Looking Up - Doner Updates
Beautiful Woodruff, Utah - "Coldest Temps - Warmest Hearts"
Sisters - The Greatest!
As mentioned in a recent post, several of my sisters regularly support the Porpoise. Of course there was the donation a week ago, already covered, and now two others showed up this past week. These guys are great! Always on the leading edge of "cool", my sisters are legends. This year is certainly no exception as they have come through yet again - and in a big way. I believe they have been involved most every year since we started this little effort. As I had mentioned about the previous donation, my sisters have good taste when it comes to the classics. By this I mean - music. Several years ago I wrote of yet another Christmas gift from one of these two sisters - 1978 to be exact. An album I still love to this day - 52nd Street. The other of these two sisters introduced me to Sgt. Peppers - the album that really set me on my way. I would have been like ten years old, but I knew every track on that old vinyl by heart. And now look at me........ Where would I be with out my awesome sisters? Thanks you guys..........
Gentleman Jim and his cooler than cool car....
A long time friend to one of the above mentioned sisters, is this fellow that had perhaps one of the coolest cars in it's time - if not all time. If I remember correctly, this thing was a '67 Impala (I think), with a screaming 427 Cu-In big-block. I got to ride in it a couple times - which was like a trip without compare. That would have been the summer between 6th and 7th grades. Oh yes - and "Grand Funk Railroad, Caught in the Act - Live". Having been exposed to the Chevelle world, I had a basic understanding and maybe an appreciation of what a fantastic automobile this particular machine truly was. And here we are something like 48 years later and the man has jumped in with the Porpoise. I've not seen him in probably close to that many years, but I do remember him as being called "Gentleman Jim". Well, I suppose somethings just stick and I truly appreciate that he has chose to help those who are truly and otherwise in need. Thanks for those rides.........
A darn nice plumber and all around good guy
A man with perhaps more patience than most anyone I have had the pleasure to have worked with over the years. We shared in many a tribulation of the professional world. The term "calm waters run deep" definitely apply here. An all around good "egg" and solid example - this is a guy you want as a friend. I think in the past I had referred to him a a "Bobcat" as he is an old Skyview alum - he is truly the heart, soul and salt of what makes that valley what we "old timers" remember. Loyal to nearly a fault, true to his beliefs and an example of what we all should strive to be in our own lives. He has supported the effort in the past, as he knows all too well the effects of the "Big-C". Thanks Tim! You are still pretty awesome for an old Bob-kitty and devoted Aggie -fan.
A Sparky with flare (and a shine)
It's funny how in the course of our days we run across those people that just seem to always make a difference - in literally everything. WJD is just that guy. A very competent electrician and excellent tradesman, I have learned a lot from him over the past 16 plus years. Again, a regular supporter of the Porpoise and Huntsman, he came through big this year - as that is what he does. Long days go by very quickly when we team up, but we have developed a solid team and operation. Most days we don't have to say what we are thinking, it just happens - as we generally think very much a like. He is also a tremendous endurance athlete in his own right - grinding out some pretty intense events. We share a lot of ideas and bounce questions back and forth, as we both seem to be pointed at the same end goal. I just can't wait to find out what that actually might be. On the other hand..... It is always a good day when I get to work with this guy and owe him a lot. Thanks William! - your secrets are safe with me.
The one that started me into this whole thing
Way back in the the olden days, I teamed up with a structural engineer, working on projects literally all over the world. Occasionally we would travel together, which is a whole series of stories by themselves. Nearly 20 years ago I was in the middle of building a house while working with him on some projects. At that time he was very much into the road-bike thing having successfully conquered "SNOW-TOJA". That was 2005 when a snowstorm blew in, on top of LOTOJA, thinning out nearly 75% of race participants prior to Montpellier. Besides being one of the best engineers I've ever worked with, he is also the smartest bike rider I know. He knows how to read a situation and wait for the best opportunities. He hasn't ridden for several years, but could still drop me on any climb. My first LOTOJA was a success almost exclusively due to his coaching and direction. I had no idea what I was getting into and even thought I was in over my head going into it. He talked me through it and gave me the confidence I needed to get to the end. Over the years we have seen a lot together, with myself as being the beneficiary of many a learning experience. I owe a great deal to TCD and can't thank him enough for all I have been able to accomplish as a result of his direction. You could call him a "boy scout leader", but then again - that might be a little weird. Thanks for showing up again. I'd love to see you out on the road again some day.
One of the gang
Finally, this past week, one of my kids jumped in as well. I know he hasn't a lot to spare, but give he did. He has experienced supporting me as a rider from nearly the beginning. He knows the chaos that this event brings into our home every year as a result. The event is and has always been a family ordeal, but it's not all fun and games. As a family, it is an event, but really not a vacation. He knows what sacrifice and hardship are all about. Incredibly smart, this is a kid with more potential than I could have ever imagined in my life time. Generous beyond explanation, he is a leader of men in the making. It has been a blessing in my life to watch him develop and find his course. How could I be so lucky...... Thanks Mac!
Looking up toward the road home - leaving Woodruff.
Race Week
With only this upcoming week to go, there is a ton to do. The bike needs work, whilst I still need to get some riding in. Packet pickup is Wednesday. The starting groups and frame/bib numbers have been assigned. Our start time is 06:34, with 72 racers in the slot together. There are three different groups starting in this pack, with a ton of experience. There are probably no fewer than 12 of these guys that will be pushing the 10 hour mark - legitimately. There is a chance for a breakaway early - not that it will effect me. For me there is a fine line between hanging on and blowing up. I know where I need to hang on to the main group as long as possible. I just hope I have what it takes to do it. Meanwhile, staying healthy is important. It is too close to risk getting beat-up, or sick from "over cooking". Weather will play a part in final rides and polishing. I've done this enough to know to be careful, but persistent.
Last Ride over the Top - Woodruff
This past week was not as intense as the previous week. Coming off a 300+ mile week, including one trip to Woodruff and the Cache Valley Century, my legs were a little timid Monday morning. Add to that the road construction - and lets just say my confidence was a little shaky. This past Wednesday was the final push over the top, back to Woodruff for a last look at the hard side, before the race. The headwind coming back was a little worse than normal, but it was cool. I had again mixed tires, swapping out the rear Race-Lite from the previous week to a 700-25 "Gator-Skin", I also chose to drop tire pressure a tad bit. The result was much better than Monday, with descent speeds exceeding 45 MPH in several places. Climbing times weren't too bad, just not exceptional either. I stretched the entire day in to an eight-hour ride at rate. By far the longest time in the saddle all season. In the end, it was the right ride for the right day - again. Friday night I hadn't only time for hill intervals. Amazingly, these felt great. Still, only getting my heart rate up 154 in the intervals, with 160 Monday trying to beat the pilot truck through construction. The need to maintain intensity is essential. With a busy work schedule this week, I'm not sure how I'll pull it off - but I will.
SR39, MP 44 outbound - Over the shoulders and across the top.
What's coming next week..........
A couple more posts before race day. There will also be the traditional race morning post. Of course there will also be the "Ode to MP44" - the one thing I look forward to. I have also ran across a HOPE jersey from a few years ago that will be the kit for this year. Expect to see that by weeks end, as it is currently being "adjusted" for flight. A few more things to push through, but we are almost there. I just hope I'm ready - 'cause I have a lot to carry this year.
Did somebody say "Caught in the ACT - LIVE!"?
Ride HARD!
