One of my cycling goals was to complete a century each calendar month for 12 consecutive months. For several years something always happened to prevent me from achieving it--even the year I did 19 centuries I missed the 10 the month because of a Jack Russell/front wheel encounter in Carrolton.
As 2009 started I had 3 straight months going and went to Jackson MS to ride an event known as a brevet. It was going to be my first ride as a member of Randoneurs USA (RUSA) as I began training for Paris Brest Paris. It was a 200 km ride on the Natchez Trace and 6 riders had registered. It started/ended at the ride leader's house and when I arrived about 30 minutes before the start time, I found out everyone else (including the ride leader) were bailing because of the weather. Since one of my other cycling goals i to ride a century in all 50 states and I had driven 6 hours and spent money on a hotel room (with no hot water) I decided to do the ride. So I became the only finisher because I was the only starter.
The ride leader invited me to shower and stay for dinner which was most inviting since I was soaking wet. During my stay she mentioned that RUSA offered an award (R-12) for members who complete a brevet or permanent (another type of event) of 200 km or more for 12 consecutive months. That was the impetus I needed. Despite a few obstacles I manged to complete the R-12 in 2010.
As 2011 began and PBP training/qualifying began in earnest I figured why stop? So like Forrest Gump I just kept on riding qualifying events. As August approached I found out PBP wouldn't even count as it's not a USA event so I did a 200 k permanent as my last pre-taper ride. Then during PBP I fractured my collar bone. As September rolled along I got back on the bike but wasn't able to ride more than 60 miles (about 100 k). As the past weekend approached I figured I'd try a 200 k Friday or Sunday. Facing rain on Friday I opted for Sunday which looked like a good day for a long ride, but because of my schedule that also looked like the last possible day.
I made the mistake of riding 60 miles on Saturday. I figured I would pay for that on Sunday--and I did. Nevertheless I managed to complete a 200 k route which I had designed and just gotten approved. It sure is easier to do one of these rides when you don't have to drive to ride start. However, it sure is tough when you cycle past points where you do start/end rides as this route does; there were times when I wished my car was in one of those spots instead of my garage. My ride time was pretty pathetic 11:30 total--about 2 hours slower than normal for that distance, but it's in the books--the streak is still intact.
Think I'll try the route again on October 3rd. Always nice to get the ride done early in the month.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Back on the Bike
Today (9/14) was my second time on the bike since my crash during Paris Brest Paris. Both rides in the 25 mile range. Saturday's ride was with the folks I coach in TeamInTraining and today I was scouting some roads in Coweta County for a RUSA event. During both rides I had slight pain in my shoulder from the fractured clavicle (or perhaps it's the slight arthritis the ortho doc saw on last week's xrays--the result no doubt of my "successful" rotator cuff surgery 8 years ago). A more limiting factor is the lingering saddle sore. It wasn't much of a issue today but it was last Saturday.
Nevertheless, the pains from today and even the suffering I experienced in France pale in comparison to the exhilaration I feel when cycling. During the past 2 weeks of not riding my artificial joints felt slightly stiff. That happens whenever I take a few days off. Especially today riding on rural roads in great weather is an activity I thoroughly enjoy. I cannot imagine my life without time on a bike.
Nextl Day: Whoa!! tonight (9/15) my saddle sore yelled at me very clearly--don't get on the bike 2 days in a row. I could only ride 10 miles before deciding enough is enough.
Saturday: Beautiful Back Roads Century event: managed to ride my single speed almost 50 miles and while painful, it wasn't the end of the world. If I'm smart enough to take a few days off I should be able to leave this condition "behind" me.
Wednesday: Finally able to ride 25 miles in South Fulton without pain--at least not very much. Actually my shoulder felt slightly worse but no doubt barking at me because I did some light upper body weight lifting yesterday. I'm declaring myself fit enough to attempt 200 k permanent on Friday.
Nevertheless, the pains from today and even the suffering I experienced in France pale in comparison to the exhilaration I feel when cycling. During the past 2 weeks of not riding my artificial joints felt slightly stiff. That happens whenever I take a few days off. Especially today riding on rural roads in great weather is an activity I thoroughly enjoy. I cannot imagine my life without time on a bike.
Nextl Day: Whoa!! tonight (9/15) my saddle sore yelled at me very clearly--don't get on the bike 2 days in a row. I could only ride 10 miles before deciding enough is enough.
Saturday: Beautiful Back Roads Century event: managed to ride my single speed almost 50 miles and while painful, it wasn't the end of the world. If I'm smart enough to take a few days off I should be able to leave this condition "behind" me.
Wednesday: Finally able to ride 25 miles in South Fulton without pain--at least not very much. Actually my shoulder felt slightly worse but no doubt barking at me because I did some light upper body weight lifting yesterday. I'm declaring myself fit enough to attempt 200 k permanent on Friday.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Paris Brest Paris--Ride Report
My scheduled start time was 6:00 pm, Sunday August 21, 2011 along with about 3500 other cyclists who chose a 90 hour start time. Although I had to check out of my room at The Mercure, Kevin & Chris Kaiser, who weren't starting until 4:00 am Monday, let me share their room for an afternoon nap. I rode 1.5 km from the hotel to the start around 5:00. The long line of riders was moving so I jumped in but when I saw we were going to be waiting in the heat and sun I found a shady spot to stretch out in and eat food I brought to consume before riding. I started around 7:45, which was no big deal since rider times started when our transponder actually crossed the line. Two friends, Steve Phillips and David Roddy from Alabama and Kentucky were in the same start group so we rode together intermittently.
St Qentin en Yvelines--Mortagne-au-Perche
At the start of the ride and for the first hour of the ride you feel like a rock star. People are lined all along the roads cheering. I didn't need a cue sheet--there were many cyclists in front of and behind me so I just followed the wave. Also the cue was in French and the roads are not marked the way they are in America. Darkness settled in around 9:30 and still lots of folks cheering on the road sides. Now some of them had water and food to offer riders. I didn't need anything until an optional control at Mortagne-au-Perche. Steve Phillips was there and we both tried to buy a sandwich and a coke, but it took forever. Steve never did get anything so I gave him half my sandwich for which he was most grateful.
Mount Portagne-au-Perche--Villaines-la-Juhel and Beyond
Rode through the night with hundreds of other riders and still the crowds along the road were impressive. Some folks even hailed us from bedroom windows. I arrived at the first mandatory control at 6:54 Monday morning. Saw David, Steve, and Jeff Sammons (another friend from Tennessee). From there I rode all day in great weather though controls at Fougeres (12:17 pm), Tinteniac (3:29 pm). This portion of the course was fairly flat with numerous small villages and great rural scenery. I stopped several times where folks had set up impromptu stops to fill bottles and get food. I remember lots of great tasting chocolate and pound cake and that none of these people would take any money.
Loudeac
Got to Loudeac around 9:00 pm. David and Jeff were there and we had hotel rooms, so we collected our drop bags and rode short distance to hotel. Jeff was at different hotel, but David and I had rooms at Les Routiers. As we arrived the heavens opened up and it began raining big time. My room was on third floor with community toilet and shower. The manager/owner spoke no English but I was able to convey that I was hungry so she prepared a meal of chicken and pasta with plenty of bread and water--pretty simple but it really hit the spot. Showered and slept until 12:30 am, then met David and Jeff to start riding. I was looking for something more to eat as the owner was ready to fix a breakfast then but Jeff and David were ready so we headed out onto wet roads, but no rain.
Loudeac--Carhaix
Now the hills began in earnest. I was very hungry so when I came upon a make shift restaurant under a tent, I stopped and filled up on croissants, oranges and coffee. Now riders were spreading out, but I kept other tail lights in sight and followed them. I also saw the head lights of returning riders which also kept me on course. Got to Carhaix around 6:30 Tuesday morning catching up to David, Jeff, and Steve. Had breakfast with them and cat napped at the table. I also saw Kevin who although starting 8 hours later had caught up by riding fast and not stopping for sleep.
Carhaix--Brest
As I rode out of Carhaix there was long down hill ( I was already not looking forward to climbing that on the return). The hills got more frequent and steeper, and the weather got worse. There was a light rain along with a chill and then fog so heavy I had to stop and put in contact lenses because my glasses made seeing the road impossible. The route into Brest took a circuitous journey all through the town before reaching the control. I was so ready for this portion of the ride to end since it meant I was half way done. I arrived in Brest about 1:00 pm, but didn't hang around there very long.
Brest--Carhaix
Heading over the hills back to Carhaix was hard but at least the weather was considerably better. Kevin and Chris Kaiser both passed at different times and provided much appreciated encouragement. During this portion of the ride I actually thought that if I was willing to suffer even more and forgo sleep I had a chance to complete the ride in less than 80 hours. Sanity soon returned as I was already suffering enough and things would have to go perfectly to attain a sub 80 hour finish. As I climbed the long hill back into Carhaix I stopped at pharmacy to pick up pain medication as I was running low on Motrin. Got to Carhaix at 7:15 pm and ate soup, pasta and ice cream.
Carhaix--Loudeac
Left Carhaix around 8:00 and caught several groups along the way. Since I had followed tail lights in the dark on the way out along this route I wanted to do the same on the return. I also was occasionally throwing my chain over the large ring when shifting. I was able to get it back onto chain ring without stopping but when it happened about 3-4 times over the next few miles I stopped to check further and found the piece of the front derailleur that keeps chain in the derailleur itself was missing. I could shift but had to be careful not to do anything too fast or hard as so I wouldn't have to repair a broken chain at night. The final run into the Loudeac was filled with short down hills and up hills so given my shifting issue I was very glad to arrive just before 2:00 am Wednesday. Spoke with a mechanic at the control who said they could replace the derailleur in about 15 minutes. I decided instead to go to my hotel room, shower, sleep, eat and then deal with it in the morning. Showered and went to bed at 3:00 intending to get up at 6:00 but over slept until 7:15. Ate an omelet, bread, juice and coffee, then headed back to control, dropped my bag and went to the mechanic. They replaced derailleur and I headed for Tinteniac around 8:45
Loudeac--Tinteniac
By now riders had spread out and I saw very few folks on the route. Course was fairly flat just as it had been on the way out. My saddle sores were getting uncomfortable and my back and neck were also getting fatigued. I began stopping more frequently to stretch and nap. Because riding with hands on the hoods or near the stem put more pressure on my saddle sores I rode a lot deep in the drops. That meant my neck became even more fatigued and it got to where I simply had to keep trading one type suffering for another. Also the new derailleur wasn't shifting very well and I remembered how ludicrous it was for me to think about a sub 80 effort. I rolled into Tinteniac around 4: 00pm and found a mechanic who got my shifting to work more effectively. I ate, stocked up on food and wondered where I could find a mechanic to straighten out my body.
Tinteniac--Foureges
During this portion of the ride I started experiencing hot foot in addition to all my other pains. Several times I had to stop, take off my shoes and lie down with feet elevated. After a few minutes and some massaging I could eliminate that aspect of suffering. Surprisingly the thing I feared the most--pain in any of my artificial joints--never became an issue. I began to dream about a back and neck replacement. Arrived in Foureges about 6:30 and when I got off the bike to get my control card signed I could hardly stand up straight or walk normally. It was literally easier to ride the bike and lean on the handlebars. I also was now having difficulty eating solid food. I manged to down some pie--really craved ice cream but there wasn't any. I probably stayed here too long but needed a nap.
Foureges--Villaines
As I left Foureges I started to wonder whether I was going to finish within the time limit. I was riding slower and stopping much more frequently. I realized that I would arrive in Villaines past the time limit on the control card although with credit for late start and a time adjustment for the derailleur repairs (which I had gotten documented on my control card) I figured as long as I could just keep moving I would make it. Now it was dark, there were very few other riders around me and I noticed the route marking signs which seemed so frequent earlier were now non-existent. I began to worry that I had missed a turn and even thought about reversing course to find the last sign. Fortunately every so often I would see lights from another rider. However, one time as I approached a round about looking for a sign, I braked and my upper body just collapsed onto the handle bars. I manged to stop but then fell from total fatigue ripping a nice hole in my right knee. Fortunately I was now at the Villaines control (1:30 am) so parked my bike in a stand, left my helmet with my bike and went to have my control card signed and my knee taken care of at the medical tent. I also had a drop bag there and decided to shower and change, but discovered they had taken the drop bags from there about 10 frigging minutes before I arrived. OK I thought, just get treated, eat and move on. However, when I went to get my bike it had been moved by the organizers but my helmet (and helmet light) were not with the bike. MAJOR PROBLEM!!! I and several folks looked all over but no helmet. In France helmets are not required (they are more picky about reflective vests) so I could continue. However, one of the organizers found an old Bell helmet and gave it to me. It must have been 20 years old, didn't fit, was terribly uncomfortable, would not even let me wear a cycling cap underneath. Nevertheless it was a helmet and I didn't need a cycling cap to protect my head from sun at 3:00 am so I donned it and headed out after spending probably 90 minutes there.
Beyond Villaines
I rode about 40 km past Villaines still with very few route marks. I would go many kilometers without seeing other riders or signs. I was having a hard time keeping my head upright and constantly worried about missing a turn. I approached a round about, couldn't see any route sign, and when I applied brakes to slow down my upper body again collapsed onto the handle bars. Unlike the last time I was moving at pretty good clip, couldn't raise up and clipped a curb. I heard my helmet crack against the pavement, felt my shoulder strike the pavement, and wound up under my bike on a rural road in the middle of no where.
I don't know if I lost consciousness but as I became aware of my surroundings there wasn't a single person around. Then one motorist stopped, followed by several more. I tried to get up but my right shoulder reminded me that moving wasn't a good idea. I manged to get my control card with my left hand and pointed to the the next control and phone number but no one understood English. A couple other riders came by and although they didn't speak English they knew what I was showing them and made a phone call. One of them got my bike off me, and seemed very concerned that he couldn't figure out how to turn off my lights.
Police and ambulance personnel arrived and begin planning on taking me to a hospital. I tried to explain I needed to get back on my bike to finish my ride, but when one of the ambulance folks tested my right shoulder I realized the hospital was a better option. I did try to have them at least put my bike in the ambulance but I still had not found anyone at the scene who understood English. I finally figured that the police wouldn't leave my bike and I would have to deal with getting it back later.
Aftermath
I was taken to a hospital in Alerons where a few people spoke English. Xrays revealed a fractured right clavicle above my shoulder (fracture de l'extremite distale de la clavicule droite). No concussion but the Bell helmet was toast. I left it in a hospital trash can thankful I had not refused it or ditched it earlier. I was advised the ride organization had my bike and would make arrangements to get me back to my hotel. However, I had to wait about 6 hours for that to happen and then another 2 hour trip back to The Hotel Mercure. The hospital put me in a quiet private waiting room where I could sleep and fed me breakfast and lunch. However, it's hard to get comfortable wearing cycling clothes I ended up wearing for about 30 hours.
I got back to my hotel around 4:00 pm, briefed several friends who were in the lobby on what happened, and after cleaning up collapsed for the night. I also learned that an American cyclist from northern Virginia had been killed when he apparently fell asleep and drifted into an oncoming truck. His name was Thai Pham, and we had teamed up on a 600 k brevet last May riding together throughout a Saturday night and most of Sunday. That ride was the final qualifying ride for both of us to get into PBP. Although I never saw him in Paris I remember he was once of the nicest folks I had ever ridden with. It reminded me that life can be fleeting and sometimes turns on a simple decision like not refusing /ditching an uncomfortable, ill-fitting 20 year old helmet
St Qentin en Yvelines--Mortagne-au-Perche
At the start of the ride and for the first hour of the ride you feel like a rock star. People are lined all along the roads cheering. I didn't need a cue sheet--there were many cyclists in front of and behind me so I just followed the wave. Also the cue was in French and the roads are not marked the way they are in America. Darkness settled in around 9:30 and still lots of folks cheering on the road sides. Now some of them had water and food to offer riders. I didn't need anything until an optional control at Mortagne-au-Perche. Steve Phillips was there and we both tried to buy a sandwich and a coke, but it took forever. Steve never did get anything so I gave him half my sandwich for which he was most grateful.
Mount Portagne-au-Perche--Villaines-la-Juhel and Beyond
Rode through the night with hundreds of other riders and still the crowds along the road were impressive. Some folks even hailed us from bedroom windows. I arrived at the first mandatory control at 6:54 Monday morning. Saw David, Steve, and Jeff Sammons (another friend from Tennessee). From there I rode all day in great weather though controls at Fougeres (12:17 pm), Tinteniac (3:29 pm). This portion of the course was fairly flat with numerous small villages and great rural scenery. I stopped several times where folks had set up impromptu stops to fill bottles and get food. I remember lots of great tasting chocolate and pound cake and that none of these people would take any money.
Loudeac
Got to Loudeac around 9:00 pm. David and Jeff were there and we had hotel rooms, so we collected our drop bags and rode short distance to hotel. Jeff was at different hotel, but David and I had rooms at Les Routiers. As we arrived the heavens opened up and it began raining big time. My room was on third floor with community toilet and shower. The manager/owner spoke no English but I was able to convey that I was hungry so she prepared a meal of chicken and pasta with plenty of bread and water--pretty simple but it really hit the spot. Showered and slept until 12:30 am, then met David and Jeff to start riding. I was looking for something more to eat as the owner was ready to fix a breakfast then but Jeff and David were ready so we headed out onto wet roads, but no rain.
Loudeac--Carhaix
Now the hills began in earnest. I was very hungry so when I came upon a make shift restaurant under a tent, I stopped and filled up on croissants, oranges and coffee. Now riders were spreading out, but I kept other tail lights in sight and followed them. I also saw the head lights of returning riders which also kept me on course. Got to Carhaix around 6:30 Tuesday morning catching up to David, Jeff, and Steve. Had breakfast with them and cat napped at the table. I also saw Kevin who although starting 8 hours later had caught up by riding fast and not stopping for sleep.
Carhaix--Brest
As I rode out of Carhaix there was long down hill ( I was already not looking forward to climbing that on the return). The hills got more frequent and steeper, and the weather got worse. There was a light rain along with a chill and then fog so heavy I had to stop and put in contact lenses because my glasses made seeing the road impossible. The route into Brest took a circuitous journey all through the town before reaching the control. I was so ready for this portion of the ride to end since it meant I was half way done. I arrived in Brest about 1:00 pm, but didn't hang around there very long.
Brest--Carhaix
Heading over the hills back to Carhaix was hard but at least the weather was considerably better. Kevin and Chris Kaiser both passed at different times and provided much appreciated encouragement. During this portion of the ride I actually thought that if I was willing to suffer even more and forgo sleep I had a chance to complete the ride in less than 80 hours. Sanity soon returned as I was already suffering enough and things would have to go perfectly to attain a sub 80 hour finish. As I climbed the long hill back into Carhaix I stopped at pharmacy to pick up pain medication as I was running low on Motrin. Got to Carhaix at 7:15 pm and ate soup, pasta and ice cream.
Carhaix--Loudeac
Left Carhaix around 8:00 and caught several groups along the way. Since I had followed tail lights in the dark on the way out along this route I wanted to do the same on the return. I also was occasionally throwing my chain over the large ring when shifting. I was able to get it back onto chain ring without stopping but when it happened about 3-4 times over the next few miles I stopped to check further and found the piece of the front derailleur that keeps chain in the derailleur itself was missing. I could shift but had to be careful not to do anything too fast or hard as so I wouldn't have to repair a broken chain at night. The final run into the Loudeac was filled with short down hills and up hills so given my shifting issue I was very glad to arrive just before 2:00 am Wednesday. Spoke with a mechanic at the control who said they could replace the derailleur in about 15 minutes. I decided instead to go to my hotel room, shower, sleep, eat and then deal with it in the morning. Showered and went to bed at 3:00 intending to get up at 6:00 but over slept until 7:15. Ate an omelet, bread, juice and coffee, then headed back to control, dropped my bag and went to the mechanic. They replaced derailleur and I headed for Tinteniac around 8:45
Loudeac--Tinteniac
By now riders had spread out and I saw very few folks on the route. Course was fairly flat just as it had been on the way out. My saddle sores were getting uncomfortable and my back and neck were also getting fatigued. I began stopping more frequently to stretch and nap. Because riding with hands on the hoods or near the stem put more pressure on my saddle sores I rode a lot deep in the drops. That meant my neck became even more fatigued and it got to where I simply had to keep trading one type suffering for another. Also the new derailleur wasn't shifting very well and I remembered how ludicrous it was for me to think about a sub 80 effort. I rolled into Tinteniac around 4: 00pm and found a mechanic who got my shifting to work more effectively. I ate, stocked up on food and wondered where I could find a mechanic to straighten out my body.
Tinteniac--Foureges
During this portion of the ride I started experiencing hot foot in addition to all my other pains. Several times I had to stop, take off my shoes and lie down with feet elevated. After a few minutes and some massaging I could eliminate that aspect of suffering. Surprisingly the thing I feared the most--pain in any of my artificial joints--never became an issue. I began to dream about a back and neck replacement. Arrived in Foureges about 6:30 and when I got off the bike to get my control card signed I could hardly stand up straight or walk normally. It was literally easier to ride the bike and lean on the handlebars. I also was now having difficulty eating solid food. I manged to down some pie--really craved ice cream but there wasn't any. I probably stayed here too long but needed a nap.
Foureges--Villaines
As I left Foureges I started to wonder whether I was going to finish within the time limit. I was riding slower and stopping much more frequently. I realized that I would arrive in Villaines past the time limit on the control card although with credit for late start and a time adjustment for the derailleur repairs (which I had gotten documented on my control card) I figured as long as I could just keep moving I would make it. Now it was dark, there were very few other riders around me and I noticed the route marking signs which seemed so frequent earlier were now non-existent. I began to worry that I had missed a turn and even thought about reversing course to find the last sign. Fortunately every so often I would see lights from another rider. However, one time as I approached a round about looking for a sign, I braked and my upper body just collapsed onto the handle bars. I manged to stop but then fell from total fatigue ripping a nice hole in my right knee. Fortunately I was now at the Villaines control (1:30 am) so parked my bike in a stand, left my helmet with my bike and went to have my control card signed and my knee taken care of at the medical tent. I also had a drop bag there and decided to shower and change, but discovered they had taken the drop bags from there about 10 frigging minutes before I arrived. OK I thought, just get treated, eat and move on. However, when I went to get my bike it had been moved by the organizers but my helmet (and helmet light) were not with the bike. MAJOR PROBLEM!!! I and several folks looked all over but no helmet. In France helmets are not required (they are more picky about reflective vests) so I could continue. However, one of the organizers found an old Bell helmet and gave it to me. It must have been 20 years old, didn't fit, was terribly uncomfortable, would not even let me wear a cycling cap underneath. Nevertheless it was a helmet and I didn't need a cycling cap to protect my head from sun at 3:00 am so I donned it and headed out after spending probably 90 minutes there.
Beyond Villaines
I rode about 40 km past Villaines still with very few route marks. I would go many kilometers without seeing other riders or signs. I was having a hard time keeping my head upright and constantly worried about missing a turn. I approached a round about, couldn't see any route sign, and when I applied brakes to slow down my upper body again collapsed onto the handle bars. Unlike the last time I was moving at pretty good clip, couldn't raise up and clipped a curb. I heard my helmet crack against the pavement, felt my shoulder strike the pavement, and wound up under my bike on a rural road in the middle of no where.
I don't know if I lost consciousness but as I became aware of my surroundings there wasn't a single person around. Then one motorist stopped, followed by several more. I tried to get up but my right shoulder reminded me that moving wasn't a good idea. I manged to get my control card with my left hand and pointed to the the next control and phone number but no one understood English. A couple other riders came by and although they didn't speak English they knew what I was showing them and made a phone call. One of them got my bike off me, and seemed very concerned that he couldn't figure out how to turn off my lights.
Police and ambulance personnel arrived and begin planning on taking me to a hospital. I tried to explain I needed to get back on my bike to finish my ride, but when one of the ambulance folks tested my right shoulder I realized the hospital was a better option. I did try to have them at least put my bike in the ambulance but I still had not found anyone at the scene who understood English. I finally figured that the police wouldn't leave my bike and I would have to deal with getting it back later.
Aftermath
I was taken to a hospital in Alerons where a few people spoke English. Xrays revealed a fractured right clavicle above my shoulder (fracture de l'extremite distale de la clavicule droite). No concussion but the Bell helmet was toast. I left it in a hospital trash can thankful I had not refused it or ditched it earlier. I was advised the ride organization had my bike and would make arrangements to get me back to my hotel. However, I had to wait about 6 hours for that to happen and then another 2 hour trip back to The Hotel Mercure. The hospital put me in a quiet private waiting room where I could sleep and fed me breakfast and lunch. However, it's hard to get comfortable wearing cycling clothes I ended up wearing for about 30 hours.
I got back to my hotel around 4:00 pm, briefed several friends who were in the lobby on what happened, and after cleaning up collapsed for the night. I also learned that an American cyclist from northern Virginia had been killed when he apparently fell asleep and drifted into an oncoming truck. His name was Thai Pham, and we had teamed up on a 600 k brevet last May riding together throughout a Saturday night and most of Sunday. That ride was the final qualifying ride for both of us to get into PBP. Although I never saw him in Paris I remember he was once of the nicest folks I had ever ridden with. It reminded me that life can be fleeting and sometimes turns on a simple decision like not refusing /ditching an uncomfortable, ill-fitting 20 year old helmet
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Augusta 200 K Brevet--01/01/2011
On New Years Day I completed the first of 4 rides I need to qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris in August. Drove 2 1/2 hours to Augusta New Years Eve afternoon/evening so I could get decent night's sleep the night before the actual ride. Went to bed at 9:30 but didn't fall asleep until after 1:00 am. So much for driving over early.
24 cyclists started the ride at 7:30. I was on my single speed (47x20) and wondered if I should be using a larger gear. First 40 miles were uneventful as we enjoyed sun and mild temps in the 55--65 degree range. Then we headed into a headwind which stayed in our face until Louisville (mile 81). Leaving Louisville I tried to stay with 3 other cyclists but was at disadvantage with single speed. The rain came about 3:45 as I was at mile 95. I was glad to have a rain jacket which kept my core dry and warm as temps dropped.
24 cyclists started the ride at 7:30. I was on my single speed (47x20) and wondered if I should be using a larger gear. First 40 miles were uneventful as we enjoyed sun and mild temps in the 55--65 degree range. Then we headed into a headwind which stayed in our face until Louisville (mile 81). Leaving Louisville I tried to stay with 3 other cyclists but was at disadvantage with single speed. The rain came about 3:45 as I was at mile 95. I was glad to have a rain jacket which kept my core dry and warm as temps dropped.
I rolled into the finish at 5:48 for a total time of 10:18. Actual time on bike was 9:33. I had to stop lots of times on roadside for quick nature breaks which at least meant I was well hydrated. About 10 riders finished ahead of me 9 after me ad the rest DNFed.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Paris-Brest-Paris
Last year I set a goal to qualify for and complete Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1200 km ride (740 miles) held in France every4 years. In 2010 I have been doing a dress rehearsal of rides that I'll have to do in 2011 to qualify. Here's a synopsis of my rides.
January: 200 km brevet
I drove to Ridgeland MS to do this brevet along the Natchez Trace. I was the only rider to finish because I was the only cyclist to start. Because of weather, illness and other issues the 5 other registered riders decided not to ride. I drove 7 hours and spent money on a hotel so there was no way I wasn't going to ride. Completed ride in 9 hours on a flat course with rain during most of the second half.
February: Warm Springs Permanent
I learned that doing a 200 km ride every month for 12 consecutive months earned an R-12 award I set that as another 2010 goal, I registered for this ride to complete on the last day in February. I was suppose to ride with Chris Kaiser at 7:00 am. I arrived late so Chris had already left. I figured that I'd complete ride before dark so I left lights in my car--big mistake. Head wind and going off course put me riding the last 25 miles in darkness. That further slowed progress and I limped to the end in 13 hours.
March 200 km Permanent
Rode the Rome GA route on a rainy Sunday. Finished in just over 10 hours.
April 300 km Gainesville Brevet
Started with about 12 other cyclists. Wound up riding solo and finished at 11:15 pm. First ride where I knew would involve night riding and while I had sufficient lights on bike I needed a helmet light to make it easier to read cue sheet.
May 400 km Dawsonville Brevet
This is a very challenging ride that goes over 4 of the 6 north Georgia gaps to Highlands and back. Time limit was 27 hours. Unfortunately I got off course twice which added 18 miles and finished about 1 hour outside the time limit. Also realized I needed a better way to carry extra gear. 2 weeks later I kept the R12 quest alive by doing the Rome permanent again, also in the rain again for the last 30 miles.
June 200 km Permanent
Rode a route in northern Virginia that went into West Virginia. First control was not open so I rode 70 miles on 2 bottles of water and gator ade and the food I started out with. Lots of hills and a little rain slowed me some and finished in 11 hours.
July 400 km Brevet
This was ride in NC from Salisbury out to Little Switzerland and back. I was nervous since it advertised same amount of elevation as Dawsonville. However, it seemed easier than Dawsonville and I completed the ride 24:45. That was 3 hours faster than my Dawsonville attempt. This time I didn't go off course, and had 2 sit down meals and a flat tire. Time on bike was 20:35. There were 9 other riders and I was the second finisher.
August 200 km Permanent
Don Schaet and I drove to Illinois to do a ride that went into Missouri. Don dropped me at start and drove ahead since he only wanted to ride a century. I caught up with Don around mile 50 of my route and we crossed the Mississippi River into Missouri. On the return Don was bitten by a dog and we had to stop for first aid supplies. At about mile 90 I pushed ahead past the car and Don picked me up at the finish. Total time about 11 hours. The next day we did a century in Kentucky and Indiana. So in 2 days we rode in 4 states which helps in our mutual goal of doing century rides in all 50 states.
September 600 km Brevet
Ride started in Greensboro NC, went into Virgina, then back through Greensboro. Then went to Fayetteville NC and back. Lots of cyclists around since there were several distances offered that weekend. I rode with a couple of cyclists doing 200 k during first 200, soloed down to Fayetteville in the dark. Showered and slept at control point hotel room about 3 hours. Had breakfast with 4 other riders and rode back to Greensboro with them. Finished ride at 5:30 Sunday evening which was total time of 33 hours.
October 200 km Permanent
Rode this new route with Chris Kaiser. Finished in 10 hours. Great route.
November 200 km Permanent
Rode the Rome route again. First 200 k ride on my single speed (47x16). Finally rode this route without any rain and finished in 9 hours 45 minutes.
December 200 Km Permanent
Did the Athens route again on my single speed (47x20). Started with 2 other riders but could not stay with them after first 25 miles on SS. Uneventful ride until mile 105 when I hit a metal speed bump and crashed. Banged up left hip and shoulder but since this was the last ride to get the R12 I kept going. Finished in 10 hours 30 minutes. Needed lights the last hour. Pretty sore for next few days but no permanent damage.
So I achieved my goal of doing a ride of more than 100 miles every month in 2010. I also rode just over 10,000 miles which is about 1500 more than I ever did in a previous year. Next year I want to increase that although haven;t set a specific mileage goal yet
January: 200 km brevet
I drove to Ridgeland MS to do this brevet along the Natchez Trace. I was the only rider to finish because I was the only cyclist to start. Because of weather, illness and other issues the 5 other registered riders decided not to ride. I drove 7 hours and spent money on a hotel so there was no way I wasn't going to ride. Completed ride in 9 hours on a flat course with rain during most of the second half.
February: Warm Springs Permanent
I learned that doing a 200 km ride every month for 12 consecutive months earned an R-12 award I set that as another 2010 goal, I registered for this ride to complete on the last day in February. I was suppose to ride with Chris Kaiser at 7:00 am. I arrived late so Chris had already left. I figured that I'd complete ride before dark so I left lights in my car--big mistake. Head wind and going off course put me riding the last 25 miles in darkness. That further slowed progress and I limped to the end in 13 hours.
March 200 km Permanent
Rode the Rome GA route on a rainy Sunday. Finished in just over 10 hours.
April 300 km Gainesville Brevet
Started with about 12 other cyclists. Wound up riding solo and finished at 11:15 pm. First ride where I knew would involve night riding and while I had sufficient lights on bike I needed a helmet light to make it easier to read cue sheet.
May 400 km Dawsonville Brevet
This is a very challenging ride that goes over 4 of the 6 north Georgia gaps to Highlands and back. Time limit was 27 hours. Unfortunately I got off course twice which added 18 miles and finished about 1 hour outside the time limit. Also realized I needed a better way to carry extra gear. 2 weeks later I kept the R12 quest alive by doing the Rome permanent again, also in the rain again for the last 30 miles.
June 200 km Permanent
Rode a route in northern Virginia that went into West Virginia. First control was not open so I rode 70 miles on 2 bottles of water and gator ade and the food I started out with. Lots of hills and a little rain slowed me some and finished in 11 hours.
July 400 km Brevet
This was ride in NC from Salisbury out to Little Switzerland and back. I was nervous since it advertised same amount of elevation as Dawsonville. However, it seemed easier than Dawsonville and I completed the ride 24:45. That was 3 hours faster than my Dawsonville attempt. This time I didn't go off course, and had 2 sit down meals and a flat tire. Time on bike was 20:35. There were 9 other riders and I was the second finisher.
August 200 km Permanent
Don Schaet and I drove to Illinois to do a ride that went into Missouri. Don dropped me at start and drove ahead since he only wanted to ride a century. I caught up with Don around mile 50 of my route and we crossed the Mississippi River into Missouri. On the return Don was bitten by a dog and we had to stop for first aid supplies. At about mile 90 I pushed ahead past the car and Don picked me up at the finish. Total time about 11 hours. The next day we did a century in Kentucky and Indiana. So in 2 days we rode in 4 states which helps in our mutual goal of doing century rides in all 50 states.
September 600 km Brevet
Ride started in Greensboro NC, went into Virgina, then back through Greensboro. Then went to Fayetteville NC and back. Lots of cyclists around since there were several distances offered that weekend. I rode with a couple of cyclists doing 200 k during first 200, soloed down to Fayetteville in the dark. Showered and slept at control point hotel room about 3 hours. Had breakfast with 4 other riders and rode back to Greensboro with them. Finished ride at 5:30 Sunday evening which was total time of 33 hours.
October 200 km Permanent
Rode this new route with Chris Kaiser. Finished in 10 hours. Great route.
November 200 km Permanent
Rode the Rome route again. First 200 k ride on my single speed (47x16). Finally rode this route without any rain and finished in 9 hours 45 minutes.
December 200 Km Permanent
Did the Athens route again on my single speed (47x20). Started with 2 other riders but could not stay with them after first 25 miles on SS. Uneventful ride until mile 105 when I hit a metal speed bump and crashed. Banged up left hip and shoulder but since this was the last ride to get the R12 I kept going. Finished in 10 hours 30 minutes. Needed lights the last hour. Pretty sore for next few days but no permanent damage.
So I achieved my goal of doing a ride of more than 100 miles every month in 2010. I also rode just over 10,000 miles which is about 1500 more than I ever did in a previous year. Next year I want to increase that although haven;t set a specific mileage goal yet
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Health Care
Recently I did my annual calculation on what health care costs the average American. Latest figures from 2007 indicate total health care cost in America was $2.2 trillion and population was 360 million. Average comes out to slightly over $7,000 per person. Are you above or below that figure?
The basic flaw in our system is most of us cannot accurately assess the true cost of our own care. For example I've had several orthopedic surgeries over the past 9 years. I sometimes--but not always see bills sent to my insurance company and then sometimes--but not always see what they actually pay. When I do see figures providers bill one amount and the insurance company pay a much lower amount. One time I got a bill from a doctor for the difference. When I questioned my obligation I was told by the insurance company to pay nothing--the amount paid was the only obligation I/they had and the bill quickly disappeared. Even the 2 prescriptions I have filled are a mystery. One costs me $4.00 for a 60 day supply; another costs $60.00 for a 3 month supply. I have no idea how much either one of these would cost if I had to pay for them without insurance.
I believe one step we should take to cure that problem is to encourage every individual to establish a health savings account. The funds put into the HSA would be managed just like a 401k. How much should each individual be allowed to store there? As much as they want. Sure, wealthy folks could shelter lots while the average or poor could put aside much. However, a young person has years to invest and over time funds would grow. If funds are used for medical purposes they remain tax free. Upon death they could be transferred tax free into heir's HSA or if not then whoever uses them for something else pays tax. If funds are withdrawn and used for non-health care stuff, they're taxed. Is it a short term solution--of course not. But over time it provides incentives for individuals to get a handle on their own health care costs. Insurance policies would then be written with higher deductibles to do what insurance is really suppose to do--transfer risk that individuals can't predict or assume for a price.
Just please, except for a tax incentive, keep the government out of it!
The basic flaw in our system is most of us cannot accurately assess the true cost of our own care. For example I've had several orthopedic surgeries over the past 9 years. I sometimes--but not always see bills sent to my insurance company and then sometimes--but not always see what they actually pay. When I do see figures providers bill one amount and the insurance company pay a much lower amount. One time I got a bill from a doctor for the difference. When I questioned my obligation I was told by the insurance company to pay nothing--the amount paid was the only obligation I/they had and the bill quickly disappeared. Even the 2 prescriptions I have filled are a mystery. One costs me $4.00 for a 60 day supply; another costs $60.00 for a 3 month supply. I have no idea how much either one of these would cost if I had to pay for them without insurance.
I believe one step we should take to cure that problem is to encourage every individual to establish a health savings account. The funds put into the HSA would be managed just like a 401k. How much should each individual be allowed to store there? As much as they want. Sure, wealthy folks could shelter lots while the average or poor could put aside much. However, a young person has years to invest and over time funds would grow. If funds are used for medical purposes they remain tax free. Upon death they could be transferred tax free into heir's HSA or if not then whoever uses them for something else pays tax. If funds are withdrawn and used for non-health care stuff, they're taxed. Is it a short term solution--of course not. But over time it provides incentives for individuals to get a handle on their own health care costs. Insurance policies would then be written with higher deductibles to do what insurance is really suppose to do--transfer risk that individuals can't predict or assume for a price.
Just please, except for a tax incentive, keep the government out of it!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Pete Smith
To be read at Pete's farewell party January 7, 2009 as he prepared for his move out west.
July 17, 2005--that's the day Pete earned a PHD for being a candy ass--or as the Alicia court of guilt dubbed it "one with ass made of candy". It all started with a few emails suggesting a gap ride. Some accuse Pete of organizing the ride but that's not true. I actually sent a message asking if folks were "pigs" or "chickens" i.e. committed or interested. Enough folks were "pigs " so that I reserved picnic table # 4 at Vogel, and made a list of attendees along with food assignments. Pete's in my day timer with "burgers" written beside his name.
On Sunday morning we met at Vogel to ride, but Pete wasn't there. Calls to his cell phone weren't answered. After the ride scrambled for food so we could have a post ride cookout--at picnic table # 4 minus the Pete Smith burgers. The next morning Alicia issued Pete's diploma--and then the shit really hit the fan.
Pete informed us about a club he was involved with--or should I say founded--the Fulton University Club for Kids United by Alicia. The acronym is FUCKUAlicia. I won't bore you with the details of his explanation--let's just say it was a total crock of crap. Under oath he finally admitted to perjury. The text of this is available if you google the yahoo group. A few more salvos were fired back and forth but things were fairly quiet until Pete sent out an email suggesting another gaps ride on October 8 and asked "who's with me?' Then Alicia unleashed a full frontal assault:
"HAHA! Good one Pete! Whew...you are hysterical! "Ummm...yeah, like I am planning this great 3-gaps ride," (said in a Petie-voice) ...just a sec, let me catch my breath...I am laughing too hard..."Then we will have a BBQ after--I'll bring the hamburgers!"...whew, gotta wipe the tears from my eyes...I can't quite see the computer screen... "Let's meet early so we can beat the heat--it'll be GREAT!"So we all head up there, whilst you sit on your couch, perming your hair, painting your nails and watching QVC looking for some great deals on new pink panties for your candy-ass!That is some FUNNY stuff! You are like Ashton Kutcher! But you already did that one--I don't think I am going to be "Punked" twice!"
One team mate put the final touch on this; his email read: "I don't really know either of you that well, but judging by your emails I'd say you're made for each other! When's the wedding?" We still don't have an answer, but we now know that Pete & Alicia are an item. No one has figured out how that happened--I personally think Pete got some serious skinny on Alicia and is blackmailing her--why else would she be so enamored with such a candy ass--I mean "one with ass made of candy"?
July 17, 2005--that's the day Pete earned a PHD for being a candy ass--or as the Alicia court of guilt dubbed it "one with ass made of candy". It all started with a few emails suggesting a gap ride. Some accuse Pete of organizing the ride but that's not true. I actually sent a message asking if folks were "pigs" or "chickens" i.e. committed or interested. Enough folks were "pigs " so that I reserved picnic table # 4 at Vogel, and made a list of attendees along with food assignments. Pete's in my day timer with "burgers" written beside his name.
On Sunday morning we met at Vogel to ride, but Pete wasn't there. Calls to his cell phone weren't answered. After the ride scrambled for food so we could have a post ride cookout--at picnic table # 4 minus the Pete Smith burgers. The next morning Alicia issued Pete's diploma--and then the shit really hit the fan.
Pete informed us about a club he was involved with--or should I say founded--the Fulton University Club for Kids United by Alicia. The acronym is FUCKUAlicia. I won't bore you with the details of his explanation--let's just say it was a total crock of crap. Under oath he finally admitted to perjury. The text of this is available if you google the yahoo group. A few more salvos were fired back and forth but things were fairly quiet until Pete sent out an email suggesting another gaps ride on October 8 and asked "who's with me?' Then Alicia unleashed a full frontal assault:
"HAHA! Good one Pete! Whew...you are hysterical! "Ummm...yeah, like I am planning this great 3-gaps ride," (said in a Petie-voice) ...just a sec, let me catch my breath...I am laughing too hard..."Then we will have a BBQ after--I'll bring the hamburgers!"...whew, gotta wipe the tears from my eyes...I can't quite see the computer screen... "Let's meet early so we can beat the heat--it'll be GREAT!"So we all head up there, whilst you sit on your couch, perming your hair, painting your nails and watching QVC looking for some great deals on new pink panties for your candy-ass!That is some FUNNY stuff! You are like Ashton Kutcher! But you already did that one--I don't think I am going to be "Punked" twice!"
One team mate put the final touch on this; his email read: "I don't really know either of you that well, but judging by your emails I'd say you're made for each other! When's the wedding?" We still don't have an answer, but we now know that Pete & Alicia are an item. No one has figured out how that happened--I personally think Pete got some serious skinny on Alicia and is blackmailing her--why else would she be so enamored with such a candy ass--I mean "one with ass made of candy"?
On a more serious note, one thing I admire is Pete's sales ability--or should I say his perception of salesmanship. After all who else would try to convince a girl friend to move back to Atlanta from Colorado to rejoin him here? Out there Alicia owns a house, has a great job and lots of family. Here Pete has an apartment close to Morningside taverns, a job with a company that when he applied for a transfer to Denver promptly closed that office, no family-- only friends who derive great pleasure in making him the butt of all their jokes. Nevertheless Pete set out with great ambition over the past year to convince Alicia she should return. Great sales job, Pete--that's why we're now having a farewell party for you.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Outer Banks
During Thanksgiving I drove to Duck NC to visit my cousin Tim Brown. I saw him at my aunt's funeral in January for first time in over 40 years. When he and his wife Mia invited me to spend Thanksgiving on the outer banks at a house they rented I'm thinking Georgia--North Carolina no problem. After committing I realized it was 600 miles--ouch. But once I commit I rarely back down so Greta & I made the trip.
It was a great experience to spend quality time with a relative I hadn't been close to in a long time, meet his wife and extended family. It seems easy for me to connect with relatives even after years apart. I've done a lot to accomplish reconnections over the past few years. I wish it happened more often but with 20 cousins spread all over the east & west coast & few places in between it hasn't occurred with some of them.
Tim and I went on bike rides Thursday & Friday. Both days I ran into friends I hadn't seen in quite a while. On Thursday as we were finishing up a car pulled along side us and called out my name. It was a guy named John Green who I had worked with years ago. His wife Jennifer (who I introduced him to) was with him along with their 10 month old daughter (Sophie). We stopped along the roadside and had a quick conversation update and exchanged email addresses. The next day we cycled to the Wright Brothers Memorial and as we were leaving I heard someone call my name. It was Hetal from a team I coached a few years ago who had moved to India and just returned to Atlanta. Again another quick update and a promise to ride together in Atlanta. Two connections in 24 hours--my cousin is asking me are you sure you haven't been here before?
On Saturday I headed to Staunton to see Nancy Williams. I shared a recollection of her in earlier post Not sure how much of that reconnection I'm willing to share here--maybe someday in the future. All I'll say for now-- it was memorable and special.
It was a great experience to spend quality time with a relative I hadn't been close to in a long time, meet his wife and extended family. It seems easy for me to connect with relatives even after years apart. I've done a lot to accomplish reconnections over the past few years. I wish it happened more often but with 20 cousins spread all over the east & west coast & few places in between it hasn't occurred with some of them.
Tim and I went on bike rides Thursday & Friday. Both days I ran into friends I hadn't seen in quite a while. On Thursday as we were finishing up a car pulled along side us and called out my name. It was a guy named John Green who I had worked with years ago. His wife Jennifer (who I introduced him to) was with him along with their 10 month old daughter (Sophie). We stopped along the roadside and had a quick conversation update and exchanged email addresses. The next day we cycled to the Wright Brothers Memorial and as we were leaving I heard someone call my name. It was Hetal from a team I coached a few years ago who had moved to India and just returned to Atlanta. Again another quick update and a promise to ride together in Atlanta. Two connections in 24 hours--my cousin is asking me are you sure you haven't been here before?
On Saturday I headed to Staunton to see Nancy Williams. I shared a recollection of her in earlier post Not sure how much of that reconnection I'm willing to share here--maybe someday in the future. All I'll say for now-- it was memorable and special.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Back To the Future--Nancy Williams
This morning my phone rang at 6:40 am. Caller ID said it was Nancy Williams--of all the back to the future posts I've done this one is special--at least to me.
In 1964 I was graduating high school, dating a girl I cared about, looking forward to the University of Richmond. My next door neighbor (Beth Brown) kept telling me I should meet a friend of hers. On a Friday night after a picnic at Elkhorn Recreation Club (a lake I was about to start work at as a lifeguard) Beth told me her friend Nancy Williams would be a slumber party not far from my house. Beth said I should come by and Nancy would sneak out to meet me. I went over there late that night, met Nancy and my life over the next few years changed dramatically.
To say I was smitten would be an understatement. I broke up with my girl friend (Diane Boy) within days. I handled that so well that 20 years later at a high school reunion she stared right through me. I dated Nancy that summer, and headed off to college. Lots of stuff happens when you leave home for college but Nancy always remained special. I remember one time I went to a car race at VIR with a bunch of college friends. I ran into her and we wound up totally immersed in one another again. I can't remember all the other times we re-connected over the years but I do remember she once told me (at UR fraternity party) that I lived in a much faster lane than she did. That's when 3 year's age difference was a big deal since I was in college while Nancy was in high school.
I still remember the day I got an invitation/announcement in 1972 that she was getting/got married. That was one of the saddest days in my life because my first true love had chosen some one else. I've re-connected with a fair number of friends from my past but until now Nancy had eluded me. It's hard to find folks when their last name can change.
So how did this re-connection happen? I joined the classmates.com web site since my 45th high school reunion is next year. I think our class has only had 3 (1974, 1984, 2004) and I didn't know about 2004. Anyway a few days ago Nancy showed up as a visitor. An email from me led to an early morning call from her, a follow up email and an invitation to a "phone date" scheduled for later this weekend. I've never experienced a phone date before. But whenever Nancy Williams enters my life I've always been willing to re-connect.
This morning when I saw her name on caller ID I felt like Back to the Future star Michael J Fox in the Delorean transported back in time. I know one can't turn back time, but I'm still smitten by the memory of Nancy Williams--even 44 years later.
In 1964 I was graduating high school, dating a girl I cared about, looking forward to the University of Richmond. My next door neighbor (Beth Brown) kept telling me I should meet a friend of hers. On a Friday night after a picnic at Elkhorn Recreation Club (a lake I was about to start work at as a lifeguard) Beth told me her friend Nancy Williams would be a slumber party not far from my house. Beth said I should come by and Nancy would sneak out to meet me. I went over there late that night, met Nancy and my life over the next few years changed dramatically.
To say I was smitten would be an understatement. I broke up with my girl friend (Diane Boy) within days. I handled that so well that 20 years later at a high school reunion she stared right through me. I dated Nancy that summer, and headed off to college. Lots of stuff happens when you leave home for college but Nancy always remained special. I remember one time I went to a car race at VIR with a bunch of college friends. I ran into her and we wound up totally immersed in one another again. I can't remember all the other times we re-connected over the years but I do remember she once told me (at UR fraternity party) that I lived in a much faster lane than she did. That's when 3 year's age difference was a big deal since I was in college while Nancy was in high school.
I still remember the day I got an invitation/announcement in 1972 that she was getting/got married. That was one of the saddest days in my life because my first true love had chosen some one else. I've re-connected with a fair number of friends from my past but until now Nancy had eluded me. It's hard to find folks when their last name can change.
So how did this re-connection happen? I joined the classmates.com web site since my 45th high school reunion is next year. I think our class has only had 3 (1974, 1984, 2004) and I didn't know about 2004. Anyway a few days ago Nancy showed up as a visitor. An email from me led to an early morning call from her, a follow up email and an invitation to a "phone date" scheduled for later this weekend. I've never experienced a phone date before. But whenever Nancy Williams enters my life I've always been willing to re-connect.
This morning when I saw her name on caller ID I felt like Back to the Future star Michael J Fox in the Delorean transported back in time. I know one can't turn back time, but I'm still smitten by the memory of Nancy Williams--even 44 years later.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
More on the bailout
Now that our government passed the bailout Paulsen and others are re allocating where it goes. Remember I said they were asking for all that money and telling us "trust us we'll figure out who deserves it."
Now many other sectors are coming forward asking for funds. They all begin their request with how crucial their survival is to our economic system along with the refrain "you already bailed out AIG, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, etc"
That's the problem with government "bailing out" troubled sectors. As they "kick the can further down the road" the parade just gets longer. This week Chrysler, Ford & GM are begging. But when the 3 spokesmen fly to DC from Detroit in 3 separate corporate jets why would any rational person listen to their plea? Clearly those 3 just don't get it. I'm sorry that many folks will suffer if sectors of our economy fail. I may also suffer, but I'd risk that in exchange for a free market system that sorts things out over time instead of relying on government corrections/interference.
Looking back to the great depression, many experts feel that Roosevelt's "New Deal" prolonged the depression for 7-10 years when market forces would have corrected the economy in 3-4 years. I majored in economics so I know economies go through cycles. I was also taught that government's role was to act as a stimulus when times got slow and a restraint when things got too fast, eg inflation. One economic principle I learned way back then was government was more effective slowing things down than stimulating the economy. Personally I'm not sure our government is effective at much any more except mortgaging future generations with a ton of financial obligations.
Kick the can, kick the can.......maybe someday we'll figure out how to refill it instead.
Now many other sectors are coming forward asking for funds. They all begin their request with how crucial their survival is to our economic system along with the refrain "you already bailed out AIG, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, etc"
That's the problem with government "bailing out" troubled sectors. As they "kick the can further down the road" the parade just gets longer. This week Chrysler, Ford & GM are begging. But when the 3 spokesmen fly to DC from Detroit in 3 separate corporate jets why would any rational person listen to their plea? Clearly those 3 just don't get it. I'm sorry that many folks will suffer if sectors of our economy fail. I may also suffer, but I'd risk that in exchange for a free market system that sorts things out over time instead of relying on government corrections/interference.
Looking back to the great depression, many experts feel that Roosevelt's "New Deal" prolonged the depression for 7-10 years when market forces would have corrected the economy in 3-4 years. I majored in economics so I know economies go through cycles. I was also taught that government's role was to act as a stimulus when times got slow and a restraint when things got too fast, eg inflation. One economic principle I learned way back then was government was more effective slowing things down than stimulating the economy. Personally I'm not sure our government is effective at much any more except mortgaging future generations with a ton of financial obligations.
Kick the can, kick the can.......maybe someday we'll figure out how to refill it instead.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Favorite Movies
My favorite top 10 movies in no particular order:
My Dog Skip
Shane
The Sting
Five Easy Pieces
Cool Hand Luke
Old Yeller
African Queen
Remember the Titans
The Deerhunter
Hombre
The Natural
Breaking Away
My Dog Skip
Shane
The Sting
Five Easy Pieces
Cool Hand Luke
Old Yeller
African Queen
Remember the Titans
The Deerhunter
Hombre
The Natural
Breaking Away
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
$700 Billion Bailout?
This is a very popular topic right now. A couple of observations from someone who is very skeptical of anyone who says "I'm from the government and I'm here to help you".
The 2 guys ( Bernake & Paulson) who are preaching that we've got to do something right now--aren't they the same 2 guys who preached most of this year that everything was under control? And wasn't Paulson an investment banker for many years walking in the shoes of the folks he's now asking us to hand this money too?
Congress: most of these folks have been there too long and have spent years protecting some of the same industries/executives they now accuse of leading us into this mess. Now some of them want us to hand over $700 billion to fix this? And aren't many of them the folks who hastily passed the Sabonis Oxley legislation post Enron which requires these institutions to "mark assets to current market value"?
$700 billion comes out to an average of more that $23,000 per person in USA. That's every person--babies, kids, homeless, millionaires and everyone else in between. Does this figure include what's already been committed to Fannie, Freddie, AIG, etc. or is it an additional amount? No, it's additional because AIG just accepted their $85 billion, and by the way exactly how much money was committed to Fannie & Freddie--that figure seems absent from the Wall Street Journal and other publications.
Many folks seem to think this whole thing can be pinned on someone. In my opinion it can't be pinned on specific industries, markets, executives, citizens. Many have done things for years that led to this. I say let the market correct itself. That probably means a recession, and some other painful sorting out. But government's obsession with keeping things hunky dory means turning a recession that would normally last 1-2 years into an event that lasts a lot longer. I think there are a lot of foxes and hens in the chicken house and both sides are scaring the hell out of many folks across the country.
Warren Buffet, a very savvy investor in my opinion, spokeout in favor of the government plan and opened the betting with $5 billion, along with options to invest more. Andy Kessler, a former hedge fund trader and writer, suggests the taxpayers could yield between a $1--2 trillion return over time on $700 billion. Pretty good ROI. So why not let each one of us decide exactly how much of our money we want to bet on this and let the market play out. You know what--the ability to do just that already exists. I'm certainly fishing--I just don't have as much bait as Warren, and I just don't trust government telling us where to fish.
The 2 guys ( Bernake & Paulson) who are preaching that we've got to do something right now--aren't they the same 2 guys who preached most of this year that everything was under control? And wasn't Paulson an investment banker for many years walking in the shoes of the folks he's now asking us to hand this money too?
Congress: most of these folks have been there too long and have spent years protecting some of the same industries/executives they now accuse of leading us into this mess. Now some of them want us to hand over $700 billion to fix this? And aren't many of them the folks who hastily passed the Sabonis Oxley legislation post Enron which requires these institutions to "mark assets to current market value"?
$700 billion comes out to an average of more that $23,000 per person in USA. That's every person--babies, kids, homeless, millionaires and everyone else in between. Does this figure include what's already been committed to Fannie, Freddie, AIG, etc. or is it an additional amount? No, it's additional because AIG just accepted their $85 billion, and by the way exactly how much money was committed to Fannie & Freddie--that figure seems absent from the Wall Street Journal and other publications.
Many folks seem to think this whole thing can be pinned on someone. In my opinion it can't be pinned on specific industries, markets, executives, citizens. Many have done things for years that led to this. I say let the market correct itself. That probably means a recession, and some other painful sorting out. But government's obsession with keeping things hunky dory means turning a recession that would normally last 1-2 years into an event that lasts a lot longer. I think there are a lot of foxes and hens in the chicken house and both sides are scaring the hell out of many folks across the country.
Warren Buffet, a very savvy investor in my opinion, spokeout in favor of the government plan and opened the betting with $5 billion, along with options to invest more. Andy Kessler, a former hedge fund trader and writer, suggests the taxpayers could yield between a $1--2 trillion return over time on $700 billion. Pretty good ROI. So why not let each one of us decide exactly how much of our money we want to bet on this and let the market play out. You know what--the ability to do just that already exists. I'm certainly fishing--I just don't have as much bait as Warren, and I just don't trust government telling us where to fish.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Back to the Future--Chubb Career
40 years ago today I started my post- college career in New York City working for a company called Chubb & Son. Probably the biggest day I my life as I went from college grad from Danville Va to a job in the world's financial capital. I spent almost 20 years at Chubb moving up the corprate ladder through offices in NYC, Atlanta, NJ, CA, CT and back to Atlanta in 1982. learned a great deal, made a lot of friends, but since I changed cities every few years some of those friends came and went. But within the company I could maintain contact with many no matter where I was.
I left Chubb in May, 1988 squeezed out by a branch manager who decided he didn't want me around. It was hard to figure out at the time since at one time we were good friends when we both worked for Chubb in New Jersey. I realized that if you ever crossed his path he was unforgiving and reentless in getting even. I saw him hold grudges against folks forever, but I really couldn't figure out how I crossed that line. I found out after I left that he went to great lenghts to bad mouth me to many folks. I also learned that most folks he bad mouthed me to had a "what the fuck are you talking about reaction."
Recently I went to a reunion of many Chubb Atlanta employees. I hadn't seen most of them in years. I was touched by how many of them felt I'd been railroaded by my branch manager. While there Linda Hayes told the story about how he had come to my office smoking a cigar. As he walked in she said I told him " George, if you want to come into my office leave the cigar some where else, if you need to smoke it we'll meet outside or in your office." I had no recollection of that encounter but Linda said George was silently steaming. Maybe that episode was my undoing, maybe it was something else. I do recall that if anyone ever pissed him off, he stayed mad and vengeful forever.
As long as we never cross paths again it won't matter. If we do I'll most likely kick his ass. Not because he shoved me out of Chubb, where I'd be way ahead financially, but because I wound up losing touch with lots of folks I really cared about--and who cared about me. My hope is the Chubb connections I'll make down the road are the ones who matter.
I left Chubb in May, 1988 squeezed out by a branch manager who decided he didn't want me around. It was hard to figure out at the time since at one time we were good friends when we both worked for Chubb in New Jersey. I realized that if you ever crossed his path he was unforgiving and reentless in getting even. I saw him hold grudges against folks forever, but I really couldn't figure out how I crossed that line. I found out after I left that he went to great lenghts to bad mouth me to many folks. I also learned that most folks he bad mouthed me to had a "what the fuck are you talking about reaction."
Recently I went to a reunion of many Chubb Atlanta employees. I hadn't seen most of them in years. I was touched by how many of them felt I'd been railroaded by my branch manager. While there Linda Hayes told the story about how he had come to my office smoking a cigar. As he walked in she said I told him " George, if you want to come into my office leave the cigar some where else, if you need to smoke it we'll meet outside or in your office." I had no recollection of that encounter but Linda said George was silently steaming. Maybe that episode was my undoing, maybe it was something else. I do recall that if anyone ever pissed him off, he stayed mad and vengeful forever.
As long as we never cross paths again it won't matter. If we do I'll most likely kick his ass. Not because he shoved me out of Chubb, where I'd be way ahead financially, but because I wound up losing touch with lots of folks I really cared about--and who cared about me. My hope is the Chubb connections I'll make down the road are the ones who matter.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Mary DeWree
My friend Mary DeWree is being given a surprise 50th birthday party this Friday. All invitees have to write down and bring "My Mary Memory". Here's mine.
I first met Mary in the summer of 2001 as I prepared to coach another group of cyclists for TeamInTraining. I'm use to meeting cyclists with all kinds of bikes and cycling ability at these early group training rdes. Nothing in my 4 previous years of coaching prepared me for Mary.
Well, it wasn't really Mary I was unprepared for--it was the bike she brought to the ride. I don't remember the brand but it was yellow, weighed at least 40 lbs, and was a ladies model mountain bike. It hadn't been ridden in years--it probably hadn't even been inside a garage or house since the turn of the century. Tires with no air, spokes that had rusted, I'm thinking that bike won't get her out of the parking lot.
I was close to being right. As I recall we suggested she ride to the track at the Lovett School and do some laps to see if the bike would actually work. That's the last time Mary ever followed my cycling advice.
Fortunately Mary wound up with another yellow bike--this one a Cannondale road bike which her friend Lynn now rides. You see the one thing that Mary knows how to do is solve problems by upgrading. Her philosophy is "I can solve any situation with money or friends."
Mary, tonight as we gather to celebrate your 50th I hope you still have as much money as you do friends.
Your friend and cyling coach,
Neil
I first met Mary in the summer of 2001 as I prepared to coach another group of cyclists for TeamInTraining. I'm use to meeting cyclists with all kinds of bikes and cycling ability at these early group training rdes. Nothing in my 4 previous years of coaching prepared me for Mary.
Well, it wasn't really Mary I was unprepared for--it was the bike she brought to the ride. I don't remember the brand but it was yellow, weighed at least 40 lbs, and was a ladies model mountain bike. It hadn't been ridden in years--it probably hadn't even been inside a garage or house since the turn of the century. Tires with no air, spokes that had rusted, I'm thinking that bike won't get her out of the parking lot.
I was close to being right. As I recall we suggested she ride to the track at the Lovett School and do some laps to see if the bike would actually work. That's the last time Mary ever followed my cycling advice.
Fortunately Mary wound up with another yellow bike--this one a Cannondale road bike which her friend Lynn now rides. You see the one thing that Mary knows how to do is solve problems by upgrading. Her philosophy is "I can solve any situation with money or friends."
Mary, tonight as we gather to celebrate your 50th I hope you still have as much money as you do friends.
Your friend and cyling coach,
Neil
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Damascus--That Damn Cat
Last July cycling in north Georgia I came across a kitten on Damascus Church Rd. My friend Wendy who saves animals from cats to turtles and many species in between stopped to check him out. I figured it was a wild feral cat who would run away. Instead he was a super friendly kitten and we picked him up to take care of him until we could find a good home. Since Wendy already had 2 rescued cats he wound up at my house. By the time I'd had him checked out at my vet's we had bonded. I named him "Damascus" because of where we found him, and because it coincided with what I'd sometimes call him (that damn cat) as he became a household member.
There's no such thing as a free kitten. I spent about $500 neutering vaccinating and dealing with several minor health problems that cats in the wild usually have. But compared to other cats I've had or encountered Damascus was truly special. He would almost always come when called, he loved attention and if my dog Greta or I didn't give him enough he would quickly remind us of our responsibility. Greta for the most part tolerated Damascus but I could tell she kinda liked having a companion in the house while I was gone.
Damascus had no fear of anything and everyone and every animal was a friend. I think that lead to his demise. Last Thursday morning he went outside. When I took Greta out later there was no sign of him which was unusual. I started looking and found him curled up under his favorite bush. He looked OK but didn't get up when I called him to me. I picked him up and as I went up the stairs I found a wound on his right hindquarter. It was pretty obvious he had been attacked and couldn't move his rear legs. He didn't seem too distressed and purred constantly just like he normally would when I engaged him. The vet wouldn't open for an hour so I made him comfortable in Greta's cage. I looked around outside for any animal or evidence of what happened--I looked at my neighbor's Rottweiler a few doors away--he was on his normal chain but I wondered if he'd gotten loose for a while.
Once at the vet's the news was pretty bad. The vet was more worried about his inability to move his hind legs than the wounds. They discovered Damascus had a heart murmur (new news) and thought perhaps something had broken loose and moved into a position where it temporarily paralyzed his back legs and that he was attacked while in that condition. They suggested an xray and further exams so I left him there while they continued to check him out. By now I had a gut feeling this was not going to be a good day.
When I returned the vet confirmed the xray revealed a compressed fracture in his lower back. They could attempt corrective surgery but the prognosois was grim and the cost prohibitive. The vet totally supported my decision to put him down. They asked if I wanted to be present but I have never been able to be there whenever one of my pets have to be put to sleep. I did ask for a chance to say "goodbye".
They brought Damascus into the exam room wrapped in a blanket and left us alone. He was still purring like everything was OK. I hugged him and said "I'm sorry buddy. I wanted to spend the next 10--15 years with you. I let you down by not protecting you. I am so sorry!" I cried, and left him there on the table still purring.
Now almost a week has passed. Many emotions still run through my mind. I rescued him from a certain early grave only to have him caught in some jaw of death 7 months later. I feel blessed that he crossed my path, but guilty that I let him out one morning to step into harm's way.
Damascus, I miss you! You damn cat.
There's no such thing as a free kitten. I spent about $500 neutering vaccinating and dealing with several minor health problems that cats in the wild usually have. But compared to other cats I've had or encountered Damascus was truly special. He would almost always come when called, he loved attention and if my dog Greta or I didn't give him enough he would quickly remind us of our responsibility. Greta for the most part tolerated Damascus but I could tell she kinda liked having a companion in the house while I was gone.
Damascus had no fear of anything and everyone and every animal was a friend. I think that lead to his demise. Last Thursday morning he went outside. When I took Greta out later there was no sign of him which was unusual. I started looking and found him curled up under his favorite bush. He looked OK but didn't get up when I called him to me. I picked him up and as I went up the stairs I found a wound on his right hindquarter. It was pretty obvious he had been attacked and couldn't move his rear legs. He didn't seem too distressed and purred constantly just like he normally would when I engaged him. The vet wouldn't open for an hour so I made him comfortable in Greta's cage. I looked around outside for any animal or evidence of what happened--I looked at my neighbor's Rottweiler a few doors away--he was on his normal chain but I wondered if he'd gotten loose for a while.
Once at the vet's the news was pretty bad. The vet was more worried about his inability to move his hind legs than the wounds. They discovered Damascus had a heart murmur (new news) and thought perhaps something had broken loose and moved into a position where it temporarily paralyzed his back legs and that he was attacked while in that condition. They suggested an xray and further exams so I left him there while they continued to check him out. By now I had a gut feeling this was not going to be a good day.
When I returned the vet confirmed the xray revealed a compressed fracture in his lower back. They could attempt corrective surgery but the prognosois was grim and the cost prohibitive. The vet totally supported my decision to put him down. They asked if I wanted to be present but I have never been able to be there whenever one of my pets have to be put to sleep. I did ask for a chance to say "goodbye".
They brought Damascus into the exam room wrapped in a blanket and left us alone. He was still purring like everything was OK. I hugged him and said "I'm sorry buddy. I wanted to spend the next 10--15 years with you. I let you down by not protecting you. I am so sorry!" I cried, and left him there on the table still purring.
Now almost a week has passed. Many emotions still run through my mind. I rescued him from a certain early grave only to have him caught in some jaw of death 7 months later. I feel blessed that he crossed my path, but guilty that I let him out one morning to step into harm's way.
Damascus, I miss you! You damn cat.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Customer Service
This afternoon I was involved in 2 incidents that remind me how important customer service can be.
In the first incident I was the one providing service; here's how it went. 5 minutes after my office closed the phone rang and I answered it. A mortgage broker needed information updated on our client's insurance. No big deal except this was the 4th time this jerk had asked me for a change which on every prior request I sent to him the same day he requested it. Twice he'd "lost" the fax, once we had to change the effective date, and now we're changing mortgage companies. I processed the change and faxed it in 5 minutes. Then he calls back and asks me to email it since his frigging fax machine isn't working. I did it and finally left the office about 4:45. Now bear in mind this is a transaction that doesn't generate any revenue for my agency, but it's the kind of service we provide routinely. Hopefully he won't call on Monday with another request cause he'll be pretty low on my priority list.
I then stopped at Pier One to look at furniture for my covered patio. Since I'd been there before I went directly to the items I was interested in buying: a wicker chair, some pillows, matching table, and an outdoor lamp. Probably about $300. I spent 15 minutes sitting in various chairs, looking at pillow and lamp combinations. No one said a word to me. Finally I asked an associate a question about whether the lampshade could live on a covered patio. He looked at it, looked the item up, and then told me he wasn't sure. I then asked him about the pillows--I wondered if they had a different color that was an "outside" pillow. Again he was kinda clueless even when I asked if other locations might have colors I was looking for. I even offered to leave him my card so he could research, and he said "well all the stores pretty much have the same things and we get new stuff constantly." Something about that response doesn't make sense. I immediately decided that even though I'm really interested in the items, I ain't about to buy them from him.
I make my living selling insurance. It's an intangible service that most buyers don't enjoy shopping for, think it's too expensive, don't understand how it works if they have a claim, and feel the insurance company is out to shaft them. I've had some people walk over a few dollar's difference in price, and I've had client's stay where my price is much higher. What's the difference: some folks don't appreciate customer service--fortunately many folks do and that's how I survive.
In the first incident I was the one providing service; here's how it went. 5 minutes after my office closed the phone rang and I answered it. A mortgage broker needed information updated on our client's insurance. No big deal except this was the 4th time this jerk had asked me for a change which on every prior request I sent to him the same day he requested it. Twice he'd "lost" the fax, once we had to change the effective date, and now we're changing mortgage companies. I processed the change and faxed it in 5 minutes. Then he calls back and asks me to email it since his frigging fax machine isn't working. I did it and finally left the office about 4:45. Now bear in mind this is a transaction that doesn't generate any revenue for my agency, but it's the kind of service we provide routinely. Hopefully he won't call on Monday with another request cause he'll be pretty low on my priority list.
I then stopped at Pier One to look at furniture for my covered patio. Since I'd been there before I went directly to the items I was interested in buying: a wicker chair, some pillows, matching table, and an outdoor lamp. Probably about $300. I spent 15 minutes sitting in various chairs, looking at pillow and lamp combinations. No one said a word to me. Finally I asked an associate a question about whether the lampshade could live on a covered patio. He looked at it, looked the item up, and then told me he wasn't sure. I then asked him about the pillows--I wondered if they had a different color that was an "outside" pillow. Again he was kinda clueless even when I asked if other locations might have colors I was looking for. I even offered to leave him my card so he could research, and he said "well all the stores pretty much have the same things and we get new stuff constantly." Something about that response doesn't make sense. I immediately decided that even though I'm really interested in the items, I ain't about to buy them from him.
I make my living selling insurance. It's an intangible service that most buyers don't enjoy shopping for, think it's too expensive, don't understand how it works if they have a claim, and feel the insurance company is out to shaft them. I've had some people walk over a few dollar's difference in price, and I've had client's stay where my price is much higher. What's the difference: some folks don't appreciate customer service--fortunately many folks do and that's how I survive.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Peg Seifert
Last weekend I attended a funeral service for my aunt who died New Year's day. As long as you're not the main participant, funerals bring folks together that may not have seen each other for many years. Peg's funeral was certainly that for me. The priest and her daughter Gretchen delivered touching eulogies. Had I been asked to speak it would have gone like this:
"It's been 44 years since I've been here at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. I'm Peg Seifert's nephew Neil Fleming. Back then following the death of my father my mother was unable to care for my brother and I. Peg brought us to Johnstown to live with her family until my mother recovered. So every Sunday whether I wanted to or not I was here for a service.
My brother and I came to Johnstown reluctantly since we really didn't have any other options--at 17 and 15 you usually don't. Peg brought us here and at great personal sacrifice made us a part of her family that summer and fall. It was hard for Peg because money was limited and other family members were not able to help. But Peg with support from her husband Sy provided the support we needed. My own mother died almost 30 years ago, but as long as Peg was alive I felt the presence of a surrogate mother hovering in the background.
I made many friends in Johnstown most of whom I haven't seen since 1963. I see some here today, and you remind me of how Peg did whatever she could to bring family and friends together. She was the matriarch of our family, keeping in touch, reaching out even when we disappeared for a time, and as Gretchen said 'forgive but not forget'.
I know that Peg would look over this weekend and say to herself, 'Thank God I was able to re-unite some of my family and friends one more time'. Right know she's no doubt getting a key from St Peter for that place in heaven reserved for very special souls."
In 2005 I spent several days with my brother and Peg in Johnstown. It was the first time Mark and I had seen Peg together since 1963. I had a sense it might be the last time I'd get a chance to spend time like this with her. When I learned Peg had died going to her service was a journey I knew was inevitable.
With few exceptions I didn't keep in touch with my extended family for many years. A small part of that could have been resentment over what happened after my father's death and my mother's complications. But I think it was mainly indifference on my part. During the last 4 years I've made efforts to reconnect with extended family. Whenever I've been able to reconnect with individual family members it's extremely fulfilling. Sometimes it seems like it's only been a short disconnect even though it's been years. I hope I can re-establish connections with more although it's awful hard when folks get spread out. The promise I've made to myself is to keep up trying. The past few years have shown me it's worth the effort. Peg's funeral was a special weekend for me and others.
My brother Mark also wrote about Peg today on his blog, Unsolicited Opinion.
"It's been 44 years since I've been here at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. I'm Peg Seifert's nephew Neil Fleming. Back then following the death of my father my mother was unable to care for my brother and I. Peg brought us to Johnstown to live with her family until my mother recovered. So every Sunday whether I wanted to or not I was here for a service.
My brother and I came to Johnstown reluctantly since we really didn't have any other options--at 17 and 15 you usually don't. Peg brought us here and at great personal sacrifice made us a part of her family that summer and fall. It was hard for Peg because money was limited and other family members were not able to help. But Peg with support from her husband Sy provided the support we needed. My own mother died almost 30 years ago, but as long as Peg was alive I felt the presence of a surrogate mother hovering in the background.
I made many friends in Johnstown most of whom I haven't seen since 1963. I see some here today, and you remind me of how Peg did whatever she could to bring family and friends together. She was the matriarch of our family, keeping in touch, reaching out even when we disappeared for a time, and as Gretchen said 'forgive but not forget'.
I know that Peg would look over this weekend and say to herself, 'Thank God I was able to re-unite some of my family and friends one more time'. Right know she's no doubt getting a key from St Peter for that place in heaven reserved for very special souls."
In 2005 I spent several days with my brother and Peg in Johnstown. It was the first time Mark and I had seen Peg together since 1963. I had a sense it might be the last time I'd get a chance to spend time like this with her. When I learned Peg had died going to her service was a journey I knew was inevitable.
With few exceptions I didn't keep in touch with my extended family for many years. A small part of that could have been resentment over what happened after my father's death and my mother's complications. But I think it was mainly indifference on my part. During the last 4 years I've made efforts to reconnect with extended family. Whenever I've been able to reconnect with individual family members it's extremely fulfilling. Sometimes it seems like it's only been a short disconnect even though it's been years. I hope I can re-establish connections with more although it's awful hard when folks get spread out. The promise I've made to myself is to keep up trying. The past few years have shown me it's worth the effort. Peg's funeral was a special weekend for me and others.
My brother Mark also wrote about Peg today on his blog, Unsolicited Opinion.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Medical Care & Health Insurance
I should the last person to criticize the current state of medical care and health insurance. I've had 10 orthopedic surgeries over the past 40 years and they've all been taken care of with very little out of pocket expense on my part. I've been fortunate to have been covered by some type of insurance at a reasonable cost. For the past 8 years my health insurance premium has been paid for by my employer.
But something is very wrong with the overall system: I see a couple of issues
LOTS OF PEOPLE UNINSURED
Estimates vary but there are probably about 40 million people in America who have no medical insurance. Some of them are young folks no longer covered under their parents, others are unemployed between jobs, some are those with a serious medical problem which emerged while they were uninsured, etc. While some of these folks go without coverage for a short time, some of them remain uninsured for a long time. Unfortunately illness and accidents strike enough of this group to put a strain on the overall system and/or let people do without.
RELYING ON EMPLOYERS TO OBTAIN INSURANCE
Many Americans are covered by group plans through companies. This works for those employed by companies who offer(and sometimes subsidize plans). Insurance can become real expensive for the self employed and employees who change or leave jobs. It may not be possible to continue when a person changes jobs with a medical condition--of course no one ever changes jobs or has a medical condition--right!
RELYING ON GOVERNMENT TO SOLVE A FREE MARKET ISSUE
I believe this would be disastrous. Except for the Constitution and the interstate highway system I can't think of anything the government has done more efficiently than the free market system. Think I'm wrong--audit the post office and social security for starters. The only role government should play is offering tax incentives and designing transportation systems that provide alternatives that promote wellness, i.e. sidewalks, room for bikes on roads, etc.
MEDICAL CARE IS A PAPER, SCISSORS, STONE, GAME
Insured patients don't shop for medical services because they don't pay directly. Doctors, hospitals and other providers inflate charges because they know insurance companies with large groups will beat them down. Insurance companies have large numbers and money. Each group seems to work on their own to win without regard to other components. Uninsured patients either go without treatment and/or pass their costs onto society.
WHAT DO I RECOMMEND?
1. Create Individual Health Savings Accounts. All funds deposited are tax deductible for contributor. No limits--if an individual sets aside $1,000,000 that's fine--if they set aside $100 that's OK too. Contributions can come from anywhere, i.e. individual, friend, family, company whatever. HSAs can be established for anyone, anytime and funds can only be used for medical/health care costs. Funds in an individual account can be transferred to a designated beneficiary upon death.
2. Let existing insurance plans continue that work for groups and/or individuals.
3. Eliminate expiration date for Cobra. If someone leaves employer sponsored program they can continue coverage as long as they pay premium.
4. Push for incentives that benefit individuals, doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. This topic warrants a separate post--stay tuned.
But something is very wrong with the overall system: I see a couple of issues
LOTS OF PEOPLE UNINSURED
Estimates vary but there are probably about 40 million people in America who have no medical insurance. Some of them are young folks no longer covered under their parents, others are unemployed between jobs, some are those with a serious medical problem which emerged while they were uninsured, etc. While some of these folks go without coverage for a short time, some of them remain uninsured for a long time. Unfortunately illness and accidents strike enough of this group to put a strain on the overall system and/or let people do without.
RELYING ON EMPLOYERS TO OBTAIN INSURANCE
Many Americans are covered by group plans through companies. This works for those employed by companies who offer(and sometimes subsidize plans). Insurance can become real expensive for the self employed and employees who change or leave jobs. It may not be possible to continue when a person changes jobs with a medical condition--of course no one ever changes jobs or has a medical condition--right!
RELYING ON GOVERNMENT TO SOLVE A FREE MARKET ISSUE
I believe this would be disastrous. Except for the Constitution and the interstate highway system I can't think of anything the government has done more efficiently than the free market system. Think I'm wrong--audit the post office and social security for starters. The only role government should play is offering tax incentives and designing transportation systems that provide alternatives that promote wellness, i.e. sidewalks, room for bikes on roads, etc.
MEDICAL CARE IS A PAPER, SCISSORS, STONE, GAME
Insured patients don't shop for medical services because they don't pay directly. Doctors, hospitals and other providers inflate charges because they know insurance companies with large groups will beat them down. Insurance companies have large numbers and money. Each group seems to work on their own to win without regard to other components. Uninsured patients either go without treatment and/or pass their costs onto society.
WHAT DO I RECOMMEND?
1. Create Individual Health Savings Accounts. All funds deposited are tax deductible for contributor. No limits--if an individual sets aside $1,000,000 that's fine--if they set aside $100 that's OK too. Contributions can come from anywhere, i.e. individual, friend, family, company whatever. HSAs can be established for anyone, anytime and funds can only be used for medical/health care costs. Funds in an individual account can be transferred to a designated beneficiary upon death.
2. Let existing insurance plans continue that work for groups and/or individuals.
3. Eliminate expiration date for Cobra. If someone leaves employer sponsored program they can continue coverage as long as they pay premium.
4. Push for incentives that benefit individuals, doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. This topic warrants a separate post--stay tuned.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Rebuttal To My Brother
My brother Mark recently posted an article, Convenient Targets on his blog http://www.unsolicitedopinion.blogspot.com/ For my perspective read an earlier post of mine, Mexican Standoff. I visit Mark's site regularly because he writes well, posts often, and I respect his political savy. Even though sharing the same genes we don't think alike on many issues, but you can tell we're brothers. This article is a good illustration of our similarities and differences.
Mark expresses the opinion that corporations seek to lower costs and maximize profit without regard to social progress. I believe in a free market where every individual seeks to get the maxium return for their effort (wages) and spend the least amount possible for goods and services. When it comes down to illegal immigrants it's not corporations (big business) that hires these folks--it's the lettuce growers in Yuma who can't find an American willing to pick crops combined with other Americans who won't pay for Americans to pick lettuce when someone else will do it for a fraction of the harvest cost. It's the contractor re-roofing a house where the homeowner gets 4 bids ranging from $1,500 to $6,000. I could go one but you get the point--and certainly other factors (insurance, taxes, etc) influence this.
Mark has a valid point about the balance between profit and social progress. The issue I have is the dependency on government to measure, monitor, and deliver. I trust government about as much as Mark trusts corporations. There are lots of wealthy corporate officers (Greenburg, Welch) who have profited at others' expense, but there are plenty of politicians (Clintons, Bush) who have done the same thing in a different arena. I live in Atlanta and have watched the 40+ year neglect over our sewer system now being addressed with torn up streets and massive amounts of money changing hands under government tables. It's big business AND government seeking their self interests, and I dont trust either one. The best way to fix something like this is for citizens to become much more concerned about their local and state goverments instead of worrying so much about national politics, but I'm getting off the subject here.
Many Mexicans see more opportunity here in America. How do we change that? Mark's post doesn't offer a concrete solution. The simple answer is we annex Mexico and make it the 51st state. Save a lot of money on border security--perhaps set up toll booths and generate even more revenue. Of course Mexican politicians and corporations may not like this, but I don't care--invading and annexing Mexico is a lot less expensive than all the "social progress" we're paying for in Iraq--probably even less loss of life than when Pancho Villa tried to annex Texas. And it's a damn site closer to home.
Mark points that migration has been a key to opportunity throughout history. I agree and in a perfect world there shouldn't be any lines or barriers. One problem is there are people on this planet who want to terrorize and kill others just because. I would rather see the United States spend less resources on "illegal immigrants" and devote them to reducing the risks presented by those who want to harm us either here or from abroad.
Like Mark, I don't have a concrete answer yet. But the sooner we as a nation recognize we can't solve all the planet's issues the closer we may get to prioritizing and dealing with our own. And isn't that how a free market system is suppose to work?
Mark expresses the opinion that corporations seek to lower costs and maximize profit without regard to social progress. I believe in a free market where every individual seeks to get the maxium return for their effort (wages) and spend the least amount possible for goods and services. When it comes down to illegal immigrants it's not corporations (big business) that hires these folks--it's the lettuce growers in Yuma who can't find an American willing to pick crops combined with other Americans who won't pay for Americans to pick lettuce when someone else will do it for a fraction of the harvest cost. It's the contractor re-roofing a house where the homeowner gets 4 bids ranging from $1,500 to $6,000. I could go one but you get the point--and certainly other factors (insurance, taxes, etc) influence this.
Mark has a valid point about the balance between profit and social progress. The issue I have is the dependency on government to measure, monitor, and deliver. I trust government about as much as Mark trusts corporations. There are lots of wealthy corporate officers (Greenburg, Welch) who have profited at others' expense, but there are plenty of politicians (Clintons, Bush) who have done the same thing in a different arena. I live in Atlanta and have watched the 40+ year neglect over our sewer system now being addressed with torn up streets and massive amounts of money changing hands under government tables. It's big business AND government seeking their self interests, and I dont trust either one. The best way to fix something like this is for citizens to become much more concerned about their local and state goverments instead of worrying so much about national politics, but I'm getting off the subject here.
Many Mexicans see more opportunity here in America. How do we change that? Mark's post doesn't offer a concrete solution. The simple answer is we annex Mexico and make it the 51st state. Save a lot of money on border security--perhaps set up toll booths and generate even more revenue. Of course Mexican politicians and corporations may not like this, but I don't care--invading and annexing Mexico is a lot less expensive than all the "social progress" we're paying for in Iraq--probably even less loss of life than when Pancho Villa tried to annex Texas. And it's a damn site closer to home.
Mark points that migration has been a key to opportunity throughout history. I agree and in a perfect world there shouldn't be any lines or barriers. One problem is there are people on this planet who want to terrorize and kill others just because. I would rather see the United States spend less resources on "illegal immigrants" and devote them to reducing the risks presented by those who want to harm us either here or from abroad.
Like Mark, I don't have a concrete answer yet. But the sooner we as a nation recognize we can't solve all the planet's issues the closer we may get to prioritizing and dealing with our own. And isn't that how a free market system is suppose to work?
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day--2007
Today is father's day and my father's birthday. Last year on this date I posted a refection on him. Today I went on a bike ride. It's a ride I've done before over 3 gaps in north Georgia, but I hadn't been over these 3 since my knee replacements. As our mostly male group started we wished each other a happy father's day. I remembered it was also my father's birthday.
The ride was hard but certainly less painful with new knees. I rode alone most of the ride--couldn't follow my younger friends up the early steep hills but went off the front for a long time after they stopped to fix a flat. I thought of my father a few times during the ride. I remember thinking I never rode a bike with him even though I've ridden since I was 5. My goal was to climb Hog pen without stopping and I made it.
I checked my brother Mark's site and today he posted his reflections on our father. He did a through hike on the Appalachian Trial 5 years ago and thought about our father often. His post was from his memoirs. Today my ride crossed the AT twice and my drive to and from the ride crossed the AT twice. Funny how brothers have similar thoughts in similar places years apart.
The ride was hard but certainly less painful with new knees. I rode alone most of the ride--couldn't follow my younger friends up the early steep hills but went off the front for a long time after they stopped to fix a flat. I thought of my father a few times during the ride. I remember thinking I never rode a bike with him even though I've ridden since I was 5. My goal was to climb Hog pen without stopping and I made it.
I checked my brother Mark's site and today he posted his reflections on our father. He did a through hike on the Appalachian Trial 5 years ago and thought about our father often. His post was from his memoirs. Today my ride crossed the AT twice and my drive to and from the ride crossed the AT twice. Funny how brothers have similar thoughts in similar places years apart.
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