New Year, Same Goals?

This is usually the time of year I write about my cycling goals for the year and disclose how many miles I've ridden. 

When I first started blogging about miles and things that happened or thoughts while riding, it was like when I first joined Myspace or Facebook; I wanted to accumulate as many "friends" or miles as possible and get more with each passing year. Since 2012 was the roller coaster year of all roller coaster years, I've dug deep and restructured my thinking. 

While I managed to squeeze 224 miles in 2012, it's now the quality not the quantity that count. I've enjoyed every 1/10th mile I've ridden this year. Whether it's hammering out miles around town, or riding our MTB track int the back yard with the kids; I've enjoyed every bit (probably the latter the most).

I started thinking that this was a crappy year given the obstacles thrown at me (loss of job, custody battle, life) but I've decided to look at them as opportunities. Let me explain. 

I lost my job of 7 years on April 13th. Yes, a Friday. Sure, it sucked. Looking back, what that event gave me was the opportunity to find a new job. One that didn't require me to be away from my family as much. It also gave me the opportunity to meet some really great people. My new job keeps me in Northern Arizona and I have met some of the best people. Losing my job also gave me the opportunity to reflect inward and figure out what is really important to me. I don't need or even want the latest electronic gadget, I want a healthy family, a productive garden, and a sustainable lifestyle. Going with a less is more theme. 

This summer's "custody battle", while not fun, has actually opened up the communication between me and my ex-wife. I am grateful for that and that's all I'm going to say about it. 

Ah, life. Interesting how things seem to work out. I have found that by putting my intentions "out there", things seem to work out. It's all in your mindset. You get what you give. If you think that a particular task is going to be impossible or hard, it will be. If you look at the same task as a challenge and find out what it is you're supposed to learn and enjoy learning it, it will be enjoyable. All too often, people seem to gravitate towards the negative side of things. It's easy to do. I find myself slipping in that direction too sometimes. But, if you project a positive outlook on things, life seems to be much more enjoyable. That's how I'm approaching this new year. I'm not going to beat myself up for not beating last year's mileage (although that wouldn't be hard to do), I'm going to embrace the year with enthusiasm and see what I can learn. 

Perhaps you'll join me in this mindset, perhaps you won't. I'm OK with it either way. This is MY decision on how to move MY life forward. Don't get me wrong, I will ride, but I am going to focus on quality, not quantity. I look forward with great anticipation of what the new year will bring. 

Happy New Year!

Big Bada-BOOM

That's what I heard as I crested my first Cat 4 climb today. I looked to the southwest and saw the rain coming. I can outrun it, or go around it. Up-shift, pedal harder. I got about 5-1/2 miles and it started to rain lightly so I ducked under the carport of the local Days Inn for some cover. In about 5 minutes, the rain subsided and I could see blue. I assumed that this 5 minute break was the universe telling me that I needed to stop here for some reason, nope. Time to head back out. 

I was planning to do my usual route around town thinking I may have to cut it short if it started raining. Since I could see blue, I continued on. I felt strong today. Strong like bull. I attacked each climb and didn't get as winded or have to down shift as I have before. Cool!


At about my usual 1/2 way point of my ride it started to rain again. I decided to just head back and shorted the ride. The whole way home it POURED. Keeping with my "everything happens for a reason" mindset, I searched within to figure out why. Then it hit me(not lightening, but it sounded close enough). I need to work on my bike handling skills. 


When riding in wet weather, you can't stop as fast, corner as fast, or turn too suddenly. As I went around corners, I slowed so that my tires wouldn't slip out from underneath me and accelerated out of the turns. It became pretty fun. I'm happy to report that I didn't fall once although I was drenched. I came up with some wet riding tips as I rode. Here they are:


1. Pick a jersey that you won't mind a permanent skunk stripe up the back
2. Give yourself extra room to slow down
3. Corner slower than you normally would
4. Wear eye protection. Raindrops and stuff flying off the road suck when they're in your eye
5. Don't make any sudden moves. You don't have the same traction. 
6. Use your lights. Road visibility is cut down by the road mist. The extra visibility doesn't hurt
7. Wear a rain jacket if you think it's going to rain (the one tip I ignored)
8. Avoid puddles with "rainbow edges". That indicates oil which indicates slippery.  
9. Lube your chain when you get back. You don't want your chain to rust. 


All in all it was a great ride. I got home, took a hot shower and had a hot cup of coffee. Now to clean (& lube) the bike.

Everything Happens for a Reason

I'm a firm believer that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. For example; while we were in negotiation for our property, and the sellers were coming down ever so slowly, a fire came through the property which made the sellers lower their expectations and accept our original offer. Sure it created more work for me to clean up the land and take down trees that had burned, but it got us here which is where we're supposed to be.

On a bigger picture, my recent layoff happened for a reason too. It took me a while to realize why, but it finally came to me. I went through the normal range of emotions: disbelief, anger, sadness, back to anger, acceptance. I was actually working out in the yard when it hit me (not on my bike).

On more than a few occasions in the past, I had said "I can make 3 phone calls and have 3 job offers tomorrow". Well, that turned out to not be so true. Seems as if maybe I called the wrong 3 people. So the other day it hit me. This happened to teach me humility. I now know I need to be more humble. I need to be thankful for what I have and appreciate everything. I completely get it now. I was at some times cocky (hey, I was good or so I thought). Not anymore. I am humble, thankful, and I appreciate all the things I have been given. Not to get too zen, but i am right with my universe.

Even on my last ride I held this mindset. Even though I flatted 3 times, I looked at it as if maybe I was supposed to be off the bike at that time. Maybe that job offer was going to call at that time. My first flat lest than a mile in...no call, second flat 10 miles in...nothing, third...zip. I figure these three flats, although frustrating, tested my composure and coolness. I didn't get frustrated, pissed, or anything. I went about my business and changed the flat; all the wile being thankful that I was able to be out riding that day. There are others who aren't as fortunate or healthy.

Since coming to this realization & mindset, I have had 3 phone interviews and 1 company wants to fly me back to their corporate office for an interview! I've got a few things about to crest over that next climb and when thy do it will be all downhill sailing. I can't wait to see what this next career segment looks like. Whatever it is, I will be thankful that I have it and enjoy it to my fullest.

All Around Town

It has been a long time since I've written anything (for those without the scroll function, April 5th was my last post). I've hardly ridden this year at all. Only 134 miles year to date. I used to do double that in a month. I'm not making excuses it's been kind of busy around here. Let me 'splain. 

 Since our move to Flagstaff in October of 2011, we've been working hard to get onto our property. In late March, our home was delivered and since I'm a "do-it-myself" kind of guy, it was time to go to work. I did all the prep stuff (except dig the septic) myself and now that the home is here, it's time to do the drywall repair at the seam of the home, get water running, paint, build front and back stairs, and move in. Lots to do. We moved into our new home the 3rd week of April. 

On April 13th, (a Friday), I lost my job. It was a blow to say the least. I'm not one to give up, so we had to keep going. I believe whole heartedly that this is where we're supposed to be so there was no giving up (not that I do). 

Our first project was beekeeping! Our good friends and neighbors had a hive living under the floor of their barn and since the "bee guy" said they were "the most docile hive I've seen", we decided to embark on this venture. We went in halves on a hive and now have about 35,000 head. The honey we get is absolutely the best tasting honey in the world!

Our next project was chickens. I found some chickens on Craigslist and picked them up. This has been a learning process to say the least. I built the coop out of pallets to save costs. While I was building it, chickens were escaping and I was chasing them all over. I'm sure it looked pretty funny from the edge of the yard. The chickens are totally cool. We have, 7 birds in total. 6 hens and a rooster named Elvis (below). 

In our master plan, we always planned on having goats. Given our dairy allergies, goat milk works to fill that void. The protein structure is different than cow milk and tastes good. We tried goat milk last year and even made ice cream with it. Instant hit! So this fall we will get at least 2 of our 3 girls pregnant and enjoy fresh goat milk next summer.  This has been the biggest learning curve. We had no idea goats were so social & mischievous. I think that anyone that wants kids should raise goats first. It makes kids so easy in comparison, They are into everything. It's fun though. 

So lot's going on leaving not much time to ride. This month, however, I've been trying to ride twice a week (not counting around the yard with the kids) around town. There are lots of hills and my rides start at 6800 feet in elevation. I hope to write more as my rides inspire me to. 

Keep it rubber side down. 
 

Dad

Hard to believe it's been 24 years. As I look I the mirror, it's because of the man you were which has made me the man I am today.

You taught me to laugh.

You taught me to love.

You taught me to measure twice & cut once.

You taught me that after a long day, nothing is better than a cold beer.

You taught me that success only comes before work in the dictionary.

You taught me that the right tool for the job makes all the difference.

You taught me thatbit's ok to make a mistake as long I learn from it.

You taught me that sharing popcorn is overrated.

If I have any regrets, there would be 2. 1, that my wife & kids never got the chance to meet you. 2. That I didn't tell you I loved you enough. I know you're here with us occasionally & I'm fine with that. You're welcome to visit anytime.

I miss you.

2012 Goals & a Look Back

At the beginning of 2011, these were my goals:

1. Continue to lengthen my fuse with my kids
2. Be an even better husband to my wife
3. Get our office in the top 5 agencies in the country (currently we're at the bottom)
3. Better my time in the Tour de Scottsdale (4:26 in 2010)
4. Compete in a sprint triathlon
5. Compete in 1 running event (Warrior Dash - already scheduled 4-30-11)
6. Better my 2008 mileage number (2064miles)
7. Try to help people understand Autism and share our story more
8. Get rid of some clutter
9. Improve my overall well being through meditation and relaxation
10. Expand our home garden to grow more of our own food.
11. Have fun!

Here is the list of the ones I feel that I've accomplished: 1,2,5,7,8,9,10, & 11. I didn't even come close to my cycling goals. Part of that is due to our move to Flagstaff. The process started in the summer and really cranked up during fall break. What a crazy time. Didn't leave much time to ride :-(. Moving did, however, help me get rid of some clutter! It has also set the stage to expand our home garden. In Gilbert, we had about 60 square feet to garden. Up here, we have 4.25 acres! Once we get our home set up, we hope to grow most of our food. We will have a great garden. I plan to build a makeshift green house since we will be on our property late in the growing season.

The cycling miles will come. Nothing as ambitious as the 2000 miles as I've done in years past, but they will come. I just want to enjoy riding instead of focusing on only miles. From our property, I can leave the back gate and I'm in the forest. I plan to build some elevated tracks on or near our place to add some excitement. I think I might use some old pallets and raise them up a bit to go over certain obstacles I may encounter. I'll write about it once I build some. I'm sure there will be successes & failures. I'll write about them all.

One cool note about last year is that I started the year at 181lbs and cholesterol at 299. I started 2012 at 173lbs and the cholesterol was 249 last time I checked (mid January). Not bad. I look forward to seeing what these numbers are at the end of this year with the healthier lifestyle and riding.

I guess I need some goals for 2012. So here they are:

1. Ride at least 1500 miles

2. Continue to be the best husband I can to my wife

3. Continue to be the the best father I can to my kids

4. Spread the word about Autism & continue to share our story

5. Make our garden as productive as possible

6. Help Flagstaff establish a Ride of Silence

7. Continue to meditate & relax

8. Get our office out of the bottom % group

9. Explore the Northern Arizona area with the family

10. Have fun.

The Purple Pig

When I moved to Flagstaff, I discovered that there are TONS of trails to be ridden around here. I can literally leave my house and be on a kick-ass trail in 2 minutes! I found a guy on Craigslist who was looking to trade his mountain bike for an acoustic guitar. Perfect! I can only play 3 chords on the guitar (and rarely do) and I have a cycling dependency. The MTB is a GT something or other and is a lovely light purple. The frame is aluminum but heavy. Since this is such a heavy bike (a pig), it has earned the name The Purple Pig.

Cyclists are, by nature, very weight conscious. How many grams do my tubes weigh? If I use this seat post rather than that one, I can shave valuable seconds. My attitude is "who cares". At least for this bike. My road bike & fixit are light. I can haul ass on them (at least I used to). My thought process behind the pig is that if I push a heavier bike on the trails, the road riding when it warms up, should be a breeze. I'm notout to win any races on The Pig, just have some fun.

I have refallen in love with mountain biking riding this thing. Being out on the trails reminds me of when one of my best friends & I used to ride the canyons in Southern California. The riding up here is different than So. Cal, not so much brush to ride through, but lots of trees and hills to climb. I haven't explored all of the trails around here; but when the weather warms a little, I will be out there riding like I used to. I can't wait to explore all of the trails that Flagstaff has to offer.