How to Wear a Cycling Cap

The S.O. forbids me from wearing a cycle cap in public. Not sure why actually. They can be quite dapper. Anyway - thought you might like reading an article on wearing said article.

Cheers!

http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2012/04/how-to-wear-a-cycling-cap/

Fearing the Wrath of God Training

One way to motivate yourself to complete your training program is to sign up for the most heinous, long, miserable event you can find. Just check out these classics like the Markleeville Death Ride, Mount Shasta Summit Ride or the Breathless Agony Century. This will sear the Fear of God in you and keep you pushing the pedals until its time. Back in 2007 when I decided to set course to do my first century ride - I was scared shitless. I had no idea what to expect. I trained like a banshee. This year is much the same, the ride I will do is my first multi-day ride. And it is working - again I am training motivated by fear. Perfect. And in truth, I feel stronger than I ever have. Of course if you're an atheist, this won't work. BTW, another sure fire way is to pay a bunch of money to sign up for a ride. Then, you gotta train since you spent a whole bunch of coin.

Hey- tis the games we must play on ourselves.

Todays LONG ride

Today's docket called for a long ride of endurance miles (every Saturday is the same). Lucky me, it was a beautiful day today. Temps in the low 60s. Cranked 53 miles around Lake Washington. Felt very good until the hills at mile 48. Legs were fine. Just the long ride made my shoulders a bit fatigued.

Click pic for bigger map.

What happens when the tires wear thin?

What happens when we can't do what we want to do anymore? What happens when we can't do what we love anymore? Old-er age has set in. Or perhaps an injury? It happens to us all. Eventually, you wake up one day and realize you're not the person (athlete, artist, business person, lawyer, professor, mother, father) that you used to be. What happens when we have to accept that we are changing? Where is the user's manual for aging?

My training, this season, is decidedly different from the one a few years back. Heck, I thought I could go out and hammer the pedals into submission - just like I did back in 2011 and 2010 and 2009 and 2008. A year later, is a year later. Takes longer to do (50 miles), takes longer to un-do (that long ride recovery pain).

If you put into the Google-izer "exercise slows aging", you'll get 9,940 results. Not too shabby. So in that regard, I'm doing what I am supposed to do to slow the cadence of time. Still... I gotta get it right... To have the proper attitude as I age. Our dog Luna is getting older, grayer. But somehow, her attitude never changes - she is always happy. She must know something I don't know.

Time to Chill

Yes, one can take a break from the slog of training. Tis good for the soul. I'm about 8 weeks out to the ride - a few days in Florida sun is AOK right now. AAAhhhhhh.

The Blue Trees - Konstantin Dimopoulos

This artwork is right on the Burke Gilman trail here in Kenmore. On my ride today- took a break and wanted to see what it is all about. Konstantin Dimopoulos is a sculptor, installation and performance artist. These trees (Himalayan Birch) are planted, painted (enviro friendly, temp pigment) and the message is to inspire awareness and discussion about global deforestation. It is a beautiful site to see. Of course I'm gonna say, only by bike can one see such wonders! Well... its right by Bothell Way, so you more inclined to travel by car can do a quick pass.

Meet the Mule

This is the trusty steed that will take me on my tour. Note the new front rack. There will be more mods I am sure.