Life in The 'Ham...

2008-12-20T20:13:00.000-06:00

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This Just In!

2008-09-03T09:37:00.002-05:00

Jeremy Gray of The Birmingham News just put out an article on the Banksy. Thanks Jeremy.

Ernest T. Bass

2005-05-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

"Andy, I love you"

Ernest T., Ernest T., we'll miss you. Howard Morris, dead at 85 of natural causes.

American Idol hopeful, Bo Bice, has his own day now. Governor Bill Riley has declared today "Bo Bice Day". Woo hoo, Woo hoo hoo. People do stupid things.

That's what I'm talkin' bout!

2005-04-29T08:32:00.000-05:00

The Tao of Skinny Dipping

In this NYTimes article the author speaks of one of the last bastions of unadulterated masculinity left in NYC. Nude swimming at private clubs. Something about the freedom for me.

I love it. Back in the day, here, The Downtown YMCA was an all male institution with nude swimming. Not so anymore. But I have swimming hole to go to on the Little Cahaba River.

At SIU-C we had the Big Muddy River that a few of us would go to. Boys and girls alike. No gawking, shame. One time the river was so high Mike and I could barely swim back to the shore but we emerged refreshed and unscathed. Susan and I went there often when we were in love...

Lizard Rock is what I call my spot on the Little Cahaba. You have to park on the side of the road and hike in a little ways. When you get to the rusty combine you hang a left into the woods and down the hill to the river. Once down there are nice huge flat rocks on which to sit, lay, or jump in from. It is about 12 to 15 feet year round and always cold as hell. The current is lazy and the surface skips rocks way too cool.

I have never seen anyone there except for me and whoever came with me. Most of the time I just go by myself. It's only 15 minutes from the house and is always a welcome relief from the rest of the world. Nothing but the sun and the sound of the water, and birds.

So if you want an allover tan come go with me. 'Tis the season.

p.s. if the above link doesn't let you in you may have to register to read it.

2005-04-26T09:51:00.000-05:00

Woah! What are the odds? Below is an email I was sent from two friends that I find both humourous and tragic at the same time. Imagine that...Get well Soon just doesn't sound right.

------------------------

"Omar!

Wow, that is awful! I have never heard of that happening before.

Thanks for letting us know. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Randall

In a message dated 4/25/2005 4:59:27 P.M. Central Standard Time, person@email.com writes:

Randall

I'm not sure if you heard, but I was hit by a deer while mountain biking two weeks ago. It happened as I was cruising down a hill at Oak mountain Park with Fred from Cahaba Cycles. The deer knocked me into a tree and shattered both bones in my left forearm. Needless to say, it will be a few months before I am able to ride or help out with work days. I am interested in volunteering for the race at oak mountain park. I will be watching the BUMP emails to find out more.

Omar"

-----------------------

Ouch!!

Images from the Tour de Georgia

2005-04-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here's some images from the Tour de Georgia, Stage 3, Individual Time Trial, Rome, Georgia, from 3/4's of the way up Mt. Alto:

There's got to be a chalker! "Go Lance", (David with legs crossed, far right)-

Here's part of the climb up Mt. Alto, I was jonesin'-

A Jittery Joe rider, my favorite domestic team, good coffee too-

A Jelly Belly rider with team car-

Stage 3 winner, Floyd Landis made this climb look easy-

David's hand holding the umbrella during the rain-

And the Man his own self, Lance Armstrong grinding up the Mountain-

The Dodge Tour de Georgia Stage 3

2005-04-22T13:47:00.000-05:00

Stage 3 of The Dodge Tour de Georgia was much more pleasant than I imagine Stage 4 is today. While we were rained on we were not under any deluge conditions as the riders are today. Yesterday saw one long, steep hill; today there are three - with one of them twice. Cyclingnews.com has one of the best live updates I've seen. Discovery out front at the moment.

So. We went to about the two thirds mark of Mount Alto, parked our rear ends in lawnchairs and heckled. Not really heckling, just good natured banter. Before the race the route was open with hardy souls attempting to be pros for their 15 seconds. One guy answered his cell as he struggled around a switchback saying, "uh, you caught me at a bad time". Then the pros arrived passing us one after the other.

My little camera was giving me fits with it's refresh rate and the panning issues I was having left me with a few good shots to be downloaded soon as this laptop gets home. The camera is at Sophie's birthday playday, at home, with her friends. Five three year olds. Imagine that.

As I got the panning straight Floyd came by (yesterday's winner), a couple more riders came by, all the while me steady in the viewfinder. It was raining so all the sounds from above and below our spot were muted when I heard the lady next to me say, "That was Lance." "Really?" I totaly missed him going by. I got the shot I was after but didn't "see" him go by. Too busy shooting. As a pro I remember not being able to enjoy what was in from of me for being too busy shooting.

So I got my shot of Floyd and Lance and the Jittery Joe boys (my favorite national team). And a good cup-o-joe from the coffee meister his own self Jittery Joe Jesse.

After the last rider passed the people on the hillside cleared out in about 5 seconds. Poof - and they were gone. David and I drove into Rome and the same thing there. All the vendors, swag purveyors, packing up, gone, bye bye. We saw a couple of friends, talked to my friends Jerry and Angie with Livestrong's Peloton Project, found Doug and Charlotte, and we all ate mediocre food at Harvest Moon. There IS something to be said about atmosphere though.

I was jonesing yesterday to be on the bike. Jonesing to climb that mountain. To ride the route. I was super charged with all the bike-citement literally oozing from all around. Hard core and obsessed.

On a different note (well...still obsessed), I put another coat of yellow paint on my frame that I'll build as a singlespeed. Still need a chain and a seatpost. The plan is to ride again, for the first time in a few weeks, on May 15th, on the "new" built up singlespeed. Well done ribs or not. I'll be well enough by then or at least comfortably un-corfortable in my broken-ness. The ride is to commemorate and honour fallen cyclists.

Frank died. Last Saturday. Liver, other organs had had too much. Never knew him. The connections to me are Danny and Tom. One in Alabama and one in Texas. A small world. We touch each other in all kinds of embarassing ways even in ways we don't know about. Frank's death touched me. And Danny. And Tom. They know how to cry. And I listened.

"People...people who...

2005-04-21T04:21:00.000-05:00

...need people...Are the luckiest people...in the world..." sang Barbara some years ago. Like her voice and personality or not, she spoke The Truth. And we just do. Need people.

I remember Billy Joe had this to say about writing:

(Song)writing is "a hobby with me and it's also the cheapest psychiatrist there is," he says. "I'm able to recall things, so I never run out."

One more thing. We are each other's Teachers. We teach each other how to Live. And Love. Big words,lessons.

Unrequited is the worst. Yet we/I learn something even if it's just to keep suiting up and showing up- with Hope.

Mount Alto Road may even be my teacher. Et tu?

The Pope and 3 birthdays...

2005-04-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

Habemus Papum! "We have a new Pope" - but then you already knew that.

Benedict XVI is sure to be discussed ad infinitum yet I keep thinking he is the same guy today as he was 4 or 5 days ago on his birthday as a Ratzinger. Hitler youth the Grand Inquistiter blah blah. Happy Belated Birthday anyway. And my prayers will be with you.

I wonder how much a Pope is going to sell for? Maybe I'll put my Media credential on Ebay from the 1987 JPII trip to America.

Mom, Max, and Sophie are to be birthday'ed today. Mom is 68. Max is sweet 16. Sophie is the big 3.

I'll call Mom on the phone. I'll send good thoughts to Max where ever he really is.

And we'll take Sophie out to eat at you guessed it, The Golden Corral; her favorite place to go for maccaroni and cheese.

Tommorrow is off to Rome but not Benedict's. Maybe we will see you there for the Individual Trials.

Guy on his bike...

2005-04-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Guy at the start line of the Sunny King Criterium

Guy is on the right in the white helmet.

He's so cool!!

Race on!

2005-04-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

And a good time was had by all. Guy raced in the first and second grade category and placed 4th. Man that kid can ride. Even against those bigger kids. He was upset and teared up a little that he didn't place higher. Some consolation and telling him how proud I am of him helped ease his pain.

I enjoyed seeing my pals at Jittery Joe's ( good coffee by the way available at most fine bike shops and based in Athens )and Travel Girl's pink saddles ( Atlanta's own ). They were flashy. I guess when you can beat everyone else you can be flashy - and they did.

Below is the article by the local paper, The Anniston Star, from today's online edition:

Cycles of Dominance: Colavita, Travel Girl teams overpower pro criteriums on Saturday
By Joe Medley
Star Sports Writer
04-17-2005

Team Colavita dominated Saturday night’s Sunny King Criteriums Men’s pro race in downtown Anniston.

Nearly all of the team’s eight red-clad racers crossed the start/finish line ahead of the field with four laps to go, and world-class sprinter Juan Jose Haedo made his scheduled run across the finish line in first place.

Then came the discussion.

After United States Cycling Federation officials weighed whether another team’s lapped racer dropped back and helped draft four of the top finishers back into the lead pack, Haedo’s and Colavita’s victory stood.

Haedo finished in one hour, 29.7 seconds to beat second-place finisher Jeff Hopkins of Jittery Joe’s by two-tenths of a second. Five Colavita racers finished in the top 12.

"Our team had good representation in the front, and we knew we’d have five guys in the breakaway," Haedo said. "That was really good, and then we knew that, with a lead like we had in the past races, we could win."

The Pro Men’s race, which paid the winner $10,000, was the feature event on a day-long card that included races in four men’s divisions and two women’s divisions.

Atlanta’s Jenn Green, racing for the Atlanta-based Travel Girl team, won the Women’s Pro race, and Team Colavita’s Frank McCormack won the Masters 35-older race.
The criteriums served as a tuneup for this week’s Tour de Georgia for the pro teams. The first stage is Tuesday in Augusta, Ga., and the race concludes Friday.

Saturday’s criteriums also covered the first leg of a cycling weekend that wraps up with today’s Cheaha Challenge 102-mile race. Today’s race, expected to draw a record field of nearly 600 riders, starts and finishes at the Piedmont Civic Center.

The discussion following Saturday’s Pro Men’s race centered on whether a lapped Jittery Joe’s rider dropped back to help Hopkins, the team’s top sprinter. Hopkins was in a breakoff pack of four racers that had fallen back from the eight-man lead pack.

Lapped racers are not allowed to help teammates on the lead lap, according to USCF rules.

About 45 minutes after the race’s finish, officials ruled that the results would stand. The team that dominated the race would keep its victory.

Haedo, from Argentina, picked up his third victory this year. There was little doubt which Colavita racer would make the final sprint.

The race bodes well for his team’s chances against a Tour de Georgia field that will include Lance Armstrong.

"We are ready," Haedo said. "We have good motivation. For the next couple of races."

Green is looking forward to the Tour de Georgia women’s race. It’s a home race for the team sponsored by Atlanta-based Travel Girl magazine.

Travel Girl had five racers in Anniston on Saturday.

"This is the perfect prep race. That’s why we’re all here," Green said. "It’s exactly the same time of day. It’s great."

Green’s team dominated Saturday’s Women’s Pro race in a fashion similar to Colavita’s dominance in the Men’s Pro race. Four Travel Girl racers finished in the top 16.

"We had about a 10-person breakaway, and then we started to drop back," Green said. "Then, I had two teammates go to the front and just work their butts off. Then, we started kind of attacking each other ... and, the next thing I know, I’m up the road with two girls on the same team."

Green won the final sprint against Forum Cycling’s Iona Wynter, the second-place finisher, and Forum/Kenda’s Alliston Carter.

What's up with Jason The Racer? 60th at Sea Otter? Hopefully today will find him still in the GC slots.

Can't wait to get back on a bike. Maybe I'll go for a hike. Watch the birds.

Pro racing here...

2005-04-16T07:53:00.000-05:00

The Pro's are coming today!

Happy Birthday!

2005-04-15T09:39:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Leonardo!

Ride on Leo!

And...

2005-04-14T08:51:00.000-05:00

...let me add that you must be sure to wear your helmet, eat your peas, brush your teeth and lube your chain!

A lapse of reason...

2005-04-13T10:20:00.000-05:00

If you are in a paceline don't stop suddenly or there will be a pileup with road rash and broken bones.

The Old Howard 100 started out uneventful enough until mile 14 and a guy didn't think of those behind him when he decided to stop for a reflector that popped off his bike. We behind couldn't react as fast as he could stop thus plowing into each other. Eight us. I was the last running over and breaking this girl's wrist.

I did the classic endo landing on my head and shoulder. Sitting in the road dazed I determined I did not break my collarbone and decided to ride on a little further. At least to the first rest stop I said. I was hurting pretty good by the time I got to the rest stop.

Adrenallin had kicked in so I said I'll ride to the next stop. Well, I missed the second but made the 3rd, 4th and 5th. At the 5th there was only 7 miles to go for the 70 mile loop back to the start. I mashed it out.

We were served spaghetti post ride and after eating my friend the doctor said you need to go to my clinic and get checked out. I did.

Ribs numbers 1 and 2 snapped under compression by my shoulder bones. Three days later and I'm sore as hell.

The guy who stopped got his reflector.

I guess we all do stupid things sometimes without thinking in a momentary lapse of reason.

Apples and teeth...

2005-04-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

At the dinner table I knew something was different. The normal gap tooth smile was gappier (new word meaning= with more gap). Guy, I said, "You're missing another tooth!", "I am?" "Yeah, smile big... ." "Oh, it must have happened when I was eating an apple 'cause it started bleeding on the basketball court." "Guy ate his too ooth", Sophie exclaimed over and over sending us all into hysterical laughter.

It's never dull.

I have a can of Never- Dull that's almost twenty years old and what's left still shines up metal real pretty.

New wheelset. Handmade by yours truly. 3 Cross lacing. Props to Sheldon Brown for his most excellent instructions. Thanks to my local bike shop for the use of the trueing stand.

Question of the day - What is the difference between a collage and a montage? I know, do you?

And by the way, the Tooth Fairy is real.

Lawnmowers and marching bands

2005-03-29T09:36:00.000-06:00

The sounds of lawnmowers and marching bands waft through the titterings of busy people.

Miss Electra waves bye to The Naked Guys, robes, climbs down from the pedestel.

Here's a crazy ride. Any takers? Might be fun.

Trip to Georgia in three weeks for a day or so. Maybe camp in the back of the pickup just put the pad down pull an old blanket up and piece of plastic for the dew over and look at the stars. And dream... .

Surly...

2005-03-28T16:02:00.000-06:00

I guess I could fill in the blank.

Yes. Feeling surly today.

Yes. Want what I want when I want it. Surly.

Surly Cross Check.

Check. Miss you.

Easter Monday. New beginnings. Spring growth.

I guess It's all about missing teeth.

Sunshiney Day...

2005-03-27T12:49:00.000-06:00

Carrolton Relay's, Carrolton, Georgia

Troy.

Maya...

2005-03-25T19:19:00.000-06:00

Damn.

Spend time pouring out the soul and the friggin thing crashes. Lost gone bye bye.

Bottom line is oftentimes what I want and what I have are not the same. Period.

I had put a Whitman poem here that said it better than me...gone...

I'm too far gone...lover.

Maya...

I'm grateful for all limbs...

2005-03-25T05:54:00.000-06:00

I'm grateful all my limbs are working. I sometimes don't feel grateful for squat yet there are times that hit me smack in the head and scream you fool! This was one of those times.

Jeremy was in my freshman homeroom two years ago. A pleasant enough kid left without the use of his legs from a chilhood illness, he and Mr. Short, his Aide, would roll in after the bell with Short talking boastfully all manner of "wisdom". Mr. Short and I hit it off I guess because I listen.

So this year back at the school Jeremy is a Junior and Short is Short. Jeremy always smiles and speaks. Short still dispenses his version of wisdom. The two are often highlights of my day.

So I got smacked. I received an invitation to participate in an outdoor cycling excursion for the kids attending a spring break program at
The Lakeshore Foundation-Home of the US Para-Olympics and center for amubulatory rehab. in general. I accepted. The Foundation needed cyclists to help the kids with their hand-cycling.

I get there and guess who else is there - Jeremy. Hey Mr. Griffies Hey Jeremy I didn't you were going to be here I didn't you were going to be here either. Jeremy found the bike he had been riding and slid in. He said this was the first time he had been on the street having only cycled in the gym and around a track. So we headed off as other riders paired up and struck out towards the Greenway path.

A bit unsure at first Jeremy quickly showed his mettle on the downhills and blistered the flats as we cruised along me going only fast enough to stay upright on my two wheels. All the way Jeremy saying I've got to get one of these. I have no doubt he will.

I'll never forget his smile so full of glee and acomplishment as we made our way along the five mile loop. What a sense of freedom he must have been feeling.

God help me to not take my body for granted.

Profiled...

2005-03-22T10:54:00.000-06:00

Some music I listened to today...

2005-03-21T17:30:00.000-06:00

Nickel Creek, "Nickel Creek"
Sheryl Crow, "Tuesday Night Music Club"
Beck, "Odelay"
D.J. Dangermouse, "The Gray Album"

Walt Whitman is definately invited to the dinner party. Surely he must read for us regaling us with tales of love and heartache, war and dreams of peace.
Fan the flames!

Do ceiling fans stop at true north?

2005-03-21T05:52:00.000-06:00

I believe they do. Once in a particularly tense session with Tom I was laying on the floor while someone I don't remember who was having a major crisis and the ceiling fan stopped. I still wonder if they all stop at true north. True north is a good direction versus south.

Overcast and seventy with major rollers Phillip Morris and I dooked it out mid-pack. I left a lung about mile 28.

Hot

And on another tangent....

The Least Flycatchers are back. About five years ago a couple built a nest layed eggs hatched flew off and the offspring came back laid eggs hatched and flew off. Every spring they come back. The even have used the same nest with a few touch ups.

I'd like a nest lined with dragonfly wings.

Workin' at the car wash...

2005-03-19T11:21:00.000-06:00

My track kids are washing cars and I do believe some of them have never done it before. I feel like my Dad pointing out missed spots here and there. We washed a Wrangler (black). We are raising funds for a meet in Carrolton, for the bus.

December babies are the best. David, my best friend is a December baby. Now we have to pick a car. A Mazda pickup with camper top, four wheel drive, bike racks up top for the Silver Comet.

December twenty sixth gets lost in the shuffle but the ribs today at the car wash are awful tasty for a three buck sandwich. Three big bones on white bread.

Anybody home?

2005-03-18T08:29:00.000-06:00

Updates are not a priority. I get no comments so I must assume that no one is reading this blog.

I "strained/sprained" my big toe on my right foot. I stupidly kicked something that did not move. Moral of the story: don't kick anything with Birkenstocks on or when angry. This action has messed me up. I can't get my cleats on. No riding. Century in 3 weeks.

While I'm complaining let's keep on. Track. I signed up to help coach the track team. I'm getting no compensation. The kids seems to have no drive. Wasted talent. The track meets are held on my normal days to get saddle time. The track meets are held on the days of Guy's soccer games. Guess where I'll be.

AEA/Spring Break is here. One week. I need some time away from these kids. I'll have Sophie and Guy all week. Maybe Grandma can help. Track practice at 9:00. Georgia meet next Saturday... .

There are few kids here at school today which will make for a long day in anticipation of a week off.

Testing 1, 2, 3...

2005-03-11T15:09:00.000-06:00

Today is the last of 5 days worth of testing. The directions seem to say they are dumb. Don't know guess. Good advice however. I have had zero classes of substance this week not that it is really much different any other week.

God is taking Brooks to the Amazon. (new website under construction)He says.

Track meet usurps road ride in the ante meridian to ride Sunday at 2. All riders. Hour trip to two? Saddle time is sorely needed. Tis the season. Almost grass cutting time. Bush hog. Summer with the kids... .

Serious Protection for the Serious Cyclist Crotch Guard Skin Care Oil is as important to your ride as your water bottle. Ride longer, ride stronger.

If there's a need somebody has thought of it.

Get Well Maigh.

Stuff..

2005-03-07T15:58:00.000-06:00

Thursday 3/3: Vikings smoked at State Bball Finals.

Friday 3/4: Regular irregular day.

Saturday 3/5: Vikings win several medals at Hoover Track Invitational. Lots of heart.

Jason the Racer does it in the mud.

Sunday 3/6: Billy's ride went out way fast with him stuck in back at 5 mph with a blue haired lady on a 50 pound bike. Titanium does stay upright at a crawl. 20 mile loop at 19mph up Peavine at a crawl. Another 10 to the Lake and back. Pooped. Tired. Wasted. Not well fueled or hydrated will do it to you.

Today 3/7: AHSGE Math day. Long day of testing.

Sophie's tattoo...

2005-03-02T14:58:00.000-06:00

Sophie emphatically said, "Dad you have a tattoo. I'm gonna get a tattoo."

Dad, surprised, said, "You are? What kind of tattoo are you getting?"

Sophie matter of factly said,"I'm gonna get a Cinderella!"

Sophie's two.

Watch out Dad!!

Books...

2005-03-02T14:21:00.000-06:00

I love to read. I have three going at the moment.

Native Tongue by Carl Hiaasen- funny stuff.

Hell's Angel's by Hunter Thompson- objective reportage'?

Major Taylor by Andrew Ritchie

I'm excited by the Major Taylor book- America's first major black international superstar. Taylor was a bicycle racer at the turn of the century when bike racing was one of three big time sports in the US, just behind horse racing and baseball. During the US Gran Prix in Indianapolis we went to the Major Taylor Velodrome.

And F1 season is upon us.

Australian GP LIVE on SpeedTV 8:30 CST. Qualifying at 7:30. Will Ferrari rule again? Go Schumi Go!!

Miss Electra and The Naked Guy was "cold-ed" out last night. 43 degrees. My tender buds bailed on me.

Got invited to be on a race team today. Team Cahaba Cycles. I'll go to the first meeting tommorrow. Me - a Masters Cat 5. Rank beginner. That's almost funny.

Malcontents

2005-03-01T09:55:00.000-06:00

America is not happy. Clock in clock out carry it home.

Beat the kids, scream at the spouse, kick the dog.

Do cosmetic psychiatric phamaceuticals.

Get drunk smoke pot crack. Steal a TV.

Get a cause. Find a higher power. Rub the Budha's belly.

Are there really big deals? Buy this brand.

Eat this not that. Watch flowers grow.

Make babies. Baby flowers sunshine up.

Kiss your dog right on the mouth.

Swing way high.

Help an old person shop for groceries.

Write love letters to yourself. And mail them.

Change work.

Be here, do work, be nice.

Psycho-cross in Alabam'...

2005-02-28T11:40:00.000-06:00

There was some incredible cyclocross racing this weekend. Crazy stuff. Forty five minutes plus one lap on a 1.8 ile course. The winner on a singlespeed. Psycho crazy man Josh. This was my first taste of the real deal. Now I want to build up a 'cross bike. Alas alack the season's over after next Sunday....

More riders than spectators, the weather was ideal. Rainy, windy, muddy, cold. Perfect I was told. Races are exciting with all the preparation going on. Trainers, tools, equipment, embrocades.

GCC is in the midst of their Spring Crits. Cheaha Challenge is coming up. And century time is upon us.

RetroMan

2005-02-26T06:36:00.000-06:00

This one is for you Mark.Given your retro bent.

To all other viewers, Please take no offense. Our world was wiggly in the '50's. But you know what, it's wiggly-er now.

"you can never have enough cowbell"

2005-02-25T09:51:00.000-06:00

Oh dear soul. 'Tis so true.

One, two, three, seven kids standing on the tables. We made forms from shapes. Now they are hanging from the ceiling. "(Y)ou can never have enough cowbell".

Loud and louder. Put more cards on my spokes. Pretend it's a three on the tree.

Be en-couraged! And care-full.

Blow bubbles. Tiny bubbles.

Watch grackles pepper the sky. Try to catch them.

And some generally good advice...

Eat your peas, brush your teeth, get a hug and tell someone you love them...

My dear, dear Tom says, "You're a fool if ya don't get a hug!".

Danke...

2005-02-24T09:42:00.000-06:00

Thanks Maigh for turning us on to The Urban Dictionary.

Heaven is a pie...

2005-02-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

I heard a song on the radio some country singer dude and he says that if heaven was a pie it would be a cherry pie. I disagree.

Another guy said his spiritual guidance comes from a fish that swims beside him and gives him (g)ood (o)rderly (d)irection. A woman said hers was a cardinal's red. My grandma's favorite bird was a cardinal and I think of my grandma every time I see one. They've been having a convention at my house all week.

Baby Sun Hudson is communicating with his mom whilst on a respirator in a Texas hospital while the doctors and lawyers are in court trying to decide if he should live or not:

"She (his mom) has interrupted court hearings with rambling outbursts and talked about how she communicates with Sun telepathically. She testified that she spent three days in a psychiatric hospital after his birth because doctors were alarmed that she was calling her child the human embodiment of the sun."

If heaven can be a pie I suggest it is a pecan pie and I'll be hoping Sun gets himself a second helping.

We need one...

2005-02-22T14:55:00.000-06:00

Dothan Alabama..."help i have writer's block and i can't get out"

Why Hunter, why?

2005-02-22T11:13:00.000-06:00

I guess by now you know Hunter S. went for the ultimate high. A 1500 foot per second cerebral high. Why?

Over the last few years a couple of people in my life have felt the need for this high. All friends of Bill who I guess just found it too much to keep on putting one foot in front of the other.

Damn you John!

Only Hunter knows for sure or knew for sure if he was one of us but I suspect he was. As a kid reading Hell's Angels I was taken to a world that later I would skim the edges of. I felt like I was really getting away with something by reading that book. I must have been in middle school. Taboo stuff for the Bible Belt life I was born into. Thank you Hunter for your living. I still want to know why.

Here is one commentator's take on why:

"Or the paranoia got to him — in paranoia you are your own worst enemy, and that’s a tightening circle that nobody can escape, except, say, by suicide. Or it was pain and depression brought on by reported back surgery, a broken leg and a hip replacement. Or he was playing out the last moves of the Hemingway game — the paranoid, shock-treated Hemingway who ended up with his doctor one day, crying because he said that he couldn’t write anymore, he just couldn’t write. Or America has finally become what he said it was, with lie-awake fears of suitcase nukes, jails full of secret uncharged prisoners with no legal recourse, and quiet applause for the recreational torture of Arabs in Iraq. Or people have stopped reading, and there are no more literary heroes. Or maybe he just killed himself, like a number of other people on any given day. He lived on his terms, he died on his own terms."

The full article...

Sophie squeals...

2005-02-22T08:41:00.000-06:00

In honor of President's Day, we loaded up the bikes and went to the park to go round and round the walking trail sans the Agents. A lucky score at the thrift store brought us an older model Trek kid trailer. 100 pound limit. Sophie is about 30 I think so I loaded her up and off we go Guy on his bike me and the trailered Sophie. Sounds of glee laughter and giggles. She even sang a song or two as Guy and I "raced". "We'll catch him on the hill Sophie". And we did.

Sunday's ride was fun. Only three of us showed up. A different route this time actually the same but backwards. Afterwards one of the riders said What was that drop the fat boy? Haven't seen him on a ride this winter so I guess it was. His rear wheel blew apart spokes loose and rubbing the frame.

Saturday (19) was Illa Belle's 85 birthday party at The House of Chicken Livers. With onion rings and ketchup. She's one of the Bailey clan. Thirteen siblings of which my Grandma was the first. Everyone called her sister. Illa Belle was 15 celebrating her birthday and at my Grandma's house when my Dad was born. Yup. A dairy farm log cabin. So Mom and Dad and many of the siblings were there. Dad is 70.

It's strange to think of my Dad when he was my age. I was born when he was 23. I was being stupid at 23. At 32 he was he was a rocket engineer and I was just starting to get it together. I have a new found appreciation for his strength and fortitude.

Turn about fair play and I reckon' what goes around comes around. He has a boy and a girl and I too. I hope I can do a good job like he did. Happy birthday Dad!

If you get a chance visit Mark at DeepSouthDrunk...

Cute blog war...

2005-02-17T09:50:00.000-06:00

Read All About It!!

Two blog people, being cute, are tit for tatting.

A biker and a biker's babe runner type.

Check 'em out:

Maigh(her real name) and Jason (bike rider extraordinary).

Parsley, sage, rosemary and ...

2005-02-16T16:01:00.000-06:00

I slip off sometimes at lunch to the chinese all-you-can-eat buffet down the street. Today was one of those sometimes. As I sat down to my sesame chicken I thought I recognized a tune over the sound system but was not quite sure as it was being sung in chinese. Yup., Simon and Garfunkel, in a female voice in the chinese language. It was like one of these "I can name that tune in 4 bars" things. Strange. Just goes to show good music is universal.

We did the Miss Electra and the Naked Guy ride counter clockwise last night. The ride definately required more climbing. We made it though and had fun to boot!

St. Valentines Day Massacre

2005-02-14T13:46:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day to all. Almost all with the exception of Al and Bugsy.

The 7th Annual St. Valentines Massacre ride of the BBC was yeswterday and I made it. I was fearful of taking up the challenge of the ride as it was listed as having a couple of "sweetheart" climbs. Climbs are not a strong point of mine, yet. But nontheless I went to the ride anyway.

We climbed both Coosa and Oak Mountains, the steep sides it was said, and had plenty of rollers scattered throughout the 45 mile ride. There were 5 of us and 4 that finished. One turned around before the first climb.

It was the second climb that got me. I had to stop and pick up my lung a time or two. And then I dropped my chain in an operator error shift.

We got wet in the rain for about an hour but the temp was pleasant enough.

I'm glad I went. Let me know my "new" skills aren't that far off the mark.

Oh yeah, V.Day...cards for all on the kitchen table. The kids will be wired for sound after the day's sugar fix.

Time for the afternoon cup-o-joe.

DS is headed to Rocket Plane to get us mere mortal a taste of space. Cool!!

Ash Wednesday

2005-02-09T15:54:00.000-06:00

I have never known exactly what to do with Ash Wednesday. Back in the day I knew too well what to do with Mardis Gras. I know the party line.

Lent. To do without. I wish I could give up the cigarettes.

Found an older model Trek pull behind kid's trailer today. Sophie will love it. Guy will want ride in it too. Might entice Ada to the cycling sphere.

Rained out last night. The head cold has the best of me too.

40 days.

Sunday is 15 years as a friend of Bill.

...imagine that!

2005-02-08T15:04:00.000-06:00

rode a nice little ride yesterday, uh, Sunday, with a couple of hammerheads. Didn't know them before but had heard their names. I was asked to take over the BBC newsletter and that I would take over for Ed. Ed is known as a hammerhead in these parts. Aforementioned hammerhead #1.

Hammerhead #2 - Last week Colavita and Cooking Light magazine announced a joint sponsorship of a Pro Women's Cycling team. Cooking Light is based here in my fair city so I was excited about the connections. As fate would have it Hammerhead #2 is directly involved in the Team's business as a top dog at Cooking Light. Coolness.

So we rode. And a good ride it was.

Ms. Electra and the Naked Guy is cancelled tonight.

...another day

2005-02-03T14:54:00.000-06:00

One more time. One more day. I can only say things so many different ways to these kids. "You have to do the work to pass the class". What's hard to understand about that? OK. Enough of that.

Sometimes I frequent CyclingForums.com to see what people post and sometimes I respond. Sometimes I post new threads even. I wonder if other cyclists blog.

There's a button on the top of the page that says "next blog". Flipping through them I have noticed that some blogs act serious and some not. Why do people blog? Why am I? Good question. If I was carrying on a conversation with another person...but it's like talking to myself.

Today was again cloudy and rainy. Tommorrow is to be sunny but cold. Maybe I'll ride at lunch. Maybe do the Big Mountain Road loop. Again "by myself". I'm beginning to think I have a hard time being with myself. I wonder. I do like to be with folks with similiar interests.

Let's transfer that to blogging. Many people talking to themselves in a "common" forum.

If your out there let me know...

cool cycling qoute...

2005-02-02T14:45:00.000-06:00

"Bicycle ownership is nothing. Bicycle use is everything. Riding is everything. And the riding that matters is riding"- -Maynard Herson

Tour de Georgia and other stuff...

2005-02-02T14:20:00.000-06:00

Last year, The Man, Lance himself won the Tour de Georgia. This year, today, the 2005 Tour de Georgia route was announced. I'll be there for some of the race. Maybe David too. World Class professional bike racing right here in the the south. Too cool!Speculation is the man won't be there this year. I look for Jittery Joe's to do well again in their own stomping grounds. No pun intended - coffee "grounds". They have some fine coffee beans.

Have you ever been driving down the road in traffic and met someone's eyes in the car beside yours? I often wonder about that other person and it brings to mind the Beatles lyric "all the lonely people".

Do peoople read these blogs? Respond to them? Wonder?

My last class of the day. The kids are doing their work and it's not too loud. There's too much freedom in a studio class for most of these folks. There are no face to back desk rows only tables no textbooks to take home only time to think and create. The thinking seems to be the hardest part. It's missionary work.

I need a donation:

1- 700C wheelset
1- 16 tooth BMX cog
1- 3/32nd chain

Let me know if you have any of that to part with.

Rainy and cloudy the groundhog saw his shadow more winter.

Just finished reading "How to be Good" by Nick Hornby. Not as good as "About a Boy" but entertaining just the same. Carl Hiaasen's "Nativr Tongue" is next in the que. Funny stuff.

How did YOU quit smoking?

...another school year...2nd semester...

2005-02-01T11:54:00.000-06:00

This year is flying by. Here it is midpoint of the the 9 weeks of the 2nd semester. Mostly I have good kids this time. Some are thug wanna be's, but they are some of my favorites.

I have been trying to ride my bike, as Jason Sager says "to cope". Tonight our Tuesday night ride is sketchy. Cold and rainy and we/they won't ride. We're moving the ride start to a new location. Maybe at 6 bells post meridian it will not be raining and folks will show.

Hat's off to the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Team of Jill and Chris who visited us (BUMP- Birmingham Urban Mountain Peddlers) this past weekend. They helped us create about a 1/4 mile of new trail at Oak Mountain State Park. Some nice rock work and landscaping was done.

I got to get that singlespeed going. I am in need of a wheelset. Once I have that I'm ready to rock and roll.

Another school year begins...

2004-08-09T10:04:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is again. Another school year begins in two days. Last post, last year at this time, I was headed to an elementary school. Two schools. I'm going back. Same schools two years in a row. That's cool by me.

Summer has been keeping kids and riding my bike. I'm trying to ride 100 miles a week. Sometimes I have and sometimes I haven't.

Ada continues working hard at her job. And in the yard. Planting, cutting, fretting.

So today I think we will go and get some new school shoes for Guy and myself. He starts first grade this year. Wow. Time flies.

OK. An entry. And now I know this laptop from work will connect me to you...

One week later...

2003-08-19T19:31:00.000-05:00

OK, so it has been a week since I started this thing. Crazy week. OK, two weeks.

I am now gainfully employed again as an elementary school art teacher after having taught the last two years in high school. Trippy. Nothing like finding out at the last minute you've been re-hired after having been non-renewed in the spring. The day before school started. I'm split between and travel to two schools. I believe that will be ok, I'll let you know.

How about that Judge Roy Moore? I say keep the "Tablets of Stone". Man should always defer to God (as hard as it is most days). No, Moore is not God and is not above the law of the land, yet if only for the "historical" value (should you not believe in the 'moral' value) I think they should be left in place.

Peace+

Lunch.

2003-08-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

Lunch today with the mighty four year old was scrambled eggs with cheese, onions and peppers. And toast. Grape jelly. He wanted mashed potatoes. Raining here today.

What about that Rev.Canon V. Gene Robinson? I don't know what I think about that yet. I'm split. I do think God loves and welcomes all people.

Beginnings.

2003-08-06T11:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I've done it now. Started a blog. Will this be curses on me? A thorn in my side? A welcome respite? Did I spell that right?