So the ONG did an interesting thing and gave up a local race and went to a political fundraiser. I was asked by a friend to be "arm candy". Maybe when I was a 20 something and dated Captains of Industry would I have considered myself that. But now? What a compliment. So I drove the "little gay car" down. The Jetta is not welcome at such events. The Strom would have been. We arrived, made our introductions and went to get a drink. I'll have a beer. NO BEER. OK Plan b. I'll have a Bloody Mary. Strike two. Martini? Not a good idea, if I'm supposed to behave myself.
So I settled on some red wine. Made a plate of food and watched the story unfold.
Anyways the premise was she had a couple "hotties" she wanted to introduce me to and had here eye on one herself. If he showed she said "I'm dumping your ass in an instant!" That's cool.
Well the hotties never evolved. Hers made an appearance. So we had laughs and had some great food. She gave me the scoop on the people there. We mingled. had our picture taken( We're not a couple was used and met with sly grins).Pressed the flesh. The host were great people no air what so ever to them. He had a great art collection, a Picasso and a Matisse. But what was coolest was his sculpture collection. Being the 3d guy it was fun to see someone have art other than to cover the walls. The politician spoke........and spoke........and spoke.......... You get the idea.
We slid out and got some food. Talked abit more. As the event broke up we bid or goodbyes and strolled down the street to maybe meet some other people. Another strike. We called it a day.
Thanks Karen, that was fun. The new house is very cool as are the big cats.

So now this week is nuts with work,home repairs and racing.
I'm making the return to a 12 hr race this weekend. Of course I want to do my best.( I have to remember this is about fun.) I'm sweating bike choice. The shoulder and hand are being grumpy. Rigid 29'er or front suspension 26? I'm leaning to the Dillinger. I want to see how I do on it.

Bobber and Venus have been working on their skills and getting the "middle ring king" going.
Apparently Bobber hit in the big ring the other night and "got on top of the whoops". Bumps disappear at speed, when you let the bike "hunt". The new rig should be a treat at speed.
They're both riding better than ever. Looks like we all might do double laps to start. That's cool too.

Pics to come. I'm working hard.

Whats on the Ipod? Vusi Mahlasela, The Deraillers( Like a train,not a bike) Uriah Heep and early Chicago.

Enjoy life. OGQ

Another. File this under life isn't fair. Todd Kapeghian. Todd is gone from our world. Taken by a heart attack. Here was a man that made most cyclists look fat. He defined fit. His legs spoke for him. Modesty was Todd. Now all we have are our on memories of him.
Todd that as "tired". Then would crush you in a TT. Todd that had been up playing a gig all night. Then crush you in the RR. Todd that played in numerous bands and was a session musician in Nashville. Pedal steel, one of the best. But he never told you where he was playing. Modesty.Todd who's name is on albums.
Todd that showed us his "hero's" guitar that he'd just got on Ebay.Enthusiasm for life. That is Todd.

Now Todd is with Dave Panella another TVC'er, goin' up the spirit in the sky
All I know is I hope his trip there was as fast as he was. No pain.
Todd like Dave you'll always ride with us. It saddens me you're gone.
Google his name. See who he was. Listen to his music. Revel in Todd.

As I always end these with, Enjoy life. I mean it. Todd did everything to live right, and his heart quit. Period. You just never know. I started this blog all based on a heart attack. my father's years ago. Cheating the reaper. Here it is another one fallen.
Ride fast my friend. Smile down us. Play a lick that makes you smile.
We should all do the same.
OGQ

Blogging is tough this time of year. With my shift away from racing. There's not a lot to update.
Work gets crazy this time of year and who needs to hear about work. The basic premise is "I create, so I can recreate."
We've had a lot of birthdays this month. But we snuck one over on Mills. Took him to Moxie and the crew was there. We also had a "Henk" sighting. Great food and friends. Surround yourself with these. Don't forget the great wine and beer!
I'll try to interject current events throughout my memory dredging today.
First,Gas prices. Everybody bitches. But the don't do anything like carpool,ride your bike, don't drive as much and God forbid. Walk. I've been riding the Strom to work. I get isn't it cold? Not really 30,is fine if you dress for it. Let's see the Strom gets 50mpg,the Jetta,25-30,the truck 20.
Tough choices.
Been getting more mountain bike time in. Swapping between the Hooligan and the Dillinger. Big wheels,little wheels? At least the geared and full sus bikes are gone.
We hit Shindagin for the first time this year. Bobber has his new bike. Very nice and it's ORANGE!. He's riding better on it. We found two new trails. One was just marked with ribbon. But it eliminated the crappy road climb. We capped of the ride with ice cream.
Took Pops out for a ride on South Mountain. We saw a porcupine and of course I didn't have the camera. Either way,very cool.
So riding the MC home from work. All five cars I ended up behind we on their cell phones. What can be so important? When I sit at the light in the morning and observe the talkers. It's women and contractors on the phone. What's up with texting? I don't get it.
At work we have a phone system,email and a mail box. You'll get the same message on all three.
Are we all really that stupid? Sometimes it's even posted on the bulletin board. Now, I might be a Luddite on some things but technology is cool in others. So to each his own. But,just hang up and drive wrapped in the comfort of your steel cocoon.
The O'b's had a picnic for us all. Tuna,thai chicken,thai salad, grilled cheese, smores, burritos. It was a good time. Beer flowed like wine. Oh that did too. Pops even busted out the 12 year old Scotch. I value my vision.
Went to camp. Ahhh camp. It was good to see lots of people. Changes everywhere.
Frank had his 70th birthday party. 96 people it was fun to put a face to many names. I had "one beer". see pic. His son in law works for Guinness.
Well enough of this this. My second press of single lot shade grown,fair trade is ready. My treat to myself.
Besides Henk and I are doing a road ride today. That's become a rarity.
Enjoy life,thank your friends for who they are.
OGQ

As usual Bogger won't let me upload pics. I'll try later.