So we're going to kick it old school today. Here's another hobby. Choppers. Now this little Pan is sweet. Finned pan covers. Axed tanks,ribbed fender. Open belt, sprung seat. Those tanks are actually two cut and sectioned. Old school. Now granted I'm a long bike fan. But I do like a bobber. So the long bike is a wee bit longer than mine. But I'm running a jockey shift and open belt. Enjoy. These are choppers. Not the shit you see on TV from OCC. DFFL. Bro.

Supercross. Bubba again. Ryan Dungey nails his first pro Supercross.

Dirt farm on the Ipod a bootleg.

Ride on, OGQ

Today is Ash Wednesday. I've never understood religion. ( But being a Buddhist is looking good)Although my Dad did his best to be sure I was a Catholic(or at least raised one). This means Lent is starting. No, by no means do I subscribe to this anymore. Last year at work I was asked "What are you giving up for Lent" I looked the person right in the eye and calmly replied. "Heroin, it will be tough. But this time,I'm going to kick it." Now Papa don't ride the horse no more. So going back to child hood. I figured I'd give up candy for lent. Detox for forty days then score big on Easter. Wouldn't be a problem as I wasn't a big candy eater. NOPE, Dad decides I should give up comic books. Man that was rough. We're not talking new issues. ALL comics. Cold Turkey, hand them over. I did it. Maybe this is why I'm so willing to suffer on the bike. So enough religion.

That means Fat Tuesday was yesterday. I guess our debauchery was Monday in honor of Chinese New Year our dinner group went to Moon Star the undiscovered diamond of a restaurant here in the Crippled Cities. Our secret Kult Of the Kulinary. Enjoyed Peking Duck, Spicy Twice cooked beef and Garlic chicken. The new one was snow pea leaves. Who knew you could eat the whole plant? I will eat more now. The Duck as the gays say "Was to die for!"

All the food was incredible. So here we are back to food . A religion I can understand.

George you're now immortlized here. Bask in your fame.

Supercross Chad Reed wins. Villipoto crushes the Lites with a comeback ride.

Slobberbone is rockin the house this am.

Enjoy life OGQ

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