Skir's log

Stairway to Heaven

2011-11-29T14:04:00.001-05:00

The stairway to heaven can lead you to many places, it can also stop you from achieving your goals. Fortunately you do get to choose. First make it to the top then decide which way to turn.
CX season just closed for me and now I get to reflect on my performance both on and off the course. Eleven races, one series complete, one podium finish and two podiums if you count on the third place team podium for the ABRA series.
I put out my best effort trying to stay with the best riders in the area. I must measure my success not just how I finished but that I did in fact finish. While I am lucky enough to savor the victories with my teammates and adversaries I am reminded by the gaps in victories themselves. I may not be in the same league with these best riders I did in fact do the following;
Eleven appearances, Creek crossing, Fence leap, Sand pit, Barrier jump, Log hop, Mud bog, Huge run ups, Bathe in a creek in November, Master a beer hand up without loosing a position and not one indecent exposure charge.
My goal was simple, no serious injuries this season. North Park was by far the worst for mud and rain. Monster 1,2 Little Washington and Wendy were the best for fair weather. Mike's Double Cross, hey what can I say was up there with the most fun if not devilish.
I do have a life outside of CX and chose to take two weeks off to go to Alabama and Buffalo.

This is why we do it!!!!

CX Season Woefull tales of mud

2011-10-03T12:53:00.001-04:00

Sunday October 2nd Month Of Mud CX at North Park Masters Race
Mark Briercheck - 8th sport
Rich Allen - 5th Masters
Kirk Morrison - 6th Masters
Ray Sielski - 9th Masters
Welcome to October, rain for three days cold gray skies and a hundred fools wishing to test their mettle met at North Park.

The first races at 10 and 11 did nothing but encourage the mud up from the ground. Waiting for the Masters and Sport class was ankle deep mud and super saturated grass ready to suck those aero wheels three inches into the turf. The course was twisty with slight uphill sections, under a bridge through a stream (wheel wash) and a horseshoe pit thrown in for "just because".
Runners took over during the uphill and sharp turns. Running proved to be faster through about 25% of the course. The barrier crossings were placed very close together, then wide, then super close throwing off any rhythm in hurdling the section. Blocking out the rain the racers stayed bunched together through the twisty part getting a feel for the mud ride vs. the run through the turns and the mud pits.
Mark Briercheck and Rich Allen stayed in contact and finished on the lead lap, Kirk showed a tough sprint to the line and Ray rounded out the Ag3r field besting a group of mountain bikers in the sport class.

Noted sighting; Army Corps of Engineers meeting at the park dam engaging unsuspecting racers for next years race. CX through drained lake as a cost effective measure to remove and transfer silt from the lake bed to the high ground. Stay tuned.

Time Trial Season finale opens way to CX

2011-09-11T17:04:00.001-04:00

Time trialing this season had it's up and downs. Nine races entered over three venues.
The season started with rain at the Colavita Ohio race and Washington Blvd track. Mid summer evenings were perfect in Pittsburgh, closing with a 10 of a morning in Presque Isle. I earned a first place finish in the 50 plus group completing a 25 mile tt. I focused on the the second 25 mile attempt to better my time. Never made it as we were wiped out by a flood that took three lives that afternoon. A very tragic day. All riders were safe.
2011

Presque Isle 12.5 mile PR
Washington Blvd 15 mile PR
Washington Blvd 5 mile PR
Washington Blvd 25 mile 1st place 50 plus
Colavita, Deerfield Ohio, 12.5 mile PR

Tour Latonka

2011-09-11T16:51:00.000-04:00

Well if you don't know by now I must tell you I am a two time winner of the Lantern Rouge. Typically reserved for the runner up, the second award must mean I am the runners up runner up. Horse's Ass or something like that.
A well run intra team event in Mercer, PA. 65 miles with 17 stages showcased some very gritty performances for Sprints, KOM's, GC and yes last place. My goal is always to finish strong and turn in my best effort every stage. The Team TT's placed me on a team of winners who worked with me from start to finish. My thanks to them for the instruction and motivation which made the races a privilege to ride with these all stars.

Stay tuned for updates from the Lantern Rouge "Shrine".

Road Signs

2011-07-20T05:27:00.000-04:00

As compiled in Boulder Colorado, Henry Dimmick

Gold Album release Party

2011-07-08T14:18:00.001-04:00

Gold Album release party at Sportsman's was attended very well and the compilation of music was extremely well received. Full Sielski contingent was present and showed their support and enthusiasm by putting a big dent in the Labatt's and wing inventories.
Sportsmans was under construction showing some promise for a great music venue.
Good job all.

You can find more photos and get your album at the below links.

http://www.goldremembering.com/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Gold/77628635349

Busy July Fourth weekend

2011-07-06T11:37:00.000-04:00

You know a good weekend was entered into the log as Tuesday am comes and it is tough to roll out.
Friday at the track posted a PR for the 15 mile tt.
Saturday a spirited ride with the Ag3r Butler contingent, Sunday a 62 mile ride with the North Park crew, boat ride. Monday a bike ride with Diane on the Freeport trail. This turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Very pretty trail, moderate slope, mostly flat. I recommend the trail.

Boulder Training Day

2011-07-01T15:56:00.002-04:00

One week in Boulder Colorado with six Ag3r teammates, Sam Morrison and Diedre York representing University of Colorado.
Day 1, up Flagstaff mountain, down and up four mile Canyon. Teammates were happy to wait for me as I DID make it up. Richey coaxed me up the last half of the climb. The descent was a real eye opener of things to come for the week.
Day 2, out rt. 36 to Left Hand Canyon, up to Ward, over Peak to Peak hgwy. to Nederland. Descent back to Boulder. An epic day with that 15 mile climb, 4,000 ft ascent up to Ward. HD escorted me up the way and I only clipped out once to have a discussion with my racing heart. That bugger was going faster than my wheels would take me. The descent was like none other, fast twisting, 50 mph mind blowing.
Day 3, beautiful day starting with rollers out to Superior, a few sprints were taken in, I saved my energy. Some short climbs and a few dirt roads.
Day 4, more climbing up to Jamestown, great ride through the mountains and a false descent (yes false). Ken (SBg'er for short) tracked me the whole way. I know he wasn't drafting me as I was not going fast enough. I think he had the "I have fallen and can't get up" button and was ready to push it on my behalf. We were close to home and the Lee road was closed and the group had to climb out and go back. That was a mental challange. This day we took a dirt road to rt.36 and spun back in. Damn, I almost quit four time that day but my Mother wouldn't answer the phone. She wouldn't have given me permission anyway.
Boulder is a great town, good weather, people and the mountains were a perfect backdrop.

New season races on

2011-06-06T10:40:00.000-04:00

Friday night at the Washington Blvd. track has started with a 5 mile tt. I turned in a 12:32 time which was a PR for the 5 mile race. This was my third tt of the season, the first at Erie I performed in the cold, wind and rain with a sub par time. The second Colavita challenge in Deerfield OH, more rain but still a sub par performance. Now at the start of the Friday night series, I might be back on track, so to speak.

I have been trying a comeback after a neck injury. In the off season took some time off the bike and started Taekwondo. This has helped my conditioning and hopefully can translate to time on the bike. Still trying to hang with the riders out of North Park on the weekends is helping my endurance.

Real test comes in two weeks. Training Camp in Boulder Colorado.

HD made me post this and I think I know why

2011-04-23T18:59:00.000-04:00

WILLIAMSVILLE CEMETERY GETS DEER PROOF MODIFIED SPIKES
buffalonews.com 4-22-11

On a cold and snowy evening in Buffalo, NY. We would occasionally pay a visit to the local cemetery.

On top of a hill, behind a majestic Oak tree we had a perfect position to bomb out unsuspecting cars and passersby with snow balls. One of these nights two guys came tearing through the cemetery and flushed us out.

Bobby cleared the fence in one leap, Bill was next to clear the fence in one leap. Ray was next to go over when the guy catches my ankle and pulls me down. Down Ray goes on that Iron Spiked fence, caught up on my groin and the new Xmas Suede coat. Left the coat behind with some flesh and a little pride.

This my friends is the same cemetery in Williamsville that they are Deer proofing the fence.

1972

Now Henry must have done the math and figured 39 yrs later Ray is still 3rd one out.

Tough RR Crossing

2011-04-10T22:23:00.000-04:00

Mars - Evans road RR crossing is a tough one. I have personally been involved or witnessed biker problems there. The crossing is off angle and bumpy. The road is pot marked and washed out immediately right after, any car has problems staying in line. Saturday, I am alone closing on a lead group when I hear and see two cars coming on fast. One is already across the double yellow line. The cars were accelerating and they bump once, and bump again. They go sideways and cross the lane right at me. Down into the ditch they go, one crashed beyond recovery, the other comes up and at me. I was in full defensive mode and put my self in a position to assist if necessary. Get this, Fred Klehm the lead rider was past the point of incident. He used his riders sixth sense to possible hear some commotion behind. Realizing I was back there (and closing fast) Fred comes about and returns to see if I was engaged in any way. Good going Fred that is leadership. I will ride with you any time.

Spring Break

2011-03-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

Nothing beats Spring Break in Colorado. Breck, Copper, Keystone and Glenwood Springs all of our favorite destinations. Fresh snow on Copper for our run on Oh No and Andy's encore. More fresh snow to manage Mozart. We made the North Peak and Outback all before lunch. Breck was crowded with kids so we moved around a bunch. Best lunch was a T Rex Grill, Best Apres Ski was at JJ's for Moe Dixon. We did get to sun bathe at Glenwood springs, yes our first tans.

The body performed well as I tried out a new strategy. Go slow first couple days and save some muscles and joints for the last day. Thanks Diane for this valuable lesson.

Next we get back on the bike.

Shut It Down

2011-01-24T12:43:00.000-05:00

MRI shows herniated disc and some other questionable disc issues. Doctor says shut it down. No skiing, swimming or biking, didn't tell him about the Taekwondo.
Rehab for now and a steroid shot to reduce swelling at the point of injury.
Oh well will have to behave for now and hope to be back at it in the spring.
,

Neck Breaker

2011-01-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

Seriously now, The doctor told me I had a broken neck.
Suffice to say I am off the bike and curtailing the ski season for now. At least till I get things sorted out.
Thanksgiving I started to have neck, shoulder and arm pains. Two months with limited activity I decided to see a doctor. Past history shows a broken neck at some point and subsequent deterioration.
I am seeing rehab with a script from a spine doc and receiving chiro care and hoping to rebound.
Swimming and Karate will have to do for now, hopefully ready to go in the spring. MRI at our team sponsoring Butler Health Systems is scheduled and that will confirm what the course of action will be.
That's all folks.

CX season in full swing

2010-11-05T16:07:00.000-04:00

This coming weekend is the Murrysville CX race. Team Ag3r-ButlerHealthSystem is a co sponsor of the event. We plan on having a near full turn out of team members ( ten are registered) in support of Freddie Fu and UPMC. This event is one of the favorites that we will participate, featuring an off camber section, muddy run up and jump the shark barriers. Last two years we had plenty of wind and rain.
Last weekend Kirk, Steve, Mike and myself went to Marilla Park in Morgantown. This race featured a very steep and long run up that thank God was not too wet. True to fashion the fans lugged into the park their front porch couches and reclined while spectating. I should have known we were only miles away from the WVU campus. Beer and donuts were featured at the top of the run up and none of it was found to be actually consumed as intended for. Do not do this at home.
While there is plenty of CX racing left we have early leaders in several categories.

Dirty Mike; PT Barnum award for self promotion bringing to life the "Double Cross" series.
Steve "Hacksaw" Brewer; Steely McBeam award for twisting the most metal and leaving the largest debris field since the Evil Knievel ditched his bike over the Grand Canyon.
Brian "Mario" Hopkins; Gets the Al Gore award for using up his lifetime of Green credits in one weekend in search of the perfect race in Cincinnati. He didn't bring home any Skyline Chili. Thats code for missing the podium.
Steve "Squeaky" Marlette; The only racer in a complete season never to shower as he has yet to get dirty in a single race. Hey let someone pass you and see how it feels to eat mud for a diet.
HD "tube tied"; still experimenting with "Optimo Air" pressure and only finding out their will be a new class for the most pinch flats in a season. Oh yeah a record he already owns from last year.

For the rest of us we will keep on trying to get to the podium one step at a time. Come on down and watch.

Roadies change with the season

2010-09-26T21:06:00.000-04:00

Road season to date I have posted 3,000 miles with another month to go. I have covered most of the tri county area with a generous amount of group rides, ridden in Maryland last month and climbed Wisp on my Birthday. The Butler County Stage race was a huge success with the promoter Ed Johnson and Henry Dimmick Team AG3r Director putting many hours of effort making sure this race was the best in the State. I am proud to be associated with these guys and pleased they let me play with them. Fred Gohh started off his inaugural year as Director of Team Citius. Very noteworthy as Team Citius is dedicated with the development of junior racers. My thanks to them for letting me join their group rides and giving the rabbits someone to jump out on.

I entered 10 time trials this summer posting personal records in 8 of the 10 races. The boys at Pro Bikes hooked me up with a set of HED 3's, therefore I reached out to technology for a boost.

This season I had the misfortune of busting two sets of wheels, one of which I have not seen back from Mavic. Trek of Pittsburgh has helped with quick repairs so I would not loose any road time.

Now we turn to Cyclocross for racing. Again learning my lesson from earlier this year I am turning to technology for help. I acquired a Specialized tri cross (thanks HD) and attended a clinic with a real coach. Yes we learned how to mount a bike. And then we learned how to dismount. That took 55 years to learn.

It is fall and football season but I feel like we are just starting.

This has nothing to do with a bike

2010-09-03T16:53:00.000-04:00

I know your sick of hearing bike stories. So I will tell another side to this strange summer.
We went whitewater rafting. Top of Wisp Mountain in Maryland there is a man made rafting center. A world class facility that brings in young kayakers training for the Olympics. Sarah says they are cute too, but I can only attest to some of the female paddlers.
Sarah and Matt with Uncle David joined me on a cool sprinkly day on the lazy river. Well not so lazy, we were all thrown out multiple times. We started off with trepidation and ended up surfing and jumping off rocks into the hydraulics. Diane and Riley took photos of the action. Diane still in pain from last years trip, oh well she'll heal.
Try it, a short drive from Pittsburgh and a sure good time.

Arlington National Cemetary Honors our Brave

2010-09-03T16:31:00.000-04:00

Matt and I travelled to Arlington National Cemetery to bear witness to the internment of Jenna Wilcox ASAF AC. Jenna was a very important member of our family and we loved her and love her parents very much. While in Afghanistan Jenna went out of her way to help the people she was there to serve. She was performing architectural duties in the rebuilding of the country's schools and infrastructure. Jenna called out for assistance in the form of donations from friends here stateside. Diane collected school supplies and sent a box over to a school in the building. we were very happy to help, more importantly we were proud that Jenna was over there doing good things.

Arlington NC handled the military proceeding remarkably respectful and made us proud to be Americans.

When Matt and Sarah were very young we went with Peter and Jenna to the ski slopes. I remember to this day the three of them zipping up and down with reckless abandon.

Take a trip to Washington DC and spend four hours at Arington National Cemetery.

Heat Wave

2010-07-06T16:19:00.001-04:00

Best way to beat the heat is a boat ride with a swim or two. This weekend we found ourselves out in the soak zone twice at Shenango PA. The best entertainment is in the parking lot and launch ramp. I arrive to see an Escalade cut off 3 people trying to launch. In his hurry boxed in a fellow boater locking him out from launching. Continuing to watch this 3 character team we see them bouncing and dragging the boat along off the bottom. Well he blocks my way from launching and I finally see the rig get pulled out and noticed they launched without a plug in the bottom.

The next lady is parking a pick-up and trailer, she jackknifes and gets trapped. Instead of getting help rams in in reverse and pushes the wheels 90 degrees and into the truck bed leaving a scar. She continues to find another spot and gets stuck doing the same thing. I saw the owner in his boat and told him he better get up to the lot and save us all a little in collision repairs.

I could have made decent pay with a pair of jumpers and a jug of spare gas.

The best part is the go fast boat getting towed in after running out of fuel.

This picture is the Pirate ship with a neat Figurehead.

Yes I can still get up on one ski.

Fathers Day Ride, Beautiful Lake Erie

2010-06-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

Sunday at Erie had a big Ag3r Butler Health Systems turnout. Donnie and Dave. Brian, Mike, Kirk, Sam, Randy, Steve and Steve. Owen also came out to join us.

An interesting day on my way to a personal best. On the 7 mile mark heading back with a beautiful day slight wind in the face heading back past the half way mark. What happens, a white truck and a green sedan stop to have a conversation blocking both lanes. As I approach I think I might have to either go on the grass or split between them riding the lane divider line. This way I could go between them and join the conversation thus earning my moniker of x-ray.
But I am spoiled as the green car puts in reverse and proceeds to do a 3 point turn completely blocking the road. Kirk to Scottie; ENGINE ROOM COMPLETE STOP.
Man that was close as I came to a complete stop to weave around one and behind the other on my way to attempt to save my ride.
The cookies were nice, glazed oatmeal.

50 is the new...What you say

2010-06-14T14:59:00.000-04:00

It is new ITT season and off to the races we go. Friday night at the track and Deerfield Ohio were the last events. Friday we had humid evening that turned to rain. After slowing up the last two laps due to a wet track I still managed a personal best. Deerfield Ohio was a nice drive. An out and back course rose gently into the wind and on the flip side had wind at the back. Plenty of heat brought out allot of sweat and a wall of humidity. Nice high mph on the way back. Still not in good form but it is coming.

Rich and Kirk showed the way with better times than I. Something to shoot for the next time out. This photo is of the 50 plus group I tend to hang out with these days.

Presque Isle Spring 2010

2010-04-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

7 am arrival and the camp AG3r was set up and awaiting by HD and crew. Rain was causing puddles and pooling on the course. Fortunately decision was a go for racing. In the rain, 49 degrees and some wind made for less than ideal conditions. Not to mention that Skip and team, Brian and the two Steve's showed up. They sure clog up the podium.

At the start it seemed to immediately begin to rain harder. Had a hard time getting my speed up despite I thought I had warmed up appropriately. Mid course I got the speeds where I wanted, felt good and fast but failed to compensate for the poor start. I was warm enough and blocked out the bad conditions. The legs were stiff from the cold and the back was tight.

But I had my new wheels, they will carry me across the finish line. Not so, you can spend the money on technology but you better man up with the training. The official results for my bib number were lost so it is my word as to the finish.

Looking forward to next time.

Spring Break 2010 Park City Utah

2010-04-26T11:34:00.000-04:00

Spring Break this year took us back to Park City Utah. Diane and I were joined by sisters Martha and Lucy, cousins John and Sharon. Returning to Park City from 2008 we rented a 3 bedroom pad with hot tub views of Park City and a shorter drive to Deer Valley. John insisted we try again the Turkey Chili at Deer Valley, yes just as good. Sharon skiied like she never left the slopes and filled out the harmonies with the girls singing in the back of the Ford Flex. Off day we ventured to Sundance for a meal and a soak in the Crater hot springs. No injuries but the healing waters felt great.

Ski conditions were perfect with increasing variations of perfect all week. After a hearty lunch were were strongly advised to "take those girls to McConkeys" so off we went to the top to pay umbrage to Shane.

Start the new year off the right way

2010-02-03T16:22:00.001-05:00

Did you stay up late on New Years Eve, party like an animal, embarrass yourself and forget about all of those resolutions before the 1st day of the year? Not me, off to bed early, rise early and get on that bike. First ride of the year in a snow storm and sub teen temperatures was the only way to get the year started. 2009 I went to France, beat my personal tt records, entered the most events, swam 74 miles biked 4,000 miles and yes Diane and I are married 31 years. How can 2010 be any better. I tell you how, if I am even able to have half as much fun and stay healthy still be a good husband and father everything else will fall into place. 2010 promises to be full of adventure.

Fear the Yellow Tape

2009-11-23T11:37:00.000-05:00

What does yellow tape mean to you?

Crime scene, danger area, off limits, bump ahead or possible serious injury could be present? I can't think of anything positive can come out of flirting with yellow tape. So how do we spend our weekends? Crossing, jumping over and who knows what else that is involved with miles of the plastic off limits barriers of oppression. I say shred it, rip it up and put it all in the wake behind you as you ride on to a beautiful day in the saddle of your Cyclocross bike.

This weekend may have finished up the Cyclocross season for me. Beautiful days at Kent State and Cleveland, Rain at Raccoon and Murraysville. Grove City had the best fall colors and single track section. Raccoon had the tandem rouges bearing down on you as you were trapped in the mud pit. Murraysville had the rain and mud and the new jump the shark feature. What do I have, new friends, no broken bones and plenty of yellow tape where I don't want it.

Torque Maximus

2009-11-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

Torque; a force that produces rotation. Saturday mountain bike outing showed a rare display of maximum torque put down by none other than yours truly. Demonstrating my unique skill and dexterity in trail mastery as witnessed by non other than young Yoda HD I manage a nice endo. Mid log crossing in a power stroke grind in the upswing , the chain jumped into the frame and chain stay. Lurch right up and over the handle bars I went ripping the chain in pieces as my massive power stroke repayed the uncooperative chain with a meltdown. HD to the rescue after picking me up he produced the tools to get us back on the trail. A brilliant day in the woods we rode trails, one flat, one lost lefty, one bent derailler, one spent chain. Perfect.

CX Season brings in Fall Colors

2009-10-09T04:29:00.000-04:00

Well CX season also brings in the rain, wind and cold with a few bumps and scrapes along the way. Racing the last two weekends, Racoon Park in Beaver and Grove City hosted the last two races, Murraysville will be next. Fall conditions start to prevail leaving the courses wet and soggy. However with a Month of Mud attitude it's like being a kid playing in the sandbox or stomping in a puddle of mud. We have plenty of teammates to cheer you along, laugh at the miscues and share a story afterword. CX is riding on variable track conditions with obstacles in the way challenging rode and mountain bike skills. Run ups, dismounts and single track put to test your late season conditioning and uses a different set of muscles and coordination. The latter of which is rumored to have passed me by. However you the rider will find yourself amongst a whole new group of competitors from all classes. Translate all that into a new life lesson for the day.

Presque Isle Time Trial

2009-09-21T14:51:00.000-04:00

Sunday September 20, Presque Isle in Erie PA, 12.5 mile Individual Time Trial.
The day starts at sunny 48 degrees, no wind and improves from there. A beautiful day to race around the bay. Six riders from Ag3r competed. This ITT culminates the season as the final ITT. This year in April started at Presque Isle with a personal best on the course, July posted another best and Sunday I completed the 12.5 miles in 31:45 with an average speed of 23.84mph. Ten ITT's for the year and posted personal best's on all of them.
I thank all those that offered support and advice, Skip, Henry and Steve. Oscar and his group at Washington Blvd. Most importantly my teammates from Ag3r of which 3 took home medals.
Next the bike gets a rest as we turn our attention to cyclocross.

2009-09-15T20:51:00.000-04:00

Many cyclist ride for the competition, self improvement or camaraderie. I just like to ride. There are times you can fulfill all you personal goals in one day. Last month Ag3r took me along to Mercer County for a little fun with the guys called "tour de la Tonka" or la te da for sure. Twenty five sprints, climbs and trials later, getting ripped off the back and punished in 90 degrees just for showing... What did I get?

A .99 cent candle with apple pie scent for not only just trying but for coming in last.

Well I tell you ,I train like an ass and still come in last.

I am bent on getting rid of this thing and vow to dump this honor on some other poor bastard that needs friends like I've got. Last week 185 miles in three days, Sewickly Hills and repeats the week before. I am going to knock down another PR itt this weekend. In the meantime you will find me in front of my Mark Cavendish Cadel Evans shrine making race preparations.

September 11, 2001 Rememberance

2009-09-12T22:09:00.000-04:00

In support of the United Way 9.11 memorial program I rode in a group of 11 from Butler to Cranberry.

Ride director Henry Dimmick organized 11 riders to receive the ceremonial flag and deliver it to the flag raising ceremony in Cranberry. After a wonderful ceremony in Diamond Park we escorted the flag through a few stops and finally to our final destination. Witnessing along the way were many onlookers, and supporters including Diane and Stephanie from Mars.

Washington Rode Here

2009-07-08T23:19:00.001-04:00

Century ride on Saturday to Slippery Rock University.

Logging 95 miles, credit to Pam and Brian they completed 100 miles.

We left North Park early on a great looking day sunny, cool and no wind. Mars to Seneca Valley H.S. up Yellow Creek Rd. Portersville to Moraine and followed Washington's trail to the University. Returned via 528, stopped at Johnny's for a shotgun lesson and continued on to Evans City. Very fast pace we were done at 5:52:00.

Pam and Brian pictured here are training for the Louisville Iron Man this month. It was fun to keep their company as you all know I am no Iron man.

US Masters crown new champion

2009-07-07T15:22:00.000-04:00

Richard Kramer is the new 25k open water US Champion. Richard asked me to join him and act as his boatman (I was born to do this) for the weekend. We traveled to Morse Reservoir, Indiana for the weekend. A very hot day in the upper 80's and bright sun. Richard knocked off a list of nationally ranked competitors. Actually he blew open the field with a vicious sprint 5k 1st lap and opened up the lead on each of the other four remaining laps.

25k open water 5:39:09

Two lovers in France

2009-07-07T15:09:00.000-04:00

Diane and I travelled to France in April to see Paris, the Mediterranean and visit Linda. Sister Martha joined us in Philly and we travelled together. USair bumped us to Spain and rewarded us with tickets system wide. Where to next?

Paris was great as we trekked all over the city non stop for 3 days. Next stop Linda's college town of Aix en Provence. A bullet train whisked us away to Marseilles then to Aix. A pleasant surprise as we meandered through narrow streets and ate Mediterranean cuisine. Next Stop Nice, relaxed on the beach and visited nearby Monaco. Only one international incident took place as we jockeyed for parking in front of the Casino. More on that later. Of course a Sielski trip would not be complete if we did not meet the required relatives. Cousin Michael Greico and family were on the flight to Spain and we had a reunion of sorts in baggage claim.