All that anti-flood work going on around the state aside - there has been some recent action, and some missed action (ie- missed postings and updates by me). First of all - about the only place to catch a mtn bike ride around here are the gravel roads, as lots of trails follow some type of stream or river, and are under water or 6 inches of mud right now. That and- it's just nice to get out and go for an enjoyable gravel ride to escape the challenges of the day(s).
So - Here's what I know...
The Cedar Falls crew, seemingly lead by that dirty old man, John Adamson, has been racking up the metric centuries, both as an escape and as Leadville training (and, it would seem, in pursuit of the Cup!). Johny, has rounded up a crew of 8 from the Bike Tech squad and have been riding riding riding! Latest folks to join the chase include Chris Congdon, Steve Bullerman and Doug Keiser (who has 2 now).
Scott Sumpter has the century that woulda-coulda-shoulda been... but alas - even he won't count it. He took off in the final days of May to maintain his One-A-Month Club status - and headed north for a gravel ride to, like Mason City or something. Well... the first 9 miles took him 2 1/2 hours.... can you say 'peanut butter'? Realizing that he'll never make his destination at that pace - he took to the CE-ment (anyone remember the Beverly Hillbillies?) and finished out the ride. 104 miles that just don't count (until 2009 and the Cup O' CE-ment... kidding.)
Dave (that'd be me) and my beautiful and talented bride, Dee broke the ol' tandem out last weekend for our first metric century. With Dee's new interest in bike racing...she is in great shape - we ROLLED! Joined on the ride by Brian Benson and Dave Fish, we spend a good deal of time around the 20mph mark... even on the way home with a bit of a head-breeze. Really - I now know who's been puttin' all the power into that tandem at Leadville and Chequamegon all these years! Dee has officially become a cyclist - just look at this picture of our living room - this NEVER would have happened - even a year ago - but get the lady a sweet pink LeMond - teach her some racing skills - and look out! Everything changes... and now, even I get to keep my sweet green Guru in the living room!! Honestly - cycling changes people -wouldn't you all agree?!
Now - I think I've got the tally correct on the left there- but I admit that I might not... so, I need your help! If, after reading this and checking the tally, if I've got this all wrong - or you have a short story about a great ride that I need to post, send (I know you've done it already... but, well....send it again!) and make your subject line 'Cup O Dirt' so I can sort through my hundreds of emails and get your story posted.
I do know that Mr. Oakley, Robbie V, is heading out for a darkened century next Friday night - leaving from Ankeny around 8 or 8:30pm - riding to Ames for some chow... riding back to Ankeny - for some chow.. then riding back out for the final 30miles and home in time for a cat-nap before dawn breaks. That does sound like a BLAST - but alas, the Mable-mobile can not make it due to a dance recital and the fact that I'm driving overnight on the next night for a week in Colorado... and two sleep-deprived nights in a row might spell disaster... so Dee and I are heading out from West Des Moines at 5am on Saturday the 28th for a 5-6 hour ride in the hills. All are welcome at each of these - send me a note if ya wanna come to either (I'll hook you up with Versteghehghehgheggehe if ya need).
In the mean time - we'll be enjoying the road bikes in West Des Moines at the Hy-Vee tri tomorrow. Robbie V is pulling some dude who cannot pull himself - as part of a team to give this guy tri-experience - Cheer them on as they cruise by - I bet they'll stand out.... it'll probly be the only trailer on the course! I am really impressed with this effort - Dee and I ran a camp for folks with disabilities prior to this whole real estate thing - and spent some time with Rick and Dick Hoyt, Rick has Cerebral Palsy and Dick, his Dad, pushes and pulls him in the freakn' Ironman, Boston Marathon and all over the freakn place. We had the opportunity to ride/run a day with them in 1992 or 1993 as they rode/ran across the entire country. We did 75 HILLY miles through West Virginia with them - a day we will never forget. Anyway - Rob - that rocks - we'll be rooting for you and your whole team tomorrow!
That's enough for now folks -
Peace - Dave
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