Well that probably raised an eyebrow or two. Anyways I'm being hounded to update by that Southern belle again. My life is pretty routine lately after the return to wage slavedom.

So Cliff, The Bresee's and I headed out to a screening of the movie "Half Nelson". Who knew that in little JC. The place would be packed. SRO. Who wants to stand for two hours to watch a movie? So we headed over to a coffee house to find it was closed.

That took us in search of beer or coffee. The Cyber Cafe fits the bill. Desserts and microbrews were enjoyed.

The never ending party continued. I made a pot of chili with a new recipe that included pineapple. As you can see the pot was almost emptied. Cliff brought a petit shiraz that was a winner. The Bresees' brought "A Giant Chocolate Boob" for dessert.

Pops is growing older but not up in his search to go 200mph on his bike. Now he wants nitrous.

I thought that was for whippets and whipped cream cans that provided laughs in college while grocery shopping.. The balloon promted all this. When I lived in Canada the business men used to buy balloons from the local head shop and huff them on lunch hour in the park. Hey whatever works.

I hit the theater for the opening of Ghostrider. What can I say. It's a comic made into a movie. It was fun. But not great. Sam Elliot is the supreme cowboy,bar none. The Spidey 3 trailer looked great.

Now for TV Criminal Minds is it for creepy. Followed by CSI Vegas.

Dinner group tonight. So more food. We had to order duck in advance. I'll bet it will be great.

Drive by Truckers are rocking the house today.

Enjoy life. OGQ

To go along with yesterday. Here's the lyrics to "I don't wanna grow up"

When I'm lyin' in my bed at nightI don't wanna grow up
Nothin' ever seems to turn out right
I don't wanna grow up
How do you move in a world of fog
That's always changing thingsMakes me wish that I could be a dog
When I see the price that you payI don't wanna grow up
I don't ever wanna be that way
I don't wanna grow up
Seems like folks turn into thingsThat they'd never want
The only thing to live forIs today..
.I'm gonna put a hole in my TV set
I don't wanna grow upOpen up the medicine chest
And I don't wanna grow up
I don't wanna have to shout it outI don't want my hair to fall out
I don't wanna be filled with doubt
I don't wanna be a good boy scout
I don't wanna have to learn to count
I don't wanna have the biggest amount
I don't wanna grow up
Well when I see my parents fightI don't wanna grow up
They all go out and drinking all night
And I don't wanna grow up
I'd rather stay here in my room
Nothin' out there but sad and gloom
I don't wanna live in a big old TombOn Grand StreetWhen I see the 5 o'clock news
I don't wanna grow upComb their hair and shine their shoes
I don't wanna grow upStay around in my old hometownI don't wanna put no money down
I don't wanna get me a big old loanWork them fingers to the bone
I don't wanna float a broomFall in love and get married then boom
How the hell did I get here so soon
I don't wanna grow up

I love the stillness of a snow storm in the early morning. Of course some might feel that this is becasue I'd get the day off. OK bad career choice on your part. They usually make way more money than me and can take vacations when they want to.

Anyways. The Husky fired up and was able to move the 8-10 inches of snow. So then whats a man to do? What else feed the fire. Off to breakfast I went.

Here's another one for Carl in Fla. Last night I made a Rachael Ray dinner. Baked sweet potato fries with an incredible toasted cheese sandwich. It was made with "Energy" Bread, brie, priscuto and fig preserves. Salty, sweet. and totally "YUMO". I added some peppadews on the side.Yes. I dig her.

Rediscovering Tom Waits today. Bone Machine You have to love "I Don't Wanna Grow Up."

"Seems like folks turn into things they never wanted. They only thing to live for is today."

Enjoy life.

It's not easy being a lightweight. Bobber hit the nail on the head at breakfast saturday. I was grumbling how sore I was from the week. Let's see back to work (on my feet more), we upped the weights at PT and I started doing the Zoneveld workouts. Sure enough. thursday I had a dull ache in my groin. Friday it hurt more. BUT still dd my PT. Are we seeing a type A behavior here. Saturday downright pain sometimes. Not a muscular sore to touch. But a Damn that hurt. Jolt of pain. So I decided to rest it saturday and sunday. But now it feels pretty good. Maybe a spin? No. I'll let it rest. So I can hit it hard next week.

Movie review: Munich. Good movie. not worth paying at the theater. It sure showed the hatred theses people harbored for each other.

Supercross. Bubba wins another. So does Vilopoto. Can't wait for the East to start

Glad Fatmarc is back.

Those of you riding. Enjoy it.

Enjoy life. OGQ

Since I love to write about food. Here's a pic of my favorite breakfast. Besides the Dr. said I have to feed the injury.

Stuffed french toast. Two slices of french toast,two scrambled eggs,huge amounts of ham and american cheese. This and coffee will fuel you all day. Unlike french toast stuffed with cream cheese and frozen fruit. That will take you to high to fast, then let you crash and kick you in the head. Next time you go for breakfast try this. Let it digest and go for a big ride. No bonk,just a smooth supply of fuel.

No I didn't eat the omelette too. But the guy behind us did eat an exact double order like this.

The Obligation of the Cured. Back to being a wage slave.

So here I am almsot two months post-op,ahead of the curve. Working at getting better everyday.

So Iwent back to work today. Yup, Gramps and his cane are a semi-productive member of society again. It went well. No hassles. My new PT went well too. No if I could sleep at night

So let's jump in the time machine back to saturday night. The "Never Ending Party" came to a halt. The usual suspects were rounded up. Bobber and Tish, Venus, Mikey the Kid, Bob M, Pops and Woofie, Cliff dragged himself away from his desk for a little R&R. We had pizza, wings,garlic knots and a choice of desserts. All washed down with fine Belgian beers. A great night.

This is for Carl in Fla. NOw he's doing chemo and it's screwing up his body and blood sugar. So he said he was ging to go ahead and have some chocolate. Since everythng was so meesed up

I'd bet that was the best piece of chocolate ever. So here's apic Of Venus" brownies for you.

Hang in there buddy and I hope you feel better.

The Kid trys on the cane to see what it's like to be an "Old Man".

Smiling faces all around. How the world should be. OGQ

So it turns out I have some blog fans that don't think I update enough. Nice to know I hve a following.

I thought my Rinse,Lather,Repeat pretty much summed up my life lately.

But it turns out a southern belle really likes reading about my Type A attention deficit disorderly life.

So here goes. I'm back to work on monday,half days. So I've been trying to get back on schedule this week. You know get up at the same time follow a routine. I've pretty much detoxed my system of coffee. It's a double shot of espresso in the am now. Instead of the 4-6 cups before.

I had coffee at breakfast last weekend. Maybe 4 cups. Hit me like meth. It was fresh,that buzz that made me wonder how coffee was legal,way back when. Painkillers and narcotics hit me the same way. My system is hyper sensitive to stimulants/depressants. Some sinus meds give me nosebleeds. Some meds I have to take in bed. Because I won't make it there otherwise. My doctor tells me that I could never be a junkie because of this. Never thought of being one. But maybe thats why I think Meth Moms are weak.This post is really spiralling out of there. A.D.D?

Enough have to prep the work tablestoday for the next bike build. Sort out the SS stuff and put things back where they belong. Hopefully my cross rigs are on the way home.The basement looks empty without them and I've loaned a couple bikes out.

Ronnie thanks for the cinammon rolls. They will make me fat andd sassier.

Now if I'd mention beer it would make the post complete. I have a case of homebrewed coffee oatmeal stout that needs tasting. Maybe I'll get SAW 3 tonight and tip a couple.

Later OGQ

How does it go? I made plans. Then life happened. So it went with my leg. But that gets better every day. Now as to the "Velocity of change". First we have to mourn the demise of www.fatmarc.com . Seems as though that ship has sailed far enough for Marc. Understood.
The team kit for next year in PINK! Looks like the blue might fade away. Skinsuits would be really sweet. But I'll be in the Ommegangsters strip for CX.
Next we have three Americans making the podium at the Cyclocross worlds. First Danny Summerhill in the jr's. The Katie Compton in the Elite women.Yea East Coast! Finally after years of toiling in the trenches Jonathon Page gets a silver. Let's hope this translates into a team for him and some big bucks. Also it looks like a world cup cross is coming to America! Tenative date. Oct 5-6. Looks like I can return to RI and face my demons.
I'm sure the blogger Lonestarbear is having a field day with the annversary of W's "Axis of Evil" today. But he's probably busy as hell getting the new business of the ground. Good luck with the grand opening.
Ricky Carmichael taks another Supercross win. Bubba hangs tough for second after a few miscues. Chad Reed shows he' te real deal. Everyone else collects their salaries, except Tim Ferry who looks like h's really trying. I thought that would be Tedesco this year.
Vilipoto killed the Lites division. Can't wait to see how Dungey fairs in the East.
Look at the that. Not a single mention of food. OGQ

Rinse,lather,repeat.
That's what life has been like for me. Get up. Put on my "stockings". Have breakfast. Surf the net a bit. Do my exercises. Then on the bike for 40-60 minutes.
Thanks god for the DVR and the food channel. Then it's a shower. It's almost lunch now. Rinse, Lather, Repeat. Wait for the "gourmet meals on wheels".

Now the Monday night dinner club met here this monday. We did Theos ( a local BARBQ ) In honor of MLK day, a bit late. We had wings, hot and sassy, sweet and spicy, ribs, cornbread,collard greens,sweet potatoe fries and slaw. Theo's wing are the best,big and meaty. Home brewed beer to wash it all down with.

Five week update from the DR.

Another set of Xrays. The "electric toothbrush" looks good.

So I'm waiting to see the Dr. in the exam room. Hmmm, no magazines or anything to read. So I figure I'll do my exercises.
So I'm at the sink doing dips when he walks in.

He comes in and sees me doing the exercises and says "That's a first." We discuss the questions I have for him.
He gives me the go ahead to start "pushing a bit" on the bike. His words.
He also questioned if I needed PT any more. I'm supposed to start walking a bit without the cane. But try not to limp.
Overall a good report.
I'll be back to work after next week. Starting with half days.

Dealing with this type of injury is an eye opener for me. But as I've said "It could have been worse". Still minor on comparison t D's cancer. While at the grocery store I saw a 20 something girl on crutches with one leg. Point made.

So with the go ahead I to ride a little harder I can set a plan.

Enjoy life.

On the Ipod Tom Waits, Bone Machine Drive By Truckers, Gangstabilly and Alabama Ass Whooping.

It had to happen. Tuesday,I crashed and burned. My leg was so sore and grumpy. O It needs a rest. Just like training. Recover as hard as you train. But today mentally it cracked me. I decided to do less and give it a break. So the brain gives the command te muscles fire but the leg doesn't move. Try again. So I help it with my hand. Better. Try a different one,same thing. OK it's tired. I'll spin for awhile and loosen it up. Back on the bed. Crash out like a light. Same scenario is repeated in the sfternoon. Nothing. ZIP. SNOOZE. Pay attention to your body. Back to sleep I go. Man what a day. These don't happen often in my life.

Of note. It's amazing howmany people ask "So When are you going back to work?" Not, How are you doing or is it healing well?. Work will always be there. I don't want to turn this into a nagging problem . Sure I want to get well as fat as possible. But that doesn't mean get back to work as fast as possible. Suer I have days where I think I could. hen I have a "sleep day".

Wed, PT worked me good. We did some new balance exercises and lunges again. They hurt.
Then she watched me spin on the bike.
News from my ortho doctor. I asked should I work on strength or spin (hi rpms)?

Neither....don't push it too hard. Just go for the motion. You can pull the bone apart if you push too hard. Your training can not start until the bone is healed...and then you are out of my domain.

Great guy my doctor.

Slept late again. But mentally there now. Out of the hole of tuesday.
So it's off to practice the balance and spin.

Thanks to Mike M for another great meal.

Here it is. A clean shaven mug. Man, my face is on fire despite doing all to softenit up for the final removal. I'll see how it goes. So I'm told I look younger.

Another fine meal last night by the " Chef D'Jour Program" We had Thai, Mexican and Indian. As well as beer from Belgium and Ommegang. The dessert tray overflowed too.

Despite their best efforts I was 148lbs yesterday. Not sure how,but I'll take it.

Now today is about goals. Where will I be with this leg in 1,3,6 and 12 months. I know in my heart. I want to return to Kross. Also I miss those 80 mile hill rides. There's trails to learn here.

Reconnect.

Pt wll be here soon to put me throug my paces. Only three more days of in house PT. Then it's outpatient. I'm going to put the speedplays back on and see if I can clip in now. Nothing like some onelegged drills.

Work looms on the horizon. OGQ

Follow the rules. PT worked me over again today. I'd hit the trainer for a half hour to get the leg going. Now it's time to do sets of three by 15's of the exercises. Now some of these are incredibly frustrating as the leg barely moves and tires quickly. But gains come. So I grunt through them.

The news is I'm on a cane now unless tired then it's the walker.

I watched Off Road to Athens last night. A good flick about cycling. Check it out.

Cliff's in charge of "Meals on Wheels" tonight. The Dr. said "Eat,Eat" and I am.

Well I couldn't find a cowboy. So got on the bike yesterday. It was like a jungle gym getting on the bike. It all felt foreign. Odd. At first I could only pedal 270 degrees front or back. Then I could do 360 backwards. Then front. Didn't want to push it as the leg was really tight. Can't get clipped in yet either. But just getting on the bike was a success.

Saddle up.

Pops and Woofie brought in a fine fish dinner last night. The usual suspects were here for a high caloric intake. I even gave up the pain meds for a glass of wine. Thanks.

Since I can't get to The Art of Shaving for my straight razor beard removal. I started cropping.

A bit each day now. Then I'll be clean shaven for the first time in 25 years. But I'll grow it right back for that straight razor treat.

Margaret, Phil and Mark stopped by for a visit yesterday. Margaret is the NY Kween of Kross. She has been to every CX race I've promoted. All the way back to when I gave handcrafted jewelry as prizes. She just keeps rockin' the KX circuit.

Well, she called me from San Francisco at the hospital and said is there anything I can get you? I said "Sure, A man." She did. Who knew there was a Male Nurse Action Figure. They also added some seasonal ales. What more could I ask for? NADA,Zip.

Karen brought dinner tonight. Fantastic homemade bread, salad and seafood lasagne. Weight gain will not be a problem. OGQ

So here I am getting ready for cross next year. Or maybe the track with these short cranks.

Either way a btter day. Took a walk today. Nice.

More food and friends on the way.

I got out of the house to go t the Dr's. It was a warm 50+ out and felt great to be outside. Where's my bike? So the Dr's. office is the usual. Fill out the forms and wait. I get to see Dr. Schenk, again. He treated me after I blew out my shoulder in Moab. He rides too. So we talk about how it feels. Where treatment is headed. I get sent for Xrays. That xray table really brought out how bony my ass has gotten from this. Three X rays later. I'm headed back. The long halls are a treat to walk. I'm now on full weight bearing,according to pain.

He shows me the Xrays points out the progress. The screws look cobby. Like they need a nut on the end. He gets the pieces and I see the real thing. Pretty.

He gives the go ahead to get on the trainer. I have about 84 degrees of motion in my leg. But can't lift it off the bed yet. Now the biggest worry is clots. Let's hope not.

The food continues to pour in. He asked if I was eating OK. Sure am!!! He said that's good it takes a huge amount of calories to mend.

Pizza last night. Ahhh the simple things. Another simple thing. I now can put on my compression stockings, a big step and another prison eliminated.

I'm sure Daves smiling that I'm progressing.

Enjoy life. OGQ

Rehab is the toughest traing of all. You do an hour or more of exercises and wonder what it does for you. It doesn't fell like a workout. Even though you know it's good for you. The PT worked the hell out of my legs tues. It was sore all night and the next day. The hip doesn't hurt a bit. But the quads are really tight and I can almost bend the knee at 90 degrees now. Odd that the knee is the problem. When I massage the leg you can feel a big knot just above the incision. You can even lift a big section of muscle. Atrophy is fast in athletes,somethng like 3 to 1. Even my right calves are smaller. I been on this road before. It will all come back. Just have to be patient. Tough for the ADD poster child. Just take a lesson from Dave Panella and make each day my best. No bitching.

On the plus side. I cleared another "prison" this am. I was able to put my compression stockings on by myself.

Frank brought a killer seafood bisque( here's that food teme, Carl) and dessert last night. A cake and Ben and Jerrys. I ate and promptly feel alseep afterwards. ZZZZZZ Woke up to the phone in time to shoot up my blood thinners might have missed that one if it wasn't for the phone call. Thanks Tom L.

Today brings more PT. Car transfers ans stairs today. Weird teaching yourself to walk again.Then my Dr's appointment for my check up. The Xrays came. I couldn't see the breaks. But if I get to keep them,the one will make a cool shadow box. The pics of the Ti bits in me are cool. That one piece is quite big. Maybe Litespeed made them?

I am in awe of how my friends have rallied around me to help. Meals have been brought in. I've eaten like a king. Cookies,let's not forget those holiday treats too.
Bob,Bob,and Bob have all helped with physical therapy. Henk kept the cats entertained in my abscence. Dawn,Henk,Dan and Audrey have fed me well. Phone calls pour in. Bob M pulls morning duty. First I conquered the "prison" of bed by being able to get in and out of it. Now I'm a prisoner of my compression stockings. I can't put the one on by myself. But not the other.
PT today was hard. The leg just doesn't want to get to that 90 degrees. I send the signals,it gets so far and then it's pain city. I don't mind the pain. But it just doesn't go. It's part of it. I know apply myself to this like it's for the bike. It is.
Back t my friends. Thanks you all. You know I'd do the same for you. OGQ

Day 5. So I m supposed to be sitting up for breakfast. But the Barracuda won't let me. "Not you honey, You pass out. Not on my shift". Grrrr. So get Karen to help me. I feel a bit better.
PT will come after lunch today. My success is measured by my getting out of bed and on the commode and back. Without blacking out. When PT comes I take a stroll down the hall with them. We do some exercises. I smile. I'll be going home soon.
My roomies friends bring dinner. Fried chicken,rice and chorizo, bean soup nd a salad. Killer food. I eat too much.
At midnight I'm somewhere in between drugs and sleep. I smell the smell of a funeral parlor. A hand touches mine,gently. I think it s the Angel of Death. The scent is stonger now. I say I'm not ready to go. It turns out to be a nursae to check my vitals. Her secnt trails away with her. I'm happy I'm still here. She will return again at night.
OK Blogger still won't upload my pics.
Lets' fast forward. I get the good to go signal. The weather has been nice all week. Tere is a storm in the forecast. We ask if everything is in order. Yes it is. We're told. You'll be able t leave first thing in the morning,oh 8:30. Good.
So I'm up and ready to roll. Nope forget it. We need to do this and that. We leave at 3pm as it begins to rain. I just fit in the back seat of the car. Comfortable enough. I can look to the back and to the side. It begins to rain. Long story short it rains the whole way home. It could have been fog.
Now comes the next hurdle getting my scrips filled. Will the pharmacy be open? Do I have to get out of the car? Well they're open and only carry one of the scrips. The one I have to inject. Whew. Thats good. So we get home at 10 pm. I'm wiped. I know Bob is from the crazy weather drving. But I'm home. HOME.

Day three now it gets ugly. Narcotics and I don't get along. So I'm not taking the pain meds. If I lay still I'm Ok. But the pain will go from 0-8 like that. So you're saying take the meds. If I do I get killer headaches. It's a toss up. Now the dietician did come to see me. So my meals will improve. More fruit,veggies and less meat. The cool thing is my roomies wife brings dinner. Trout,schrimp, cod,veggies and rice. Yummy.
The next ugliness is due to my loss of blood and low pressure. I keep passing out trying to get up on the walker. I'm talking blue flashes sounds like you're going under water down for the count. Not a bit of dizzyness. KO'ed by my own body. I have to be able to walk under my own power to leave. Not happening. The incision is leaking quite a bit and my leg is swollen to epic proportions.
Day four is more of the same. PT wants me sitting up on the edge of the bed for breakfast. But the Barracuda won't help me. So I get some help. We try PT again. I go down hard the second time. I'm floating and it feels good. It's because they've caught me and I'm being lowered into bed. I smile and nod out again and into sleep. They will come again.
Sure enough right after lunch. But I've been sitting up. I'm seeing my success. Sure enough. Up I go out the door,down the hall to the elevators and back I go. I'm winning! I celebrate with a nap. My roomie brings fried chicken, rice and beans, a salad and soup. A damn I'm hungry.
From total low to total high in one day.

Surgery. The Dr comes to see me. It's all a clean break,looks good. We've talked how anethesisa wipe me out. I get sick, I don't wake up. Bad Bad things happen.
I could never be a junkie. Unedr three hours and I back in the room. Not feeling bad. I'm allowed to eat. But all I want to do is sleep. I get a new roommate. He's a wreck ahs RI' largest kidney stone in him. It's the size off a quarter. Ouch. More people now that I've had surgery. This is where the BARRACUDA comes in. What a bitch! Rude. She's nasty to both of us. y roomies family comes in. Good people.
I need a break from typing have to move the leg.

Day one in the hospital. No food because I'm going to surgery. My leg is in traction. I can't move off my back. Narcotics are wreaking havoc on me. They managed to hit veins all kinds of them.
Then comes the catheter. That hurt even with the pain meds. But wait. You're not draining. So they pull it out and try again. No luck. Zip out it come again, in it goes again. Can you feel that? Oh draining now. Turns out they can't get he surgeon. Have some ice chips. No food again. Surgery tomorrow. My first roommate goes home. He had a disc replaced. The list of people who touch you in the hospital is crazy. I gave 9 vials of blood to one. Someone is always taking your vitals. Most of them are very nice until....................The Barracuda.

So we drove up to RI in pleasant weather. Everything was going according to plan. Rolled into town early,got unpacked. Hit the trainer and did the workout. Showered and took a walk. Had some dinner at Union Staion Brewery, Tasty. Then back to pick up the numbers. Very organized. Ran into lots of people. The Delaware Cross Crew many sporting the new coifs or facial hair.Off to bed with dreams of a great ride tomorrow.

Made the pre race meal in the room,suited up and headed out. Found the best pit in the venue and got ready for some pre ride then warm up. I tucked in behind three of the best in the country, Paul Curley,Scott Wade and Tom Stevens. They fanned out the breadth of the course and would discuss lines through each corner. After tw0 laps of survey they cranked up the speed and I flowed behind them. Not race pace but enough to get your feel for traction and lines. Off to the trainer, a few minutes spin and head to the staging area. We're well covered with help.

All set the gun goes off, a top twenty start. Not the best legs,but they don't feel dead. Mike Connair comes by. It's a sea of riders. Legs are coming around with three to go. punch it hard up te pavement. The diesel has fired up. Coming up on one of the pavement/ dirt transitions.

His front wheel crabs under and we both go down. Now I know on impact I'm not getting up. I've never hit like that,even on the motorcycle. He asks if I'm OK. The orld is spinning now. I roll to my back. Riders yelling at me. I'm up on my elbows the medics are there. I can't move my leg. They tell me on three they're going to move me. Near black out from the pain. Now i'm being prepped for the board. Please don't drop me. I'm in the ambulance. Paul has arrived is telling me it's all being taken care of. I worm out of the skinsuit and they pull it off. Naked except for my undershirt hey start to try to get IV's going. The guy can't hit my veins. So it's more pain. Off we go to Roger Williams Medical Center. Emily and Diane have brought Bob. What a team I have. he lady asks we what are your possesions? Uhhh my undershirt a watch and glasses. Yup that would be me naked homeless guy from the park. We look at the wound.

Pretty lame. Emily and Diane have to get back. They have Fatmarcs race kit. The usual ER weirdness closes in around me.

That seemingly little brush burn has netted me a femur broken in three places. Snapped the head off and the two parts that hold the muscle on. Surgery tomorrow I'm told. Tom McD is in charge of the car. Seems the crew has never seen the Jetta City only my truck. Takes them awhile to find it. Then unravels it's mysteries to operate it. Tom is not happy with my vehicle.

But it's cool he and Leo drop by.

OK faithful readers here's your chance to win a Koveted NY Kross Kontingent hat. THE LAST ONE ! Whoever picks my finishing position(or closest to it) for Nationals Friday gets it. Post in comments by 9:30 am Friday. Tiebreaker is time of post. OGQ

So it's now three days till Nationals. I've stared at these signs for a long time. At this time of the year no one rides hard around here. So it's make due on weekends and pound the trainer on weeknights. All that's left is "openers" on thursday and do it on Friday. Two of the three goals have been accomplished. We'll know soon enough. Plan to work,Work the plan.

You must believe to achieve. I plan on having a ride like I did for Dave's race Friday. Later, OGQ

It's official I'm now a "Gangsta" make that an
"Ommegangster". For someone that's "retiring" from racing. I'm already stoked for racing Cross next year in Belgian colors. For my critics. Yes,I'm not racing till maybe August. I never said I'd hang up the bike. I love it too much.
Went to the beer store and they are ready for Christmas with all kinds of Belgian Ales. Yummy , a few left with me.
OGQ

Now is this ever Crossers' dream? I was asked to join a team that will be sponsored by the brewery Ommegang. We're talking Belgian beer and culture here. Right in almost my own backyard. They even want to have a CX race at the Brewery someday. Waffle, Beer, Chocolates and Cross!

Like the Beatles song Eight Days a Week,that's all till Nationals.

Isn't that a sweet kit?

Again Blogger won't load up my pics. Sorry.

Well Nationals are in eleven days. I'm psyched and nervous. Can I walk away from racing till next Cross season. I like the challenges of competition. Sure I'll do club races. But I'm not racing full time next year.
So with the NYCX all over and no races nearby I headed to Ely Park to train by myself. You could see the scarring of Daves Race. So I had a perfect cross day. Cold, Blue sky, ground softening up in the sun. I know Providence will have a road start so I worked on that. I did force intervals, htreshold intervals, race pace, some technique work. But in my head I was questioning did I work hard enough? After my best race ever here with Glenn. I was wishing for someone to chase. So I just chased ghosts and enjoyed the day. Very Buddhist.
The little motorcycle is the prooject for the Moto Giro. But I'm willing to bet it gets snookered in motorpacing. Ride on. OGQ

MORE MOTORCYCLES

So I headed down to Pa. for Thanksgiving . The weather wasn't good,but promised to getter better and better. With the Pa. State CX Championships on deck. 60+ degrees sounded real good. For the holiday dinner we had all the trimmings and nice Corsondonk Christmas Ale. YUM. Friday we hit Whole Foods. Imagine, food and I? Great place. Some Christmas shopping done. Even made it out of Performance without spending a bundle.

Saturday dawned clear and bright. BUT it was a 2:15 drive out to Carlilse.

Saw most of CCoD. The plan was race and get out of there. I had pretty decent start spot.

But once again was tangled up in a first turn melee. Settled in quick. But waaay too much pavement.I'd get a gap in the grass twisties. Then they'd reel me in on the pavement.

Back and forth we went to the finish. A so so ride in my book. But needed the race effort.

Besides where else to do you get to ride around giant Christmas decorations? Bob and I hit the Drafting Room for dinner. A great selection of beers. We had a St Neulien Belgian Amber Ale. Tasty.Then I had a Sierra Chrismtas ale and Bob had the MIddle Ages Double wheat.

MMMMM beer. Calramari was a given. Excellent. Dinner was a Thai salad. For dessert we hit Borders for carrot cake and Chai. Read The Robb Reportl MC edition, toys I can't afford. But I can dream.

Sunday wanother fine weather day. Breakfast out. Then loaded up the "baby bike" for the drive home. It all fit no hassles. Traffic was OK. Home safe. What? I have to go to work tomorrow? Five days?

Oh well. WWDD? Enjoy. OGQ.

Let's talk about food.

This quick liitle post is for Carl in Florida. He said I like to talk about food. True so here's a Bella pizza just for you. Here's to a speedy recovery for you too.

You can ring my bell, You can my bell.

This is the bell for winning the States. Equally as cool as the plates we had for my race. It's pretty cool how the cat's ball of string looks like a bike. Enjoy OGQ

A couple SS pics. I'll have to get a better pic of the bell too. It's clever.

OGQ

Henry's team Ignore the WW kit. I only have one skinsuit and wanted all dry clothes for the second race.

I got some good comments on the Henrys kit on the run " Dude, I love the blue with the pink helmet" Or go "Orange bike guy. Where's Henrys from? " Delaware! Delaware???

Just like the Fred Eaglesmith song the I keep rolling along.
This weekend was the NYS Cyclocross Championships. Drove up the night before to check out the course. It was basically a road course with mud thrown in and then the "fitness trail" which was 6-8 inches of mud and would chips. Rideable but faster to run. Were the ground was harder you couldn't rest because it was only place you could go fast. There were two steep run-ups of 150-175 meters. No techincal skills were needed. A strong road rider could have hung on and stumbled through the mud. The course promoter did the best he could with all the constrictions the park put on him. Everything else was superbly run,except the usual USCF bumbling with results.
They ran all the masters together 35/45/55. No staging just get in. We had some horsepower there. Norba champ Scott Wade, former Elite mens champ Jan Wiejak, some road pro and Andy Ruiz. Andy tore the start up. I sttled in to the first group,but couldn't hold that pace. I knew one 45 got up there and the diesel wasn't fully warmed yet. So kept it below redline and focused on the guy ahead. With three to go I had brought back the 45+ guy. I was faster in the skatey sections so caught and passed him there. Then attacked hard. Put my head down and caught another guy. Now everyman was the enemy. A Joe's garage tagged onto me and sat on,then out sprinted me to the finish. I can't sprint so save my life. But he was in the 35+. I thought I was at least top ten overall. Went back and changed, ate a bit to recover for the SS race. Went back over to watch. Results took forever. Then I saw them. 1st in the 45+ 13th overall.
I'd put 25 seconds on second. I was pumped. Time for the Open SS race .
A couple Elite men doubled and most of us had already raced. The promoter was riding a sweet Viscious Cycles disc braked SS cross rig. He tore it up. I settled in 4th dogging third then got him on the run up. Then it was maintain. First and second were gone. So for my efforts I got two medals a championship jersey and cool cowbell painted by the HS kids.
There was a ton of chili and a local micro beer. But that was all gone by the time the SS race was done. In the nd I was ahappy man. I repeated as 45+ Champ. The NY Kross Kontingent from Central Ny did well with quite a few podium spots.
The legs are whipped and it will two days of recovery maybe three as today I have to be a pall bearer for a friends Mom. He's going through some rough times and this was a hit to him. So my wobbly legs and sore joints are nothing.
The Pa. State Championships are a C race for me. Just keep racing and keep the form. This is a rest week then build for Nats.
I like trains, I like faaaast trains. See you in Pa.OGQ

So this time all three. Hmmm?

Anyways I'm still on the high of the win. Looking forward to States.

Well two out of three is better than none. Sorry theone is a bit grainy.

I'll try a few more.Now on the beta program.

I'm not a Gambling Man, But........Today was the series final. The first Dave Panella Memorial Cross in memeory of Dave who left us one this day one year ago. Now last year on this weekend. I gambled it all in Warsaw and came out on top.
Firts in series, Masters 40+ State Champ, and the omnium champ. I even got to point to the sky ala Lance at the finish.
So this weekend was special. I was 5th in the points coming into this race. Being course designer gave me the home field advantage. This would mean I would need a top three start and have to lead into the lawn mower section to get a gap. I spun at the start trying so hard. Hit the first turn in second with my nemesis right in fron of me. I dspatched him in the next turn and jammed the zigzags,then turned it up for the mower section. Now in the wet is where the gambling came into play.
Two wheel drifts and some creative lines let me open a gap on the field. Glenn Sawn joined me soon in the open before the spiral. We worked together to the "Choice" he said you go right I'll go left. My measuring worked out we came out the same. The decided the downhill was faster and took it every lap. We each had sections that we were faster in. Glen said I scared him in the mower section. But he was better in the power section by the pond. I had him on the run ups due to longer legs. Our gap continued to open. Cowbells clanging. The Kingdom of Kross cheeering us on. It came down to a lap to go.
We pored it on up the road dead even into the zigzags I had a wheel and held it. The win vaulted me into third in the series.
Warming up on the SS rig It hit the pavement.
Again local knowledge paid off as Mike K took the holeshot and lead through the mower section. I was top ten and decided freezing and nothing in the tank wasn't good and retired to watch.
The amount of food was amazing. Six kinds of chili. Cornbread. Homemade sourdough bread. PB and J, Belgian beers.
Racers were well fed and happy. It was cool to see spectators walking around with bowls of chili on that fine Belgian day. Cheering ,clanging their bells and eating.
Awards were well recieved. Money, Hats, Road Id gifts and homemade trophies.
I know Dave was smiling. I sure was.
I just want to celebrate.
States are next.
OGQ

Raiders of the Lost Ark. The calm before the storm.

The NY KROSS Contingent worked hard on friday to make a terrifyiong course for the NYS Series final. New choices await the riders tomorrow.
First the "Rhythm section" 6" pvc pipes laid at angles,ridable or run? Next up is the the "Choice" a zig zag or a loop,equidistant. But? The the largest spiral ever. Round an round they go. It's raining now. So it's going to be a Belgian day tomorrow. I'll be digging into that vegan spicy chili I made for sure. Along with a tasty Belgian Ale.

Who will take home the coveted NY Kross Kup?

And you'll take Jack my dog.

Here's to you D.

I'm not a Slacker. I'm just busy.
So now it's up to me an the NY KX Kontingent to make the Series happen. Sunday ,we did!
We laid out a new course with the
Endless Spiral (Thanks Kelly) ,The Prayer a section of barriers that offered an option to the riders and The Wall of Death was extended. We also used areas of the yard we never have making our longest course yet.
The race had the highest turnout of riders yet. 60 We even had a road pro Cory Burns. He rocked the course faster than ever. Making the steep hill, that most walked, look like it wasn't even there. See a video of the spiral at http://spokepost.com/ . Our little race also made Velonews and Cyclingnews.com.
Riders got a bit of swag from Finish Line. Thanks Stephane. Wegmans gave us some cash for food to feed the horde. But it was the plates by the second graders that were most coveted.
Road ID supplied numbers and gift certificates. Thanks everyone who helped or raced. Overall our best race yet.

Next up is the Dave Panella Memorial. Dave left us last year on 11/13/06. But we know he's watching and stoked about a race in his name. http://web.mac.com/steve.edgar/iWeb/Cross/DavePenella.html
We're trying hard to make a very spectator friendly course. 90% will be able to be seen. As this is a race on DRIVING RANGE! The spirals, the prayer and the rhythm section will be viewed with love or hate by the riders. Cool prizes. A chili cook off to feed the exhausted riders. Homemade bread. Cd's from Dirt Farm. Cowbells from the Patriots. NY Cross Contingent hats for the riders.
We'll see if Pierre can hang onto the series lead. Myself with a good ride I could move into 3rd in the series after skipping a race. Then I'll saddle up the SS cx rig for open men and see how the one gear queer does on that with back to back races.
See you there. OGQ
Pic of Cory who won the last race.

I need a day like this.
Hang out look out the window.Oh what's that? Not a care in the world.
Work is nuts this week. Last night was the Halloween dance. Some kid beat up his girlfriend. Great, Like father like son? Then they had drunk kids there.
Today was bag check. Gee, some kid has weed in her bag,18 years old ,you're going down . Yeah. First offense.
Game over next time you're caught. Then the "wifebeater" shows up drunk at school. This is 8am. Man you don't even work third shift. Oh and let's not forget the note in the bathroom. Something bad is going to happen at noon. I'm getting too old for all this stupidity.
On a brighter not Bike build had two cool scoots one with a Vincent motor(85K for the motor alone) the other with a BRC. Very cool bikes.

Final Kross praktice pics. What a day.

We had two more nice days here so I hit the road for intervals and hill repeats.OUCH!

Trying to get ready for the race this weekend. It's tough promoting and racing. But cross is the best.