This post goes out to the honor of Captain Ron. This is my personal thank you for making my Mother's birthday such an experience to remember.
It is my sincere hope that this blog entry will forever change the way you do business.
My Mother is in Maine visiting friends at the present time. For her birthday she wanted a night stay at a B&B in Freeport, ME. She sent a link of B&B's, so I looked at them and tried to pick a nice one. I settled on the Freeprt Clipper Inn. The rooms looked nice and each had a private bath. The Inn was within walking distance of Freeport. I was able to make an online reservation. I received email confirmation and forwarded that to my mother.
Fast Forward to yesterday. My Mom arrives in Freeport and goes to the Inn at 6:15. Check in was anytime before 7:00pm. Upon arriving she was greeted very tersely by the Innkeeper. He informed her that she was late. My mother clarified that check-in went until 7:00, and provided her name. She was then informed that there was not a room for her. They were booked. My mother was confused as she pulled out the email with the confirmation. At this point my mom is still outside. The Innkeeper curtly states "come in". My mother says she is confused, because the confirmation shows payment. The Innkeeper replies, "well I do not have your money". My mother is even more confused. I forget what she said next. The Innkeeper replied, "get out". No trying to rectify the situation or even slightly understand it. No help offered at all. No call to Webservations to clarify. Zippo. My mother again states she does not understand. To that the Innkeeper says, "FUCK YOU!" He then turns and walks away.
My mom is 62, about five foot tall on a good day and could not utter a mean word to anyone. Trust me when I say we are polar opposites as it relates to colorful language. For me to hear thsi last night made me equal parts sad, livid, and just plain angry.
As we spoke I looked up the Maine Innkeepers Assoc site, which the Clipper Inn is a member. I hope my mom went to the business and filed a complaint. I also hope she files a complaint with the Freeport, ME Better Business Bureau.
Until that time I will use this blog entry as feedback on the Clipper Inn B&B in Freeport, ME. I hope every tourist that googles that place sees this blog entry.
So, Clipper Inn, consider this my most sincere way of thanking you for the steallar treatment you showed my mother.
By the way.
EFF YOU!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Gay like happy, or gay like well you know?
Yeah he hit it on the head. The blog has turned a bit introspective, shall we say. The ole piss and vinegar is just not there right now. No worries you still have these offerings to tide you over, each are first class readings.
Again I miss the Beer & Booze at Black Lane due to the Granogue/Wiss weekend. Someday, I promise. Today & tomorrow I step it up to roll the Elite class. That ought to be fun. If they hold it together, the top seven each day should be the guys who have represented the US at cross worlds last year. Fun times, the goals are finish in the money and on the same lap. Oh yeah get through the start unscathed each day.
Seems politics, taxes, banking crisis are hot cyclist blog topics these days. I liken that to James Carville blogging about bike racing. We know just enough on the surface to be relatively informed and super dangerous. After renouncing my Republican ties last year I find myself looking to vote not for the candidate that I feel I relate to, but more against the candidates that I feel are not right. I guess that is reason enough? I generally loathe the political and electoral process. It brings out the absolute worst in people. Slander, mistruths and lies, all for personal glory. There is so little substance offered for a person to make an educated decision for their candidate. At least there are a few more weekd of Tina Fey skits to look forward to.
Let me see if I can stir up a little something something.
Here is my Presidential pick.
If the weather is super shitty nasty McCain will win. If the weather is predominantly nice across the country Obama will win. Draw your own stereotypical conclusions.
Can I write in Burt Hoovis on my ballot?
Again I miss the Beer & Booze at Black Lane due to the Granogue/Wiss weekend. Someday, I promise. Today & tomorrow I step it up to roll the Elite class. That ought to be fun. If they hold it together, the top seven each day should be the guys who have represented the US at cross worlds last year. Fun times, the goals are finish in the money and on the same lap. Oh yeah get through the start unscathed each day.
Seems politics, taxes, banking crisis are hot cyclist blog topics these days. I liken that to James Carville blogging about bike racing. We know just enough on the surface to be relatively informed and super dangerous. After renouncing my Republican ties last year I find myself looking to vote not for the candidate that I feel I relate to, but more against the candidates that I feel are not right. I guess that is reason enough? I generally loathe the political and electoral process. It brings out the absolute worst in people. Slander, mistruths and lies, all for personal glory. There is so little substance offered for a person to make an educated decision for their candidate. At least there are a few more weekd of Tina Fey skits to look forward to.
Let me see if I can stir up a little something something.
Here is my Presidential pick.
If the weather is super shitty nasty McCain will win. If the weather is predominantly nice across the country Obama will win. Draw your own stereotypical conclusions.
Can I write in Burt Hoovis on my ballot?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Good times
Since damn near all these blatherings are about bike races why change. It was a loooong bike race weekend after all. Iron Cross weekend has come and gone and I have noticed a few things about myself.
I still like to be involved with helping a race come to fruition.
I still dislike being one of the last people around tearing down a course.
Friends will always get my help.
I am riding pretty fast, if I may say so myself.
Mean, Mt Vesuvius Hebe is a faded memory, thank god.
Mechanicals will eventually happen, how you deal with them is the key. I finally can.
I like racing a death spiral where you can pedal and attack.
Crossing a finish line and seeing my lovely lady is awesome.
Spending time catching up with friends is a blast.
Meeting more of Kara's friend's is also a blast.
I would kick Hoovis's ass in a tri-geek game.
I love lazy mornings.
I do not need to race cross twenty times to feel good.
I do not want to race cross twenty times.
I feel like a little kid when I ride a bike in the woods.
I feel like a little kid at Christmas when I see that awesome smile.
After reading through Random Acts of Kindness, I realize I can be a better person.
For those who wanted a piss and vinegar diatribe about my Iron Cross experience, sorry, not this time. Like I said to someone Sunday. It is still a beautiful day and I got to spend it on my bike and with friends. That is awesome.
I still like to be involved with helping a race come to fruition.
I still dislike being one of the last people around tearing down a course.
Friends will always get my help.
I am riding pretty fast, if I may say so myself.
Mean, Mt Vesuvius Hebe is a faded memory, thank god.
Mechanicals will eventually happen, how you deal with them is the key. I finally can.
I like racing a death spiral where you can pedal and attack.
Crossing a finish line and seeing my lovely lady is awesome.
Spending time catching up with friends is a blast.
Meeting more of Kara's friend's is also a blast.
I would kick Hoovis's ass in a tri-geek game.
I love lazy mornings.
I do not need to race cross twenty times to feel good.
I do not want to race cross twenty times.
I feel like a little kid when I ride a bike in the woods.
I feel like a little kid at Christmas when I see that awesome smile.
After reading through Random Acts of Kindness, I realize I can be a better person.
For those who wanted a piss and vinegar diatribe about my Iron Cross experience, sorry, not this time. Like I said to someone Sunday. It is still a beautiful day and I got to spend it on my bike and with friends. That is awesome.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Slacker
Yep, pretty much so. Lots going on of late.
Hmmmm let us see.
Wall St collapses on people playing motgages like it is a roulette table.
Palin does not totally flub it. I hope people saw right through the smarminess. If you looked real close you could faintly see the pupeteer strings moving and the spindoctor inserting the words directly into her mouth.
Baseball playoffs, Huh? Who knew?
Armstrong coming back. Interesting. My stance on the grandstanding of the French doping labs is distinctly different from this flaming tri-geek . The samples were deemed unusable, period. No more testing. I look at it this way. Armstrong was probably the most tested athlete ever. He was never found guilty. Maybe he was one step ahead in medical technology? Surely he was not alone, that has been shown to be true. He still won. Call it what you will. He still pedaled a bike across the line first 7 times in a row. Personally, I feel that is the greatest sports career accomplishment ever. Enough of that. No, I am not a LA groupie like a certain someone.
OJ guilty again, ooops my bad, for the first time.
Cross season starts with 2 wins and a good Elite 7th.
No stress with cross. Just chillin', race when I want to. Novel is it not?
Started to swim again with K. Very fun. Who knows maybe Xterra next year. I would spot the Doucheblogger 10 minutes in an Xterra race. Shall we start the challenge now?
Hopefully, or maybe not, the blog slackerdom will not be as lengthy until the next time we chat again.
Oh Yeah. Halloween Party Sat. 11/1 7:00ish. Costumes required. You are invited.
Hmmmm let us see.
Wall St collapses on people playing motgages like it is a roulette table.
Palin does not totally flub it. I hope people saw right through the smarminess. If you looked real close you could faintly see the pupeteer strings moving and the spindoctor inserting the words directly into her mouth.
Baseball playoffs, Huh? Who knew?
Armstrong coming back. Interesting. My stance on the grandstanding of the French doping labs is distinctly different from this flaming tri-geek . The samples were deemed unusable, period. No more testing. I look at it this way. Armstrong was probably the most tested athlete ever. He was never found guilty. Maybe he was one step ahead in medical technology? Surely he was not alone, that has been shown to be true. He still won. Call it what you will. He still pedaled a bike across the line first 7 times in a row. Personally, I feel that is the greatest sports career accomplishment ever. Enough of that. No, I am not a LA groupie like a certain someone.
OJ guilty again, ooops my bad, for the first time.
Cross season starts with 2 wins and a good Elite 7th.
No stress with cross. Just chillin', race when I want to. Novel is it not?
Started to swim again with K. Very fun. Who knows maybe Xterra next year. I would spot the Doucheblogger 10 minutes in an Xterra race. Shall we start the challenge now?
Hopefully, or maybe not, the blog slackerdom will not be as lengthy until the next time we chat again.
Oh Yeah. Halloween Party Sat. 11/1 7:00ish. Costumes required. You are invited.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thems are some bad genes/jeans or...
You can not pick your family, but you can pick your jeans.
It seems that I have issues with each. First the jeans.
As I was informed in such a cute and witty fashion last evening, the ultra light colored and faded jeans are a bit on the dated side. I agree that they are old, yet they are quite comfy, especially regimental style. I then voiced the words that shall forever linger in fashion infamy, "I have a couple pair of black jeans." Black jeans? That look of horror, dismay and you have got to be kidding me, rushed across K's face. What did I say? Somewhere in the annals of man fashion there exists a rule that black jeans went out somewhere prior to the millenium. I am sure that Ry could have informed of said rule, yet I guess I was hung out to dry. The giddy laughing and ear to ear smile confirmed what I have known all along. Someone really does need to monitor the clothing that I wear in public. The rationalizations I was weaving were just not working, so I succumbed to the fact that I, in fact, am a fashion dolt. So later tonight I get to do my best runway walk and model my fashion faux pas.
Second issue seems to be my genes. Turns out I have been predisposed to be behind the blood sugar eight-ball, from the start. My grandmother, father and both uncles all are/were diabetic. Sweet, how is that for a pun? I had my yearly bloodwork Tuesday. Later that day I received a call from the Dr stating that I need follow-up tests to assess if I am diabetic. Diabetic? WTF?!?!? I eat healthy, I exercise, I am not overweight (maybe by cyclists standards I am) and I feel fine. Well, the numbers do not lie. I have had a good year. I managed to increase my sugars from 119, to 125. At 126, I am by definition no longer insulin impaired. Drumroll please, at 126 I graduate to diabetes, yay. I look at it this way. The numbers are still very low. I am not insulin dependent. I feel fine. I eat well. I exercise a lot. A few simple dietary mods and this is a non-issue that requires some yearly bloodwork.
So there you have it. My genes/jeans are not so flattering. At least I get to model for my sweety tonight, maybe she will return the favor. At least one of us looks super hot in jeans and slacks.
I wonder if Hoovis has swam longer than 100 meters yet?
It seems that I have issues with each. First the jeans.
As I was informed in such a cute and witty fashion last evening, the ultra light colored and faded jeans are a bit on the dated side. I agree that they are old, yet they are quite comfy, especially regimental style. I then voiced the words that shall forever linger in fashion infamy, "I have a couple pair of black jeans." Black jeans? That look of horror, dismay and you have got to be kidding me, rushed across K's face. What did I say? Somewhere in the annals of man fashion there exists a rule that black jeans went out somewhere prior to the millenium. I am sure that Ry could have informed of said rule, yet I guess I was hung out to dry. The giddy laughing and ear to ear smile confirmed what I have known all along. Someone really does need to monitor the clothing that I wear in public. The rationalizations I was weaving were just not working, so I succumbed to the fact that I, in fact, am a fashion dolt. So later tonight I get to do my best runway walk and model my fashion faux pas.
Second issue seems to be my genes. Turns out I have been predisposed to be behind the blood sugar eight-ball, from the start. My grandmother, father and both uncles all are/were diabetic. Sweet, how is that for a pun? I had my yearly bloodwork Tuesday. Later that day I received a call from the Dr stating that I need follow-up tests to assess if I am diabetic. Diabetic? WTF?!?!? I eat healthy, I exercise, I am not overweight (maybe by cyclists standards I am) and I feel fine. Well, the numbers do not lie. I have had a good year. I managed to increase my sugars from 119, to 125. At 126, I am by definition no longer insulin impaired. Drumroll please, at 126 I graduate to diabetes, yay. I look at it this way. The numbers are still very low. I am not insulin dependent. I feel fine. I eat well. I exercise a lot. A few simple dietary mods and this is a non-issue that requires some yearly bloodwork.
So there you have it. My genes/jeans are not so flattering. At least I get to model for my sweety tonight, maybe she will return the favor. At least one of us looks super hot in jeans and slacks.
I wonder if Hoovis has swam longer than 100 meters yet?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Conscious choice man...
That is why you are sitting at the Gas and Sip drinking beer? Reference anyone?
No, that is why I am seriously thinking of not racing ANY MAC events this year. No more than three, that is certain.
After five straight years of 50 race, March-December seasons, I have reached the end of my rope. I am tired, mentally. Physically I am flying, I think 7 Springs was a pretty solid and objective testament to that.
There are things I want to do, to experience. People, more aptly a specific person, I want to experience them with. I want and need new challenges. I think the fall/winter, this year to be specific, is a great time to lay that groundwork.
I still forsee a ten race cross season. The funny thing is, that is both miniscule to some, yet voluminous to others. Cross is fun, it is awesome. The racers are great, the races are great. There just comes a time when your head, mine to be more specific, is not really into it.
With all that being said I look back at two of my best years ever in cycling. The results and experiences were incredible. I want to be fresh for '09 so that I can continue that.
A quick recap of the last two years, play along since I rarely toot my own horn.
Wins in 2008 EVERY distance I raced in MTB. STXC, XC, Enduro, 24 hr relay, Super D
Winning every MASS 40+ race in '07. Sandbagging to some, I know. Remember I had not raced an MTB in 12 years prior.
Seventeen total wins in '07 & '08
National Champs jersey. National Champs podium
Three Series championships and series runner up
I think I deserve a little break.
So here is how I am going to spend my free time.
Yoga, swimming, trail running, rock climbing, kayaking, sleeping in, drinking guiltlessly on Friday & Saturday nights, supporting K at WORLD's, sleeping in, spending time chalking all the little fun things off of our list.
See you soon, or maybe I will not.
I wonder what Byron & the Killa are doing right now?
No, that is why I am seriously thinking of not racing ANY MAC events this year. No more than three, that is certain.
After five straight years of 50 race, March-December seasons, I have reached the end of my rope. I am tired, mentally. Physically I am flying, I think 7 Springs was a pretty solid and objective testament to that.
There are things I want to do, to experience. People, more aptly a specific person, I want to experience them with. I want and need new challenges. I think the fall/winter, this year to be specific, is a great time to lay that groundwork.
I still forsee a ten race cross season. The funny thing is, that is both miniscule to some, yet voluminous to others. Cross is fun, it is awesome. The racers are great, the races are great. There just comes a time when your head, mine to be more specific, is not really into it.
With all that being said I look back at two of my best years ever in cycling. The results and experiences were incredible. I want to be fresh for '09 so that I can continue that.
A quick recap of the last two years, play along since I rarely toot my own horn.
Wins in 2008 EVERY distance I raced in MTB. STXC, XC, Enduro, 24 hr relay, Super D
Winning every MASS 40+ race in '07. Sandbagging to some, I know. Remember I had not raced an MTB in 12 years prior.
Seventeen total wins in '07 & '08
National Champs jersey. National Champs podium
Three Series championships and series runner up
I think I deserve a little break.
So here is how I am going to spend my free time.
Yoga, swimming, trail running, rock climbing, kayaking, sleeping in, drinking guiltlessly on Friday & Saturday nights, supporting K at WORLD's, sleeping in, spending time chalking all the little fun things off of our list.
See you soon, or maybe I will not.
I wonder what Byron & the Killa are doing right now?
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
And a 40 for my Homies
Cuz that's how I roll.
Super big bike game this past weekend. This game was bittersweet for me as I really wanted to be game watching/supporting on Sunday for the State TT. More on that a little later. Super ride Sunday, wish I was there.
OK, back to front.
Shout outs for some great friends and peeps that made the weekend special.
KuhnDizzle & Cadence: He has taken a 40 year old crit rider and somehow morphed him/me into a XC racer. I should not brag, but check out the 7 Springs lap times for evidence.
Ray & Nancy: Thanks for the support, friendship and allowing me to ride for VisitPA.com.
Robbie Lickenballsner: For pushing me to be better and giving me something to strive for. Thanks for the compliment.
Benny MFing Lance: The best wrench to turn a hex key around. Calm, cool, collected. Wicked talent and a damn good dude. Enjoy the OKC trip.
TimmermanNuts: 54 minutes on lap 1 at 7 Springs. Five minutes faster than the second fastest lap( oh yeah, I had the second fastest lap). Sooooo fast. Be scared if he comes to the Darkside in Ott Nine.
K: I have not looked so forward to being home in a while. Thanks
Zach, Don, Brandon's mom, Aaron's girlfriend, Jed, Lupine Bill, Janel and anyone who cheered, helped and/or gave words of encouragement. Every little bit helped.
I know I ommitted some people because there were so many great moments in a 48 hour span.
That was a great way to cap off the season. Any other turning of the pedals in anger is just gravy.
Thanks for reading.
Super big bike game this past weekend. This game was bittersweet for me as I really wanted to be game watching/supporting on Sunday for the State TT. More on that a little later. Super ride Sunday, wish I was there.
OK, back to front.
Shout outs for some great friends and peeps that made the weekend special.
KuhnDizzle & Cadence: He has taken a 40 year old crit rider and somehow morphed him/me into a XC racer. I should not brag, but check out the 7 Springs lap times for evidence.
Ray & Nancy: Thanks for the support, friendship and allowing me to ride for VisitPA.com.
Robbie Lickenballsner: For pushing me to be better and giving me something to strive for. Thanks for the compliment.
Benny MFing Lance: The best wrench to turn a hex key around. Calm, cool, collected. Wicked talent and a damn good dude. Enjoy the OKC trip.
TimmermanNuts: 54 minutes on lap 1 at 7 Springs. Five minutes faster than the second fastest lap( oh yeah, I had the second fastest lap). Sooooo fast. Be scared if he comes to the Darkside in Ott Nine.
K: I have not looked so forward to being home in a while. Thanks
Zach, Don, Brandon's mom, Aaron's girlfriend, Jed, Lupine Bill, Janel and anyone who cheered, helped and/or gave words of encouragement. Every little bit helped.
I know I ommitted some people because there were so many great moments in a 48 hour span.
That was a great way to cap off the season. Any other turning of the pedals in anger is just gravy.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah
Yes, kids it is possible to go to an event and NOT race in it. I spent my morning that way yesterday, and it was super fun. There was a local Tri 10 miles from my house so I went to do some spectating and cheering. With a nice morning warm-up ride and a some race wheel prep taken care of, I switched into spectator mode.
I had long since forgotten what it is like to open water race, so watching the swim was really cool. Since the swim was a lap swim, I was able to do some cheering mid-way through. Off to the bike leg she went and off to the woods I went on the cross bike. After some intervals it was time to go out to the half-way point of the bike to check the race out. Holy friggin' sweet, 5th overall! Back to some more intervals a quick high speed crash with the race director's wife and her mom (long story). Thankfully we were both relatively unscathed. Out on the run and still 5th overall. Holy Dang! A fast run and 5th overall and 1st woman.
What an awesome race. What a cool day. I caught up with some old acquaintences and spoke with some really nice people I had just met. The Tri scene is very close to the MTB scene. Very friendly, very welcoming and supportive and extremely positive. Now that I have spectated, I must say the old tri bug has me thinking. Mostly pondering the possibility of drowning after not swimming competitively in sixteen years, yet thinking nonetheless. It would be fun to do a tri. A new challenge. A safe environment where no one knows who I am and no one cares if I swim like an anchored yacht. Who knows. It sure beats 160 right hand turns and a sprint.
Maybe an Exterra race could be in the future?
Maybe I will continue being spectator/support crew? it sure was fun.
Great race and thanks for letting me be part of it.
I wonder what my late '80's tri buddies are doing right now?
I had long since forgotten what it is like to open water race, so watching the swim was really cool. Since the swim was a lap swim, I was able to do some cheering mid-way through. Off to the bike leg she went and off to the woods I went on the cross bike. After some intervals it was time to go out to the half-way point of the bike to check the race out. Holy friggin' sweet, 5th overall! Back to some more intervals a quick high speed crash with the race director's wife and her mom (long story). Thankfully we were both relatively unscathed. Out on the run and still 5th overall. Holy Dang! A fast run and 5th overall and 1st woman.
What an awesome race. What a cool day. I caught up with some old acquaintences and spoke with some really nice people I had just met. The Tri scene is very close to the MTB scene. Very friendly, very welcoming and supportive and extremely positive. Now that I have spectated, I must say the old tri bug has me thinking. Mostly pondering the possibility of drowning after not swimming competitively in sixteen years, yet thinking nonetheless. It would be fun to do a tri. A new challenge. A safe environment where no one knows who I am and no one cares if I swim like an anchored yacht. Who knows. It sure beats 160 right hand turns and a sprint.
Maybe an Exterra race could be in the future?
Maybe I will continue being spectator/support crew? it sure was fun.
Great race and thanks for letting me be part of it.
I wonder what my late '80's tri buddies are doing right now?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
And now for a little perspective
Most people know I love a good debate. I enjoy being the Devil's advocate. Take the contrary unpopular view and make people see that said view is not "evil". If you want the best example of this, in a theatrical sense, rent "Thank you for smoking." It is great. The premise is that as the Devil's advocate I do not need to show you that my view is correct, I just need to point out that your view is flawed.
That being said. It seems Big Oil is the latest whipping boy. Now first perspective is that gas prices are NOT a pure function of Big Oil. The gas price blow-up was more a function of shady traders hedging bets on oil futures and driving prices, to cover losses elsewhere. So most of the far left already have their Big Oil premise of greed and batching in gold bullion shot from the water.
More than that my view, as opposed to "yours", is this. Oil, and its byproduct gas is a bargain. The simple minded argument of mpg for vehicles is sheer pandering to hysteria. Has mpg gone down? Of course, that is a shame in a technological age. However, your argument there is against the auto manufacturers and not Big Oil. Get your argument straight and seperate the issues. They are mutually exclusive.
OK, back to point.
Gas is a bargain. The price per gallon is inexpensive. If you look at the price per gallon as it relates to economic stimulus, gas is the ultimate driver of economy. Gas allows goods and services to get to the consumer. Gas allows the consumer to utilize these goods and services.
Let us take examples of three particular goods that are highly consumed, can be delineated out to cost per gallon and have incredibly high margins with essentially ZERO R&D or economic stimulus. Soda, coffee, bottled water. Why is Congress not going after Starbucks or Coke/Pepsi. These entities have cost per gallons that far exceed gas. They are consumed just as much, yet no one is on a high horse about paying $4 for some effing double mocha cappa caramel half caf frappalatta. Yet, Starbucks exploits coffee pickers for pennies per hour wage and pennies on the pound for beans.
Enough of this. The post would be far too long to go into the whole argument. My point is this, especially to bike racers. STOP EFFING WHINING ABOUT GAS!!!!!! You just drove 1,2,3 hours to ride your bike in circles around an industrial park when you could have walked out your door to ride for free. Thus you would have stuck the dagger in the heart of Evil Big Oil and you would have saved the environment.
When you look at margins, R&D, economic stimulus, supply & demand, gas really is quite a bargin. Ultimately your argument is flawed because their was no objectivity. Like in the movie, there is more than one flavor, Vanilla. I want Chocolate.
Thank you for smoking and have a nice day.
That being said. It seems Big Oil is the latest whipping boy. Now first perspective is that gas prices are NOT a pure function of Big Oil. The gas price blow-up was more a function of shady traders hedging bets on oil futures and driving prices, to cover losses elsewhere. So most of the far left already have their Big Oil premise of greed and batching in gold bullion shot from the water.
More than that my view, as opposed to "yours", is this. Oil, and its byproduct gas is a bargain. The simple minded argument of mpg for vehicles is sheer pandering to hysteria. Has mpg gone down? Of course, that is a shame in a technological age. However, your argument there is against the auto manufacturers and not Big Oil. Get your argument straight and seperate the issues. They are mutually exclusive.
OK, back to point.
Gas is a bargain. The price per gallon is inexpensive. If you look at the price per gallon as it relates to economic stimulus, gas is the ultimate driver of economy. Gas allows goods and services to get to the consumer. Gas allows the consumer to utilize these goods and services.
Let us take examples of three particular goods that are highly consumed, can be delineated out to cost per gallon and have incredibly high margins with essentially ZERO R&D or economic stimulus. Soda, coffee, bottled water. Why is Congress not going after Starbucks or Coke/Pepsi. These entities have cost per gallons that far exceed gas. They are consumed just as much, yet no one is on a high horse about paying $4 for some effing double mocha cappa caramel half caf frappalatta. Yet, Starbucks exploits coffee pickers for pennies per hour wage and pennies on the pound for beans.
Enough of this. The post would be far too long to go into the whole argument. My point is this, especially to bike racers. STOP EFFING WHINING ABOUT GAS!!!!!! You just drove 1,2,3 hours to ride your bike in circles around an industrial park when you could have walked out your door to ride for free. Thus you would have stuck the dagger in the heart of Evil Big Oil and you would have saved the environment.
When you look at margins, R&D, economic stimulus, supply & demand, gas really is quite a bargin. Ultimately your argument is flawed because their was no objectivity. Like in the movie, there is more than one flavor, Vanilla. I want Chocolate.
Thank you for smoking and have a nice day.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
P S A of the day
EZ PASS, just get it.
Seriously thought my blood was boiling at the 95 toll stop due to not being able to get in the EZ pass lane.
Seriously thought my blood was boiling at the 95 toll stop due to not being able to get in the EZ pass lane.
Good day at the "office"
Good ride at Iron Hill to end the Enduro season
Hangin' out and chatting with friends and strangers
Nice outdoor candlelight dinner while watching Black Crowes Freak and Roll San Fran concert on the house
Nice fire burnin' in the pit for Rise of Taj
Dark Choco S'mores, yum dilly
Chubby Bunny marshmallow contest, damn, I lost
Half dozen neighborhhod teens stopping by outside the fence, in awe of the "TV on the house"
Dogfish Head 90 min IPA's
A good night's sleep
Nice
Hangin' out and chatting with friends and strangers
Nice outdoor candlelight dinner while watching Black Crowes Freak and Roll San Fran concert on the house
Nice fire burnin' in the pit for Rise of Taj
Dark Choco S'mores, yum dilly
Chubby Bunny marshmallow contest, damn, I lost
Half dozen neighborhhod teens stopping by outside the fence, in awe of the "TV on the house"
Dogfish Head 90 min IPA's
A good night's sleep
Nice
Friday, August 15, 2008
The end is nigh
or is it.
Iron Hill tomorrow for the last Enduro of the MASS season. After a good season I may come up a hair short on one of my major season goals. That is fine by me. I tried to win the Enduro series, yet knew that I was competing against a stronger endurance rider in my teammate
Licktenballsner. He has beaten me even up at every event. Hopefully tomorrow we can do another VisitPA.com 1-2. Maybe I can even get the V this weekend.
After that it is 7 Springs. Team event vs the solo. Wiser minds and wiser times have prevailed on that choice. We look to be strong, so hopefully a team V will be in order. Even on the top step that V will be super bittersweet as there is definitely somewhere I would rather be, watching a race. That just leaves Bear Creek to warap it up for the MTB season. Crazy thing is there are three friggin' cross races between 7 Springs and Bear Creek. WTF!?!?!
Putting in the cross bike time the past week or so to get used to it. Feels good, thoughts of sugarplum fairies are dancin' even. Maybe that is because the training time has been more fun of late?
A little backyard cinema the other night was super fun. I can only imagine what the neighbors think. I believe the cinema is getting fired up on aturday as well. Hell, I may even be getting fired up on Saturday as well. Dark Chocolate smores, Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA and Van Wilder, The ride of Taj.
Yeah man, it is finally pretty damn good to be me.
On a bummer note, I will miss a going away party for a very good friend tomorrow. I owe so much to this guy that it is not even funny. It is one of those debts that you can never repay, yet hope some day to make a small dent. Dude, hooked me up with a cross team, a road team and prolly had a say for VisitPA.com as well. More than that, on a long weekend to Cincy a few years back, he and the coolest 'burgh cyclist around came to my rescue more than they will ever know. In a lifetime a person can only hope to be so lucky to have friends like I have. To have the good fortune to have enjoyed this particular friendship has been a true blessing. Be well my friend. Enjoy.
Iron Hill tomorrow for the last Enduro of the MASS season. After a good season I may come up a hair short on one of my major season goals. That is fine by me. I tried to win the Enduro series, yet knew that I was competing against a stronger endurance rider in my teammate
Licktenballsner. He has beaten me even up at every event. Hopefully tomorrow we can do another VisitPA.com 1-2. Maybe I can even get the V this weekend.
After that it is 7 Springs. Team event vs the solo. Wiser minds and wiser times have prevailed on that choice. We look to be strong, so hopefully a team V will be in order. Even on the top step that V will be super bittersweet as there is definitely somewhere I would rather be, watching a race. That just leaves Bear Creek to warap it up for the MTB season. Crazy thing is there are three friggin' cross races between 7 Springs and Bear Creek. WTF!?!?!
Putting in the cross bike time the past week or so to get used to it. Feels good, thoughts of sugarplum fairies are dancin' even. Maybe that is because the training time has been more fun of late?
A little backyard cinema the other night was super fun. I can only imagine what the neighbors think. I believe the cinema is getting fired up on aturday as well. Hell, I may even be getting fired up on Saturday as well. Dark Chocolate smores, Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA and Van Wilder, The ride of Taj.
Yeah man, it is finally pretty damn good to be me.
On a bummer note, I will miss a going away party for a very good friend tomorrow. I owe so much to this guy that it is not even funny. It is one of those debts that you can never repay, yet hope some day to make a small dent. Dude, hooked me up with a cross team, a road team and prolly had a say for VisitPA.com as well. More than that, on a long weekend to Cincy a few years back, he and the coolest 'burgh cyclist around came to my rescue more than they will ever know. In a lifetime a person can only hope to be so lucky to have friends like I have. To have the good fortune to have enjoyed this particular friendship has been a true blessing. Be well my friend. Enjoy.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
That was a fun ride...
w/ Robbie L.
I just erased a long pretty well thought out post, about the race, course and logistics. Better left unsaid. Rob & I were away at the 2 mile mark and kept on rolling. The superhuman specimen that he is, absolutely drove the fire roads while I drafted. Enough to earn the V in my book. Robbie rolled the line and I came through at 1/2 wheel for a VisitPA.com 1-2 at God's Country.
Another disappointing thing was the lack of cell service that I had in the mountains and how my voice mail never registered until I was half way home and my phone was all but dead. Not so good.
Went to DK's cookout and croquet tonight. Good time, fun night with friends. Very happy we made it. Croquet was stellar. After many a ClusterF things spread out and Seve played like a man, in defeat that is.
Lots of highpoints today.
I just erased a long pretty well thought out post, about the race, course and logistics. Better left unsaid. Rob & I were away at the 2 mile mark and kept on rolling. The superhuman specimen that he is, absolutely drove the fire roads while I drafted. Enough to earn the V in my book. Robbie rolled the line and I came through at 1/2 wheel for a VisitPA.com 1-2 at God's Country.
Another disappointing thing was the lack of cell service that I had in the mountains and how my voice mail never registered until I was half way home and my phone was all but dead. Not so good.
Went to DK's cookout and croquet tonight. Good time, fun night with friends. Very happy we made it. Croquet was stellar. After many a ClusterF things spread out and Seve played like a man, in defeat that is.
Lots of highpoints today.
Friday, August 08, 2008
This is how we roll in God's Country
Yessiree BoB. God's Country. Coudersport, PA. Killing time before the killing time. GC Enduro is tomorrow so here I set at The Millstream Inn. I must say I am quite pleasantly surprised. I have a microwave, frig and recliner in my room. Tres nice. I was able to reheat my Masala Bistro Shrimp Biryhani tonight for a good meal. Yum dilly.
Shrimp Biryhani you ask? Yes, there is a story to that as well. I went on an easy afternoon ride by myself and then warmed-up with my extra favorite triathlete before her TT. She was rockin' the Zipp wheels so I knew she would be quick. It has been a while since I have been a spectator at an event. It was cool to talk with some friends while she rode. It was even cooler to see that great smile when she found out her time at the end. Holy fast! Really nice finish pic out on the innerweb. Needle in a haystack.
Oh yeah, Shrimp Biryhani. A great win deserves a good meal. Since someone has been craving Indian, it was off to Masala Bistro. Good Indian food on the West Shore, check it out.
So, now I am off to find a beer and some kind of long sleeve shirt to warm-up in tomorrow. Hopefully the god's will align and the legs will comply. If not, I still have a picnic with my best friends in the evening. I hope she is ready for the experience.
I heart the Olympics.
Shrimp Biryhani you ask? Yes, there is a story to that as well. I went on an easy afternoon ride by myself and then warmed-up with my extra favorite triathlete before her TT. She was rockin' the Zipp wheels so I knew she would be quick. It has been a while since I have been a spectator at an event. It was cool to talk with some friends while she rode. It was even cooler to see that great smile when she found out her time at the end. Holy fast! Really nice finish pic out on the innerweb. Needle in a haystack.
Oh yeah, Shrimp Biryhani. A great win deserves a good meal. Since someone has been craving Indian, it was off to Masala Bistro. Good Indian food on the West Shore, check it out.
So, now I am off to find a beer and some kind of long sleeve shirt to warm-up in tomorrow. Hopefully the god's will align and the legs will comply. If not, I still have a picnic with my best friends in the evening. I hope she is ready for the experience.
I heart the Olympics.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Yeah, baby, yeah
All seems pretty good in TOL land these days. Feeling pretty happy with the way some things are coming about. The tiredness is leaving, making way for even more fitness. Legs have been good the past three days. Even today, on little sleep, the efforts came easy.
I enjoyed one of the nicest days I have experienced, maybe ever, yesterday. Pleasant, peaceful, beautiful, everything was easy and felt spot on. Hopefully many more days like that to come.
So I have been looking at the cross schedule lately, and realized that maybe just maybe, cutting back may be in order. I already am out of two MAC events due to commitments that mean sooo much more to me than cross. Imagine that. Even though I support the inclusion of the Whitmore's events in LI, they are top-notch, I just do not see making a 12-16 hour round trip drive.
Who knows, maybe I will race them, maybe I will do some "soul riding". Maybe I can get a whole new mtb enjoyment this fall. Lots of things, lots of choices, all are good, some are better.
yeah, baby, yeah!
I wonder if there will be an Austin Powers Prequel?
I enjoyed one of the nicest days I have experienced, maybe ever, yesterday. Pleasant, peaceful, beautiful, everything was easy and felt spot on. Hopefully many more days like that to come.
So I have been looking at the cross schedule lately, and realized that maybe just maybe, cutting back may be in order. I already am out of two MAC events due to commitments that mean sooo much more to me than cross. Imagine that. Even though I support the inclusion of the Whitmore's events in LI, they are top-notch, I just do not see making a 12-16 hour round trip drive.
Who knows, maybe I will race them, maybe I will do some "soul riding". Maybe I can get a whole new mtb enjoyment this fall. Lots of things, lots of choices, all are good, some are better.
yeah, baby, yeah!
I wonder if there will be an Austin Powers Prequel?
Friday, August 01, 2008
Holy Tired
Yep, tired, lethargic and generally little desire to ride hard. That was yesterday. Pulled the plug when it just was not fun. Meh a little spin around the block will loosen the legs and head this morning.
The next few days are pretty full with riding, helping friends move, a party, and possibly a little road trip. I am sure I will be thoroughly knackered come Monday.
Went to the Junction last night. man, that joint scares me. New name same old atmosphere. Thankfully Gus, Seve, and the Adams family made it very fun.
Got some new, to me anyway, music in rotation. Metallica S & M and Girl Talk, Feed the Animals. Good stuff, each.
I think I will pick up a new projector today. The Colonel's loaner has seen better days. No color, cockeyed screen, runs hotter than a latin chick scorned, and I just want my own.
Three more really important bike games for the year. Yep, you heard right THREE more IMPORTANT bike games. Should add up to 15 racing hours if all goes well. After that, it is all about just having fun. Race cross when I feel like it. Enjoy easy riding when I feel like it. I keep paring the cross schedule back every time I look at the calendar.
Enjoy the weekend kids. Be nice, surprise someone you dig. Do something nice, out of the blue, because you can.
The next few days are pretty full with riding, helping friends move, a party, and possibly a little road trip. I am sure I will be thoroughly knackered come Monday.
Went to the Junction last night. man, that joint scares me. New name same old atmosphere. Thankfully Gus, Seve, and the Adams family made it very fun.
Got some new, to me anyway, music in rotation. Metallica S & M and Girl Talk, Feed the Animals. Good stuff, each.
I think I will pick up a new projector today. The Colonel's loaner has seen better days. No color, cockeyed screen, runs hotter than a latin chick scorned, and I just want my own.
Three more really important bike games for the year. Yep, you heard right THREE more IMPORTANT bike games. Should add up to 15 racing hours if all goes well. After that, it is all about just having fun. Race cross when I feel like it. Enjoy easy riding when I feel like it. I keep paring the cross schedule back every time I look at the calendar.
Enjoy the weekend kids. Be nice, surprise someone you dig. Do something nice, out of the blue, because you can.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
PUT YER FOOT DOWN
That is what I heard over top of Springsteen's Johnny 99 on the Ipod tonight, as I am track standing at a red light. I turn left and notice the old guy sitting on the front porch of his trailer, yes I wrote "front porch of his trailer", he waves his hand and goes again. "Put it down." I reply, "nah that is cheating." He shouts back, " that's right, it is cheatin'." The light turns, I wave and pedal off, he smiles and waves back. Lately I have been having these type of interactions with peopl while riding that restore my faith in mankind. Little kids smiling from cars, drivers talking to you at stoplights, people nodding in approval as they pass. There seems to be some kind of good karma in the air of late. I am not sure what it is, I just hope it continues.
Todays spin gave me good time to get lost in the Ipod, singing along as I ride and just enjoying. I hooked up w/ Josh Beck for a few minutes. I have so much respect for that guy. Webster's dictionary should have a picture of him next to the word class. He was asking which bike I preferred on fire roads, 29er w/ road wheels or cross bike. I was stumped I could not answer. I did not want to slight one or the other. It was like asking which child a parent prefers. I like all eight of my "kids". Some are different thatn others, but I love them all the same. I think they dig me also. Oooops, yep that may have been a bit weird. So while riding and speaking with Josh I decided to off road it a bit through some loose gravel. Totally fun, and good practice to feel the rear wheel squirm. Unfortunately I pulled a "Lamont you big dummy" when I hopped back on the road and pinched the rear tire. psssst, flat. I was laughing, as I thought it was funny. I am sure some of the group riders did not understand my childlike joy and riding through the stones. A flat was the small price to pay for a moment of pure joy. Twain once wrote, "there is nothing so pure as a boy and his bicycle." In that moment that was me. Flat tire, who cares, I was having fun.
So riding has been super fun lately, and I am looking forward to tomorrow's ride already.
On a different note, I finished "The Road" today. Four sitting and the book is done. It is super depressing, yet somewhat uplifting in a "courage of the human spirit" kind of way. It may have been a Pulitzer Prize winner, but The Original Legend Bookclub gives a two opposable thumbs down. The content and context far outweighs the amazing detail.
Oh yeah, this guy seems to be trying to channel this guy. Freaky in a Post Office, have you seen this guy, wall calendar type of way.
Todays spin gave me good time to get lost in the Ipod, singing along as I ride and just enjoying. I hooked up w/ Josh Beck for a few minutes. I have so much respect for that guy. Webster's dictionary should have a picture of him next to the word class. He was asking which bike I preferred on fire roads, 29er w/ road wheels or cross bike. I was stumped I could not answer. I did not want to slight one or the other. It was like asking which child a parent prefers. I like all eight of my "kids". Some are different thatn others, but I love them all the same. I think they dig me also. Oooops, yep that may have been a bit weird. So while riding and speaking with Josh I decided to off road it a bit through some loose gravel. Totally fun, and good practice to feel the rear wheel squirm. Unfortunately I pulled a "Lamont you big dummy" when I hopped back on the road and pinched the rear tire. psssst, flat. I was laughing, as I thought it was funny. I am sure some of the group riders did not understand my childlike joy and riding through the stones. A flat was the small price to pay for a moment of pure joy. Twain once wrote, "there is nothing so pure as a boy and his bicycle." In that moment that was me. Flat tire, who cares, I was having fun.
So riding has been super fun lately, and I am looking forward to tomorrow's ride already.
On a different note, I finished "The Road" today. Four sitting and the book is done. It is super depressing, yet somewhat uplifting in a "courage of the human spirit" kind of way. It may have been a Pulitzer Prize winner, but The Original Legend Bookclub gives a two opposable thumbs down. The content and context far outweighs the amazing detail.
Oh yeah, this guy seems to be trying to channel this guy. Freaky in a Post Office, have you seen this guy, wall calendar type of way.
Monday, July 28, 2008
And now for something completely different
I opened up a book and started to read it last night. After a conversation last evening where I stated I just do not have the patience/attention span to read a novel, I figured I owed it to myself to try. A quick fifty pages before bed last night and another one hundred and forty tonight. I think I will finish Cormac McCarthy's, The Road tomorrow. Maybe I can do this.
Some close friends were making fun of me for my need for instant gratification at the shop tonight. I started to think about it a little. I really enjoy seeing a personal accomplishment, or experiencing personal reward in a timely manner. I also can enjoy things that are by no means instantaneously rewarding, probably just not as much.
So I think I am at a point where I can get involved in a book and actually enjoy just reading. Huh, whooda thunk it?
That being said if anyone has any ideas for books that I should read, please let me know. I like mystery. I like non-fiction storeis. If you have read a good book lately let me know. I am turning over a new page.
Some close friends were making fun of me for my need for instant gratification at the shop tonight. I started to think about it a little. I really enjoy seeing a personal accomplishment, or experiencing personal reward in a timely manner. I also can enjoy things that are by no means instantaneously rewarding, probably just not as much.
So I think I am at a point where I can get involved in a book and actually enjoy just reading. Huh, whooda thunk it?
That being said if anyone has any ideas for books that I should read, please let me know. I like mystery. I like non-fiction storeis. If you have read a good book lately let me know. I am turning over a new page.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Because I know you are just dying to find out
The non-race weekend is officially over, well until next weekend when I may do it all again. Blasphemy, I know. Being that I am not so good at sitting still I needed to find something to do. I decided to take up smoking and see if I could get through a full carton in one weekend. Nah, that will have to wait for another off-week.
Friday: vacation day. Went for an awesome ride friday. Four hours of beautiful sun and good times. Just layed in the grass at Fort Hunter and stretched afterwards. It was great. I definitely need to do that again. I did a quick clean-up and zipped to the shop to help out for a few hours. By 8:00 I was cooked.
Saturday: Worked at the shop from 10:00-5:00. Super busy, some people are just put on this earth to be the proverbial fly in the ointment. Some people can really make your day. Thankfully there were more day-makers, than breakers. Got out for a little TT bike recovery ride afterwards to spin the legs out. Very nice. A quick stop at the distributor on a Saturday night made me feel pretty normal. A few of Chico CA's finest Pale Ale's put me in the total chill mode to watch the Tour TT. Talk about boring. Even for a bike techie geek that put me to sleep.
Sunday: Copious amounts of coffee and weed pulling started the day. Followed up by mowing the lawn. A quick shower and off for a cook in at my Mom's, thanks to the weather. Yumdillyicious. A quick virus scan to save her computer from spyware and I was out. I called Seve to see if Seve was home. He was. Another one of Chico CA's finest pale ale's was consumed and I left with a set of wheels and two sets of skewers from Sevelay industries. back to Benyou to clean the garage and bike room. Organized all of my tires and removed some tubies to get ready for some cross season carbon goodness. 34 files baby, hoo ha. A little breather to return some texts and calls from the day and then off for some Brewster's ice cream. Nice. Best ice cream session I have enjoyed in a long time. End the day off with a little blogging and there you have it.
How friggin' boring was that? I almost feel I should apologize if you made it all the wat through.
You know what, you should wish to be so lucky to enjoy the time and company I had this weekend.
I missed racing, however I really enjoyed the weekend.
Have a good week kids.
Friday: vacation day. Went for an awesome ride friday. Four hours of beautiful sun and good times. Just layed in the grass at Fort Hunter and stretched afterwards. It was great. I definitely need to do that again. I did a quick clean-up and zipped to the shop to help out for a few hours. By 8:00 I was cooked.
Saturday: Worked at the shop from 10:00-5:00. Super busy, some people are just put on this earth to be the proverbial fly in the ointment. Some people can really make your day. Thankfully there were more day-makers, than breakers. Got out for a little TT bike recovery ride afterwards to spin the legs out. Very nice. A quick stop at the distributor on a Saturday night made me feel pretty normal. A few of Chico CA's finest Pale Ale's put me in the total chill mode to watch the Tour TT. Talk about boring. Even for a bike techie geek that put me to sleep.
Sunday: Copious amounts of coffee and weed pulling started the day. Followed up by mowing the lawn. A quick shower and off for a cook in at my Mom's, thanks to the weather. Yumdillyicious. A quick virus scan to save her computer from spyware and I was out. I called Seve to see if Seve was home. He was. Another one of Chico CA's finest pale ale's was consumed and I left with a set of wheels and two sets of skewers from Sevelay industries. back to Benyou to clean the garage and bike room. Organized all of my tires and removed some tubies to get ready for some cross season carbon goodness. 34 files baby, hoo ha. A little breather to return some texts and calls from the day and then off for some Brewster's ice cream. Nice. Best ice cream session I have enjoyed in a long time. End the day off with a little blogging and there you have it.
How friggin' boring was that? I almost feel I should apologize if you made it all the wat through.
You know what, you should wish to be so lucky to enjoy the time and company I had this weekend.
I missed racing, however I really enjoyed the weekend.
Have a good week kids.
Friday, July 25, 2008
What on earth am I to do
I am not racing this weekend and now have to fill my time. What will it be like to be "normal"? Maybe I will bust out the Benyou drive-in tonight or tomorrow night. Watch Jaws or Caddyshack outside by the fire? The Luv Gods are playing at Ceolta's Saturday night, maybe that is an option? Big Lebowski evening may materialize? I need to mow the grass. No, I am not soft like some guys.
Start the weekend out with another vacation day for a nice 5 hr tour of Dauphin county then work at the shop. A night chillaxin' with a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and a large man-eating shark may be a real good thing.
Here is the start to my Super D. yes, this eventually was a downhill race. I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud92Fuv-Bm4
Enjoy the weekend homies.
Start the weekend out with another vacation day for a nice 5 hr tour of Dauphin county then work at the shop. A night chillaxin' with a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and a large man-eating shark may be a real good thing.
Here is the start to my Super D. yes, this eventually was a downhill race. I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud92Fuv-Bm4
Enjoy the weekend homies.
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