My participation in the Georgia Chain Gang's 2012 edition of RAAM began several months ago when I agreed to support the team as a crew member. On June 8 my participation began to ramp up as Lynn Teague and I drove 2 of the support vans from Atlanta to Oceanside California. We covered almost 800 miles Saturday and spent the night at my cousin Pat's house in Oklahoma. Very good to see her and Rusty. On Sunday we drove another 800 miles to Flagstaff. Had breakfast with my friend Jennifer Youngberg and then had a comparatively short 500 drive into Oceanside.
Tuesday through Friday were spent helping prepare the vans, picking up the transport vehicle (Dodge Sprinter Van), shuttling arriving team mates from airport, any many other minor tasks. I also had to find time to keep up and get ahead in a summer school class in Human Growth & Development. I took it because it is completely on line and the instructor was kind enough to work with my schedule during RAAM.
Saturday finally arrived which was the day all the teams started the race. The Georgia Chain Gang was the last team to start which gave us plenty of rabbits to chase across the country. We were an 8 person team with 8 crew members and one other person who primarily drove the Sprinter Van. My role was that of navigator in one of the follow vehicles which meant I was responsible for keeping the rider we were following on course by communicating with the driver. We were either following one of the 2 riders assigned to our van or jumping ahead of the other follow vehicle to set up the next rider. We were part of the night shift which meant we worked from 5:00 pm to rough 5:00 am the next morning. Then we piled into the sprinter van hauled ass to a hotel, slept, ate and then caught up with the day shift and started all over again.
I can't remember the towns we slept in but we crossed 12 states from Oceanside CA to Annapolis MD in 6 and 1/2 days. I wrote notes about what worked and perhaps didn't work for us during RAAM:
Crewing for the Georgia Chain Gang in 2012 was an incredible experience for me. I had 4 overall goals going into this and achieved them all. Everyone finished safely without injury (although egos & feelings sometimes suffered), we raised a lot of money for LLS and funds are still coming in, our team had a respectable finishing time, and I learned a great deal about RAAM and the aspects of organizing and moving a team 3000 miles in 6 ½ days. While still fresh here are my observations and reflections on what went well along with suggestions on things we could have done better. While I have had conversations with many crew and riders during and immediately after RAAM these are my own personal opinions. I hope no one takes anything I express here the wrong way; my goal is to help make future RAAM attempts even safer and more successful.
We were fortunate to have 5 individuals on the overall team who had ridden and crewed in 2 previous Georgia Chain Gang RAAM events. Every one of them brought a lot of beneficial experience to our 2012 effort. However, as the event unfolded it seemed like we did not have one individual truly in charge. I believe that once the race starts riders should concentrate on riding and others should be given responsibility for logistics like hotel rooms, food, van organization and who should be riding and for how long.
One area I think could have been organized better were hotels and shift changes. We should have figured out we would normally cover about 500 miles every 24 hours. Given that, hotel rooms and shift changes could have been tentatively set up in towns where the next crew shift could drive to in advance, rest and set up for incoming riders and crew. Incoming folks could then go to same hotel rooms, rest and drive to next location. Coming off a shift and having to drive another 2—4 hours before resting eventually took a toll on crew and riders. Probably unavoidable on the first shift change but could have been more organized in subsequent change overs. It seemed like Jane had to primarily manage this while riding or trying to rest.
I also had the opportunity to arrive 5 days early and help with pre-race preparations. Tony and Jerome did a great job of driving that effort and I was happy to help. Nevertheless my observation was we had to do a lot of running around getting supplies that could have easily been brought out in the 2 vans. Foot stool, extension cords, drill, more coolers, storage containers, blankets, bungee cords are examples of things we should have placed in vans before they left. We also seemed to be short on things like tubes, floor pumps and basic tools that should have been readily available in all 3 vehicles. Steve did a lot of work setting up navigation, filming, and communication efforts. I can’t comment on filming, but as a navigator all I needed was route book and GPS. The invertor/computer generated route mainly got in the way and the walkie talkies were not used in our van after the first 30 miles. A mega phone would have been useful when we had to pull up alongside rider to communicate.
The mini vans along with the Saris bike racks worked very well. One suggestion would be for each shift to have their own cooler and dry food storage containers. That would make shift exchanges more efficient. It would also cut down on some of the food waste and the fact that sometimes crews/riders did not have the supplies they anticipated having on board. If we use this set up again, we should improvise a better way to mount the reflective triangle. The sprinter van also worked fairly well. If we use a van like this again we should consider building out the back to make bike and luggage storage more efficient. This van isn’t a very comfortable vehicle for longer crew/rider transports in my opinion. I could only sleep if in the very back seat in the middle. Maybe I’m the exception but usually I don’t have a problem taking a nap in most vehicles.
I was in van with Lynn, Dave and Lisa. We benefited from Lynn and I caravanning vans across country, along with fact that Dave, Lynn and I knew each other from prior events. Although Lisa was new to us she got lots of technical advice from Dave when neither one of them was actually riding. Dave and I also each had previous crewing experience. The net result was we had an incredible amount of team work and tranquility in our van all week. I’m not sure that was the case in other vans especially once fatigue and sleep deprivation set in later on. In the future I recommend setting up rider/crew assignments early and providing an opportunity for them to actually practice together before RAAM. While this may not be as important for experienced riders/crew, I think it would be very helpful for new riders/crew.
I thought our strategy for making up time in WVA, PA, and MD by staging riders along the route was very sound. However, we should not have attempted this using all riders and crew starting mid-day Friday. While it did make up time on other teams, I think it destroyed crew and rider concentration at a critical time. Some crew and riders got too fatigued to effectively help as we got close to the finish. In my opinion rider safety became seriously compromised AND no one person took charge of maintaining safety over performance during the final portion of the race.
As I mentioned I hope these suggestions are not interpreted as criticisms of anyone. Overall I think everyone had a positive experience. I know I did and look forward to helping organize additional RAAM teams in the future.
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Warren Bruno
My friend Warren Bruno lost his 8 year battle against lymphoma. I met Warren in the early 1990's while working as a volunteer for the Tour de Town bike ride. Back then Warren owned Aunt Charlie's restaurant/bar and we worked together organizing an annual Labor Day ride with races in Buckhead. Ironically proceeds from that event benefited the American Cancer Society. The ride was terminated by ACS because it was not generating more than $100,000 as they became interested only in major fund raisers. The Buckhead Entertainment District also dissolved and Aunt Charlie's closed. I lost track of Warren.
Fast forward to 2005. I'd been coaching the TeamInTraining cycling program several years and training a group cyclists to ride a century in Claxton. One of the team mates was Warren. I learned that he had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin"Lymphoma, but was doing well enough to train. Early on I asked him if he would share his story and he was somewhat reluctant saying "I really don't enjoy talking about it". Before letting the matter rest I mentioned how whenever we had a survivor who was also training it provided a tremendous lift to the team. A short time later Warren told me he would be willing to tell his story. If you knew Warren during the past 7 years you probably know the rest of this story. Warren became an honored hero for that cycling team and several others over the years. He was the inspiration behind the Georgia Chain Gang a cycling team that did RAAM in 2009 and 2010 raising almost $200,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2009 he was the crew chief and had planned to crew again in 2010 before his cancer returned. He is the honored hero for the 2011 edition of the Georgia Chain Gang and riders and crew will no doubt ride and work even harder in honor of his memory. I am a crew member of this year's team and we have already raised over $125,000 for LLS--and still counting.
I have so many memories of Warren, but the one that sticks out the most is the message he sent to our cycling team last year doing Tahoe and Fletcher. Warren had actually trained to do Tahoe but had to bow out just days before the event. He created the "Top 10 Reasons Cancer Is a Blessing". I pasted it here because it is a true measure of the inspiration Warren created in everybody he came in contact with:
10. Your having Cancer gives neighbors and relatives something to talk about at gatherings.
9. Cancer wakes you up to the fact that you are not in charge.
8. Cancer is a daily reminder that life is finite.
7. Having cancer makes your world stand still, enabling you to take the time to see how wonderful life is.
6. Cancer teaches you not to waste time or spirit on trivial matters
5. Cancer drives you to remember people you have shared life with and recall the many trials and joys that make your life so rich.
4. Cancer brought me to TNT, and a wonderful community of caring people working together in support and love working for a cure.(and a great new group to share my tired old jokes with...)
3. Cancer opens your eyes to the good works you have done and the people that you impacted.
2. Cancer is a constant reminder that we are all connected and we are loved.
1. Cancer brings you much, much closer to your family, people you love, and people you care about.
"To try is to live"
Warren Bruno
Godspeed, Warren, I miss you.
Fast forward to 2005. I'd been coaching the TeamInTraining cycling program several years and training a group cyclists to ride a century in Claxton. One of the team mates was Warren. I learned that he had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin"Lymphoma, but was doing well enough to train. Early on I asked him if he would share his story and he was somewhat reluctant saying "I really don't enjoy talking about it". Before letting the matter rest I mentioned how whenever we had a survivor who was also training it provided a tremendous lift to the team. A short time later Warren told me he would be willing to tell his story. If you knew Warren during the past 7 years you probably know the rest of this story. Warren became an honored hero for that cycling team and several others over the years. He was the inspiration behind the Georgia Chain Gang a cycling team that did RAAM in 2009 and 2010 raising almost $200,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2009 he was the crew chief and had planned to crew again in 2010 before his cancer returned. He is the honored hero for the 2011 edition of the Georgia Chain Gang and riders and crew will no doubt ride and work even harder in honor of his memory. I am a crew member of this year's team and we have already raised over $125,000 for LLS--and still counting.
I have so many memories of Warren, but the one that sticks out the most is the message he sent to our cycling team last year doing Tahoe and Fletcher. Warren had actually trained to do Tahoe but had to bow out just days before the event. He created the "Top 10 Reasons Cancer Is a Blessing". I pasted it here because it is a true measure of the inspiration Warren created in everybody he came in contact with:
10. Your having Cancer gives neighbors and relatives something to talk about at gatherings.
9. Cancer wakes you up to the fact that you are not in charge.
8. Cancer is a daily reminder that life is finite.
7. Having cancer makes your world stand still, enabling you to take the time to see how wonderful life is.
6. Cancer teaches you not to waste time or spirit on trivial matters
5. Cancer drives you to remember people you have shared life with and recall the many trials and joys that make your life so rich.
4. Cancer brought me to TNT, and a wonderful community of caring people working together in support and love working for a cure.(and a great new group to share my tired old jokes with...)
3. Cancer opens your eyes to the good works you have done and the people that you impacted.
2. Cancer is a constant reminder that we are all connected and we are loved.
1. Cancer brings you much, much closer to your family, people you love, and people you care about.
"To try is to live"
Warren Bruno
Godspeed, Warren, I miss you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Health Care--Updated
Back in 2009 my post on health care indicated that US health care costs averaged about $7,000 a person. Now when you divide our total health care cost by the population it's around $11,000. I am certain that Obama Care--if left to stand--will dramatically increase these costs
AND there will still be individuals outside this system.
I've been fortunate to have health insurance and now Medicare plus a supplement that for a reasonable price has covered most of the stuff I've been through the past few years. Last year I suffered nerve damage in both hands from a very long bike ride, crashed in Paris-Brest-Paris suffering a fractured right clavicle and then discovering that my rotator cuff in the same shoulder was torn. That led to my second shoulder surgery a few months ago. Besides my health insurance premiums my only out of pocket expenses were the continuous passive movement (CPM) machine post shoulder surgery which Medicare would not cover since I didn't have total shoulder replacement surgery.
So I'm pretty lucky in that over the past few years I've averaged more than $11,000 in medical costs per year without having had to pay anywhere near that amount. But there's no doubt that the American health care system is deeply flawed. I think the biggest single reason is most of us have no real idea just what our own true health care actually costs. Oh yeah, I see huge bills that doctors and hospitals send to my insurance companies, and sometimes I find out how much is actually paid to providers which is sometimes pennies on the dollars. But I have no real skin in the game any more especially now that I'm on Medicare with a supplement.
I do not believe our government can truly reform this system with all the proposals for a national health care system. All the government will do is transfer money among the haves and have nots, and create even more bureaucracy. Until we change the fundamental way medical insurance is administered--plans largely bought through employers that disappear for an individual when changing employment--things are not going to improve the efficiency of the system. Notice I also just referred to the issue as medical insurance. It's not really health care because most folks have to encounter a potential medical problem before they claim a benefit.
For many individuals there's no health care dollar incentive to follow a reasonably healthy life style. Look at how many Americans are obese, smoke, or make other unhealthy choices. Many Americans are ready to crucify insurance companies for the premiums being charged but how many of these same folks don't take charge of controllable health habits? And if we're going to eliminate the ability to charge for any pre-existing conditions then perhaps we should simply do away with insurance companies and have the government bill everyone $11,000 a year. That would be a nice extra with holding from our pay checks wouldn't it?
Bottom line: when individuals have more skin in the game and tax free incentives to take better care of themselves health care will get much healthier.
AND there will still be individuals outside this system.
I've been fortunate to have health insurance and now Medicare plus a supplement that for a reasonable price has covered most of the stuff I've been through the past few years. Last year I suffered nerve damage in both hands from a very long bike ride, crashed in Paris-Brest-Paris suffering a fractured right clavicle and then discovering that my rotator cuff in the same shoulder was torn. That led to my second shoulder surgery a few months ago. Besides my health insurance premiums my only out of pocket expenses were the continuous passive movement (CPM) machine post shoulder surgery which Medicare would not cover since I didn't have total shoulder replacement surgery.
So I'm pretty lucky in that over the past few years I've averaged more than $11,000 in medical costs per year without having had to pay anywhere near that amount. But there's no doubt that the American health care system is deeply flawed. I think the biggest single reason is most of us have no real idea just what our own true health care actually costs. Oh yeah, I see huge bills that doctors and hospitals send to my insurance companies, and sometimes I find out how much is actually paid to providers which is sometimes pennies on the dollars. But I have no real skin in the game any more especially now that I'm on Medicare with a supplement.
I do not believe our government can truly reform this system with all the proposals for a national health care system. All the government will do is transfer money among the haves and have nots, and create even more bureaucracy. Until we change the fundamental way medical insurance is administered--plans largely bought through employers that disappear for an individual when changing employment--things are not going to improve the efficiency of the system. Notice I also just referred to the issue as medical insurance. It's not really health care because most folks have to encounter a potential medical problem before they claim a benefit.
For many individuals there's no health care dollar incentive to follow a reasonably healthy life style. Look at how many Americans are obese, smoke, or make other unhealthy choices. Many Americans are ready to crucify insurance companies for the premiums being charged but how many of these same folks don't take charge of controllable health habits? And if we're going to eliminate the ability to charge for any pre-existing conditions then perhaps we should simply do away with insurance companies and have the government bill everyone $11,000 a year. That would be a nice extra with holding from our pay checks wouldn't it?
Bottom line: when individuals have more skin in the game and tax free incentives to take better care of themselves health care will get much healthier.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Shoulder Surgery Update
The shoulder surgery I had on December 27th turned out to be one step above shoulder replacement. My supraspinatis (one of the rotator cuff tendons) was reattached using a cadaver tendon and my biceps tendon was also reattached. Physical therapy has been hard and painful but after 2 months the PT guy said I was where most people having this specific procedure would be after 6 months.
I was able to get back on the road cycling after 4 weeks although could not ride more than about 25 miles before it fatigued. I was able to keep my streak of consecutive months doing at least one ride of 200 kilometers by completing a brevet on February 18. My January brevet was actualy a pre-ride done a few days before surgery but I got credit for it on the actual brevet date of January 1. According to the Randonuearing rules that's legal.
Last Wednesday my physical therapist sugested I just continue doing the exercises on my own at home. He estimates it will still take another 4-6 months of hard work to get back to normal and I may never get complete range of motion raising my arm straight up but should get close. Right now I'd be happy with a pain free joint.
I was able to get back on the road cycling after 4 weeks although could not ride more than about 25 miles before it fatigued. I was able to keep my streak of consecutive months doing at least one ride of 200 kilometers by completing a brevet on February 18. My January brevet was actualy a pre-ride done a few days before surgery but I got credit for it on the actual brevet date of January 1. According to the Randonuearing rules that's legal.
Last Wednesday my physical therapist sugested I just continue doing the exercises on my own at home. He estimates it will still take another 4-6 months of hard work to get back to normal and I may never get complete range of motion raising my arm straight up but should get close. Right now I'd be happy with a pain free joint.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Colege Once Again
Last summer a friend who is a retired professor at Georgia State University told me about a program where Georgia residents over 62 years old can attend any public college or university tuition free. I knew that Georgia State offered classes in exercise science that would qualify for the continuing education credit I need to maintain my USA Cycling Coach license. In order to qualify for this program I had to apply as a transfer student to GSU and request my transcript from the University of Richmond be sent to their admission office. As a GSU 62 transfer student I am exempt from tuition but have to buy text books and pay applicable lab fees. The cavet is I cannot register for any classes until the first day of class.
Once accepted I was asked what degree and major I planned to persue. I advised them I would work toward a BS in exercise science and started planning for the spring semester. However, several weeks before the semester every single exercise science class was already closed. I visited with my assigned faculty adviser who looked over my transcript and suggested I start by taking the only two "core classes" I still needed. Once I was in the system and had completed those classes she said it would be possible to get into the exercise science classes.
So here I am taking US History and a Computer Skills Course. As the semester draws to a close I'm on track to get an A in History. As for Computer Skills which is completely on line I received all possible points on graded assignments but only 8/12 points on the quiz. We'll see how the rest of the assignments go but I think I'll do fairly well.
Once accepted I was asked what degree and major I planned to persue. I advised them I would work toward a BS in exercise science and started planning for the spring semester. However, several weeks before the semester every single exercise science class was already closed. I visited with my assigned faculty adviser who looked over my transcript and suggested I start by taking the only two "core classes" I still needed. Once I was in the system and had completed those classes she said it would be possible to get into the exercise science classes.
So here I am taking US History and a Computer Skills Course. As the semester draws to a close I'm on track to get an A in History. As for Computer Skills which is completely on line I received all possible points on graded assignments but only 8/12 points on the quiz. We'll see how the rest of the assignments go but I think I'll do fairly well.
Friday, December 23, 2011
HEADING TO SURGERY
On December 27 I'll have my 11th orthopedic surgery (second on my right shoulder). On my follow up doctor visit after my accident in France an MRI revealed a torn rotator cuff. I had similar surgery in 2004 and although I was back riding on the road in 4 weeks the rehabilitation took a very long time. In an effort to continue my 200 + km streak I had scheduled surgery for 12/15 and then completed a 200 km brevet earlier in December. However during my pre-op visit, I was advised the surgery had to be moved to 12/27. The reason: since they plan to take fascialata from a cadaver's leg to help re-build the superspanatis the procedure has to be done in the hospital instead of a surgical center--thanks to Medicare. I suppose I shouldn't complain since my out of pocket expenses are nil--except for the $250/month I pay for medicare and a supplement.
So imy streak was in jeopardy since it would have been pretty near impossible to get back on a bike for 200 km ride next month. But fate intervened: Kevin Kaiser the Regional Brevet Administrator reminded me that by pre-riding his Augusta brevet within 15 days of the event date I could get credit for the ride ON THE EVENT DATE OF 01/01/2012. So last Sunday I rode the event route with 3 other RUSA members. My shoulder hurt enough to keep me from a normal pace as evidenced by fact that on 01/01/2011 I did this exact route almost 60 minutes faster on a single speed bike where it rained for the last 2 hours. Nevertheless, I'll have until the end of February to complete another 200 km event. That's my goal which gives me something to aim at (yeh, I know one's not suppose to end a sentence with a proposition).
So imy streak was in jeopardy since it would have been pretty near impossible to get back on a bike for 200 km ride next month. But fate intervened: Kevin Kaiser the Regional Brevet Administrator reminded me that by pre-riding his Augusta brevet within 15 days of the event date I could get credit for the ride ON THE EVENT DATE OF 01/01/2012. So last Sunday I rode the event route with 3 other RUSA members. My shoulder hurt enough to keep me from a normal pace as evidenced by fact that on 01/01/2011 I did this exact route almost 60 minutes faster on a single speed bike where it rained for the last 2 hours. Nevertheless, I'll have until the end of February to complete another 200 km event. That's my goal which gives me something to aim at (yeh, I know one's not suppose to end a sentence with a proposition).
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Sober Thoughts
My last drink was almost 15 months ago (450 days as I write this). I stopped because it was destroying the most important relationship in my life. Back then I thought that would salvage things, but it did not. As time went by I realized there's more to quitting drinking than just not drinking and this journey became about me and my life. It became clear to me that after 45 + years I had no control over alcohol. The refrain in a recent Kenny Chesney song is so true for me "....one is one too many, one more is never enough..."
I go to an AA meeting at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3. I was reluctant to attend these at first but a good friend who's well down the recovery road told me that in the beginning just don't drink and go to AA meetings. He also suggested I find meetings where there were regular attendees with many years of sobriety so that's what I did. The best thing I get from AA meetings is the fellowship of folks willing to share their experiences and listen to me share mine. The thing I haven't been able to embrace is their 12 step program which just has too much of turn things over to a higher power. I strongly believe that it is my responsibility to deal with this issue--not rely on a spiritual being to somehow share responsibility. So I developed my own set of guidelines for dealing with this. I didn't number them because there is no real order--they are all inter-related.
Realized and admitted to myself that I could not control alcohol and that created problems in my life.
Decided that for me the only way to resolve this is total abstinence from alcohol and physical sobriety can only be achieved by taking it one day at a time. Also physical sobriety is my most important priority no matter what happens in my life.
Determined that I am solely responsible for taking action, but that support and friendships can help. So be receptive to the fellowship, strength, hope and experience of others going through this process and be willing to share my experiences with them.
As I evaluate my life, identify people I may have harmed by my action or inaction even if alcohol was not always a factor. Make amends to them whenever possible.
I go to an AA meeting at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3. I was reluctant to attend these at first but a good friend who's well down the recovery road told me that in the beginning just don't drink and go to AA meetings. He also suggested I find meetings where there were regular attendees with many years of sobriety so that's what I did. The best thing I get from AA meetings is the fellowship of folks willing to share their experiences and listen to me share mine. The thing I haven't been able to embrace is their 12 step program which just has too much of turn things over to a higher power. I strongly believe that it is my responsibility to deal with this issue--not rely on a spiritual being to somehow share responsibility. So I developed my own set of guidelines for dealing with this. I didn't number them because there is no real order--they are all inter-related.
Realized and admitted to myself that I could not control alcohol and that created problems in my life.
Decided that for me the only way to resolve this is total abstinence from alcohol and physical sobriety can only be achieved by taking it one day at a time. Also physical sobriety is my most important priority no matter what happens in my life.
Determined that I am solely responsible for taking action, but that support and friendships can help. So be receptive to the fellowship, strength, hope and experience of others going through this process and be willing to share my experiences with them.
As I evaluate my life, identify people I may have harmed by my action or inaction even if alcohol was not always a factor. Make amends to them whenever possible.
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Streak Continues
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.
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.
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.
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