Bittersweet day...

I took off on the 29'er with the new rubber and man did it make a difference. I hadn't rode in almost two weeks, but rode the farthest yet last night. 9.1 miles in 0:50:28, 10.82 mph average. I felt as good as I ever did and it really makes me wonder if it's the tires or what. The course yesterday was all blacktop, with several long climbs, but everything just seemed to work.

I can also say, I have officially fallen off my bike. I've had my clip in pedals for several rides now, and honestly thought it wouldn't be a problem getting out if needed. Well yesterday I had stopped for a second and took off with my left shoe not clipped. I kept screwin' with it and eventually my heel got against the tire and stopped me on the edge of the black top, and boom! I'm in the ditch. Luckily no scrapes, and most of all no one saw me!!!

While on the ride, my Dad sent me a text that his little Jack Russell terrier, Mazy had came home. She'd been gone for a couple of days, and we were starting to worry maybe the coyotes had bushwhacked her. But he said she just came running around the house last night like nothing had ever happened!

Got home and felt really good, worked on Kody's bike to ready for qualifier this weekend. Noticed several police vehicles flying South on 57, but never gave it much thought. Later found out, a old family friend had taken his life. I'm not even sure where Phil was at, and the police vehicles may have been for something else, but the time frame is close.

Phil Wiseman Jr. aka... Lil' Phil had grown up next to us when I lived at home and we still talked when we saw each other, back and forth on Facebook some. In fact he came to Mom's funeral and I remembered how much he'd grown over the years. He was a helluva man now, big, strong, several cool tats, but still flashing that mischievous, shit eatin' grin he always had. His Dad and my Dad were good friends through archery and bow hunting, and basically just a good neighbor.

Not sure what all went on in Lil' Phil's life yesterday, but it sounds like he had just gotten married and everything went to shit in just a few short weeks. He posted a farewell message on his Facebook page which makes it worse to so many people. A lot of his friends are just wondering, why he didn't call. I think there is a country song called "Glad you Called" right now that's pretty popular, too bad he wasn't listening to that! He leaves behind a loving Mom and Dad, a sister, extended families, a kid and tons of friends.

It's really ashamed when something like this happens, you have to wonder, what could have been done to stop it, but in the end it was a "rational" decision by an "irrational" person at that particular minute. He'd had enough, and know he's gone.

Rest in peace, young man, rest in peace.

April...my own worst enemy!

Well April has came and gone, and I believe I rode a grand total of 4 times. I did have a lot going on this month, but that shouldn't be a excuse. I have also come to the understanding I am my own worst enemy. While working out of the office I had a control situation where I brought food, fruit, etc... everyday and ate a lot better than now. I'm currently working out in the field doing inspection work on a construction job. It is so easy just to stop every morning and grab coffee, ho-ho's or a breakfast sandwich. Lunch is no better, although I have used the local Subway a few times.

I lost a couple weeks of riding do to some family obligations like moving my mother-in-laws trailer, plus we have started mowing the cemetery again, which unfortunately is becoming a 2 or 3 night job every other week, but still I could find some time to ride.

I have made a few changes to the old 29'er. I bought some road tires to try out on her. I just got the different tubes last night and will be hitting the asphalt again tonight. Hopefully she'll roll a little better!

Haven't really talked much to the "office" guys since being out in the field. They were my silent support group of sorts and didn't even know it. I know Brian bought a new road bike and has rode some, but as far as Aaron and Swab, who knows. I'm sure it won't take much to get the trip back in everyone's blood, but it does make it a little harder, at least for me, being alone all the time.

I'll try and post up some commentary on tonight's voyage here soon!