Velojuice

I'm sorry if you are voting for her you are an idiot

2008-10-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Riding and Running

2008-09-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

This is why.

Cat Fight!

2008-09-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Time to strap it on. CCCX this weekend. Somebody needs to inform my legs legs however. Rollin with the Champ down to Ord. Should be good test of the fitness. What I need is some good track fighting, one left....I may be there. I loves me some good cat fights.....

New favorite video - Hit me

2008-09-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

Back in the game

2008-09-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

No reason its just the season and I feel the need....more like an urge. waiting for the fruit to ripen like the peach that springs to life along the taste highway of my mind. Its coming and there is no looking back....hell yeah.

French Toast the way it was meant to be

2008-02-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

Long time no Blog. CX is over, tri/mtb season is coming. Gotta new tri machine that you will just have to wait to see, but it is sweet. Spent way to much $$$ on it, but like all junkies "I got a great deal". It is slightly delayed however cause the ALchemist hit the deck on a training ride and busted his pelvis in three places. Yeah, ouch brother, I feel for you, believe me. So, I may have to wrench that thing myself.....could get ugly.

Rode with DP and the Champ today, then went to the Champ's house and watched CX world's with a bunch of the crew. Drank some Duvel, and watched the new face of CX ride to victory. I must admit, it was hard to see the Belgies take one on the chin, but the Boom-Albert battles next year are going to be epic. I am tired of the rain, wished it would have been here about 6 weeks ago.

Going to have to get my act together, off season is over. Time to step away from the dessert tray and get on the bike and stuff.

MAy have to flip a coin on the Obama - Hillary deal. That is a tough one, I have a hard time watching Bill without thinking about him going prom night in the oval office. I mean I know a dudes gotta get some, but i just c an't get past that. Oh well, not sure, but it will be nice to see the Repubes get there ass handed to them. You got to be kidding me, McCain, the Morman and who else? Seriously a freaking Morman?? guess he'll win Utah. I hope O and Hill go Pres - VP, don't care who gets what, but a Afro-Am and a female runnin' shit. That would put white sheet crew on high alert. Too funny, maybe things will get straightened out.

Frickin paid $10 for a margarita tonight. I can't believe that. crappy food too. Oh well.

Speed Boat from the 70's

2008-01-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how a couple guys in a 70's speedboat that they bought at a garage sale in Arizona then had it shipped to Iran can possibly be a threat to World Security? I mean give these morons credit for having balls big enough to drive that twin Merc powered piece o' shit excuse for a Navy ship towards the US fleet. Sweet Jesus. I guess the wind must have been up and they couldn't ski so they said " Hey, let's go screw with that US Destroyer". Kind of like an Iranian version of Jackass.

Worlds best youtube action

2008-01-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Stolen from HTATBL which was stolen from someone else of course

Hell on wheels and on EPO

2007-12-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

Been watching "hell on wheels". It is a documentary about the 100th tour and the T-Mobile team. I actually thought it was pretty good, except as I watch Lance, Tyler, Floyd, Rolf,Erik and Verenque I couldn't stop thinking about how doped out those cats are. Ohter than that it was interesting to see, a little mellow-dramatic though. Beats watching Desperate Housewives or whatever else is on.

I am putting the new Tri bike together. A Cervelo P3C, got a ripping deal. But I am still spending way to much money to get it all dialed, but I am getting a great deal.........keep repeating, keep repeating..

Doing the double this weekend. We are getting to the end so I guess I should milk it for all its worth. Might be able to grab some low hanging fruit as DP would say. Fine by me. I have been getting my ass kicked so much, a little low hanging fruit would taste good right about now. That is it. Happy New year all!!

Where to begin?

2007-12-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

Well, last weekend was a blast/bust. At districts I got the hole shot for the first time, I figured I had nothing to lose on this race so I tried to go aggressive and see what happened. Well of course I went into the red after 1 1/2 laps. I hung around with Mr. Watson and with two to go we caught up to Cortes and Tao, with all of us coming into the finish together. I had done a lot of chasing to bring them back so my legs were gone for the sprint, I came in 3rd in the group and 10th overall. Not bad I suppose. Met some cool cats from the wintery land of Minnesota. Husband and wife team, both firefighters, both ass-kicking CX riders. Nice to see the brotherhood/sisterhood from afar and CXers to boot. Very cool. They are doing a cross county CX trek and will be at nationals this weekend. Good luck guys! Here is a link to there adventures

Sunday my legs were on fire! However, the usual chaos that is the BASP start once again proved my undoing by some over zealous CX zombie. I had a great start fifth wheel to the top of the start hill. Just as I was thanking Amithabuddha for the uneventful start I felt/heard my rear carbon wheel getting munched. I got going again and my wheel was still rolling but badly damaged. I called for a bike and my main man G Sauce ran down to get ready. I made a bike change chased back on, the back up bike was not running well, so I made another after my wheel got changed out only to find the rear was flat. To make a long story only slightly longer, ended up doing five bike changes two dropped chains and several bobbles because I mentally was unhinged after all of that. Hats off to G Sauce and G Raw, G Raw gets the teammate of the year award for sacrificing his bike euro style when he saw me going FUBAR. My legs felt the best the have all season but after all the problems I lost motivation. Glen waited and pulled me around the course when I really wanted to cash it in and head for the keg. Not sure where I ended up, but series overall put me at 11th! I can't believe it because I sucked in the entire BASP series. My carbon wheel was broken all the way through the rim, and I don't know how it held up for a whole lap. Oh well. I don't think I will be playing with carbon on the CX bike anymore, that could get expensive. My highlight of the day was jumping in the frigid bay with JJ, nobody else would do the polar bear swim, so we had a father and son bay brain freeze swim. I love that kid! He also finished all 5 BASP races! That's my boy. I will post up a swim pic when it comes in.

The team had a great day with the killer B's stacked on the podium and the ladies representing on the podium as well in their first season. A40 exceeded anyone's expectation this year and next year will be even better. I am in the hunt in the CCCX series, so with two to go I can salvage my season some what.

Don't even get me started about work. Good luck to all at Nat's my money is on my man Gannon the canon. Go get em'

peace

Back from Space

2007-12-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

Got on VN today, sweet...
http://velonews.com/race/cyc/articles/13756.0.html

Ok, so you have to scroll to the bottom, but it is there if you look. Had some legs finally, and some luck. It was one of the most tactical races that I have been in. There were barriers before the S/F and I hopped them Sven Nys style the last three laps and it ended up making the difference in catching Brij for 4th. We had a group of about 8-10 guys the whole race. Pretty fun, but I also felt good in the legs so that is nice. I just hope BASP goes well this weekend. That champ broke his fibula, or cracked it or something. He thinks he may be able to salvage things if he can walk on it. Dude is crazy, but dude is also a lumberjack so he knows how to man up.

All is well for now, till my fragile ego breaks again after a mediocre performance. That is CX, CX is that. Rock on.

Fill 'er up sucker

2007-11-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

So, $200 a barrel eh? I am sure the straw house of Motown is glad to hear that. I am not trying to sat these are some good guys, you can thank W for giving them Harry Potter's power wand. And if you think Hillary is the answer, then we are all doomed to $6.00 a gallon, and don't think that shit ain't gonna happen. If we didn't need the sweet ebony crude to power our traffic jammed, solo driver, hummer lovin' asses around, these chumps would be hawking crack at the Mercado in Caracas and pimping opium and the the Tehran rave clubs. Seriously people. You want to blame someone blame yourself, we let W go on a 8 year John Wayne Gacy tear and drive this bitch straight into the ground. There isn't a democrat out there right now who could unmolest us from 8 years of prison love. Bums me out, we're are giving the kids a shit sandwich.

Not sure how this is going to play out, but these two dudes can't wait to see us on our knees as the dollar vaporizes and they say "sorry I got some in your hair, ha ha ha ".

Check it from C&L.

Oh yeah, CX not so good right now.

Later,
VJ

The long and winding road

2007-11-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

McClaren has come and gone and once again I enjoyed what is arguably one of the harder CX races of the year. Lots of up, (running and riding) and lots of tricky down hill. I got a decent start, my legs came around but were not 100%. I had my best ever BASP race coming in at 12th. I felt that I could have been further up on a better day, but I have no complaints. I must say that the Flexus are working well and that I am not really impressed Mr. Dugast. I know that may sound like blasphemy, but that has been my experience. The start was mellow for a change, except EA was going agro and yelling at everyone and bulldozing his way through the field. Only to get passed half a lap later. I asked him about it afterward, I said what was up with the start you were going off? He said "I was?". I thought it was funny anyway.

Little man had a good race, just to finish that race was huge. He did, and he has done all three BASP's so far. I am the proud dad.

I started a little pot stirring today. I should have known better but, there were many complaints about people warming up and interfering with the racers. This has been going on for a while, but come on. Enough is enough. We have three women and one junior in that race and not one of them said anything about it. At some point they will shut the entire course down. Anyway, seems like people were being sensitve, but there are some crosstards out there who don't known what they are doing and get in the way of the racers and screw things up for everyone else. Anyway, I didn't make any friends but I wasn't trying to rub people the wrong way. Whatever. I am not sure why the BASP races always generate the most complaints about stuff. Anyway, our ladies rocked again! Anthony was on his way to another win in the B's and got a flat with 1 1/2 to go and had to run half of the course. Great Beer and BBQ as well. That's it for now. Might be racing in L.A. this weekend. We'll see.

Peace,
VJ

Tell me I am at the bottom

2007-10-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am hoping whatever is going on is working itself out of my system. My legs were shit again this weekend. Nothing like a' bloc and mechanicals to take you down a peg or twenty. When I looked at the results I know I could have easily been in the top 7, at least top 10. Things are quite FUBAR and I am not sure if the answer is rest or work, sooooo..... On with the mystery, when the legs do come around I am going for blood. I must say that the 35A starts have been deadly carnage, time to stop the madness. Later.

VJ

Sucks

2007-10-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today, I sucked. I had a rightous start position but out of the gate three times people decided to flop in front of me. My legs felt like dog squeeze as well. I finally felt better with about 3 to go. By then all was lost and I was fighting for a 16th or so spot. The bright side is that the team rocked hard and A.C. won the B's and DP took a top ten as well. The ladies were on today also, and Courtney should rack up her first win soon, after a rough start to day she almost won. Beautiful day today but I think the BASP is a cured series for me. Today I sucked at the teet of the CX gods.

I think I am trying to get sick, maybe that is what is going on. Stella gotta get his groove back before next week, cause shit is ON. That is all can do tonight. I need to get to bed a shake this mess out of me.

Late
VJ

Double the CX Pleasure

2007-10-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I think I rode till my yes were bleeding. Well, maybe not but I think that was the hardest I have ever rode during a cross race. Manage to find my way into the select front group with Coats, Kramer Myall, Maile, and Troy Barry. Made it for a lap and a half, then couldn't hang on. From there I opened a 20 second gap on the group behind and for the next 35 minutes I rode solo between the two. Maile dropped out of the front group so I was riding for 5th. The guys behind were coming on strong and with one to go one of them bridged up. I towed him around for half a lap then asked for some help. Once I started sniffing the finish I didn't want to lose my covetous 5th, so broke out a sprint and he didn't respond so that was that.

For the first lap I had to pinch myself at being in the front. I had the Champ right in front of me and I can't remember the last time that has happened. I should be sitting pretty good for the Norcal cup.

Saturday at CCCX I had a good race with a stacked field. Brought home a 7th and made up 3 spots in the last 300 meters. Seems like I am on good form right now, just hope it keeps going the right direction. The training session I had with the Master on tuesday paid off bug time. I called him and said thanks, he seemed surprised but appreciative. I got to bro him out with some euro CX porn. I think I may try to get together with him again soon, cause that shit works. Sometimes you have to go to the mountain top to get wisdom from the Master.

OV was there too with the RL crew. I know they are the Indie team, but for Indies they have the biggest team out there now. Good peeps though. Props to Keith and Rich for putting together two of the best courses I have ridden on. Way to go guys. Back to the real world tomorrow. Spent some serious time in the car with the Champ this weekend. Seems like we have been going to races together for so long it almost seems natural. It just seems to work.

Time for some R&R. Oh yeah, my homie Toddco and the Becktator made it out to the race, always good to see my shaka bro, I even introduced him to the Champ. Good Times.

Thanks to Tommy F for the pic!

Ciao,
VJ

Why I like cyclingnews

2007-10-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Long time no post. Yeah I know. No time and all that BS. Anyway, I made the homepage of CN! I should have done a print screen and posted it but this one is what I could find to day. Oh well, it was a shot of my backside going over the barriers at BASP#1. A race that was a total disaster. Well at least I got it out of the way. It was cool being on the front of CN one day then P. Bettini was there. That is friggin cool. I wasn't the only one who had a bad BASP. The champ had a meltdown because of a crappy pit set up. Many people had flats and what not. I guess during a whole season of cross you have to expect a bad race or two.....or three.

This weekend I get two call ups, that is sweet. CCCX #3 on sat, and Sac CX on sun. I am looking forward to it. Next BASP though, I am out for blood. Speaking of blood, I got it to some mid-race rumble with Mr. 45+ mid pack dude who thought he was going to give me the Belgie treatment, sorry bro, ain't happening. I am the nicest guy, but you try to run me over and then scream at me like my wife, well, then it is UFC time. Dude came up to me after the race and gave me about two words from his pie hole, then I went Operation CX Overlord on him. Not one of my better moments, I hate negativity, but I had broken my chain earlier on and rode my way through the pack the whole race. Then I come up on this guy and he wants to keep me from passing, which is reasonable enough, except I sat on his wheel for half a lap waiting to find a good place to pass. whatever.... I had Jim "Giro" Gentes on my wheel as well and I didn't want to flounder in front of him. He was cool however. Dude has been around the block a few times and knows how to ride cross.

OV was there riding in the A's, crazy ass mofo, that guy could pound you with one clavicle tied behind his back! Speaking of clavicle, AJM rebroke his, trying to go s over barriers while he was running around the course after he had crushed the A's for the win. To bad.

Went out for Champ camp today, felt like I gave him a challenge today. That does not happen to much so I got to take it where I can. I love this weather, early mud is a good sign. The cross Gods are happy and smiling down on us. Life is good. Now time to go clean the bike.

Peace

Chuck F*ing Norris

2007-09-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas.

Benny Hill

2007-07-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... the good old days. Remember him in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Seriously.......

2007-07-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

So this cyclist walks into a pharmacy and says Doctor............... You have got to be kidding me, can this be a bigger joke. All of us have been kicked in the nuts again.

A Reason to Blog

2007-06-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Next time you think you are doing something noble and great, or you think you are a great Dad, think about this guy. I am sure he has had his imperfect moments along the way, but next time you complain about doing your training, or about how hard that marathon was, think about this guy. Just the fact that he did it once, but how many Ironman's he has done (8) or how about going 2:40 at Boston (1992)?, that is just insane. The most amazing thing is that he chose without hesitation to not give up on his son, that it was just being a father. So when things get rough, and playing ball with the kids in the yard sounds like too much, think about this guy If this does not inspire you, then you should check your pulse and start CPR on yourself. Happy Father's Day Dick, keep on rolling.

[From Sports Illustrated, By Rick Reilly]

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay For their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.

But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in Marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a Wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and Pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars--all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back Mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. On a bike. Makes Taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much--except save his life.
This love story began in Winchester , Mass. , 43 years ago, when Rick Was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him Brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life;'' Dick says doctors told him And his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. ``Put him in an Institution.''

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes Followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the Engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was Anything to help the boy communicate. ``No way,'' Dick says he was told. ``There's nothing going on in his brain.''

"Tell him a joke,'' Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a Lot was going on in his brain. Rigged up with a computer that allowed Him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his Head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? ``Go Bruins!'' And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the School organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, ``Dad, I want To do that.''

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described ``porker'' who never ran More than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he Tried. ``Then it was me who was handicapped,'' Dick says. ``I was sore For two weeks.''

That day changed Rick's life. ``Dad,'' he typed, ``when we were running, It felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!''

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly Shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

``No way,'' Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a Single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few Years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then They found a way to get into the race Officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the Qualifying time for Boston the following year.

Then somebody said, ``Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?''

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he Was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick Tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii . It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud Getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you Think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? ``No way,'' he says. Dick does it purely for ``the awesome feeling'' he gets seeing Rick with A cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best Time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992--only 35 minutes off the world Record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to Be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the Time.

``No question about it,'' Rick types. ``My dad is the Father of the Century.''

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a Mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries Was 95% clogged. ``If you hadn't been in such great shape,'' One doctor told him, ``you probably would've died 15 years ago.'' So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass. , always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

``The thing I'd most like,'' Rick types, ``is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.''

And the video is below....

Genius

2007-04-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Worth every cent that this kids parents spent on college.

Some Days.....

2007-04-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

Some days tiredness sets in like a winter cold day, you feel it in your bones. Things aren't working out the way you want, you go to your bi-polar crystal ball and see all of the neuroses coming true. These are the days where there is not enough red wine in the bottle. More than likely one of those days you weren't able to get on the bike and every other racer has. Shyte. Got to turn this train wreck around, tomorrow the sun will rise, the pawn will move one space forward.

Back to reality

2007-04-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Back from Kauai. Bummer. Going on vacation always depresses me. It make me realize how much chaos is in my life and that it really doesn't matter cause life goes on when you are not there. I guess until the bills come due anyway. There were 13 of us, my two best friends and their families. It was a blast cause we took over every resturant and airplane. Patron and poker every night, free mai tais on tuesdays and thursdays, sweet. Check out the $1 board shorts I scored at the Hawaiian garage sale. That was the coolest.

I have to say that flying in our post 9/11 world sucks. The flight attendants treated us like crap, and they looked miserable the whole time. Can't say I blame them though. Flying today seems like Greyhound in the 70's. Anyway, I am still on island time and can't get out of bed till 9.

Saw this over at C&L about Lee Iococca.

"Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, "Stay the course."

Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America, not the damned Titanic. I'll give you a sound bite: Throw the bums out! "

Pretty cool. I can't believe some people are still drinking the cool aid.

Sea Otter is this weekend. Unless you are racing that place is a zoo. Should be a lot of cool racing action, I can't motivate to go there.

I still need to post on my Xterra event two weeks ago. That is a story for another day. Anyway, another rambling post, sorry.

TTFN

View from the rear

2007-03-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well this is the view I had all day. And that was when I was close enough to even see it. Did a monster workout with The Champ today. I can't give details as I have been sworn to secrecy. All I can say is that pain was dished out in generous heapings and Elvis says hello. Finally after 3+ hours I said uncle, and hobbled home knowing full well that he was not done and was letting me off easy. So I went home and did a long hilly run to balance out the lactic acid slate. Anyway, 4.5 hours all told. I finally gave in tonight and had some well deserved cap't crunch. I know, I know, old habits die hard, and I am young at heart. Well time to put the jittery legs to bed. Zzzzzzzz

God I miss the man show

2007-03-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

At least when it was the real man show. This is good stuff, and this is on sunset blvd, I know cause I am socal through and through!

Ckeck it out Classic Man Show clip.

Fallen Brother

2007-03-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know Jordi very well but have crossed it up with him many times. I read some bad news about him over at the bummer life. Check it out. Heal quick J.

Dog Diggity

2007-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hit the dog today, midday at the dog is the best. Trails free of others plenty of time to reflect then go "oh shit" cause you you were "reflecting" and almost drove it into a great big hole. Anyway, it kept me on my toes. This weekend was full of delving into the vast inner reaches of my psyche and trying to figure it all out. Kind of like going into a bad neighborhood at night, not the best idea but sometimes the only way to get to your destination. After two days at the firehouse it felt good to throw the MTB around a get a little muddy, plus it was windy and cold which makes for a long solo road ride.

I have still not reconciled myself to the aging process, this past week it became apparent to me that things are as they are (surprise!) and that going against that grain in the oak wood of life can cause things to slow down considerably and force a true consideration of what exactly it is you are looking, hoping, craving for. Well I still don't know and as I dig out of this hole I wonder what is at the top. Hmmm. Keep digging, keep digging.

Intimacy

2007-03-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

The human touch
needed more often than not
given less often than needed
infrequent as time goes on

When given however
it can light the soul
give belief in the intangible it
can be the poison apple

Can be the distractor
for the soul searcher
the piece de resistance
the all day smile

The yearn is so deep
the craving so strong
shall I take the bite?
perhaps........

Ride like the wind

2007-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

FInally shook the cobwebs off this weekend. While everyone was in the valley doing the racy race thing, I was going to Pescy and up hwy 1 for 5 1/2 hours....solo. Thats a long grind by oneself, and alot of inner conversation (read talking to oneself) that amounts to reflection and much dribble. The weather was awesome, and I was was just diggin' the Cali scene, man, we are so lucky. I hit Montara with the tank on E and only had $2 on me. I bought the biggest nastiest pastry I could, enjoyed every bite, which was about 3, and headed out for the last two hours into a bloc headwind and crawled home.

Cleaned out the frig when I got home, then went to see Ghost Rider with the little man who is not so little anymore. It is hard to believe Nick Cage as a superhero. Even a tortured soul super hero. Little man had fun though.

Finished off the weekend with a ride with the champ and the Le Matin boys. Actually felt ok, well I survived anyway. Now it is back to our regularly scheduled non stop work week, if you call 90 hours this week and one day off till next tuesday. Damn, when is that mega lotto thingy....

Reason for hope

2007-02-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

Saul

Super Freaky

2007-02-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, well I have never been one to harp on the negative and I know everyone is high on the TOC right now. I am totally geeked as well, reading the minute by minute, blow by blow account on Cyclingnews. Yes I am trying to get that live video thingy to work but so far no go. Must be a mac hater issue. Anyway, here is the point. There is too much BS going on right now in our sport. I mean no Paris-Nice? For the love of Dog, what is going on. Ullrich giving DNA but not allowing them to cross check it with the evidence? I mean we are talking CSI: Peleton style. Even the TOC is having controversy with crashes and placings. No linkage needed you know where to go. Let's just get back to racing Please! And now for something really disturbing, check this out.

I still can't believe we are swallowing this

2007-02-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

Be careful the truth may set you free.....and piss you off something fierce

Wake me up!!

2007-02-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

OMG! you are not going to believe it.

As a cyclist and as cycling fan you dream of seeing the the big boys racing. The cool euros with power to spare and looking good while doing. Every year we watch the tour and try to explain our sport to the burger crowd. But the dream of someday seeing them is something all of us quietly ponder, just like a 16 year old, with cut out pictures from magazines that we can't read, of Eddy and Bernard.

Well today the cycling dream happened. I was at work at at firehouse, when my captain, who is also a cycling freak started yelling and screaming. I ran out to him, and he said the Rabobank, and Liuqigas team just rode by! Yeah right, did Santa and the easter bunny ride by on their TT bikes too? No really he said.

So we jumped in the fire enigne, after I grabbed my camera of course and we took off afteer them. About a quarter miloe away there they were! About 20 or so of them just crusing up the hill! Most prominent of all was the Rainbow jersey of Paulo Bettini. I could not beleive it! I was all giggly like a schoolgirl. There were riding right past our station. Finally after following them for a while we went past them a ways pasrked got out and waved to them, yelled some psuedo Italiano and while we were taking pictures of them they were taking pictures of us! I can't believe it. It was so funny, something you would never imagine in your wildest dreams. I will post the pics soon.

VJ

Crossalicious

2007-02-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

1 - I don't think Richard was happy with his race.2 - Sven is proving once again that he is the strongest ride, as long as it's not World's
3 - JP has hit a new level, that and he was pissed that his wrench got in a Belgian gang fight. You know the kind, "my waffle is bigger than yours"4 - What is up with Trebon?
5 - Yes, cross is still going on, only the hard core know about it, or care.

6 - Vervecken...... ummm well, at least he had one good race.

7 - 2007 the year of Altezza 40

Dear Joe, quit now......

2007-01-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Joe Biden trying to fish his shoe from his mouth again. Dude, save your money, don't divide the party. There is no way you will even make it past Iowa. You are racist. This is not the first time, you have offended an entire ethinc group. Give it up now. A least you'll be able to keep the house in the gated white community. Jackass.

If you don't believe me watch this clip.

Spank you very much

2007-01-30T19:27:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a tough one, with services for Kathy on saturday and family gatherings on sunday, I was really ready to burn off some steam by pounding myself into lactic acid purgetory. Started with a "tempo run" on sunday for 6 miles. First time I have run 6 miles since "the come back". Anyway, the last three were LT pace, snot flying and everything. My knees felt like they had rocks in them when I got done, but that was only a preview of things to come.

Today, with the leg soreness fully peaking from the run, I decided to go do the nooner and then some climbing afterwards. Right out of the gate I could tell I was going to have to fake it for as long as possible, cause my legs were in the infirmary.

Dave Wyandt was out on his cross bike! I don't think anyone has told him that the season is over, but that was a manly ride. I guess it made it easier for hacks like me to hang as long as possible, cause he was off the front alot just drilling it. I made it to Alpine for the second time, and was 100m from staying on over the top but people were popping like kettle corn at the county fair and I couldn't keep covering the gaps. I got spanked hard, by the bike gods and rolled on in my lonely shame. No matter, I was done anyway.

I rode to OLH to do a "tempo" climb. HA!!!! That was a joke, I could barely get the pedals over and struggled to the top like an asthmatic grandma. Seemed like it took an hour or so, ok, not that slow, but it felt like it. Well, of course headwind all the way home, legs just sizzled. Perfect... Just another beautiful day on the bike. Which is not happening enough right now. Pain let you know you are alive, and right now I am just singing that Pearl Jam song, "I'm still alive"

Gonna go hit the Wassail right now, got three left and I am going to enjoy every drop.

Be here now,
VJ

Tail of two dogs

2007-01-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

Rode "the Dog" yesterday. First time I have mounted the MTB steed since the infamous "blood on the trail" ride their last year. The MTB needs a tune up and I had to stop every 15 minutes to make some tweaks but all in all it was good. No crashes. Today was a run and out to the noon ride for the first timw in 5 months. The non ride is the same, it hasn't changed in 20 years. Early season squrrelyness, so I rode at the front to stay out of trouble. The champ was even out after his triumphant return from Belgie.

Seems like the CX bikes are going into hibernation for the rest of the year. I am going to have withdrawls. I won't make the last race, as we are having services for Kathy on saturday and there will plenty of relatives here to entertain.

We were going to give Kathy's dog "Mr. Pup" away, nobody wanted to keep him, and with my no more quadrapeds rule I was not about to consider it. But, I couldn't bear to give him away, and I know that Kathy would not want that to happen. Anyway we spent a day together things went well, he is smaller than the rabbit and is pretty well behaved and he is hypoallergenic,. Anyway, now we have two quadrapeds.

How can you resist a face like that. I couldn't

Kathy Hynes 1942 - 2007

2007-01-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

Is it time litle bird, is today the day?

Yes, yes it is.........

Goodnight Beautiful One

2007-01-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today they took Kathy off the fluids. Which means we are down to days now. I thought I was doing well. Supporting the mrs. and all. The last two days though have not gone so well. The mule kick to the gut doesn't seem to go away and all I can think about is why I am being so self centered. I have tried to put some metta meditation her way, in the hopes that she goes peacefully, but right now she is hurting. I have been able to have some good conversation with her the last couple days, I told her I will take care of her daughter and grandkids. We talked about all the memories, and cried alot. I turn into a blubbering mess everytime I think anout it.

I think she sees the end now, and I will miss her more than I can comprehend right now. It is only now hitting me how much for some reason. My narrow little view of the world... I never saw it coming, didn't see the big hole that will be in our lives now. The one grandparent that we couldn't afford to lose..... great, I could go on about that issue for a while but I won't. I have tried to plunge myself into work or into a workout to try to avoid the pain. The concept of sitting with the pain is hard. It is easier to sit and try to breath in her pain and breath out love to her.

It is hard not be angry and start kicking the shit out of things. It is just to sad. I will miss you Kathy, and i am only just beginning to realize how much. Thank you for accpeting me without judgement and only showing me love. Many more tears to come.....that I do know.

It's all the rage.

2007-01-04T21:09:00.000-08:00

Pretty funny, here is episode #1, catch #2 on youtube. Thanks furious.

setting sun

2006-12-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

My mother in law took a turn for the worse today. Chances are she won't wake out of the narcotic haze that is keeping her out of excruciating pain. She had surgery today, and there is so much cancer inside, and it is growing so fast that they can't even keep up with it. It seems to be a matter of days, before something fails. This vibrant woman will soon be gone and the effects will ripple across the universe. She will be remembered. I would love to write about cross and all that, because it is life for me. But, this woman who went with me to get the engagement ring for my wife 19 years ago, who has embraced and accepted me, who is not perfect, and has made some wrong turns in her life, loved so openly that the loss will create a void in a land where love lost is impossible to replace. Life, is here, and gone.

Is today the day birdy? And I smile.

Inside

2006-12-20T20:22:00.000-08:00

The world is so far away,
I'm tucked in shell
wondering if I should come out
To the sight and sound

Dull senses and overload
all at the same time
Sleeping it all away
Putting it off for another day

Wake up spitting
It's the venom
that is anger
that makes me see red

And crawl back inside

The Mud, The Fashion

2006-12-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

This weekend was the oozing blood of cross, the seat of the soul. Epic courses which brought out the real crossers. Brought down an 8th at Surf City and a 5th at CCCX. The A40 crew was out in style. I had some epic battles out there, and of course the obligatory poison oak. Only this time was a first, poison oak in the eye lid, fun..... Anyway, little man raced at CCCX and as you can see got the pro treatment from DP, what a stud, first race of the season and he hits the baddest ass course, slippin and sliding having a blast. He is concerned about finishing last. I told him don't worry, some day he will be rockin'. Little Miss was out as well, and I must say, she gave me the most rightous bike change I have had all season. She was awesome, we had a blast! It is nice when it all comes together, to reward them we went to Krispy Kreme on the way home. Well, I may have had one or two. Now it is back to reality, this is the first chance I have had to get to the blog. Thingas are a little crazy. Oh well, the pics say it all.

The Blood The Passion

2006-12-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

This pass weekend is what cyclocross is all about. The weather was not very cross like but the scene was awesome. The course was hard and challenging. Reward the risk takers and slap down the tenderfoot. That is what it is all about. I learned that Hernando is intimidated. That blows me away, the guy has more jous d' vie than most people, and after a mechanical he came by me and all I could do is watch the train go by and battle it out with my other midpack cohorts. The champ rode a sunday casual to another district crown, and still found fault. Hoefer marking The Brit Ironman all the way to the wire. BJM looking sweet with the chops and glasses, and floating through the sand to easy V. JRob the ultimate athlete not having a great season, but keeping the perspective and seeing the big picture with a heart of gold. The BBQ scene was beautiful. As I was able to sit back and see my real teammates enjoy the smack talk, the brats, the beer, I realized why I wait all year for CX season. It's fun. Pure and simple. The reason I training like an idiot, pouring on intervals stair runs over week, only to fight it out in obscurity in the heart of the bell's curve. Watching it all unfold, the beauty, the chaos, the smiles, the uncertainty, the moment. I curl up my fist, to keep it all in, but it goes faster than I can keep it.

I am wide awake, I am not sleeping

God I love youtube

2006-11-30T23:13:00.000-08:00

Weary from the weekend

2006-11-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

Golden Gate was another epic parcours. Tricky, fast and of course hard. The whole weekend was a blur though. It started with my mother in law going to the hospital friday for an intestinal blockage, saturday going to my daughter's soccer tournament in Morgan Hill and watching two games. Half way throughthe tournament we found out that my mother in law has stage 4 colon cancer.

It is amazing how life stops and starts all at the same time when stuff like that happens. I am at a loss right now. She is one of those people who has an amazing capacity to hand out love like candy on haloween. She is not perfect, but who is? She loves her family with nothing held back. I am sure she will be surronded by love through the whole process. And we are not sure what that means yet. Cross your fingers. Say prayers. Burn incense.

Sunday, I managed to get to GG park for the race. I got a good start went into the first turn in the top ten. Made it past the bottle neck. Felt okay, my bike handling seemed to be going well. I tried to chase people down. I must have been running top 15 about half way through. I saw the flying Scotsman, who had a ripping start that comes with a front row call up. I managed to get to him with half a lap to go. I was following Tim T's wheel. We approached the rooty uphill section. I managed to ride it everytime, but Tim bobbled and put his foot down, so of course I had to as well. From there I had to watch the flying Scot fly away. There was not enough course to bring him back. I had used all my matches getting up to him, but I could not muster the effort to bring Tim back either. Oh well. I felt good, got 12th, again, top ten soon. Had to bail right after to go back down to Morgan Hill to watch the finish of the soccer tournament. Lots of miles under the wheels this weekend.

I am a little numb right now.

14 years ago today three of my family members were murdered.

Rest in peace. I miss you Dad, bro and Jeanie.

Tell someone close you love them and hold them tight,

right now.

Damn Dog Tired

2006-11-15T20:47:00.001-08:00

I dont' know if it is the CX withdrawls or the fact that I have had two days of hard rides, followed by late night sessions on the bathroom remodel. Damn, I am tired. I had a big story planned about how I am having DT's over not racing last weekend. But, I am just too tired to talk about it. GGCX sounds fun. Weeeee. Maybe tomorrow I will get fired up. I am getting a haircut and going to the DMV. Shyte, as OV would say. Might as well get a root canal while I am at it. The mrs. test drove the uber green machine tonight. Her lease expires soon. So I guess we will be certified NoCal greenie weenies. Cool car though. I wonder if she will let me put a bike rackon it? Hmmmmm. One more beer than off to bed. Sweet dreams, I'll be thinking of you.

VJ

About time

2006-11-13T18:23:00.001-08:00

I have been an Ali G fan for a while but the whole Borat thing was getting out of control. Does the guy ever stop being Borat? Gotta love New York Straight up R E A L.
"Baron Cohen Attacked
Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen was attacked in New York City last week after playing a prank on a passerby while in character as Kazakh journalist Borat.

The star was on his way to a dinner date with his actor friend Hugh Laurie, after they had both appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

Cohen approached the man and asked, "I like your clothings. Are nice. Please may I buying? I want have sex with it."

The man responded by punching Cohen in the face repeatedly.

Laurie was forced to step in and push the man away, so Cohen could escape.

A source tells British newspaper The Sun, "Sacha is very lucky he didn't get a much worse beating."

Oh yeah, the Ali G movie sucked, I bet you didn't even know there was one.

VJ

Hump Day Bloggage

2006-11-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

I've been busier than Rumsfeld's moving company lately, just buried at work. I haven't even posted scribblins from BASP #3. Well let's do that first. Tom "the voice" Simpson rolled out one of the more sadistic courses that I've seen in a while. This thing was brutal, same area as the DFL, but less drug addicts and more hills. Three seperate climbing sections with sketchy decents that go into a high speed 180 turn. That and a redwood tree slalom course that Alberto Tomba would appreciate. So, not exactly my type of course, though I am not sure what "my" kind of course is yet. I got a nice slot in the grid on the second row, when the gun went off a hole opened up after about 50 meters. I blasted through it as we hit the first grass section. The next part was two barriers followed by a steep run up. I hit the barriers at full tilt, shouldered the bike looked up and saw only 4 people ahead of me. Oh shizzle! Now what, I am not used to being at the working end of the race this season, but there I was. I tried not to panic or blow my self up trying to hold my spot. I let a few guys go by like Alan Coats, Steve Rainey. Coming down the second decent I was on Chris D's (who ended up winning) wheel, which was actually cool because homeboy is like butter on that bike. He was so smooth, and watching him pick his lines was good for me to learn from. Unfortunately it didn't last that long and he was gome. Coming into the flat section I lost a chain, which took me off Greg Regan's wheel, but I was back up quickly. I had to deal with the PV trio almost all race. The flying Scotsman, Foxy Feix, and Greg "the terminator" Regan. All three good guys, but serious gamers. Three laps in I was on Tom's wheel headed down the second decent, and we were flying, there were rocks and roots jumping out from everywhere, and I backed off a little from his wheel just to be safe, two seconds later, he went flying through the air, over the tape and down the hill. I thought he was dead, but I didn't stop cause, well, it's racing and I was doing all I could to keep from crashing myself. He ended up DNF but not seriously hurt.

Anyway, I saw the scotsman up ahead with Brij and decided that with one to go I wanted to bring them back. Well, things worked out for a change and low and behold I was on their wheel. On the last climb Brij made a move to the front and I comtemplated an attack when they slowed up just a tad, but I hesitated and stayed put in third spot. We made the sharp left and my bike came to a stop. I looked down and Mr. Dugast had rolled off the rim. Shit! I looked back and saw the Buy Cell duo coming up on me, I put the wheel back on and started going knowing that one sharp turn and I was done. Well, long story short, I never caught Brij and the Scot, but I held off the duo to get 12th for a second week in row. Brij got 10th and I was only off 30 seconds from 8th. So the dream of a top ten may not be too far off. We will see. I am always surprised when you are dwelling in the pain cave, how many people are with you. It's just dark in there and you can't always see them. Next week......bring the mud!

Rode with "The Champ" yesterday. Yeah, right. I am feeling a little run down and that is not a good combination. I was seeing Elvis all over out there. Training with him is a lesson in humilty, that never seems to end. I can't ever imagine being up with him in a race, cause he always seems to make it look easy as he rolls away and I am blown, heaving over my handlebars. Oh well. He gave me the skinny on the USGP CX swing through Colorado. Sounds a little crazy with over 100 starters each race. He gave me the scoop on the road season. I may be a strawberry for road season. We will see. Not sure how much RR I will be doing though. I need a team though. The weather is cooling off. Time to get real. I will be sitting in a class all day tomorrow. So I have to get after it today.

Election news, republinazis get their ass kicked film at 11. Rumsfeld is gone finally. I guess that little war thing ain't going so well. Leiberman won, great now he can ride the fence with impunity. Jackass. 87 and 85 lost. Oh well. Global warming, no big deal. Cancer, no big deal. People need to drive their Hummers and Suburban's and damn it we just can't have them new fangled energy sources. I love the Bush speak, or monosyllabic babble. I hate politics. Ugh. I am glad we can stop talking about for another two years. At least 90 didn't pass. I guess that neocon thing was just a pasing phase, losers. Got to go time for a nap.

Later,
VJ

Surf City Silliness

2006-10-30T17:43:00.000-08:00

Before you start, scroll down start the youtube so you have theme music. Then come back here to read.

Well, I have to say that the Bella's and Co. have outdone themselves. Sunday's Surf City CX was the most fun I have had at a race this year by far. I know the course got changed, Blah, Blah, Blah. I thought it was great though. The swirl was soooo cool. The run up was great if you like run ups, if not than you probably hated it. I thought the course was fast, but you had to be able to handle your bike for sure. So here is how the 35A race went.

Drove to the race 6:30am with the Champ and SuperLex. Got in a solid warmup, 5 or so laps. The course was tricky, and had lots of grass, something we never see around here. The water sponges around here are so protected like family jewels that running a cross race over them is a cardinal sin. But, oh yeah, they grow back. I love grass, and there was a swirl in the par course which was awesome. You had to be there to understand it. Anyway, the approach to the runup was real bumpy, and the runup it self was a long, steep mofo.

So, start time, they do the call up, the champ goes first then the rest of the heads of state. Except for one of the berry boys. The rest of us crush to the front to claim our valuable real estate. "Casey the ref" calls out the instructions, and then the missing berry boy who was apparently doing yoga or something in the back starts to worm his way through thestarting grid, "excuse me, let me through". He gets right in front of me and he is not even on his bike! Casey says "10 seconds". Oh shit, are you kidding me? Does he get on his bike? NO! does he even look ready? NO! Whistle goes off and dude starts running! WTF? So I try to get around him and start squeezing through the madness. Strawberry boy starts yelling at everyone like " let me through!" Dude welcome to the middle of the pack scrum, there is no love there.

The first barriers are packed and I come off of the bike elbows flying trying to make it through, I end up flailing through them well back in the field. I start pickiing my way through and pass a bunch of people. I was with Richy Italiano again on the first runup, I decide to blast up it and pass as many people as possible on it. Finally get into a good spot going into the speedway section of the course. Feeling good, by the way, did I mention I built up the new team frame. It was working perfect! And I have two bikes now, so of course I had no mechanicals. I got into a good group with Murray, Eric B, Ceaser and Chirs D. I noticed that on the runup Murray was hurting, so I tried to push a little bit to keep him honest. Ceaser had a mechanical and dropped out, Chris is still in the hurt locker with an injury and also DNF'd.

I managed to get away from them for a while but I ended up with Eric B for a while, then with a lap and a half to go he got a gap and I could not bring him back. He stayed about 10 seconds up at the finish. I manage to hold off some chasers to finish 12th! Finally, a decent result, and the fitness is almost back to normal. 9 and 10 were only a few seconds ahead of Eric so I am encouraged about getting a top ten before the season ends.

Forecast is for rain this week and the weather is getting cold. That can only mean one thing. Real Freaking Cross Weather!! Bring it on. It is about time. The big bays will be in Colorado this weekend, so I may be able to poach a top ten. we will see. The costume race was hilarious. Seeing OV in the bumble bee outfit made me laugh so hard. I kept hearing that bumble bee song in my head, "No Rain" by Blind Melon. Still singing it today. OV can have that effect on people.

Cyclocrossboy but on quite the spread this weekend, he has vaulted to elite status cause he brought Ommegang Ale. That stuff is the best beer I have had, and I have had alot. I am glad I drove, or else i would have a serious hangover today. The ale was flowing in generous amounts yesterday. There is much to blog on but I need to get some work done. What a weekend.

Peace,
VJ

In case you needed to know

2006-10-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

Can't breath feel like drowning? Kinda like cross racing, I guess it's not so bad. * The CIA uses cellophane wrap, I wonder if it is cling wrap? Hmmm...... I like that they blame it on the Spanish too.

Get my sh$t together!

2006-10-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

OK, the rust has been officially kicked off. I have had three mediocre races filled with mechanicals and what not. It is time to put the CZ demons behind me and start getting my shit together. I would like to feel good about one race, cause these last two have been all about letting people have a free ride. Not anymore! Time to start kicking some ass! I got my new frame and am in the process of putting that bad boy together, so next week it will be a new bike and a new attitude suckas. Let me just say, that thing is NICE! Stay tuned for pics of the bling.
I got another good start, slotting myself in the top 15, keeping an eye on things. I was keeping the gas pedal to the floor, when the funniest thing started to happen, my seat post was shrinking about 2 cm. each lap. By lap 3 it was a circus bike and I was screaming for a wrench, which I shoved into my skinsuit, where it promptly went down to my chamois. Well that won't last for long. I picked a nice slow place on the course, which was at the top of the run up and went to madly wrenching on the seat post. Got going again only to find that it was about 5cm to high, I could barely reach the pedals! Stop again lower it down, get going only now it is cockeyed. Oh well, that's fine, got to stop the bleeding somehow. Got passed by so many people that I had no idea where I was. All I know is that I rode with Richy Italiano for the last two laps. We traded pulls around the course as I attempted to stay on his technically superior wheel, it was a good push for me. Anyway, on the long stretch of pavement coming to the finish I figure that I should lead it out and try to come off the rocks in front, stomp on the gas, and, hold him off for the last 100m. Everything worked great till about 20m to go, he comes into me with his arm at 35mph and nips me by 1/4 of a wheel. Insult to injury, oh well, he is a good guy. Besides I matched my result from last week at a paltry 24th. Got a good work out though. Next week I will have two bikes and the form is coming, I can feel it oozing from all parts of me....Well the good parts anyway.

That's my boy!

I brought little man to the race, which was a little distracting, but he is pretty good at being self sufficient, in his own 10 old warped perception kind of way. As I rushed out of the house I did not think to pack any food. No problem. Not only did he pack his own cash (from god knows where) but he took it upon himself to go and buy two bags of corn chips and two sodas. Not for us to share but just for him. He also had a gift for me after the race as well. He handed me a box which on the top read, To: Dad - From: Love your son. I opened the box and inside was a Pilarcitos Bay Area Super Prestige beer glass. No tell me how can that not bring a tear to your eye? So the conversation went something like this - "Hey buddy? Where did you get the money for the glass?" "Um, I got it from your wallet" "Cool". Well, the intention was good, got to love that kid! Did I mention that he also helped himself to a redbull? Mom was not to happy about that, but hey, the kid has survival skills, and next time I won't forget to pack a lunch.

TTFN

VJ

Ripped it off from SWOBO

2006-10-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Who ripped it off from youtube and so on....

CX update and all things Cruz

2006-10-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

The Surf Sity race on sunday was rocking. I brought the whole famdamily. Which was cool but it added to prerace stress. dealing with potty breaks and all. The good news is that my legs finally showed up, unfortunately my bike did not. Here is a readers D of how the race went.

1 - Bellas + Olaf + Jeff Clark = kick ass race enviro

2 - Broken seat 10 minutes before start sucks

3 - Getting a seat and quick change from my rightous bro Chris D is ass kicking cool! Thanks!

4 - Breaking three chain ring bolts and turning the small ring into a taco sucks!

5- After all that still finished better than last week = cool

6 - Training partner winning 35A race = bitchin'

7 - Felt good, killin it on the run ups

8 - Finishing like I could have gone 3 more laps + cool

9 - Look out next week.

10 - no ten sorry

What a great event, after that I took the family to SC pier. The Cruz always has a stroy to tell. Mine is this. Sitting on the beach with the Mrs. and kids running around having a great time. All is good. Until....... the kids were playing under the pier, all the sudden I see water gushing from underneath it. I go over there, a fire sprinkler head has been broken. Well 2+2=4 which means the little man was playing Curious George again.
Damn. Off in the distance I hear the siren call of in bound fire rigs. Okay, time for little man to pay the piper. I brought him kicking and crying to them to explain what happened and had the captain give him a little sit down. That was fun. Well enough of the lovely Cruz, we've done enough damage for one day.

Yesterday rode with Mr. CX Natwick for a couple hours. That guy just oozes cross, and i was licking it up. Spent most of the day in the attic fixing stuff in the bathroom remodel. (Yes I am still Working on it, it's cross season, what do you expect?) Today I had jury duty. This is some funny stuff, but I save that for another post. Just know that i got picked to be on the jury. HA! Believe it or not I am looking forward to that, shouold be a hoot. Stay tuned.

VJ

Because the D rocks

2006-10-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

MOFO

2006-10-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well CX season got off in earnest on sunday with the bumpiest course I have ever been on. Lots of babble on how bumpy it was, but hey, get used to it. It's cross people. Expect the unexpected. The same badasses still win and the rest of us suffer like mofos. Same as it ever was. Typical norcal early season cross. You like real cross weather? Real cross courses? When all of you fair weather CXer's have dismantled your precious scandium, dugast laden dirt benzos, my man DG will be putting on the Peak Season races. DG does it right. Sweet courses and who cares about the weather. It seems everyone wants to fold up shop and prepare for the coveted early bird crit anschluss. I can never figure that one out. Besides that fact the crits are a little ho hum for me. So save your medical bills and show up for peak season.

Nice to see all the familiar faces this weekend. The never aging Nobleman killing it on a cheery picking weekend. OV getting off and smiling the whole way. 35 A's was brutal, I got caught behind a crash 50 meters out of the gate then another going into the first barriers, then again just past them at the 180 turn around. Once I got going I felt ok, no power, but ok. I had a great week of training but I was riding a' bloc. Oh well. Going through the velo was fun, Dave G taking care of me with some H2O, Thanks Dave! I have a lot of improvement to make up but I will get there soon enough.

Went out with the champ yesterday, felt a little scratch in my throat nothing major though, yet. We rode through some illegal stuff in an undiclosed location, uh hem. Well we got lost and it turned into a 3 hours CX/MTB/HIKE that seem to go all uphill. I know the training with him will pay off, I am just not sure when, and if my body can put up with it long enough.

After that, the little scratch turned into a full on, can't swallow feel like crap fest. Slept for 10 hours, woke up, felt like crap again. Thought about going for a ride, my body said " I don't know what you thinking about fool, but my ass is going back to bed". So I did. Looks like to day is a day off. Mostly.

I am not sure I can even muster up the energy to comment on the current state of affairs our country is in. Seems like everybody is driving too fast, in to big of a car, to care about anything else. Locked up in there own personal oyster. They just don't realize everyone else is peering in, like its a fish bowl. Seems like such a lonely place sometimes. Thank God for CX!

Props to CP for snapping some quality pics, even though he is getting a papparatzi attitude. Should be O.N. this weekend with all the peeps back from the east side show down. I heard they had 125 starters in the 35A field back there. Damn! Oh well, time for the vege chicken soup.

Late. VJ.

Kickin ass Takin' scalps

2006-09-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well it was hard to quell the cross jones yesterday. I had to work, so that is that. The legs still feel flat from the week of pain, but I can feel the form coming. Heard from the champ, he manage to cruise to an easy 35+ win, with the berries boys going 1 -2. Sounds like Hernando is working out the CX bugs as well but no one can say it better than he can so check his blog out. I started my morning of no cross early with a five mile run. This is the first time I have run that far since the accident so I took it real slow like, and tried not to get baited into a alpha male anerobic slug fest. Luckily it was just a nice easy gallop, and a "mornin" to all the fine folks. After that I went to work ,committed to doing deathervals in the afternoon as penenance for not racing. Somehow the afternoon got away from me and my ass was appreciating the chair. Not that I was slacking I just had work to catch up on and my legs were nice and happy not doing anything after that run. Well today is a new day, I am getting ready right now to go face to face with the deathervals. So there!

My worky wingman Hermanito has been in a funk, seems he went on a 26 year old girl who hung herself. Kind of puts it into perspective, very tragic. The first time you see stuff like that it messes with your head, after 22 years of doing it your head is just messed up all the time.

Seems like the time is right for a good wildland fire. We have been chasing down the phantom grass fire all day. The weather and time of year is just right. Besides we are due for another Oakland Hills fire. That one was nasty, still have scars to show for it. Let's hope we make it through.

If you missed the Clinton interview on Fox, that was classic, this is a QT video (you really shuold be using an apple anyway). The Fox people have no soul, and are so weasely and predictable it is pathetic. Okay, I know Willie was not able to control his hormones but I would rather have a horny guy with a soul for a president than a low low IQ having, redneck good ol' boy, monosyllabic primate for one. Whatever. Check it out though. What the hell is waterboarding anyway?

Feed the cross monkey please! DFL wednesday!

VJ

Pretty Pain Prose

2006-09-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Went to DFL last night. Decided to go at the last minute. I was suppose to watch the kids and chill at home, but..... I brought little man with me, he was my "crew", the princess went to soccer then hung out at home while the old lady was at school, or so I thought. Anyway, after doing a two hour interval and starts cross ride, I figured what the hell it's just DFL. Famous last words. Got there 2 minutes before the start, no warm up no course preview, just riding blind! Pure DFL style. Anyway, the interval session earlier was barking at me and I kept thinking what Hernando said 85%, 85%. That was about all I could handle. It is always good to shake the bike around a little bit to make sure nothing is falling off. I dropped a chain on the first lap, the handle bars started to move around by lap 4. Oh well, now I can get it all wired and ready for CCCX this weekend hopefully. I broke out the swiss miss outfit, and I must say that I look pretty good in a dress. It is hard to take yourself serious when you are going anerobic in a dress, epecially when you have to do laps across the basketball court through the home boys game. I am not sure what they thought but it was epic SF style. T

he first few CX races is like old home week, you see everyone for the first time since last season, and seeing most of them in drag is kind of funny. Il Falconer better known as Max Throttle has the unibomber look going on and he is blowin up for sure. He looked great and killed a very large DFL field that included some serious talent. Funkmiester wes there, as was Snead, I think. The Swobo and DFL crew were out in full force, Brad was even riding a cross bike with gears! By the end I was bearly walking up most of the run ups. The legs were gone. Good times though. Maybe next week I can sneak out again. Don't tell the old lady.

The bad news was that the old lady beat me back to the house. Bummer, I had some 'splaining to do. It was worth it. Today I thought about doing the nooner and the legs were not happy, especially after running for 30 minutes with the academy in the morning. I rallied though, and managed a decent ride, made it up and over the college on the back end of the group. Not bad! Well I hope to make it to CCCX but it may not happen, depends on work. Time to put the head to bed, tomorrow is a recovery day! I get to work on the bathroom remodel that has been going on for four months. It never ends.

Oh yeah, you had to love Bush getting ripped by Ugo and having Ugo bust out the Noam book. That was classic. If every other country hates you, you may want to check and see if it isn't you that is the asshole. W seriously bugs me. That and his approval rating is up. WTF??? Who did that poll? I am waiting to see the sponsor of that one. "Brought to you by the good people at High Times magazine". Come on. 2008 can't come fast enough. Bring on the night sweats.

Later,
VJ

Slow Mo

2006-09-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Been a little slow on the blog stuff. Just trying to keep my head above water and try to stay in shape. Got some good miles in the past few days. I may be able to salvage cross season yet. A little reality check though. Respect to the AV rider who was killed by a druck criver on the noon ride last friday. First hand accounts say that the driver was going 60 mph down old page and hit the AV guy head on. Dude rolls his car get out with a beer bottle in his hand. Hippstar was first to get there. I don't know how he did not go off on the driver. Man, that is messed up. My condolances go to his family. Life is short my friends. Live today.

I am slowly getting bikes out of my garage. Sold the green weenie to my bro in law. Got some CX bikes for sale put them up on the NCNCA list. A little fall cleaning makes the wife happy. Well now I am tired. Time to go rest. This blog sucked! Oh well I will try harder next time.

Floating through time

2006-08-30T17:19:00.000-07:00

Look into the future
But go no where
Smile to the memories
Though choose to make new ones
right now

The pain inside
Where is it from?
All it takes is eight steps
From four corners take a deep breath
Right now

Holding out my beggars bowl
It is filled with humility
and patience
If I should choose
to partake
Right now

I hear that sound
and then that thought
before I can grasp
I let go
and go on
Right now.....

Tunnel at the end of the light

2006-08-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well, cross season is slipping through my hands like the sands of time my friends. After my altercation with the trails last week I then proceeded to wreck my knee something good after trying to go Prefontaine on the track. I was putting in some run time last week and should of done the hernando guide to running but alas I did not, I have been running pretty good for the last few weeks but of course as a neuorotic, endorphin chasing speed weenie I pushed it a little too hard. Flash forward next morning my knee feels like some one smashed it with a sledge hammer. That was one week ago, of course I thought it would go away and that I could ride through it. That only made it worse so now I am in sedentary hell. Cross is going to be one of those "race my way into shape" seasons. Which sucks because last year was a bust just after humpty dumpty got put back together. Now I am toxifiying my liver and kidneys with a steady dose of ibuprofen. Damn, the bad luck. Well at least now I have more time to meditate. Get in touch with my inner chronically injured non-self. No way I am going to the witch doctor though, he will yake me off of work faster than a global warming affected glacier. So I am on my own.

I am going to hook up with Lothar for some speed tips when this is all over. My goal instead of trying to be in the top 10 for cross is now not to have OV and the champ give me a slap on the ass as they lap me.

I saw pics of the new CX machine, I am trying to consider if I
1 - deserve it
2 - can afford it.

Well I got to go look for stuff to sell on ebay so I can do #2 above. Peace to all my CX freaks.

VJ

Oops

2006-08-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well, apparantly the gods (goddesses) needed the blood of a virgin, but given the lack of virgins around here they choose whoever they could find. Just rolling down the trail having a good ol' time in the sunset hours, riding the "dog" on the creek trail and went down hard. Nothing broken but the chain, some skin and machismo. Damn, just starting to feel good too! I had to call the old lady. Yeah, that was fun. If I get home tonight and all my bikes are still there I will be surprised. I have to admit she played it cool, didn't say word, just went straight to the hospital. That makes me nrevous. Oh well, road rash is going to keep me from sleeeping for a few nights. I should see if there is any vicodin left. Anyone got Limbaugh's number?

Checking out OV's site, things are getting serious in the comments section. Gotta love his fire.

onegoodmove had a great Daily show bit check it out. The end of times indeed, as long as it does interfere with cyclocross season I say bring it on. All this nonsense about the middle east, man those dudes have been fighting for thousands of years. It's in their frickin' DNA for crying out loud. How about Darfur?. Got some good old fashioned geneocide going on there, but you only hear about it from "alt" news sources. Or George Clooney, which reminds me of Team America. Seriously, you know we are only covering the oil hedge. Silly. W is going to hell in a flaming limo. Oh yeah, apparently half of you are going as well based on this latest poll

"50 percent of U.S. says Iraq had WMDs
By Jennifer Harper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
July 25, 2006

Half of Americans now say Iraq had weapons of mass destruction when the United States invaded the country in 2003 -- up from 36 percent last year, a Harris poll finds. Pollsters deemed the increase both "substantial" and "surprising" in light of persistent press reports to the contrary in recent years."

Are you serious?? Up from last year? WTF? I guess that crack epidemic is getting more out of control than I thought. Man. I thought people were out of control when they reelected the dude. Now, I just don't know. I am afraid what will happen next election. Whatever.

Gotta go, been working so much that kids are actually surprised when I am home. Great. Better check and see if the old lady put my bikes on Craigslist.

Mama Mia

2006-08-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while, been waiting for some time to clear the mind. I will leave the Floyd issue aside for awhile. All I have to say is if it is exogenous then he is done. If not and sample two is clean then tell the baker to get to work on a whole mess of humble pie for some folks. My feeling is that it will not end well. Sad sad.

I am back to real work, back to original parts. I am pitchin pennies in the well in hopes for some fitness before cross. All this working I am doing is trying to steal my mojo. And I ain't got much. But cross is the reason for the season so I got to sack up.

Spent the weekend with the family at an undisclosed buddhist retreat. Man, I needed that. Clear the head and see things clearly for a change. Wonder how long it will take to slide back into decay?

Nice to know WW3 is starting in the middle east, wonder how long before something happens again here. I got ripped by the right wingers around work for this video suggestion. I just thought was interesting, that is all. The world can get you down, but you got to hope for the best.

So here we go CX 2006 the calendar is out. I am going to get my butt waxed but I am fired up for it though. There is nothing like cross. I am getting all worked up just thinkng about it. I got lots more, just not enough time. Good luck to all at Ft. Ord. Bring your pain monkey.

XO to the izzo
JK

Wake up

2006-07-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Went for a ride today. My fourth since the surgery, heart, vacation thing. So right now it is low and slow. Crusing down the road, there was a charity ride going the other way, kind of funny watching everyone ride by. Weekend warriors racing each other. Met the Boss and Goldfinger, they turned around to meet me right in front of a group of weekend warriors. The Boss made it, Goldfinger however did not. Some guy was flying down the road trying to come by everyone and SMACK! The dude T - boned goldfinger, and dude goes full somersault lands on his butt. No road rash no broken bones, did break his helmet and his bike is toast. Ambulance took him away. I guess if you are going to hit someone, it is best to hit two paramedics and a mechanic. I think he will be oaky after he recovers from the hospital bill. Kind of covers it all. Sad.

People I guess need to wake up, some people get all fired up and do crazy stuff out there. Me included. I am just happy to be on my bike and have no interest in being in an ambulance anytime soon. I heard Lothar was tearing off legs on the noon ride on thursday. Dude is killin it. Oh well soon enough I will find my legs. A little base for July then start tuning things up in August. September will time to start getting cross crazy!

The tour is crazy, Gonchar wins the TT? I know the dude has palmares but damn. George chokes, Levi mailed it in, even Floyd was a little off I think. Who is going to take it? I think it will be a complete surprise. Makes you want to check in everyday though.

Be safe and smell the roses,
because its right under our noses.

VJ out

Le tour de drama

2006-07-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Damn, this tour is crazy. Basso has swiss bak account's to pay for his dope I guess Simoni wasn't that crazy during the Giro, Valverde crashes, Freddie crashes, Kessler attacks again and gets rewarded this time. Boonen gets yelloe but can't finish the deal at the line. This is what I am talking about. Le Tour fantastique'! I can't wait to see what will happen tomorrow, that first TT will tell alot. I see good things for Floyd. The first mountain stage will be a free for all. Wow.

VJ

I'm back Jack

2006-06-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Returned from the 10 day family RV trip to northern hinterlands of Kalifornia. Had a blast, car sickness passenger window vomit blasts not withstanding. Got to see some interesting places that looked like great places to ride the bicicletta, Trinity Alps, Mt. Lassen. Redwoods. You would have to be on the look out for the gun toteing Charlie pick em up truck behind you though. I have not been on the bike yet, going on three weeks now, but the knee is ready so today is "Operation CX tighten up". I am starting my CX training today. I am hitting the weights starting to ride nice and slow like. Cool baby, cool. I went down to the hometown, well, near home worktown B'game crit yesterday. My observations on it:

A - Larry Nolan is not human. He is a alien cyborg sent back in time to rip the legs off of the not so innocent and the non - believers and win two races. The dude is timeless. Mad ups to him.
2 - Lothar has gone to the next level. Brother has serious game.
C - I am really glad I never do that race. I live 10 minutes away and have never done that race. Why? Because the 800 rider crash during the pro race was horrific and lots of dudes are not at work today, unless they are of the few that ride for a living, and they aren't showing up either.
4 - That being said, that race is so much fun. I see everyone I know there. Bike friends, work friends. It is awesome. Although I am still not going to do it.

I watched Paradise Now last night. It's about two Palastinian suicide bombers and their mission gets screwed up. Very intense, very interesting perspective. Very timely now that people are killing each other in the "holy land" at record pace again. Check it out.

Nice to see the doper scandal heating up again right before one the best tours in a while. Oh yeah. Mr. Lemond is saying that Mr. Armstrong threatened to kill him. Um, doesn't Lemond have the fastest Tour TT ever? That math is a little screwy. However, I think we will look back on Lemond's comments and say, " wow, he was right". Just a guess. I hate having my favorite sport being dragged through the mud with out being able to come up for air.

On our trip I stopped by North Coast Brewery. Of course. Picked up some wiggidy wicked ale. Brother Thelonious. That stuff will send you into Belgian Abbey Ale heaven. I suggest you go now to get some, if you can find it. Had some of that with my homebay Toddco by the beach bonfire in Mendo. Good times my friends. My favorite vacation memory...... teaching the kids how to play whiffle ball on the beach, and switch hitting a grand salami. I guess I still got it. Well some of it.

Later,
VJ

What Next?

2006-06-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yaaahooo!!!

2006-06-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I feel a little bit better. The Dr. says that my heart is fine, and that the last two weeks were just to try my patience and scare the shit out of me. Mission accomplished. Anyway, I have "athletic heart", no shit? He said that my left ventiricular wall is bigger, and that a certian % of cyclists have this condition, blah, blah, blah. Long story short, my heart ricks! Anyway nothing like a death scare to out your whole life in perspective and up your life insurance by 50%. Damn. Well, I was walking on air today, knowing that if nothing else my cross season won't be a wash. Come on you have to have priorities. Realized how much stress it was giving me, and tonight I am going to celebrate by putting some brew down the hatch, and giggle like a little girl. Look we all got to die someday, but I am just not sure I want to know about it far before hand. Man, the sky was frickin blue , the birds were singing life was great. Well actually, it rained a little which sucks in June and I saw a crow being chased by a song bird presumably because the fricking crow was stealing eggs, and after reading McSassy's blog I now am no friend of the asshole crow. However, it was a great day, tonight I will drink dead guy ale to celebrate the wonderment of life.

Won't you join me?
VJ

Poison the well

2006-06-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Poison the well
To change a bitter tounge
Arsenic over the lips
To silence anger's muse
It's now too late
For I have not the courage
To raise a wicked hand
To look into the eyes
Of the bewildered
The shadows that the night creates
For cowards like me
can't hide shame
that resides like a tattoo
on my bargain soul
So I run in the darkness
Alone, looking over my shoulder
For no one but myself.

Sail on

2006-06-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

This time I'll try little a harder
Go a little further
I will reflect on the past
consider the future

I will stay right here, right now
smile a bit more, smile bigger
It hasn't been that bad
Dark at times, sometimes lighter

Orphan yeah, sometimes left all alone
Gifts of love in the form of kids and family
Cry somtimes, think to much
Just because of the world of insanity

Kiss the ground, touch the sky
Bodhisattva, Mara can there be one without the other?
A wisp of cold wind on the back of my neck
Reminding me to forgive my brother

VJ

Dem bones

2006-06-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Stanford medical schoool anatomy and physiology department. We got to go to the cadaver lab. There seem to be 100 plus bodies. Mostly there were parts. All of them. All chopped up and stuff, some bodies were whole. Very interesting. We all end up dead sooner or later, I am just not sure I want a bunch of 20 something year olds probing and prodding and chopping. Or worse, a bunch of firefighters poking around. Yeah, I am sure you can just imagine what was said there. I thought it was cool, but it made me a little sad. The head Dr. of the department cut some lady's chest open, and we were able to see her lungs and heart and a bunch of other stuff. Another reason not to be a smoker, this lady had some black stuff on the outside of her lungs, Dr. said that was from long term smoking and the tar was pushing out from inside. Pretty cool, uh.. educationally speaking.

When I got home my son was very intersted in my day. It went something like this...

Son - Dad, did you see any bodies?

Dad - Um, yeah there were a bunch.

Son - What did they look like?

Dad - Well, some were together some were in pieces.

Son - Cool! What kind of pieces?

Dad - Well, hearts, livers, legs all of the parts.

Son - Whoa! Cool! What about heads?

Dad - Yeah, heads too.

Son - What about he,he, um.....

Mom from other room - Don't say it!

Son in whispered voice - Wieners?

Dad in whispered voice - Yeah, wieners as well.

Son after laughing for a while - Did they have have butts cut off too?

Dad after a long day of hobbling on a bad knee - Okay, I'll be in my chair if you need me.

Well we get to do it again on thursday, they are planning to open the chest again as well as do a cut down on the neck. Sorry if this is too gross. But it was an awesome learning experience. Anyway, I am sans crutches now, but my knee is still pretty swollen.

I like the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, it is a cool race, lots of different parcours in one week. It also means Le Tour is right around the corner.

If you are on this dudes wheel, you are on the wrong training ride. That's it for now.

Proper respect for the survivors of D-Day today. I can't imagine what that was like, being 19 and going into that shit storm. Those dudes were hard as nails. No way we could have pulled that off, we are such pussies.

Sleep tight, sleep free,

VJ

More about me

2006-06-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

This came out of my leg

So did these
Now my knee looks like this

I would show you picture of my jacked up heart but I don't have one yet. I did find out that I am going to die.......someday. I already new that, but now some cells in my heart are like terrorists, or as W would say al kayda, with their finger over the red button waiting to detonate it. I just don't know when. I think I would be better off not knowing, of course. Now it's like the elephant in the room. So, I guess I can live everyday like it is my last, cause it might be. I may have to teach everyone I ride with CPR, just so they can ride with me and save me. That is a big when and if I ride. I can't even bend my knee right now. At least the Vicodin/Xanax bender has been fun.

I see Bobby P ripped a new one on the boys at the Mt. Hoodwinked classicThe champ said he got a flat and had to mail it in. I guess it rained the whole time too. Bummer.

So now the right wing freaks are going after the gays again, but check out the fox news site, what a freak show. The ads on that site are insane. I really dig the meth mouth ad, that's hot, got to do my part for the anti drug movement. As long as they won't take away vicodin from Rush L and me. Now I know why the neo cons are driving this bus we call our country into a great big fricking ditch, they are consumed by all this nonsense and since the feces is hitting the air diffuser I guess it is time to divert attention again.

Oh yeah, they are also going after Jimmy Carter. Umm... Ok, last time I checked he has been out of office for over 20 years and in the mean time has written a bunch of books and won a nobel peace prize. It is about time to run that commie out of the country.

Time to stare at the stars my pretties,
Peace,
VJ

Less about me

2006-06-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Found out something is wrong with my myocardium. Saw this and suddenly I don't care as much. worldonfire Thanks Donna Joey

Waiting on the Knife,
VJ

Wired to whine

2006-05-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

With my impending date with a sharp knife looming and everything hurting right now, my motivation to ride is waning a little. It is actaully nice to go out for a ride and just go easy. My legs have been tired and I have been feeling sluggish. Oh well good time for surgery. I missed Humbleton RR, sounds like it was a doozy. Apparently Hernando and the champ were riding together on the back side and the champ was wanting things a certain way and didn't get it. I call it "Old man and the Seer". Anyway champ took 8th OV got 6th I think. Not bad. Sounds like the Bagboys had a good weekend overall. I miss the racing, but cross season looms, it will be nice to get muddy again.

Somebody ran into my truck today, and didn't have the decency to let me know. Great, one more thing I need to take care of. I would like to be pissed off but, what are you going to do. Put my last day in at work for the next two months. It is going to be strange to be off work again. I know there is a lesson to learn in there somewhere. I am just not sure where.

I have had a couple people tell me I should start eating meat again. My accupuncturist and my massage therapist think I would be feeling better if I did. After 20 years of being a carbovore I am not sure. The scary thing is that I am thinking about it. My body feels a bit beat up and if I thought for sure that eating meat would help I might try it. I haven't had red meat in over 20 years. I will have to think about it a while longer. Had some friends over for a BBQ yesterday, and the Niman ranch kabob's looked pretty good. Hmmmmmm......

Well, that is it for now. Impermanence,Impermanence,Impermanence,

Red meat, tofu treat?
Peace,
VJ

A little more love

2006-05-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

If you voted for W, if you voted for Gore, Kerry, Dean, Nader etc. You should watch Bagdhad ER. It is horrific, but it is real. If those guys can live through it. Than the least we can do is not hide from it and pretend it does not exist. If you can walk away from it and say that what we are doing there is worth it, than I think you are crazy. I predict that we will look back on this war like we do Vietnam. A waste of young lives, period. You can talk about oil, money and politics, though they are the same, but the destruction of lives and minds is senseless, you will never provide me enough information that will change my mind.

For the liberals I have this for you. What are you doing? Aren't you just like the right, you speak big words, march in the street, but the bottom line, what are you doing? What am I doing? I don't know. We should all pause and reflect the madness of what is happening over there. We should pause everyday and consider at that moment a life is being shattered. The war has gone on long enough over there that the numbers don't mean anything to us any more. Oh yeah, today in Iraq more soliders died, blah blah blah. WAKE UP PEOPLE! The madness is the same today as it was three years ago. If kids make it out of Iraq we are sending them home with a head full of damage. This is not my first blog on this issue, I am not hitting it because it is topical, it's not anymore, that is the problem. Only if you have been in the military can you appreciate what is going on over there in any real sense. Watching a documentry, reading the paper, or god forbid, reading a blog about the war is not going to give you any understanding of the magnitude of the madness there. This is a rant, pure and simple. Will not have any effect, pure self indulgence.

Yesterday, I took my kids to see MI3. Outside there were guys protesting the Da Vinci Code. Now, I have not read the book or plan to see the movie. I am just not compelled. Anyway, one of the guys out there is the one who, every week for the past ten years or so parks his truck with 6 foot tall signs of mutilated fetus in front of the Planned Parenthood clinic. There he is cramming his fictional fundamentalism down the throats of iall comers. Even those just driving by. He is not speading Jesus's love, he is spreading hate. I can't see Jesus spewing that much venom. Its not enough to have a different opinion for him, the difference is his is right. It is all I can take to not knock this guy out. He craves attention though, that is what he wants. So to me, he is the Buddha. He is love, and from him I shall learn. I don't know how else to deal with it. So much hate and intolerance scares me and makes me look within for those same things. If I have that in myself, than that is where I shall start the work.

Going into the basement,
with wrenches and hammers,
VJ

Sittin' on

2006-05-16T20:54:00.000-07:00

Well two weeks to go, before I am hop along again. It's kind of funny, I am not planning to race anymore, but I am still training like a mofo. Did the nooner to day. It amazes me how some people ride, I must be getting old. Nobody wants to do a nice little pace line anymore, they all want to make the big "I am on OLN" attack. Then 30 seconds later blow up and get gobbled by the pack. Only to have another fine lad or lass do the same again. If you try to get people going and find yourself on the front you can just assume you will be on your own and no one will pull through. I hate that kind of riding.

Well, Roger Rabbit was out today, some RH villa guy and the rest of the crew. By the end of the ride our group of 30 was now 8ish. Second time up alpine after Bruce pulled us all the way up, Roger made his move. I thought it would be a wise idea to go with him. I was good until the group caught us and then somebody pour gas on the fire. That was it for me. I guess I need to prove something to myself. No wonder I am in therapy, and have been for a while. Hmmmmm.....

How about that president of ours! Yeah, let's put a bunch of National Guard dudes out in the middle of the dessert. Got to protect Mexifornia from all those penniless immigrants. Well at least the guard guys have had their training in Iraq. You know those guys are bummin' hard. I am predicting a serious drop in Guard recruitments. Although I am sure the minuteklansmen will be happy to volunteer. You think Abu Garib was bad. I can't wait to check out flickr for all the photos from the front lines of Mexifornia. Can you say race riot? It is so painful to listen to W. That guy can't even string a simple sentence together. It is like white honkey ebonics. Hope all you Bush voters a happy. Yeah, I remember all the W signs in the front yards and the bumper stickers. Suckers. Thanks. Ha! Four more years. Nothing like giving him a do over. I guess I am little bitter today. It just bums me out how far backwards we have gone. I am not a huge Clinton fan in terms of his choice of women and stuff, but I recall things being a little better then. Why don't we go after the dudes that hire the migrants? Oh no, we can't do that to business, the bosom of the right. Damn, I am starting a rehash now. Funny how good Al Gore is looking right about. He is talking crazy talk, renewable energy, bah! That's Buck Rogers stuff, liberal twinkle toes stuff. Let's go drill in Alaska! Real men use oil!

Happy thoughts, Happy thoughts. God I love this weather, reminds me of.......Home.

Nostalgic orgasmic.
Red Tail Ale,
I am out.
VJ

Flog Blog

2006-05-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, things didn't go so well at Cat's hill, the Cat's meow was actually a roar. I tried to grab on to the tiger's tail and got bit. Lot's of reason's, but I broke the golden rule, and that is never be in the back. I tried though but starting the season at Cat's doesn't leave room for shaking off the rust. I felt good, but everytime we came down the hill onto the straight someone was opening a gap, coming around a closing it, then hitting the hill redline will not make for a very long race. Anyway, the loud pop was me coming undone. I can say that at least I wasn't the first and by the end there was a distinguished crowd in the DNF seats.

Bag boys rode aggresive as did the broker boys, but spine seemed to be waiting in the wings. Bag boys were setting OV up, not sure what happened, but that last lap is always a little crazy. Angerman won the sprint over OV, I had my money on OV though. For a minute during the race, I thought "hey I am right next to OV and Myall, I should be okay". Yeah right, that is anerobia whispering in my ear, my ponies aren't quite as big as theirs. The champ rode real well, pick up a 8th or so. That guy always impresses me. I think he was the highest placed 50+ guy out there.

I worked real hard at beating myself up this weekend, called myself a loser many times, but I just couldn't get into the woe is me mode. I think doing my warm up on hwy 9, and Mayberry's advice helped put it all into perspecitve, as well as:

1) - The last time I went down 9 it was in the back of an ambulance, in many piece
2) - "dude, you were at least out there doing it" however briefly, yeah that's true
3) - Watching my 9 year old son finish his run in the "wizard of Oz" made me realize that riding my bike around in very fast circles is fun, but he is still way better at enjoying life than I am.
4) - My daughter doing the 400m on friday getting second and scoring a goal at her soccer game on Sat. Is an awesome back to back.
5) - Lothar is still my hero, last year he was in Iraq eating sand sandwiches, now he doing two races at Cat's hill and killing it every weekend. Chapeau my friend!
6) - I realize how much fear I had to overcome, when you see guys like OV, Caldwell, Nolan, the champ, Martin and on and on, stepping up to the line. I was intimidated, how can you not be. I put all that aside, gave myself a shot though. I learned that they are awesome and they have put alot of time into this sport, that is to be respected not feared. And to be able to line up with those guys is an accomplishment in and of itself for a patzer like me.

Cat's hill is a race where you see everyone you know in the cycling world. Props to Chris for helping out set up the course, and he is not even a Gato boy, see you in cross season my friend. Thanks to the "boss" and Bman for showing up and dispensing the love. The boss always gives out big love and never lets me slink into the shell of me, and dwell in the pity pool.

Serotonin levels must be up, Woo Whooo!

Happy to be anti-depressant free!
Peace,
VJ

1 year ago

2006-05-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well, one year later and I am still here. That is a picture of me 1 year ago, after an unfortunate, okay stupid, accident with a harley, head on. Lucky to be alive? Yeah. Lucky to be back on the bike. Yeah. Lucky to be back racing this weekend? Meowwwww. It will be interesting anyway. The bag boys will be there to rattle sabres at the stanleys et al. If I make it to the finish line in one piece I will be a happy man. Hell, if I make it to the finish at all I will be stoked.

Funny, I was coming down 84 a couple days ago, nice and easy like of course. Guy behind tells me at the bottom, " hey nice job going down that hill". I had to laugh a tell him I may not be the best guy to be behind in that circustance. Hey went on to speak of his own downhill episode on an un-named alp in France. Ouch, I'll have the hair o' the dog that bit me Lloyd! Anyway, three more weeks till the season is done and it's the knife again, bummer. Then cross season! Bring it on baby, I live for it.

Counting my lucky stars and blessings,

VJ

Me and Mrs., Mrs Juice

2006-05-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

We got a thing going on. 17 years wedded bliss. Managed to find some one to watch the kids for the night, went over to Half Moon, stayed at the beach house. 17 hours of wine and roses, one hour for each year. Well we did have some beers at the brewing company. Some chocolate. All went well until Mrs. Juice broke out the Memoirs of a Geisha. Zzzzzzzzzz........ Sorry but that one was not my thing. Anyway. We at least got to sleep in till 8 or so which is huge for us. Woke up with a smile on my face looking out at the ocean and my bride, all was right with the world. Then we had to get up go back over the hill, pick up the kids go to plays, soccer games. Even managed to clean the back yard all in one day. Life.........ahhhhh. What a ride.

Wedding bells echo from a distant past..... cool,

VJ

Gringo de Mayo

2006-05-04T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, happy gringo de mayo, hope you all have your green papers in order lest some minuteklansman will come in and drag your ass back to whatever third world country you came from. If you are from some civilized honky country, well we welcome you, our tired, our wary citizen, just like lady liberty with her outstreched arms and open wallet.

Hope those dudes enjoy mowing their own lawns and paying $8 for a quarter pounder, freaking kool aid drinkers. Kind of funny that we are so intent on "defending" our country, most every county, city and street is in Spanish. Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Mariposa, Avenue, Playa and on and on. I don't know how this became such a big deal all of the sudden. But, if I were president and lots of people were being killed everyday in a forgien country far, far away I would come up with a distraction for the fine people of our country. A nice devicisive distraction to get them stired up and pissed off at each other and not the GOP. Oh yeah, today is the 36th anniversary of the incident at Kent State. What a coincidence. It would be nice to not be old enough to remember it. Well so much for my self imposed news blackout. I think it is important to speak out and this may be the best way, though if you read this you more than likely agree with me, hopefully, not that you have to. Don't get me wrong I am not happy with a bunch of people coming to our fine United State of Kalifornia and sucking egg nog off the teet (thanks OV) of every other tax complainer, in fact if some of those people wern't so scared shitless they would be happy to pay their share. Mostly it is the employers that hire these dudes on the cheap and get away with it. Those are the guys that are making the most money on this whole deal. " But that would raise prices on everything" yeah, well unless you feeling like picking your own romaine lettuce in 100 degree heat you better figure something out. I mean it's not like gas is over $3 per gallon yet, um.... I meant per liter. In fact, I am tottally cool with out of control gas prices. Bring it, cause then people may, though I doubt it, start riding their bikes more, and a freaking Hummer less. We can shut down some of the freeways and open them up to bikes only. Okay I am rambling now. See you suckers in the fast lane. Ahh...... utopia. Well for cinco de mayo here is my utopia. See all you honkys in the fast lane.

Yo quiero bebida mis amigos,
VJ

I'm OK you're OK

2006-05-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've wallowed around in misery
Poor, poor pitiful me
I've decided, no good can come of that
Somedays you gotta pull it up by the ol' boot strap

Look in the mirror to start a change
Just selfish little me to rearrange
Life starts anew each time the pedal goes 'round
Sometimes the ship just needs to run aground

So, little bird, is today the day?
Is it the last time to see the sun this way?
We never know, I suppose it's a test
Today's the day I will make it the best.

I will gather my friends, give them endless love
Smile at the sight of two flying white doves
Stop, think, and shout to say
I'm okay, I'm okay, if only just for today.

Resue Heroes

2006-04-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sent off a new bunch of firebugs tonight. Seems also that I've gotten old and no one told me. Realized I have been working with the fire academy for 11+ years. That means I am old. Still, in better shape than most of them though. Nice to see them start their career. I get all warm and fuzzy. They families all proud, nice to realize how gung ho I was, and how lucky I am to have a cool job. Good luck guys you'll need it.

I kicked out of my funk, I am safe to be around now. Therapy is wonderful, and I should know, 30 plus years of it. Go figure.

My knees are breaking, well I guess it is just tendonitis, but holy cow, they just don't like going in little circles right now. My legs feel great but the kness the knees the knees. Oh well. I am going to try to ride tomorrow. I am thinking of going on a news free kick. I am so tired of reading all the crap that is going on. Gas prices, Iran, Iraq, Bush, Dick, Rove, Lay, Skilling Abramoff, and on and on and on. I am sure it won't last long though. Oh yeah, Tony Snow, WTF? When do we get to elect a new pres again anyway?

Well, let's end on a positive note. The sunshine has been awesome. Thanks for the the sun!

Sleep tight, race hard, live right, don't let the mosquitos bite.

VJ

Madre Dios

2006-04-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

When is it okay to hate? When is it okay to be unhappy with everyone else in the world? Well, everyone but you, I like you. You and me, we think alike. That's why I keep you around.

I like to think that I am a calm, reflective type of person. Easy going, in a Capricorn kind of way. Somedays though I feel more like capricornholio. Ready to snap, and anyone that thinks about cutting me off in traffic, or any driver that gets in my 5 foot radius cycling personal space. That can piss me off on a good day though. Somedays it feels like I am losing my mind. Which upon reflection may not be a bad idea. I would love to opt for an upgrade. Not sure what I have to complain about though. Nothing that would amount to any global like atrocities. Some days you just have to keep on keepin' on. Today I am just plain ol' tired. Bone tired. Okay, things I am happy about....

1-I don't have cancer
2-I have all my limbs
3-I have awesome kids
4-I My body is in one piece this year
5-I saw the ocean today

Well that is good for now, I could have said I had some awesome ale tonight. That would be pushin' it though. Everytime I see someone that pisses me off, I imagine that they are the Buddha and the opportunity to learn is always there. It is either that or you know what they say about seeing the Buddha on the road. That must be the low road. See you at altitude my friends.

Sails up wind blowin,
VJ

Oh God!

2006-04-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

Well, my father-in-law wrote a book about God, he wanted me to read the manuscrip and give him my opinions so he can edit it. Um.... ok. There is alot to talk about so let's start with the obvious. Do we need another book about God? I am not so sure I am totally down with the very first one. Second if you want an accurate book on God try Karen Armstrong's "history of God. Third, some of us don't really believe in God, some of us have a belief in a "higher power", some of us have a belief in the fluffy white bearded God of the old testement and are to narrrow minded to believe anyone else can tell us something we don't know about him.

That being said his book was not very good and I am not sure how to tell him that, he was trying to be serious and funny in a Jerry Seinfeld kind of way. Not a very funny Seinfeld either. Of course when I asked Mrs. Juice what she thought about the book she said she didn't want to spoil my opinion, no worries there I said let me have it. She said it sucked. What a relief, that's what I thought! I am sure that the first run through of the Di Vinci Code sucked, well maybe not this bad, but I hate to squash someone's dreams of being the next Capote or sometihng. Anyway, the plan is to use "constructive" critisism and not say that it was unreadable. Got to keep the peace.
Ze is letting it rip today, good stuff. I am hooked now, got to hit Ze everynight to hear what knowlegde is bringing. The stuff about Yahoo is crazy and scary. Nice to know that Yahoo is the GOP's bitch, one more reason not to like Dylan Spacey Casey. (retract claws now). Anyway, sitting at work tonight chillin on some Groovesalad, that shit takes it right to the spot. If I was at home I would hitting the ale, speaking of which, my new favorite nectar is Prohibition Ale. That stuff rips, the microbrewery is near the ballpark in SF, you can almost sees Bonds track marks from the bar. I dig the beer though. Sharing it with my friend there.
Did some kick ass riding this week, even rode with one of the bag boys on the nooner along with the rest of the homies. Nice when I can bring some game to the scene every now and then. Saw this on DC's site kind of funny. Time to race and quit being a talker, I am thinking Cat's hill maybe. Better be soon, just found out, surgery June 2, that is the end of the season folks. I might squeeze in Mt. Humbleton just for grins. Time for the pillow friends.

Peaceola for the Ayatolla,

VJ

Rants and thoughts

2006-04-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

I always feel like Easter is a wierd holiday. I mean what do I tell the kids? We are non-christians that try to follow Buddhist teachings and honor the holiday for it's importance? Also kiddies the holiday is abot this guy who along time ago got nailed to a cross and....... Then to complicate matters it just so happens that the Passion of Christ was on TV last night at work. Suffice to say that this bloodletting was brutal. I am not sure why there was so much focus on the brutality, and there was alot. I remember as a kid seeing the made-for-TV special," The life of Christ" and being pretty impacted by it. It is hard not to be. The guy got nailed to cross! That is powerful. I think though that therein lies the problem. How do you argue with it? You don't. I believe that Jesus was real and did great things, I am just not so sure that he would be real pleased at the currnent state of his flock. I think the crucifiction brings up anger as well, and that can breed intolorence. Especially toward the Jews, if you saw the movie. I had to pause and reflect about the phrase "Happy Easter", cause I don't think it is very congruous. I remember in high school, I was "born again" and was real convicted at the time. But I remember making a poster that showed Jesus and the Easter Bunny and the quote on it said "which one died for your sins". I really felt like I was making a statement. Interesting how thinks change. Tolle says that if you believe that only your religion is the truth, you are using it in the service of the ego. Then religion becomes ideology and creates the illusion of superiority which divides and creates conflict between people. You can look no further than the Moussaoui case to see that. The bible is a doctrine of faith which is based on thoughts or ideas. Which at best can only point to the truth, but it can never be the truth. It can only serve the ego. Openess and tolerance can only lead to the truth. Just as Jesus said, "I am the truth, the light and the way". Not that his words were the truth. The truth resides inside. You don't search for it in Jesus or anyone else, it is and always has been inside all of us. Doctrines and leaders of religion only help us get there. There is no easy way. We just keep peeling back the onion layers, day after day, and try to keep smiling.

hunting for the Buddha,

VJ

Street Life

2006-04-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rode the tracks with the best view on the train
Not what you think, this Doc stuck a fiber optic scope all the way down his throat
My new best friend
Riding the streets of SF all the way home
Trying to beat the backup
Sunshine finally!!
Day 2 fun with cadavers, moftly SF street folks. It was sad seeing their end, a little perspective helps. All in the name of medicine.

Man Overboard!

2006-04-11T22:46:00.000-07:00

Today went well, up until I started working on my bathroom remodel. Everything went to hell in a hand basket when I broke out the sawz all. Then that is usually the case. That is a sweet tool, but when used recklessly it can set you bak hours. For instance, trying to cut out bad sub flooring and not seeing the water line that is 2 inches below it. Looked like the titanic for a few minutes. Luckily my kids know how to shut the water off now because it has happened twice now. Had to go to home depot to get some stuff, cause when I tried to repair the pipes the solder was not working very well due to the impossible position of it. I did manage to take the kids out to the new micro brew resturant. Beer is good. One was not enough to make the pain of the bathroom go away though. Finally got everything done about 10:30. Oh yeah went for a run today, then hit the noon ride in the pouring rain. Seems like the group, even though it was small, was interested in defying the rain gods and hammer themselves into the wind swept, rain soaked ground. Manage to survive, but felt like a soaked dog. Oh well, ho hum. Nice to see the Lakers drop one on the Warriors. Although I don't think my team will soon be returning to their once great form. Time to go slip into some dreamy ZZZZZZ's Nighty night.

On the pale ale trail,
VJ

Not my thoughts

2006-04-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

That which seems important can fade like the evening sun
Though I tremble as I try to grasp it
I look deeply into it

What is important, the soul? love? blood?
Perhaps all and none at the same time
I am putting my ego self on that pedestal once more

I am trying hard to look within and without
driving as fast as I can
and only looking in the rear view

Stop the car, step out, breath in
Listen, to the bird from Katroo, and say
I am me, not my thoughts you see.

Disappearing completely,
VJ

Pardon the stupidity

2006-04-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Due to forseen circumstances, technical problems and shear stupidity I will not be at the esteemed "celebration of cycling" known as sea otter. I know my legion of fans will be disappointed. Good news though, I kicked ass at the noon ride today. Whatever.

I have become a Zefrank follower now, I can't help it, laughter is good, and I just can't stop. I had "feeling old" moment today, I referenced Altamont, as in the 60's concert, in the college class I teach. I got a bunch of blank stares. I do that all the time, even the Mcgyver ones don't work. Damn. I am sending out good vibes to Saul Raisin and family, very sad. Dude was an up and comer, lets hope he still is.

Love, peace and vegetarian grease,
VJ

Zefrank

2006-04-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, found Zefrank on OV's blog by way of veloraindog. Zefrank is a funny dude you have got to check it out. Rode the new MTB today out at Coyote's It is going to take a while for this crosser/roadie to get used to that machine. New fangled stuff drivin me crazy. The Sea Otter plans are a bit loose. But it looks like friday will be the only day. I am thinking short track in the PM and Circuit in the AM if there is no rain. That track is slick as snot in the rain. Taught a class today for about 8 hours, ugh! That is a lot of talkin' especially my voice, it must have been torture for the students. Anyway, Shout out y'all.

Trying and flying,
VJ

Fiddlers Green

2006-04-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ahoy, me hearties. Arrr, t' all e'erythin' is fine. A pence for an old man o'de sea. Arrr, I hope all o' you be well, Aye, me parrot concurs. Ahoy, ye cannot be tellin what winds of fate 'ave in store fur ye. Skuttle me Skippers, if I be a messdeck lawyer but the days ahead are appearing t' be stormy. Aye for sure a black spot be on the sands of Monterey, and those that survive be sharin a booty with yer mates. For those that don't, well you'll be seeing Davey Jones locker tis' true. T'all that see the doubloons enjoy lest ye' soon be sleepin on the main deck . As for I, well this buccanneer intends to fly the Jolly Roger and should any squiffy be brave enough to challenge the sweet trade well I will surely be after ye wi' a wannion. An' should the account end even then let the grog flow an' let us be loaded to the Gunwales! May yer furner be true, and yer mates as well.see you in fiddlers green
VJ

the ghost

2006-04-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Gulp Gulp
Buzz Buzz
It's all falling away now
Gulp Gulp
Buzz Buzz
It seems okay now

Gulp Gulp
Buzz Buzz
Call the ghost that doesn't care
Gulp Gulp
Buzz Buzz
Call the ghost that was never there

Gulp Gulp
Buzz Buzz
Put my head to the pillow
Gulp Gulp
Buzz Buzz
Can't wait till tomorrow

pleas and peas
VJ

Stuck in Reno

2006-03-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

Well I am sitting here in Reno, waiting to catch my flight. My lungs are wondering what the hell happened, I forgot when you cross the Cali border, it means everyone smokes twice as much and with as much authority and a gun toter down around Tex-Mex area. Spent less then 24 hours here didn't get to gamble had one (gasp) Bud Light, which is kind of like drinking wine out of a box. Man, now I am trying to go stand by on the early flight which is now delayed, that means I probably won't be able to get on. Then it is another 3 hour wait. I gotta find a bar and some pure oxygen. Just paid $4 for 2 hours of wifi, not bad. It is funny watching everyone get their last coin dropping one armed bandit fix in at the airport. Kind of like a tax for people who are bad at math. Boredom, destorys the soul.

Funny, I went through the metal detector and for the first time it picked up the titanium in my leg. I started laughing until I almost got the cavity search from Bruno the communard. Don't forget this is Nevada. True stroy, on the back of a car I saw a one of those white ovals you see in Euro that says what country you are from, this one said AK47, nice, welcome to Nevada.

Gotta go cause I gotta coin in my pocket that is burning a hole,

gambling for love
VJ

Toddco

2006-03-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

A little flashback photo. My friend Toddco and I back in the good ol' days. Ever since I was about 12 or so, I have wanted to be like my friend Toddco. He was always the funniest guy around, and chicks would dig that. Thus, I wanted to be funny so I could score chicks. I tried hard to be funny, but therein lies the problem. Not that my friend Toddco is just funny, but after almost 3 decades of friendship I realize that I still want to be like my friend Toddco, cause he has this cool vibe and he comfortable in his own skin. He is a solid guy, who is not afriad to take an unpopular stance on an issue. He goes boldly into the unknown. Most of all the guy can drink beer like a mother! I am still tyring to figure out what I bring to the friendship, other than being a beer mooch or a stalker or something. He has an awesome wife and kids, and is dedicated to causes that most of us just talk about being dedicated to. It always seems kinda funny that there is someone out there who knows eveything about you. Yeah, I mean everything. The kind of things only best friends talk about. That my firends is a gift. So to that, I raise a girl to you my friend!

Buffalo soldiers always!

VJ

Just like the Amish

2006-03-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

Went for a 4 hours ride that should have been a 3 hour ride. It always seems like the day after I get off of work (48 hours straight) from the fire house, that no matter how much I ride the trainer or rollers, (I have both there) my legs still have that dull cob webby feeling. So I just went with it. It was not raining though so, happy happy joy joy. I have to remember to enjoy the little things. I came across this, seems like EPO for the soul, but it is funny. I guess Dasani should start thinking about it for their new marketing campaign. I may start my own water company and call it "Hose Water" and my slogan could be "just like the old summer days of youth, that refeshing rubbery taste as you lap up another mouthful. Just like mom used to make" Whatever.

I have to bag CCCX #4 and risk losing my coveted 4th place overall to work that day. A 24 hour overtime on sunday is good, easy money.... usually. I gotta pay for the bathroom redo somehow. That means race simulator on the trainer. If anyone has suggestions for making that easy please let me know. At least I can watch OLN at the firehouse on sunday, we don't have cable at my house so cyclysm sunday is a rare treat. No, we are not Amish, but sometimes it seems like it. TV is the opiate of the people or something like that. But, damn I miss Lost and Survivor. With all those blogs I have to read who has time? Wait, I have it. "Blogs, the new opiate of the people!" But it feels so good!!! Anyway. Time to go have deep thoughts with some Fat Tire Ale. Good luck to all racing this weekend. I am dreading my first road race of the season, cause Olaf and the bag boys are in fine form this year, that pain quest may be a few weeks away though.

I am angry
though I cannot scream
the youthful angst I feel
now just a dream

My therapist says
be in that moment, be still
I close my eyes
and promise myself I will

Stay like pizza,
easy and cheesy,

XOXO
VJ

Better donut than do not

2006-03-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

My nose hairs are still burning from last night. Man, that was a tough one. We had an old timer who has a history of drinkning gallons of vodka a day for the last 20 or so years. Anyway, he was on the floor and had been there for two days. The heater in his house must have been at 85 degrees. Oh yeah, he was not able to get to the bathroom for two days either. That of course didn't stop him from taking mulitple nature breaks. Long story short, it smelled like being inside a bottle of poo filled ammonia (sorry for being a little graphic) and trying to move him and not get any on us was problematic to say the least. He had ammonia burns all over his body and covered in, well ....you know what. With the high gag factor and trying to avoid stepping in land mines we had a tough time. He seemed to be in good spirits though and was actually very chatty. I felt bad for him, and the glimpse of what the aging process has in store for us is always a very awakening moment. The five rememberances always come to mind , it helps from having an level 5 anxiety attack. I also think of my pal "the butcher", he is 70 years old, rides 15,000+ miles a year, rain or shine. Oh yeah, home boy is not slow. I'll put him up against 90% of the riders out there, even ones 50 YEARS YOUNGER! You better bring your A game, cause he can bust out 20 minutes up Old's. No bad, eh? I think of all that and suddenly it is ok to get old again, or should I say born anew.

So, after the call I had a cleansing moment and a very rare midnight donut run.

the yeast also rises,
VJ

panty hose

2006-03-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Well, if you look close I am white wearing panty hose, us athletes call them compression socks. White leg warmers with blue knee warmers, a bold statement if I may say. I left the garter belt at home though. I refuse to get poison oak again, last race I had it all over my legs and I looked like a leper. No offense to upstanding lepers. It is just that the old lady won't let me sleep in the same bed, can't say I blame her.
But velojuice don't like sleeping alone, I am up scratching all night. So last race I did what I had to, when the going gets tough, the tough wear panty hose. Besides, it made me feel downright giggly.......just kidding.

VJ

To sleep, perchance to dream

2006-03-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

So this is being consumned right now in tribute to my epic last lap collapse today. Alas not all is bad though. I made it to the front group of three for the first two laps. Felt okay till the third time up the climb, then I had to cut it back and try to chase back on. Try, being the operative word. No chance. Time for damage control, try to hold onto third. Wrong again. My 15+ hour training week was finally catching up with me. Half a lap to go, another guy catches me, I follow, "okay, just stay with him" sounds good, right? Well, at this point I am seeing Elvis and am all over the road. I hit some sand at a tight turn and go down. Just as well, saves me the humiliation of getting my ass kicked at the line. Anyway, finish up fourth not bad, I guess. I was hoping for a little better, but I went straight to the Wrong Way tent for some free beer to drown the misery. Thanks Bros! Also mad props to the guy that won. He crashed hard on a semi-pavement section. I thought he was done, but he came back a half a lap later and, ended up winning the race. Beers to you buddy! The weather was great though, so you can't bitch about much when you can race, hit some beer and hang out with the biker boys and girls on a bright sunny Cali day.

I can't let this day go by without saying WTF? Three years, and we have nothig to show for the lives of thousands of soldiers, women, children, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, and so on. Why did we go there? Remind me again, cause I don't recall. Don't get me wrong, I am not a liberal, I am not a con, I am nothing. Except, angry that we have an administration that is all about themselves and hiding behind a cloak of young men and women in combat gear, giving their lives for zero. When they should be enjoying their youth, brinking beer, making out in the back of cars, studying for finals. Having fun. Thank you to them, FUW. I don't want to go too deep down the rabbit hole, so. Oh yeah, my amazing daughter got straight A's on her repot card, with 5 A+'s. Damn, that rocks! She is awesome. Well, don't let the poison oak bite.

Beer for all,
VJ out

Happy Face

2006-03-17T18:26:00.000-08:00

moments of weakness that we all have
play like a drive-in movie
we can all see it
but in the confines of the steamed up windows
we are all alone,
as the images play again and again

the lone speaker crackles with mono sound
drawing happy faces and backwards letters
in the steam, peering out of the glass
for signs of life,
for the little curly haired boy,
for the fleeting sense of wonder,
for the stolen innocence

hold your love ones, and even the not so loved ones

VJ