Wow. Killer weather!!

Went out for 3o on the Fuji Cross yesterday - things were PERFECT! Had a nice headwind first half, sustained killer pace on the way home. Felt like I never had really been that out of shape. Got 'er done at avg. pace of 15+ mph. Loved every gravel hilly minute. Considering my next 'cross race. Got some speedwork in today hoping to beef up a little, and maybe not get lapped next time. We'll see.

I'm remiss with photos, eh? I'll get some going soon. Did get a couple cool shots out on the gravel yesterday.

Sean, Steve and I ride tomorrow at Banner Creek at 0800. We're taking the mountain rigs, and plan to get very muddy and hopefully very tired. Need the work!

Micah.

TI v.6

If I can get my postcard in before the 75th is otherwise received by G-Ted, I'm going to do it!

This ride is on the bucket list, and there is no time like the present. If I wait until the time is right, my prostate will be big enough to replace the seat on my bike.

I'll be Fed-Ex-ing the postcard on the 20th!

Micah.

Trans-Iowa

Cyclocross!

Who knew I'd enjoy it? I did my first event at the encouragement of a friend, at the last minute, this weekend. Hadn't ridden for the better part of 3 weeks, and even then, not intently. Sucked wind, swore to myself, felt like dropping out of the race, and finished after being lapped by 3-4 riders. Had a BLAST!

It was great to get thrown in again. I'm motivated and riding again, too. Went 16 on gravel during lunch break yesterday - really hammered it, and it flowed, felt great. Averaged something like 17 mph the whole way, even in crummy shape. Digging it again - hope it sticks.

So - the dream lives. Hoodoo 500 in Aug. 2010??????? If I can get the bucks together, the legs will take me there!

Amy's Ride.

Amy is Earl Johnston's daughter, and she'll be riding in honor of her father at an event in the near future in Kansas City. The event is actually held as a fundraiser for the Kansas City AIDS Service Foundation, and Amy will also be riding in honor of her uncle who passed away in 2003 from complications related to AIDS.

As a former memeber of the Topeka AIDS Foundation, I can't tell you how much just putting your name on a donation means to those who've been affected by this disease, and it'll be just that much more meaningful to support Amy - who has her whole family in mind.

I'm certain that any and all would be welcome to raise funds and join the festivities as well.

Ride smart and ride a long, long way.

Getting back in shape.

The hip is feeling much more stable. I've started riding (a little) and running again. I'm feeling bulky and awkward, but the flow is coming back more quickly than I'd thought it would.

Not sure yet about any events. The Warrior Challenge is coming up, and some friends (WHO AREN'T TRAINING YET) want to do it. We'll see. Wouldn't mind trying this but my wife has me committed to putting in a new bathroom that very weekend. Fair enough. The project has been waiting for a long time. Anyway, I'll be back on the Fuji Cross soon.

Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend, and remembering what a great country we're in.

Micah.

Beautiful Morning!

We've had some intense heat here lately, so to have a morning be 75 degrees with a northerly breeze was a great thing. A good friend and I rode out Kestrel road this am to State Line Rd., then came south the 1/2 mile or so to the site. Wasn't a ceremonious event really, we placed the memorial, spent a few quiet minutes listening to the breeze and birds. We enjoyed our kinship with cyclists all over, and thought about Earl and his family. We got back on the bikes, and enjoyed our earned tailwind for a flowing hilly ride home.

Ride on!

Micah.




This is taken from the shoulder of the road at mile marker 105 on Highway 73.
I'm eager to see how it looks when the trimmed grass greens up again.

I visited the site tonight - to see where the memorial will go. It is almost exactly at mile marker 105. Sunday, I'll plan on leaving Hiawatha, heading north at about 8:15 am, plan to be there easily by 9:00. Probably won't stay long. Anyone is welcome to come along. The round trip will be about 23 miles, and we'll go at an easy pace. If you'd like to meet us there, that'd be fine, but please park well into the shoulder.

Earl's obituary and some wonderful tributes can be found here: http://www.porterfuneralhome.com/obituary_detail.php?id=55347

Micah.