tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87025829338792126172024-03-12T22:11:02.838-04:00Skir's logSkirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-81350782242279545592017-09-11T13:55:00.000-04:002017-09-11T13:55:14.693-04:00Skir's Redux<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: cyan;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Ski Team 2017</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b><u><span style="font-size: small;">Freeport, PA.</span></u></b></span></div>
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<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-91449263862680200102016-09-07T10:57:00.000-04:002016-09-07T10:57:37.982-04:00NYC CallsOne morning as I lay in bed I thought to myself.....<br />
Is it possible to circumnavigate the island of Manhattan? Is it really an island, What is the East River vs. the Harlem River and do they connect? Where did that plane land? Can you go around the Statue of Liberty?<br />
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If Kramer swam in the river can I too swim in it?<br />
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With a little courage and the right timing I proposed these questions to my partner in life. Diane has been there for me on all my adventures and can be relied on to bring perspective, balance and her sense of voyeurism. Soon the answer turned to NO! I'm out, have fun "Lucky".<br />
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Next I turned to Dave, who is previously mentioned in this blog. Dave response was, Are you nuts, I've got to see this. I'm in.<br />
Bruce was not invited, But somehow he showed up from Savannah GA to assist.<br />
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This shot needs some explanation. Bruce was at the helm. Say no more.<br />
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Bruce, aka "Whiskey Throttle", contributes to lane confusion in the NYJ harbor.<br />
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Three RIT grads with 40 years of friendship can attest this is doable you can circumnavigate Manhattan, swim in the Hudson and enjoy the city from the marina.<br />
<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-89155003977191941752016-07-11T15:04:00.002-04:002016-07-11T15:04:41.632-04:00THE END OR JUST THE BEGINING<u><b>THIRD DEGREE BLACK BELT</b></u><br />
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June 20, 2016<br />
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Tested for my Third Degree BB, demonstrating form, weapon, sparring and fitness.<br />
Passed and Decided.<br />
Thank you to Diane for her support and all of the great work by my instructors.<br />
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<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-90900998226982599462016-06-17T16:28:00.003-04:002016-06-17T16:28:49.706-04:00Americas Cup Chicago, Defenders Series June 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to Chicago and witness first hand from the best viewing point in all of Lake Michigan. Teams New Zealand, USA, Japan, Sweden, France and Great Britain.<br />
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This is the Team Ag3r Crew in action, course marshaling, dropping anchors, assisting with lost persons and on water traffic management.<br />
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<span id="goog_904731352"></span><span id="goog_904731353"></span>Isn't boating great!<br />
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Small Craft Warnings are Up and with it 4-6 footers dead ahead.<br />
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Caption this Photo.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-52172359450682418922015-12-02T04:49:00.000-05:002015-12-02T04:49:20.056-05:00A very rare picture indeed with great company that can bear witness to a little November magic.<br />
PA State Championships 2015 with a podium finish 3rd place for yours truly.<br />
Here is a photo of us fellow racers goofing off before our photo op.<br />
At this stage it doesn't matter how the podium comes I will take it. Hard work, perseverance and a little good luck pays off with good times with some good friends.<br />
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It is fun to be surrounded with a great team.<br />
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And of course this is why we do it.<br />
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<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-75464883749694905372015-10-01T14:35:00.001-04:002015-10-01T14:35:50.350-04:00What's new with today's Political SceneToday's Politics are contentious at best and certainly not civil, nor polite. However we just may be spoiled as our founding fathers were even more so belligerent in their politics and yet they had the same goals and objectives. Imagine these founders forged a Bill of Right's, Constitution and acts of war. <br />
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Yet these brilliant freedom seekers could not deal with slavery, solved disputes with a slap and pistol duels. The Federalist Papers and oft penned publications by Ben Franklin were circulated to subversively deal issues of the day. Does these publications compare with the media outlets we have today leaning in every other direction?<br />
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Polite, Civil, Tolerant, Correct; Not then and not now.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-60823058799686841062015-05-31T20:32:00.000-04:002015-05-31T20:32:22.498-04:00Cupcakes & FrostingRenfrew Hill always provides a challenge, a sharp left into an acute angle with an up hill that is an off camber. This is all designed by some manic engineer/farmer last century to prevent draft teams from a quick ascent back to the barn. For a biker a quick entry into the corner means a brush with the scree in the intersection and possibly leaving some skin as a reminder to slow down.<br />
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I first hand witnessed this several times, Sharon was in the Renfrew race two years ago and I found myself picking her up, brushing her off and getting her back on her way up the hill. I watched her check her ego and mount a charge trying to catch on to the leaders that were just a bit more fortunate than herself. Better luck next time around.<br />
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For two years I was assigned to race marshal this corner keeping Racers, Harley's and Sunday church goers from abusing each other at this corner. I witnessed many racers attempt the perfect line. Now that I have this knowledge I can put it all together for a best effort. Note that most riders avoid this intersection, whole rides are planned to stay away. The KOM is vaguely marked, two false peaks present themselves. She really awaits at the uppermost top teasing you to let up with the top just around the corner. Don't get cut at the sawmill stay focused and don't cheat the line.<br />
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My personal best was posted last year, this is significant as 2014 was a recovery year and I have much to prove. Last year in recovery mode I was able to beat a previous PR. Today marks the end of two years of treatments and I can go get me some. My 2014 PR is ONE second off some of my teammates best effort, I now need to up the stakes. Today was 33 seconds back, so you say what is the big deal?<br />
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If Renfrew is a cupcake of a hill, and I hit her at mile 35 into the ride, the Watter Station climb is the frosting. I hit School bus Hill at mile 45 and PR'd that little gem.<br />
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<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-9789414199542803682015-04-18T08:58:00.000-04:002015-04-21T05:37:41.454-04:00Looking Great in 2015When traveling to Colorado skiing the 14'teeners you are bound to need some support. Realizing oneself is not as youthful as you used to be. <br />
Note to self; when choosing your support team make sure they are youthful and good looking. As is this wonderful person pictured below.<br />
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<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-9212306906824710182014-11-26T04:11:00.001-05:002014-11-26T04:11:52.549-05:00Cross Season 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmtwjGUL31yoesMAI2jWv0feIQgT8y0ToC9840jbsdoODbMfddSSFR6EUJWhunuMTP5e4na7lDqL_JWaHrnu_2p8IpSViqD-spTKfNlbOwfMSY-bh4OBaPTCDDsCdKTOYRGMnYhmxWsHr/s1600/2015ABRAPodium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDmtwjGUL31yoesMAI2jWv0feIQgT8y0ToC9840jbsdoODbMfddSSFR6EUJWhunuMTP5e4na7lDqL_JWaHrnu_2p8IpSViqD-spTKfNlbOwfMSY-bh4OBaPTCDDsCdKTOYRGMnYhmxWsHr/s1600/2015ABRAPodium.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ABRA 2014 Series 4th Place</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Pit Franklin Cross</td></tr>
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2014 was to me a comeback season, after missing 2013 I felt it was important to make some kind of statement as to who I was and what I am capable of. Never to be confused with a good racer with skills and strength; I am just an average guy plugging away trying to be relevant. Metaphor intended, what happens out there can be translated into lessons in life learned. In ways I was stronger, maybe not faster and certainly not winning but I was surviving and each race was closer to my comeback goal.<br />
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I can relate to racing Cross, ITT's are to individual, Crit's and Road racing I get blown out leaving me exposed. MTB is the most fun however I feel I should be stopping and reveling in the nature and not busting a lung. Either way I never get to see the finish line from my perspective. Cross allows me to be part of the team, see and play in the action, watch fellow racers while cheering them on, take in the festival atmosphere and I feel I belong. This does take me back to my youth making me feeling younger than I am playing outdoors in the sand and mud while hammering my toys.<br />
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Cross this year started early at Ohio's NEOCX series. Getting into form raced at Euclid and Brooklyn with Mark and Kirk basking in the glory of Indian Summer (another reason to love Cross). Next off to Kickoff Cross at Marion Point (JR your drive instructions blow) summer conditions we soaked up the sun with Steve, Mike and Mark while racing in blistering fast conditions. I met three new competitors in my class that would in later weeks become friends. North Park MOM race brought me back together racing with Kirk and Rich, we have been going to Colorado the past few years together and always managed to find a MTB race at Valmont Park. Over the next few weeks I would race with all my teammates in great weather that soon would cascade downward into typical cold and wet conditions.<br />
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2014 is going to end up being one of my best years. I have come back from adversity with a smile on my face sticking it into the wind meeting all the challenges one at a time. With the support of Diane and Sarah life is worth fighting for and they showed me the way. Of course Di bought me the new boat so I had to say something nice here. (she doesn't read my blog). Last year Steve picked me up and brought me out to White Park showing me they will keep on racing without me and I better get back in the game soon. Rich never let me forget who I was and pushed me through the pain. Hannah makes me smile, simply put. HD thank you for assembling this cast of misfits, that fit just great.<br />
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Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-85054710223893581042014-08-14T16:44:00.000-04:002014-08-14T16:44:51.845-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I must have been a good boy. Look what Diane bought me and look what I am doing with it.<br /><br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-3234677010545591182014-08-14T16:04:00.000-04:002014-08-14T16:04:03.519-04:00Europe June 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Met up with fellow cruisers Debbie, Corinne, Dave and Stewart in Barcelona. Diane and I went on a two week swing through the following cities. Marseilles, Pisa, Naples, Rome, Istanbul, Venice and Athens. Other notable stops took us to Asia, I was able to swim in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Adriatic Seas. We consumed fresh seafood, local produce and plenty of beer and wine.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-15091067476823676792013-10-09T19:40:00.001-04:002013-10-09T19:40:38.398-04:00You're so vain you probably thought this post was about you<strong></strong><br />
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<strong>Here I am doing a photo search on Google using my name.</strong><br />
<strong>What am I to think when this photo appears???</strong>Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-82178546490147799722013-09-04T04:59:00.000-04:002013-09-04T04:59:42.524-04:00All washed up at 58It is not over till the old skier says it's over. Best way to celebrate your 58th Birthday is to hang out with someone in your own boat so to speak. Diane and I headed up to Candlewood Lake, near Danbury Connecticut for the long weekend. There we met up with Mary, Nancy, Dave and Bruce. Bruce, Dave and I are roommate's in college share the same birthday. We also share the same passion for beer, wings and water skiing. Not always in that order but always in the same grouping. If you are from Buffalo you will know what I mean. <br />
The best way to start the day is a slalom ski before breakfast, we still manage to do this despite Mary's breakfast waiting for us and the nasty hangovers from the home brew the night before.<br />
Yes we can still get up on a slalom early in the am, even in a downpour.<br />
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Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-27350070630053982102013-08-27T13:28:00.000-04:002013-08-27T13:28:13.904-04:00Happy Birthday Ray!!! This says it all.<br />
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Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-57830267261953420212013-08-23T16:41:00.000-04:002013-08-23T16:41:43.729-04:00Boulder Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This years camp started off with a bang, got worse and then better. I'll explain.<br />
First easy day started with a 4,000 ft climb up to Gold Mine Hill. Next day a run up Flagstaff, continuing onto Super Flag. Then proceed to Nederland by way of Gross reservoir and Coal Creek. 7,200 ft climbing and a brisk wind in our face headed into Ned. first two descents were on washboard gravel roads. Wednesday and Thursday more of the same punishment. Friday with Deidre as our guide Rich and I did Jamestown and Lee Hill. Friday was our most relaxed climbs and we turned in the best times, Thank you D you showed us the way. It pays to be patient and wait for the legs to show up.<br />
Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-21671288694865608702013-06-21T05:36:00.000-04:002013-06-21T05:36:23.616-04:00ATA Districts June 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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ATA District Championships, Downingtown , PA.<br />
Traveled with Andy and Joey Arduini, Karina Tolentino and Jill McVaugh. We represented Cranberry ATA in the District Championships bringing together 13 states and their respective champions. On a very hot 90 plus degree day, indoors in a non A/C controlled building we gathered with all the best of the best in the North East. My competitive ring did not start till after 2:00 pm making it one hot & long day. In the Black Belt ring were two familiar faces I have competed against before from PA and Virginia. New faces that made it through were from New Jersey. I faced the NJ State Champ in Sparring and Combat CBME. I did compete in Forms and weapons. Forms, Shim Jun, lets say I have much improving to do. Weapons, Ssahng Jeol Bong was my first time in a tournament with the weapon. I had not even tested with it for rank advancement. Sparring, I placed third and lets say I could and should have done better and I am very much looking forward to my next opportunity.<br />
Here it is; Combat Sparring with a Bahng Mahng Ee I took District Champion. I am very proud of this as I felt very strong and particularly fast that day. The competition was at a very high level. The heat was my friend. I took up Taekwondo to help with my competitive cycling. In this case it was my cycling strength and skills that helped me gain the advantage win the title.<br />
<br />Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-49377481728873967922013-03-30T05:05:00.001-04:002013-04-26T17:17:12.914-04:00New Merckx <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />This years winter project was to bring my Merckx up to date. A 2001 Merckx Majestic Titanium model with about 60,000 miles. Came with a carbon fork, Dura Ace and Mavic wheels. I bought this bike while I lived in Chicago and consequently rode this throughout the Chicago land area in club rides and local races. I also proudly returned to Arizona on several trips back to my condo as well as rode this in the tour de Tucson and el tour de Phoenix an several occasions earning gold medals.<br />
Here in Butler this is my daily ride and with Ag3r and North Park Velo have been just about everywhere in Beaver, Allegheny and Butler Counties. I love to take this bike back to Buffalo and ride around Grand Island and out to Akron to visit the Octagon house.<br />
With the Help of Lightspeed and Pro Bikes the build went like this.<br />
Pro Bikes strip the bike down to the frame. Send the frame to Lightspeed for bb repairs and a new head tube replacement. This was done to accommodate a 1 1/8" fork. Final finish treatment for the frame to look spanking new.<br />
Pro Bikes built back up with an ENVE carbon fork, Full Dura Ace group 10 speed. New compact crank (to shut up Richey), carbon bars, race saddle and of course matching green tape. The Mavic wheels were sent back to Mavic for a rebuild of race wheels and Dura Ace hubs on Open Pro wheels. Don't forget the Ti bottle cages to top it off.<br />
Now I'm ready.<br />
<br />
Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-75364960517610292442013-03-30T05:03:00.001-04:002013-03-30T05:03:44.121-04:00Nite out with Sarah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sarah and I took in the Kenny Wayne Shepherd concert in Munhall PA Carne<br />
gie Library. Best Show ever.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0Munhall, PA, USA40.381532188833837 -79.90897178649902340.375484188833838 -79.919056786499027 40.387580188833837 -79.89888678649902tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-45326867209370315552013-03-30T04:54:00.001-04:002013-03-30T04:54:27.377-04:00SKI ColoradoThis years trip with Diane returns us to our favorite slopes at Keystone and Copper. Going all out we stayed at Keystone's River Run Village, walking distance to the Gondola. Great accomodations, better skiing and the best companion. We traversed all of both mountains, basked in sunlight and partied the evenings away. Staying slopeside has its advantages with easy access to ski and food. We went into Frisco, Dillon and Breck for dinner. Surprise was Linda joining us for some runs at the North Peak, she is the best. We met some new friends along the way and on the way out we went through Mt. Evans, Evergreen and Red Rocks.<br />
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Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-16968405757293415232012-12-23T17:26:00.001-05:002012-12-23T17:26:43.555-05:00Cross 2012Cross 2012 season came to a close with the PA State Championships at South Park.<br />
The season ran from a September start with double cross at Dirty Mikes and a close with a double weekend race at South Park. Plenty of competition and good teammates made the season a real success.<br />
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Twelve races, plenty of action and no injuries.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-25365842120584370982012-10-02T12:56:00.000-04:002012-10-02T12:56:41.648-04:00Anyone Ready For Cross Season??? I Am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-20035597155604102232012-09-10T17:02:00.000-04:002012-09-10T17:02:42.990-04:00Colorado CallingTeam Select Ag3r traveled to Boulder Colorado to revisit last years climbing trip to the Rockies. Brew Crew was escorted by veterans Kirk, Rich and Ray. Diedre and Sam tried to keep a straight face as we tried our best to look good as serious cyclists in higher altitude.<br />
Strava can tell the story best however I would be remiss not to expound on some of the hi-lites.<br />
Somewhere up to Ward a rider was found carrying his bike barefoot. Not recommended.<br />
The Gold Mill Hill climb cat hc reduced one of the riders to lap up spilled espresso off the table with his tongue. Not recommended.<br />
Cyclists order pizza by the pound.<br />
Often muttered was "Hannah where's my....Bring me a....WTF.....<br />
Next trip a mechanic will be invited, and that will be for one specific individual. All others are good to go.<br />
Sushi will have to be flown in to town in advance.<br />
Directions will be inked for those who don't follow instructions.<br />
Frozen Man will be summoned to clarify all the stories and keep it to a minimum.<br />
Trout fishing is for weenies.<br />
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I need a caption for this photo.<br />
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These three kept me up at night with all the partying.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-8344786795932495232012-09-10T16:32:00.000-04:002012-09-10T16:32:40.289-04:00ITT Season rolls to a closeSunday, Diane got up with me very early and we travelled together to Presque Isle in Erie PA. (Super Fan Alert) Bands of clouds brought rain and wind during the whole drive, the temperature dropped from a routine 80's to 56 degrees. When dawn gave way to daylight to our surprise the sun came out over lake Erie.<br />
With a low head wind and basked in sun I started out. A good effort produced yet another PR for me at Erie for the 12.5 mile contest.<br />
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This year I PR'd the 5 mile, 10 mile, 12.5 mile and 20 mile ITT events.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-70927389099390854342012-07-10T14:49:00.000-04:002012-07-10T14:49:18.350-04:002 x 12 MTB Relay, Big Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Team Ag3r sent 3 teams to support Dirty Mike with the running of the annual 2 x 12 race in nearby Bruceton Mills WV.<br />
Kirk Morrison and I teamed up to form a Masters team, Kirk posted some very admirable lap time wil'st I provided the humor for the rest of the on lookers. Steve Brewer handed me his SS niner rigid fork hard tail at the start line and said "go get'em big boy". Riding the SS niner rigid hard tail puts me in "geek" status so I had to try it. One minute into the race I realized I was in for a big surprise. This sports car of a bike was more like a bucking bronco at high noon. I was thrown and pile driven into the turf not one but two times in the first mile of the race. This left me looking for broken bones before I remounted this bronco that beat me for the rest of the first lap like a rented mule.<br />
As I entered staging no one said nice ride, I got stares that said "what happened to you"?<br />
Quickly I remounted race numbers on my full suspension and pounded out a new lap in five less minutes.<br />
Lesson learned? Maybe not, we'll see.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8702582933879212617.post-28378464483557295522012-06-12T14:51:00.001-04:002012-06-12T14:51:57.992-04:00Raystown LakeMike Maher put together a bike weekend at Raystown Lake, PA. Any guy named "Dirty Mike", a bike weekend and at a place called "Raystown" meant I had no choice but to attend. We rode Fri., Sat., and Sun. with a most excellent group of 12. It was Dirt Rag Bike Fest weekend which put riders all out over the course. Made for some good riding and stretching of the legs. Sunday I rode a 9'r SS, wow that was great, I am convinced one of those is in my future.<br />
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Here I am trying to locate Mike after one of the trail dusting's he took. Yes I did get wet and went for a swim in the lake.Skirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12724737389259092364noreply@blogger.com2