Redneck Riviera

... so over the holidays I gave my friend Erin a hard time about erecting a trampoline in her back yard. While I think they're fun, they're an eye sore for the lucky neighbors all around.

Well, not to be outdone, I present to you.... "the Redneck Riviera".



What's that? Why don't we just go to the neighborhood pool? Well, you see it's been in the low 100's all week, average temp 103*.... and the "hood" pool doesn't have any shade.

Top that you little Mormon hottie!

Life is good friends

Yeah, that's right....

Tri-geeks.....

.... you can always tell when the tri-geeks have one of their "muddy buddy" races or "off-road triathlons" by the number of drink bottles strewn about, that and all of the reflectors in the technical sections of the trail. I try to clean up as best I can... hate to have the trail I love closed due to some race promoter not doing a thorough job cleaning up after the race. The worst part is that the participants don't realize that the promoters poach the trail (can't have a pay to race event on the Corps land, so they start just outside and then utilize Corps land) and no one has the budget for clean up or trail maintenance. It's up to the local groups Camino Real, or individuals.

some of what was left behind by the tri-geeks on their last event


**** Note to self, bring a couple of trash bags next time so you can clean up more trash.

2nd ride this week

Not sure how or why, but I was granted another free day... who am I to question such things. I was thinking about trying to hook up with the Thursday night swill ride, but the cross bike isn't ready for prime time, so opted to brave the 99* temps and hit madrone again. Again, a nice ride with no time constraints or agenda other than to recharge my mind and soul. I couldn't find the small point & shoot, so all I have are the cell phone pix. Better than not.


Tougher than it looks, the line is right up the tree

Getting tight, watch out for ticks

Fixed Inbred

Inspired by Clair aka Scorpionwoman

Ride

Wow, finally a bike related post. So, I've been in a funk. I haven't been riding much lately, and the rides I've been on, have been lousy. I'm usually rushed, thinking about getting home to take care of E, or clean, mow the lawn, etc. I've let the rut get deep. Today K gave me the best gift I've had in a while.... time, time to myself. Time to ride, to clear the cob webs, to take as long as I wanted. Initially I wasn't going to go, K woke me up early because she thought she heard E fooling around (6:45), but E was sound asleep in her room. I'm also super light sensitive, so once the daylight hit my eyes I was up. Then the dogs wanted breakfast, so my day began. E woke up @ 8:00, K was up half an hour later, and wanted to work out on the elliptical. Needless to say it was ~ 10:00 before I was gathering my things to head out to Madrone, I knew it would be hot, but I didn't care. I just have to get it out of my head and deal with it. Until we move to another part of the country this is my fate.

To give you some sense of scale, the rocks in the middle are not normally visible. The banks on either side are also usually about 2/3 covered in wet stuff.

The lake @ Madrone is lower than I've ever seen it. The trail was in great shape, I only wish I were. I'm back to riding fixed and some fairly simple stuff rocked me, but I didn't give up, even sessioned a few things until I owned them. I don't know what time I got out there, it didn't matter. I took my sweet time, as I didn't have to be anywhere. It was wonderful for my mind, body, and soul. I really must take the time to make time for myself and express that I need this time weekly. I honestly can't remember the last time I had a free day to do as I pleased. I also came to the conclusion that I've been letting negativity toxify me. At first it's little stupid things that annoy me, then bigger things (like having an offer letter and finding out the offer is being withdrawn), and then it becomes all consuming. I need to just let go of these things before they poison me any further. Need to keep focus, and work on the things in my life I can make better. So, note to self, let it go man. Let it all go and you'll be a better person for it. Being on the bike is not my addiction or drug, it is my detox, it is exactly what the Dr. ordered.

Peace...