DA MAN.....
Now all you need is a real Land Cruiser. We love you guys and hope the best for you in you FUTURE marriage. WOOOOOOOHHHHHHOOOOOO

some pics of the trip to the everglades

2006-11-09T17:43:00.000-05:00
Here are some of my fav pics of the trip we just did into the everglades.

So the trip was not what was planned

2006-11-08T16:02:00.000-05:00
We ended up changing our plans and I will post what we ended up doing soon.

This was the change of plans out to Hell's Bay in Everglades National Park

Batchelor Party on Elliott Key

2006-10-31T10:54:00.000-05:00
I haven't posted anything about this but I was asked to be the best man at a good old friends wedding. I take this as a great honor. He did not want the traditional "tittie bar" batch party instead he wanted an outdoorsy, camping/fishing or something of this kind of party. So the plan is a weekend on Elliott Key off of Biscayne National Park, I am actually trying to work it out to stay on North Adams Key which is an island only rangers live on but this may not happen.

We will be renting one or two tandem Kayaks but I will also have all of my kayaks there. I hope it turns out to be memorable and the weather holds up.

Here is a map of the area:

Toby is a dog

2006-10-25T15:27:00.000-05:00
I will be getting him in January if Liz doesn't mess things up..Just kidding Liz.

She got him from a lady that rescues dogs but we asked to get him when they give us the house because otherwise we have issues with the parentals..mainly my dad complaining about asthma etc..

Damn he's cute!

Toby short for Bethoven

2006-10-25T15:24:00.000-05:00

back to school days

2006-08-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

WOOHOOOO

OK I know it's silly but after 36 years I decided to go back to school. I have money that will disappear from the VA (1K a month) if I don't start this semester so I did it (it expires after 10 years of leaving the military.

I signed up, I registered, I re-tested my entrance exams. I scored for Honors English, go figure. I am going to take:

Business Law
College Algebra
Art Appreciation
Biology

Full time is going to be a bit of a challenge with my work load but then again I have some flexibility and 2 of my classes will be online.

I am actually excited and maybe even giddy....LOL

Yeah man. I will actually be finishing my degree when my son is entering college, if I go for my masters we can both pledge together at some fraternity...