July's last entry.

Greetings Readers

I have nothing to really get into, subject wise.

I have installed my new aerobars on my new bike. Damn Snazzy. I also added two red water bottle cages, made by profile and they look good also.

Other that than nothing noteworthy to say....

Wait. Light rail this morning. So, I was running late and I had to get on the Light Rail with my bike. All is/was well, two of us bike riders are on the same end of the light rail car. We reached a stop and this was the stop that she was getting off. So, that meant I had to move my bike and block the one of the end car's door. Then, this guy walk up to me and I see his lips moving, but as you know readers, faithful readers know, I really do not give a fuck what you are saying when I have my earphones in my ears. Basically, that means I do not want to talk to you period.

The guy is still talking, while I have Tieso playing in both ears. I look at him with my sunglasses on and say "Why don't you hold up. She is getting off, which means she goes first. You can either wait or go to the other door." I did not say loudly, but very firm with a hint of "try me motherfucker". So, as I see her out of the corner of my eye stepping down the steps I still have my eyes focused on this guy in front of me. Oh? He is about foot and a half in front of me. Looking at me and her getting down the steps. As soon as I see her get clear of the doorway, I then move out of the way and let the guy pass onto where the fuck he was in such a hurry. Oh yes, he waited for me and her to be done. He could of went the other way, but I think he was trying to save face for whatever he said.

Again, I see his mouth moving once more, but again I do not have a clue what he said while he walked by. I stood tall waiting for him to pass. I, of course, had my Iron Maiden Bandanna and "huge" biceps from working out the past three weeks so I probably looked like someone not to fuck with. Hah hah. Not to mention, I did not look away from him while this whole "situation" was going on. This was a staredown - On the last day of July. Anyway, another light rail incident.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 23

Greetings Readers

Finally, I am able to get back to a regular scheduled day of my life. After three weeks of getting up early and watching the coverage of the Tour was tough and then watching the show I taped when I got home after work was tough. Even tougher in the past week.

I have been writing the past few days, but unable to get some "flow" on what I want to say about the Tour de France. Hence, that is why I have not posted the past few days.

Sunday's last stage - Stage 20 - was uneventful. The last stage is never "good" since no one attacks and the winner of the Tour de France was settled the day before on TT Day.

On Friday, me and Bobby Rae worked out with the common folks. Oh it is so hard to come back to the common people after experiencing the "rich" club. Yet, it was doable.

Today's picture is the movie poster for Sunshine. I have to admit this movie blew me away when I caught the movie on Sunday. Such a simple story and I did not have a clue what the movie was about. Yet, I took the chance to see the movie and the movie was very, very good. I also have to admit that the emergency beacon that was played in the movie still echos in my mind. Eerie, but very ominously sounding for where the emergency beacon is/was in the movie.

Anyway, going to keep this short and I'll see you in a few.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour De France - Day 19, 20

Greetings Readers

Okay, time to play some catch up. These entries were made prior to any news regarding anything. I have made no modifications upon anything after finishing the blog entry.

Tour de France - Stage 15

Greetings Readers

I have had some time to think. I guess to be specific I have had 10 hours and 30 minutes to think about the news that I read about Team Astana and my rider I still follow Vinokourov. Yes readers, you heard me right. I am still behind Vino. You must understand if you are behind a rider more than 50% percent then you are behind that person. Period.

I am stunned by the news that I read on my lunch break. The entire team Astana has pulled out of the Tour de France. Since the news has just broken I am not going to write that this was the cause of Alexandre Vinokourov. I cannot dispute what the news has relayed to us viewers.

I am basically summarizing what was released today. Vino’s post test came up positive with “blood doping”. What that means is that Vino allegedly had a blood transfusion. Yes, that is against the rules.

I do not know what to say readers. I am just stunned. My rider, Vino, has been “tested positive” in the Tour de France. Regardless, I am still behind Vino until proven otherwise.

I am not one to judge until proven guilty. I am not sure how the IOC operates. Nor do I know how the tour organizers/association operates either.

Readers, I was thinking about publishing the blog that I wrote for Monday’s stage of Vino’s win. Yet, with the events that have come to dominate the day, I cannot. I can point out some things though instead…

I did sort of call on what may happen, but by no means did I “state for the record” that Vino would win the stage. Vino had two riders with him in the breakaway on stage 15 and I knew deep down inside that Vino had an excellent chance to do some damage to the other riders (GC riders).

When I got home I watched the live tape that I recorded. Pretty much was the same when I left for work that morning. Then at Mile 28.7 mile to go to the finish line I saw the rider of Team Astana 194 Ivanov literally weaving on the left side of the road on the fucking climb of the mountain. Again, I could not help saying softly out loud to myself “oh no” and seeing Ivanov weaving, maintaining the climb of the Pyrenees.

Yet, I knew that this “weaving” was due to him setting the pace to help his Team Captain, Vino. Ivanov sacrificed himself to help Vino in the breakaway group. Yet, this is another image that I cannot get out of mind. Ivanov weaving his “machine” all over the Pyrenee’s road. To see a rider to give all he can give and then to see him struggle after that tremendous effort was nothing I have ever seen in the Tour de France. Ever.

To go back to the stage in general. There were the “ugly” climbs, the headwinds that were blowing into the riders, and then you had the low clouds, or fog bank in the Pyrenees. This was a very unique stage in itself. The attack that was “waiting”, according to Paul and Phil never came. Though, if you readers want to count the attack of the leader well… it was not Rasmussen’s attack. Contador did the attacks this day and it was Rasmussen that was forced to counteract the Contador attack.

Even I was a bit surprised yet, not unexpected on what Vino did. I knew from the past Vino has the drive to do the impossible or remarkable, depending on your point of view.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Stage 16

Greetings Readers

I am not sure how to begin this entry. I got up at 4:00 AM and was ready for the tour to start. I was prepared for the announcers, I have mentioned them in the past week, were going to disgrace Vino as far as they can. Period. Yet, as I mentioned before they are basically "two faced Mary's" If any of the riders are not American then basically they do not care, in a sense. I am being general, but if any of you readers are faithful watchers of the tour year after year then you know who they are behind and hope for.

Gosh-Damn - I think I was really surprise by Al. Him of all, I respect his commentary.... well more than Paul and Phil, but for him to make such a vicious statement against Vino, that was wrong of him to do. He is in a professional position and should not let his personal views be aired. I was a bit taken aback by a couple of Phil's comments. But, I expected no less from Phil. Paul was the same, but he was more neutral on a personal side, but followed the same path. And Bob, his opinion does not count.

I watched the stage as is began and I was watching, but not caring. Yes, I was expecting the Contador / Rasmussen "battle", but other than that I could care less.

I am going to digress - the reason why I do not care is that Vino and his team Astana are gone. I am not saying that was the reason I could care less, but that was the team I was following. And yes, that was posted and stated by me at the beginning of the tour. I was not interested in anyone or team. Yes, I was looking forward to Rasmussen in the mountains. BUT I WANT TO BE CLEAR. The me not caring currently about the Tour de France is not because of "doping" or "cheating" or any subject close to those two words. From my stand point I see/hear it everywhere. For me it is like a cell phone. Everyone has one, but I don't. It does not effect me. You have to get use to it. If someone gets caught then so be it. I am not going to cry, or get angry, or say bad "stuff" about that person/team. Move on.

Wait. Yes, I care about the Tour de France - ever since I was in junior High - hell, LeMond is still someone I regard highly in my life. I would not be were I am in my life as an Athlete if I never saw on TV him in the tour de France in the mid 80's. Yet, should the Tour de France be cancelled or what have you, I would be disappointed, but I would "survive". The Tour is my life, hell I wanted to that when I was young. But again, if the tour gets cancelled so be it. I will move on to the next sport. The other benefit is that I will not be glued to watching the tour for 21 days.

Back to the "baddest" mountain stage on this year's Tour de France - There was a breakaway group, Team Rabobank was leading the Peloton and eventually the chase group. Riders were dropping like flies.

Then, the last HC was sort of anti-climatic. I was watching. Not to see who will win, but who will get left behind. Rasmussen won in the end (pictured on today's blog), then Levi and Contador and then the young rider, Solar, came in fifth. Woo Hoo - new leaders in the Poka-Dot Jersey.

Sorry readers, the most grueling stage was something I was looking forward to, but watching yesterday, there was no excitement. Actually, I had the TV on, but I was putting on my new Carbon Fiber aerobars on my new bike while listening/watching to the Tour de France in the background.

Tomorrow, a few "bumps" at the beginning of the stage 17 and then the flats. Time for the sprinters who survived the Alps and Pyrenees to shine once more. Yet, I am missing Robbie McEwen already.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Back to the current day -

Tour de France - Stage 17

I heard the news last night that Rasmussen was pulled from the Tour de France and that was that.

Well, this morning the announcers were talking about Rasmussen, but not in a bad way as they did to Vino. They did not admit what Rasmussen did was wrong. Especially Phil - Phil and bias feelings to Rasmussen and all those "adjectivally laced" words he used yesterday about Rasmussen. I knew he was not going to say something bad about "Mr. Chicken Legs". Yet, they mention a rider from another team that tested positive. Him and his team have also left the tour.

When Phil and the rest of the crew were talking about who will win the tour now, or how the Cheaters will be caught, blah blah blah. They were trying to take the high road on this day and not talking shit about anyone. I have to say I think that they are worried about their jobs in the future, since these guys are who do the Tour de France on TV for us Americans. But that is just the first thought I just thought of.

The stage was well underway when coverage started. Nothing worthy to report. But as I was turning off the TV -Denis Menchov was getting into the Rabobank support car. I know nothing more than that.

I guess I will see later tonight. By the way today's stage entry was random - I am going to follow through some points that I can expand on.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 18

Greetings Readers

I am not sure how to begin. Photo featured on today's blog - Vino on the eve of him and Team Astana withdrawing from the Tour de France Today 07/24/07.

I got home yesterday evening from work and started watching the tape live coverage from earlier that morning. I saw that Vino was still in the lead group and when all was said and done, Vino won the stage. It was a beautiful sight to see and not to mention I was on track that Vino, with Hope, he could do something on Monday's stage. Yes, he gain some time back, but 5 minutes and change, but all in all he took the stage.

As I was on my lunch break I was avoiding the sports section I saw a headline that "Team Astana pulled out of the Tour" I could not hold out not knowing any longer. I read a bit and I am heart-broken.

I am not sure if I am going to post my re-cap from yesterday. It would not make sense though, but all in all I want to remember how that stage played out from my view. Give me a moment to think about this new development.

This is still new news to me so I am unable to really say this or that until later today or tomorrow. By the way readers if you are not familiar with the tour today is another rest day and tomorrow is the last day that the riders are in the Pyrenees.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 17

Greetings Readers

Tour de France - Stage 15 - Well, I had to watch 30 minutes earlier this morning since that was when the coverage begin. Wednesday's coverage begins at 4:30 AM.

So, I saw that there was a break-away group this morning and yes my rider Vino was one of 25 in the group. When I left they just started the HC climb and the breakaway group had 8:12 in front of the Peloton. I could not help to say softly "yes" and shake my fist in encouragement. I know that may mean nothing, but there were three Astana Riders (no Kloden though) in the breakaway group. So, what I am hoping that Vino does not falter and will be able to use those two as pacers to climb. I am trying very, very hard not to find out the results for today's stage. I want to be surprised and hope the very best for Vino.

Oh, by the way readers - it has been 6 hours now that I have not had any coca cola. I seem okay, for now.

Tiesto was in town for Red Rocks Concert on Saturday. Sorry, I did not go readers. I really did want to go, but the threat of rain was there and I just did not feel like getting rained on. Those clouds did look very dark on Saturday.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 16

Greetings Readers

Tour de France - Stage 14 - Well, the first set of Mountains in the Pyrenees began earlier today. Really not a bad stage, but I was geared up for the stage today.

34:12 that the time that Vino finished after Alberto Contador won the stage. It was not without incident though. We faithful watchers of the Tour and cycling in general know that Vino can have an up day and a down day. Yet, on top of this he has crashes in the tour. I know that 34:12 is a huge deficit for Vino and if I can venture my opinion now the tour is most likely over for him.

Yet, should he lead into a breakaway and the rest of the group let him go, then he may have a chance to make up some lost time. Yet, today is a big time lost and that may have an effect on him mentality. I am hoping for him, not wishing, but hoping.

Pictured today is Maurico Solar. He made some moves on the HC's today and also had the mentally that this was a training ride up a mountain instead of a race. I could not help to laugh and see him trying to share his water bottle with Michael Rasmussen. At least Solar was keeping cool on the climbs by dousing himself with water after water. And then for Solar to try and take on the two riders in front of everyone. I was really, really hoping for this Solar to make something special on today's stage. But he could not make the 37 second gap in such a short distance.

Now, I also witnessed the non-cooperation of Michael Rasmussen. Yes, he has the yellow jersey, but does that not entitle him to sit back. And Contador was gesturing and speaking (we tv watchers could not see/hear what was being said/indicated. Yet, after that exchange Rasmussen took the lead and Contador rode behind him. Almost, all the way to the top. In the end Contador won the stage, with Michael bowing his head in getting second place.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 15

Greetings Readers

Well, I am now going to load the file that I was going to load yesterday...

Tour de France - Stage 11 - Seeing Team Astana dictating the stage of Stage 11 was a sight to behold. You have to ignore the commentary of Paul and Phil as well as Al and Bob. A lump in my throat was present seeing at least five Astana riders in front of the chase group ahead of the Peloton. I would not say that this was the defining moment that would undo all the past 12 days, but this was the redemption of the past 12 days. I still have Vino to do something and even though Kloden is no the captain of Team Astana we have him in the top 10 of the GC standings.

The performance of Team Astana is what I see in myself. Demolishing anyone and everyone in my wake. What Vino and his “domestiques” did in about 15 kilometres was astounding. With Team Astana “dropping the hammer” they closed the gap from them, the chase group to the breakaway group was incredible. The time gap dropped so quickly in those 15 kilometres was what made me clinch my fist and say softly “yeah”

Then, Vino gave the signal (hand wave) to his domestiques that their effort at the front of the chase group was done. They dropped back into the chase group and let the other teams take charge of the chase group on catching the breakaway group and distancing themselves from the group that got let off the chase group.

Christophe Moreau - I have nothing bad to say about this rider. Period. I know of him, but I have no “ill” thoughts against him. However, today I am so happy that he was unable to be in chase group with Team Astana. That technically has eliminated another GC contender from a podium finish. Granted, I am writing this entry as I am watching the stage race, but I am thinking that Christopher will lose some time and will not be able to catch up to the “chase group”. Readers, we must remember that Vino has been injured and that is part of the problem of why he has not “shined” during the tour.

37.9 k to go to the finish line – the chase group caught the breakaway group. This was almost done entirely to the credit of Team Astana. The announcer’s best recognize who did the work. And not criticize the effort that, according to them, was a wasted effort. It was not. If you can do damage to one GC rider then the effort was well worth it. That brings one GC player out of the podium finish and perhaps brings their GC rider into the top ten.

Let me digress for a moment. As I was watching the tour I saw this commercial for Visa about quick pay. It was set to some classical music and consumer after consumer were using their Visa card and swiping the machine and their payment was quick. Then, another consumer pays with cash. The classical music in the background stops and then the narrator of the commercial comes on. Well, Visa is giving the impression that this “quick pay” is the way of life. Get the Fuck out of here! I will not let any union or non-union grocery clerk push me around. If I want to pay in cash – you damn sure will think no ill thoughts about that.

First of all, paying in cash will help alleviate the finance charges that may occur if you do not pay off the current balance. But, more importantly no one can track your purchases. Unless you readers are using those “King Sooper” “Safeway” cards for savings.

Visa wants to “paint” a picture that quick pay is something that you need. In reality, it is the people that are in front of you or the person that is scanning and bagging your items. It depends if the grocery person is experience or new. It also depends if this person know what the fuck he/she is doing. Yet, it also depends on the person that may be ahead of you in the check out line. He/she may be talking up a storm to the employee…

And now Back to the Tour de France

Vino - 3.9 K - Vino pulled ahead of the Peloton! That sight was amazing and yet I knew that it was for only a moment. I will not give up on Vino.

Christopher Moreau – 3:20 seconds behind the other “GC” leaders. Woo Hoo! This helps my pick Vino.

Now getting back to Visa Quick pay. Yes, I am sure it is a nice concept. But I am going to have to state for the record that this very, very unlikely for any consumer. If it is busy in the store and you are waiting in the line well you are in the hands of the person ahead of you. There is no control over this. If you readers think this then you must believe in the tooth fairy and the genie in the lamp.

I am the wild card in the line. No one rushes me in the grocery store. Hell. I do not even use the self-check out. Those grocery workers in the store are getting paid to help us the consumers. You readers must understand that. If you are checking yourself out and doing the transaction yourself then you should get a discount right? Or perhaps you are missing your calling and showing extraordinary skills to work at Grocery Store. Should there be a difference from me who has someone checks me out as opposed to do the checking out myself? I will stand in line and wait until I get serviced. Sure I might be thinking that he/she must do the checkout quicker, but I do not expect that type of service.

In closing, the benefits of Visa Quick pay is worthless, unless it is late at night or in the middle of nowhere. Or lets face it readers, you do not want to deal with the grocery employee.

And once again back to the Tour de France entry.

The end of the stage race Christophe Moreau lost out and never made the gap to the chase group. Even before the commentators said this was “payback” for the Christophe “moves” in the Alps – I knew it. We faithful Tour de France watchers know our riders we follow and of course the others that enter the picture during the tour. So, Vino destroyed Christophe by 3:20 seconds. Fuck ya!

“Payback time came in the shape of Astana using the coastal crosswinds to split a main chasing peloton, leaving Moreau in their wake.”

Tour de France - Stage 12 - Tom Boonen won the stage. I only watched the last 10 kilometers of the stage. Nothing really interesting to comment on-the breakaway group was caught at the last possible kilometre.

Tour de France - Stage 13 - Individual Time Trial. Well, the announcer and everyone else can just say "time trial" since there is no Team Time Trial anymore. Unless they want to hear themselves talk - then so be it. Okay, the stage was mostly rain and there were accidents galore. As I mentioned in my blog - I am still with Vino and more importantly I did not give up on him. I am with him until the end.

I have to say on what Vino did to the cycling field today was incredible. I am not sure how he did it, but more importantly is that he did do it. He decimated the time differences in the field between him and the "GC" classification list. In addition, Vino "stuck it" and basically say fuck you to Christophe Moreau. This was twice that Vino got the better of him and in my view drove the last nail into the coffin for Moreau. An addition 9:26 minutes were lost on this stage alone. Boo-yah!

Yes, this stage was time trial day at the "footsteps" of the Pyrenees. The rain was and did play a factor in today's stage race. Unfortunately, the latter half of the field, perhaps the last 15 riders or so did not have the roads all wet nor was the rain falling or sputtering. Most of the roads were almost dry by the time the last ten riders or so were nearing the finishing part of the course.

Michael Rasmussen did do a good ride. But let us remember he was the last rider to race and by then most of the road were dry, therefore he did not have to really worry about slick roads. Yes, I am sure that there was some worry since he knew there is some wet roads here and there. But more importantly, he was able to go at a faster rate of pedalling and have one thing less to worry about. So, before everyone thinks that Rasmussen did do a good time trial... well in my eyes he only did a so-so time trial. There is one more time trial stage, the last one before Paris and that was where he fucking blew up two years ago and let my main man - Jan Ulrich to get a third place podium finish for the Tour de France. I hate to say this, but I was rooting for, an unknown Rasmussen in 2005, to keep fucking up on this stage. This costly "fuck up" is so infamous that everyone from the great grandmother to their sister-cousin- best friend knows about how Mike Rasmussen lost a podium finish in Paris.

I am jumping ahead of myself.... so this stage 13 had a few crashes and some of the falls were very ugly looking. Cancellera, Kloden, Gusev to name a few riders went down on the road.

Today's picture is of a smiling Alexandre Vinokourov. As opposed to few days ago when the world witnessed the tears of Vino and his performance in the Alps, in no small part to Moreau. "Thank you very much."

Hah Hah readers I made myself laugh. You know what I have to do.

I know that the tour is far from over and a new day awaits, but I want to state and say "Get the fuck over yourself Paul and Phil!" These commentators said Vino's tour is over in the first and second week of the tour and now in the past few days these two are now saying that he has a chance. Talk about two two-faced Mary's. Al and Bob sort of said the same thing about Vino,but not as direct. I will not condone their actions. I know that Vino is a wild card and the next set of mountains awaits him and the other riders.

Tomorrow, we viewers will join the riders as they enter the Pyrenees - one Cat 2 climb and two HC Cat Climbs in the last 68 kilometres of the stage. The two HC's mountains are Usson-les-Bains and Chateau-de-Beille. The beginning of the stage has the cat 2 climb of Cote de St-Saraille.

Thanks to Vino for making everyone eat crow.

Or the R-rated version - Thanks to Vino for making everyone eat shit!

Or in the immortal words of my favorite "little" Southpark character.

"You just got F'd in the A!"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 14

Greetings Readers

I getting ready to upload my blog file from my floppy disk when I got an error. Sorry readers, I do use flash drives, but on my laptop I have to use the 3.5 floppy drive and well when I getting ready to get the file - there is something wrong with the information. One error was saying that the disk was not formatted and the other error was telling me that this was a MAC disk. Sorry.

Tour de France - Stage 12 - I saw the beginning this morning. Nothing special. Pictured today is Christophe Moreau from Stage 11.

Tomorrow is going to be a somewhat critical day - Time Trial day. I think the time differences are ready going to show tomorrow. A lot of riders are going to be tired and others are going to attack, but their will be failures

Update: The beginning of stage 11 was nothing special until I got home and watched the rest of the stage race and saw how things unfolded. As much as I want to put the entry here I will put on the current day that I am making this entry.

until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 13

Greetings Readers

So, this is the picture of Robert Hunter, the first South Africa's stage winner this 2007. This image is what captures the essence of winning. More importantly the feeling of accomplishing something great. I can not help being drawn to this photo. Sure readers, I have a few photos like this, but nothing really compares to this photo of Mr Hunter showing such "Umph!"

Tour de France - Stage 11. Again, I saw the opening coverage on TV and I was just getting into the program when I had to leave work once more. When I was leaving there was a breakaway and then there was David Millar, trying to cross the gap from the Peloton to the breakaway group.

For me readers, to see some rider, or riders, trying to ride across a gap to the breakaway group from the Peloton is something incredible. I am not sure of the odds or the stats, but I think that it is something like fifty-fifty. But then, the rider who is doing the "crossing over" could be let go by the Peloton since he may not be a rider in contention and for him to be let go on his own could be nothing for the rest of the riders. Now, if he is a good rider, then Peloton will not let the rider go. This is only speculation, but I think that the breakaway group had heard that the person coming up to them was Millar and to benefit the breakaway group it would be helpful to let David join their breakaway group in order to help them succeed on finishing before Peloton.

Well, that is about all I can blog about since I have to watch the rest of the tape tonight when I get home. I know nothing more about the stage and trying to limit my knowledge of the stage. Granted, this is a flat stage with a couple of Cat 4 climbs towards the end of the stage.

And of course regarding Vino...

"For what he did today, he commands respect"

I have no idea what that statement means, but I will find out tonight.

The Riches - Well the Emmy nominations were announced this morning and guess who made a nomination from the show. Yes. That would be Minnie Driver. I whole-heartily agree. Her performance was good. I am not sure if it was great since I am thinking about the overall season and how some of the dialogue seemed to be repeated and acted the same way, almost anyway. Regardless, she has my vote and I do hope that she does win.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 12

Greetings Readers

Tour de France - Stage 10 - I saw the beginning of this stage this morning. This stage is pretty flat with a couple of small Cat 4 climbs. The second longest stage. There was a 10 man breakaway. I have seen who has won and it is a victory for France. Cedric Vasseur is the winner of today's stage and the first winner for France for this year's Tour de France.

Other than that bit of info that is all I know or can give you readers about the tour.

By the way readers - Kim Cljisters got married over the weekend.

I do have some things to talk about, but have not made the time to do so. I will try to catch up tonight.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 11

Greetings Readers

Tour de France - Well, I saw the opening stage 9 this morning. The riders had climbed over the first HC Cat and were starting the only 1 Cat climb then I had to go to work. I was unable to avoid knowing who won today's stage. Of course, I knew that Rasmussen was not going to win. I know that there were 2 HC Cat's, but the distance between them was too great for Rasmussen to keep a lead. Especially since he is a target now for wearing the "yellow jersey" No one will just let him go for the sake of letting him go.

Featured today on my blog is America's hopeful George Hincapie, but I do not share that same sediment. I thought to give him his day on today's blog since Everyone belives he is just so "awesome" (as my ex-coworker would say) I really do not know him, except when his "captain" was his personal "domestique". Well, that was word on the street.

Those Carbon Wheels. Damn! This morning as I was watching the tour the camera was on a T-Mobile rider going through a France town. I could not believe how the Carbon wheel "crumpled" like an empty frozen dinner tray by biking into a dog. It appeared that the dog did not get hurt or even get knocked around. The dog sort of just looked at the biker and sauntered off to the side of the roadway. I do not think that the rider was even going that fast, but the wheel literally folded in third. T-Mobile is not having the best tour at all, even though the team is "new". On Sunday, as a T-mobile rider, Patrik Sinkewitz, was riding to his hotel him and a fan collided and that T-Mobile rider had to abandon the tour.

I saw an old, old temporary worker that I worked with at an old placement job we did back in the DTC area. Actually she noticed me. Anyway, I was trying to "jarr" my memory for a minute or so until I started remember who, where, and so forth. I even remembered more as I biked home.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 10

Greetings Readers

Tour de France - Rest Day! Whew.

Breaking news - I, Mr. Charley, went down on his bike while riding in the DTC area. Gosh Damn White crosswalk painted white lines. Yep, I took a sharp "lean" into the intersection and the next thing you know I have messed / scrapped up my left arm and my left knee has 4 inch scrap. Superficial wounds, but damn damn damn. I have not had a bike wreak/accident for a while that has claimed some skin from my oh so pretty body. Hah hah. Urgh. The right side is okay as well as my hands. Yes - my ego is still intacted.

Rest Day!

Update 07/19/07 - Now, the bruises have made their appearance from this wreak. Not too many, but the bruises are in long diagonial lines that show where impact was made. I have include a topographical map of the scene of the accident in case any of you cyclists/readers care. I do not even care since this spot will be forever imprinted on my Gila brain cells. And no rider truly ever, ever and I mean ever, forget their accident(s). We either have to learn to ride with this memory or the memory will destroy you mentally and perhaps physically. I know from experience that one of my worse accidents made me afraid for months. And how I was able to overcome this was riding in the Courage Classic Bike Tour. I had no brakes left on my bike and I was biking from Leadville to Copper Mountain via Vail. On the descent of Battle Mountain I literally rode without braking, no brakes. After that little experience of discovering speed, the dangers, the exciting and more importantly - Letting go. I was able to get past me being "afraid" of riding. Perhaps, I will talk about this later in blogging, but then again be prepared not to ever hear this memory.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 9

Greetings Readers

I guess let me set the mood of the blog today, if you will.

You have to take the opening music to the series of of Planet Earth mini series. As you hear the drum beats softly building in volume you have to imagine seeing the cyclist Michael Rogers leading the breakaway group during today's stage this morning on TV. The images are of Michael leading the "little" breakaway group of riders on the ascent of the first Cat 1 Climb of the day. Then, slowly the scene fades to black and then another scene shows him riding so strongly in front of the pack. The drums are getting louder and then the music starts an image after image is of Michael taking the unofficial lead of the yellow jersey, since the stage race is still in progress. Or in the words of Phil and Paul "the virtual leader"of the yellow jersey.

About 20 seconds more into the music score you see the aftermath of the crash that Michael was involved with on a descent of the mountain climb. It appears that Michael is okay, but then you see another cyclist is involved and then the camera also shows that a tree in the background is shaking. In that split second you realize that a rider literally catapulted over the guard rail and down the side of the mountain - perhaps 15 to 30 feet with a 50 degree angle from the road.

As the song comes to a close you now see a cyclist in a pink "T-Mobile" bike jersey on the side of the mountain in the Alps. Although you can not see who the face you know who it is. His shoulders are hunched with his head hung low. Then you see a team member come over to the rider on the side of the mountain and then the cyclist raises his head for all to see. He is crying and the tears of giving up on the Tour de France has hit him.

I have to admit readers I was crying with him, for him on the live coverage this morning. Crying in the sense that the tears were flowing down my face. No cry of anguish, but the tears were there. Michael Rogers, "A Fallen Athlete", shined like the sun this day in July of the year 2007. The last that we viewers got to see of Rogers was him walking back to the team car and him getting in the back of the car. We must not forget the effort Michael Rogers put in this morning. Also, do not forget the last image(s) of Michael on the Tour de France on today's stage. Yes, that is him pictured on my blog today.

First and foremost he was not going to win the stage. I knew that from the get go. We seasoned faithful followers knew that Michael Rasmussen was going to win the stage today. This would be a bet I would win if one wants to bet against me that another rider will fair better than Michael.

I digress once more, let me recap what I saw on TV this morning - Michael Rogers was doing good before and after the crash. As he got on his bike after the crash it did not seem that there was anything wrong. Then, the cameras showed that Michael was "not doing good" He was holding his handlebars wrong and he was not getting out of his seat to attack the climb. And minutes later we see him drop from the breakaway to another breakaway group, then the Peloton. Michael was making the effort to stay in pace with the main Peloton and his "yellow jersey" wearing team member, Linus. Linus stayed with Michael as he fell back from the front of the Peloton to the back of the Peloton.

Michael was quickly at the back of the Peloton and that was the moment that I knew Michael was in trouble. For a rider to go from a breakaway group to the back of the Peloton group is unheard of and in that moment my joy in the second cat 1 climb of the day was no more. Linus in the yellow jersey was ready to fall back with Michael, but Michael indicated that Linus must stay with the Peloton. My hand went to cover my mouth in disbelief and say so softy "Oh no."

Another Fallen Athlete and in my book Michael Rogers is worth mentioning on my blog.

I know it was only in yesterday's blog, but you remember the "take a drink" I mentioned? Well add the words "Thank you very much" How many times can Paul say that phrase. And what about Phil "talking smack" about the other two riders with Michael Rasmussen. He was saying that those two were not putting in their effort. Hell no. Michael did not need those two others to help him lead the race. I do not even recall Michael looking back to see if they were behind him at all. Rasmussen's mission was clear and he did not need any one's help to the top.

Now, there were others stories today - O'Grady is out. Iban fucking came back to life on today's stage. I was just as much in awe as Phil and Paul were. To see Mayo do what he was known for in years past was a reminder of a time thought lost. Vino and Kloden were working together and Kloden was helping Vino keep pace in the end. To see these two Astana riders injured, team members, working together was the definition of a team working together. Valverde was working the pace on the breakaway group - nice to see that once more. Rasmussen - I was waiting for him to lose the other two riders on his wheel and to "destroy" everybody in his wake. Robbie Mc Ewen did not make the cut-off - his tour is over. And in closing, another T-Mobile member has abandoned the tour - Mark Cavendish.

Today, in my opinion, was the start of the Tour de France and things will even get more interesting. Those beasts of the bitch today - Col du Meraillet, Comet de Roselend (Cat 1), Montee d'Hautville (Cat 1), Montee de Tignes (Cat 1). And yesterday's Beast of the Bitch - Col de la Colombiere (Cat 1) have "shaken up" the standings. Tuesday we have our first two HC's - Col de I'Lseran (HC) and Col du Galibier with one Col du Telegraphe (Cat 1) climb which will be the last of the Alps stages.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 6, 8

Greetings Readers

I did not have time to blog yesterday - Sorry readers

Tour de France - Day 6 was the first venture into the mountains of France. Yes, Vino was tested and he was able to stay with the rest of the "best". I guess that "best" depends on your point of view. Unless you are Phil Liggett and have written off Vino and Team Astana Already. I understand that he is a good announcer and has been in and with the tour for many years, but he is almost like the John McEnroe of Tennis commentary. Him and Paul Sherwin - Readers - You can make a drinking game from the words they use over and over during the live coverage.

Thank gosh, I do not depend on the "enhanced" version that is shown at night. That is the show that is "enhanced" with trivia, useless things, the "facts"(the way that they see the facts), etc. I digress...

So readers, Take a drink every fucking time that they say "Anger" "pedaling in anger" pedaling with anger" "Lance A..." "Johan" "Armstrong" and I think those are the key words they forcefully put into their commentary. You can not include "peloton" "the back" breakaway" "yellow jersey" etc.

On those two commentators - Paul and Phil are so bias. They think this and they think that. Or from the video today or yesterday (sorry readers my memory is blurring with my watching the tour) showed Vino was near the finish Vino made the universal sign of the cross in front of him. BUT. Phil had to say that was the sign of being drained or to some effect like that. Sorry readers I was a bit peeved when Phil made a whole different interpretation of the universal sign of the cross. Of course, I and his co-host, made the connection of the universal sign of the cross. From there you can interpreted what that may have meant. Vino did do good yesterday and today. Yes, he was transforming from a tour rider into a tour mummy rider with all those bandages all over him.

I did not see Vino's appearance as funny at all. I was worried for him and I am still rooting for him. Never give up until you can not go on anymore.

Now, Tour de France - Day 8 - Stage 7 - The start this morning for us in the Mountain Time Zone 5:30 AM - we joined the tour with a 15 man breakaway and they were approaching the cat 3, cat 4 and cat 1 mountain climb. All the GC (General Classification) riders were pretty much together, the sprinters were hanging on, to advance to the next day.

"Flecha". hah hah - yes he was in the breakaway group once more and they made me say his name with a smile. Since the tour has entered the Alps I saw for the first time Michael Boogerd. That is him pictured on today's blog. This rider is pretty impressive for me. He is one of the domestiques, but more importantly he is the pacer in the mountains for his team. Whenever I see him in the front of the group I know that is about to make the group working much more harder. Boogerd is not a "small" guy. I am amazed, yes amazed, when I see this guy leading out his team. As in the past year or so, I have seen him lead out Michael Rasmussen. These two together is like "butter and toast." Boogard is the "toast" burning the group into submission on the mountain climbs and once his job is done he pulls off and then like 'butter" Rasmussen slips away to earn those coveted "King of the Mountain" points.

Today's winner was amazing in my opinion. I was surprised and nope - I do not know who the fuck this rider is. Two good things - 1. He, Linus Gerdermann, is that he is on T-Mobile. and 2. He is German. He made me proud to own & wear my T-Mobile Bike jersey I bought last year. I was sitting on my couch yelling for him not to give up on the last Cat 1 climb since the next rider was only :29 seconds behind him. I was in awe watching the foam around his mouth. I could literally feel his pain and emotionally I was with him. Yet, as I knew he still had to battle for first going down to the finish. Congrats to Linus and T-Mobile!

Tomorrow - Three Cat 1 climbs - it is going to get very, very interesting readers.

Oh, yesterday me and Bobby Rae worked out at the Colorado Athletic Club in Inverness. I guess I have spoiled her with the "nice" club as oppose to 24 hr fitness. Again, I had a great time yesterday and I can feel the burn in my muscles. She liked the club and as we were leaving she had to drag me to another area and she got her "punch on" with a bag and also with me "wearing the boxing hand glove".

You want to know something readers. I have been living with sore muscles for 6 days! Not just sore, but very sore and fatigue. I had to take another rest day. There were two mornings this past week were I woke up very stiff and took every effort for not to cry out in pain. But as soon as I got up went to the bathroom and then back to bed I was okay. Well, not okay, but was able to deal with the day. Yes, I have been taking some Tylenol when I felt the pain starting to get worse.

I guess that about sums up the blog for today.

Wait, yesterday, I was on the Light Rail since I knew that I would not make the bank in time. So, I had to use the light rail to help with the distance to my bank. So, I got on and was minding my business when this 20 to young 30 something woman was waving her hand to get my attention. I did notice her when she first got on the train, but that was about it. Wavy hair, a nice figure and yes, nice "rack", not a red-head, but sort of close or maybe it was the light and freckles, but nice freckles. I took out my earphones and "yes?". "How is your Giant?" And then we talked for only about 2 minutes or so, but I wish I could talked longer, but I really had to get to the bank. Yes, she was very cute when I actually started to talk to her. Or could be all that testosterone I have been exerting this week. Who knows. Or perhaps she saw my rippling biceps. hah hah. Well, could be since I did work out at lunch and those "guns" of mine are getting better and better. I wish I would of gave her my name and number or a name to find me on the internet.

Perhaps, it was not meant to be. But dang, I had the sudden urge, strong urge, to lean in closer to her and kiss her like it was going to be her last kiss ever. We were talking close to each other since she was in sitting next to the aisle where I was standing/leaning in to her. I can not explain that feeling. She did have nice full lips too which complemented her eyes. Okay readers, I got to let this subject go, but again I think this note is more for me later down the road.

Note: I located this statement after finishing my blog:

"I am sure Vino will start the stage tomorrow," team manager Marc Biver told reporters.

"I know him, he is a warrior, he's not going to let it go without a fight.
"He is going to go to the limit, he is ready to die on his bike."
Kazakh Vinokourov, 81st overall and two minutes 10 seconds behind leader Fabian Cancellara, has stitches in his knees and elbow as well as bruising on his buttocks.

Until the next time

And I thought I was done - Finally a picture of me and Rebecca at the Greenwood Goosechase 2007.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 5

Greetings Readers

A rest day for me, so to speak.

I bought a bike trainer earlier this week, well another bike trainer. The "Roller" trainer and wow what a difference from the one that you hook up to your back wheel trainer!

The first day was "hard" for me to actually ride/balance without the fear of not staying on the rollers. I would say I spent about an hour or so trying the rollers out.

So, last night I designated that I would not go out for a ride. I had to physically make myself take a "day off". I sort of held to that but, I saw the "Rollers" leaning folded up against the dining room table. My brain was making me think the rollers were calling out to me "Ride me ride me" and "what you giving up on trying to ride me?" "You wussy" "You gonna throw $ 122.00 down the drain?" Not really readers, but I was watching TV and I could not help looking at the rollers.

Well, I could not take the thoughts my head was making up any longer. I grabbed the roller trainer and headed out to the balcony. I grabbed Andrea and we took on the rollers. A few minutes on the rollers were basically the same results as the first time. Holding onto something for balance with one hand and the other hand on the handlebars. I would not let go, and pedaling. Then...

Magically it happened - I was riding on the rollers without holding onto something. I was pedaling. (Imagine me saying that like Forrest Gump saying "I was running") I was smiling and thinking to myself "This is so awesome (as my old co-worker would probably say)" The feeling was the same as me riding in the winter, on ice. Do not over correct your steering or do not think about your position. I kept up a good cadence - average was 11.8 mph and I was using a higher gear to make my pedaling smoother/cleaner.

All in all I did seven miles on the Rollers trainer. I got the rollers down. My progress only took two tries and now I feel like a seasoned pro. Being stationary I did not realize how much sweat I was producing. As opposed to actually riding out on the road. Since the wind is blowing I am assuming that the sweat I perspire is drying out just as fast, unless I am really pushing myself harder than usual. So, I had sweat dropping onto the balcony. Oh yes, I was pretty proud of myself. Seeing, feeling, the sweat made me aware that I was actually building up a sweat.

Total for the day - I did do 20 miles yesterday, which is nothing for me. A piece of cake. A piece of Crumb cake.

Tour de France - Day 4. I was watching some of the day 4 stage yesterday evening. I see that Juan Antonio Flecha was in a breakaway group yesterday. Yes, I do remember him from years back and yes because of him winning a stage and him mimicking pulling an arrow back from a bow crossing the finish line. So, when I saw Flecha yesterday I could not stop myself saying "Flecha!" Yes, I thought it was stupid, but I just could not stop saying "Flecha!" "Flecha" while doing laundry. "Flecha!" while riding the rollers. "Flecha" while walking room from room. By the way readers - That is "Flecha!" pictured on my blog today.

Go ahead readers say "Flecha!". You see, the name just rolls off the tongue. "Flecha!"

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 4

Greetings Readers

I am not tired, but my body is indicating it is. Mentally I am okay, but physically my body is saying so-so.

Again, after work I headed off to Cherry Creek Reservoir. This time around I had to take "it easy" - my average was 15 .4 mph. Yes, I made myself go the speed I wanted, but also the gosh-forsaken-wind was blowing in from the Southeast and it was windy. I estimated about about 16 to 20 mph blowing. Last night, there were riders who were passing me. I am not going to say there was a lot, but there a more than a few. For a split second I wanted to show those riders a thing or two about riding, but I restrained myself. I occasionally do have control of myself and ignore the others around me while riding. I did 46.85 miles yesterday.

I have to admit I did one lap and almost called it an evening, but the desire somehow woken up when I rounded the bend for home. I had to do another lap in order to get mileage up. Home sounded good, but daylight was still in the sky and I ever-so-wanted to get more mileage in.

So, I started the second lap and that was when I noticed that my legs were feeling funny. Or more to the point - my thighs. If I was not pedaling and just coasting, or if I stopped for a bit and then started to pedal once more - I got the feeling that you are "Bonking" and then I literally could "feel" my blood circulating into my thighs and the bonking feeling would disappear. I am not sure if I ever that sort of feeling before.

Then, the other feeling was when I had to climb those hills I could feel my thighs "physical yelling" of no more riding. Although, when I felt that yesterday - to me it means - no pain no gain. I could feel the lactic acid building, muscle breaking down.

So endeth the ride and this morning I was definitely better than yesterday. Still tight in the thighs, but not as bad of a feeling as yesterday. I think I made a decision to take this evening off. I really need for my body to recover even though mentally I could do another 45 miles today. I was so tired last night that I just grabbed a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup and had that for dinner, with crackers.

Desire is such a wonderful thing. Speaking of which....

At lunch today me and a co-worker went for custard (ice cream) and as we were parking we noticed this girl/woman in a snug almost sleeveless red shirt with her very big breasts filling out the shirt. Breast are a nice thing for me, but not a part that I put number one on my most desirable list. But these breast were in a very tight red shirt and - oh yes - they were nice. and big. Compared to the petite body and baseball cap on her head and blue jeans nice and snug. Sorry readers, but this one moment that has really caught my attention. She was standing and talking to a tow-truck driver sort of right in front of the custard shop. Very nice body and we even locked eyes for a second. Yes, I would say she could be my type. I know this "little" entry has nothing to do with nothing, but I just had to remember this moment.

Or perhaps it could be all the riding that I have been doing in the past three days - 219 miles - perhaps my testosterone level is getting high than usual and I am noticing more than usual. Who knows.

Tour de France - Cancellara pulled an upset yesterday by winning the stage. It was big upset to the sprinters and not to mention to the four riders pictured on my blog today. These four riders were the breakaway group of this stage almost all day and then they fucking blew their chance in the last few kilometers of the stage by basically "sparring" or "playing cat and mouse" with each other. The peloton caught up and the rest is history.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 3

Greetings Readers

It was a late evening yesterday. I was out biking until 9:30 PM last night. As soon as I got off work yesterday I headed home, dropped off my work clothes and then headed over to Cherry Creek Reservoir for some mileage. I was a little bit tight, but feeling good.

I got over to the state park and started to do some laps. I was averaging 20 mph, considering my long bike ride the day before. I felt good. I knew that I could push myself to exhaustion since I knew that I was not going to make the 104 miles that I needed to in order to be with the Tour de France.

Long story short is that I did 45.76 miles yesterday. Not too shabby. I did a couple of laps in Cherry Creek and I even a couple of riders next to me. I was pushing the big gears while these other guys were pushing the high cadence gears. It is always good for me to see them pedal two or three times more than I have to in the larger gear, but going the same speed, if not faster. I often have to miss a rotation since I am often on their back wheel - drafting. Why should I get ahead of them when it is them that are trying to pass me? I often play "head games" and pedal just a bit extra so when they look back at me they still see me on their back tire when perhaps I should be way back behind them. It is funny to see them pedal much harder in order "to lose" me.

I am 53 miles behind the tour mileage, but that is going to increase significantly since today is a long stage of 153 miles, I think. There is no way I can catch up.

Getting up this morning sucked. I was a lot more tighter and the muscles in my lower legs a bit more stiff. I can thank myself and one of the riders at Cherry Creek for pushing me to a higher limit of riding. I knew better yesterday, but I also knew that I had to push myself.

I did not get to watch the Tour de France - Stage 2 last night, but I did get the see the ending when I was checking my recording. Another crash - Riders riding with one hand on the handlebars and the other tucked into their body (pictured Cancellara in the yellow jersey crossing after being in the crash kilometers from the finish). One guy fracture his thumb 5 places. His thumb! A nice sprint by two same team members on a little climb to the finish. Somehow these two were able to get past all the sprinters. Perhaps the others thought the hill was not as steep. I do not know.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 2

Greetings Readers

Day 2 - has come and gone. I am currently riding with the tour since I had to bike 203 Kilometers on Sunday. It did not come easy though - I had to do four laps in Cherry Creek, then headed North to Downtown Denver, then South to Chatfield, then further south to the edge of Highlands Ranch then North all way to Parker then back to Centennial, Colorado. I guess I am still good. I am a bit worn, but otherwise I feel like my old self.

I took "Tracey" with me and we did pretty good. We did about 50 miles in 2:15/2:30 which was pretty good. We got out the door at about 6:30 and did not come home until the afternoon. We were going to stay in the Cherry Creek Area, but damn -after four laps the scenery was getting boring and the other cyclist were starting to come out to the reservoir.

We headed down to Confluence Park and took about a 15 minute break. Then, at Kalamath and Alameda I had to stop by a Gas Station to get some more liquids. I also decided to get some fries at Burger King. Wow! I have not have fresh French Fries in month! Oh they were soo good and so hot, so fresh, but again so damn good!

Heading down South Platte there were a few detours which I was not aware of. Yes, I did not like them, but they did help my mileage for the day. That was a plus - since I had some serious cycling to do.

Highlands Ranch was were I did all my hill climbing from the junction of Santa Fe and C-470. I would estimate that I did 14 miles of hill climbing to Lincoln and I-25 going throughout Highlands Ranch.

Coming back from the junction of E-470 and Parker Road the wind, rain came into my life. I was hoarsely yelling "Is that all you got?!" I was not going to let this weather stop me from completing "my tour stage". "Is that all you got ?!" As I said that I see lightening flashing to the Northwest of me - I would say 10-20 miles, but I honestly do not know. It could have been 5 miles away. I did not stop though. I was on a mission and I was not going to stop.

And that was about all for the day.

I got to watch the first stage after cleaning up when I got home yesterday and knew I had rode what they had rode earlier that day. Robbie Mc Ewen (Pictured). was the stage winner. With much thanks to his team mates.

Wimbledon - as if I need to tell you who won the Federer vs. Nadal match on grass. Yes - Federer won.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 1

Greetings Readers

Day 1-. Or if you want to get technical - the Prologue. I forgot about the "Dark Horse" Andreas Kloden. Damn. You got Vino and Kloden working together. This has not happen for a few years. I think that Kloden has a good chance should something happen to Vino. Kloden can hold his own and was one of the lead out men for Jan Ullrich on T-Mobile. I did not realize until this morning that these two people are on the same team.

Back in the day of T-Mobile, there were some "talk" about who was really leading T-Mobile. And there were speculations that sort of talk was sort of true and was sort tearing the team apart. Obviously, I can not back this info up. But listening to the talk on tv and interviews you sort of could draw a conclusion depending on how you looked at what was going on.

Prologue - Done. Day 1 tomorrow.

Wimbledon - Men's Semi Finals - Federer and Nadal move to the Finals. Gasquet lost to Federer. Djokovic retired to Nadal. I was sorry to hear this news and too bad, but I can understand why. If I remember the facts that were show on tv - the amount of tennis that was played in the past week was 16 hours. And the last two matches went 5 sets - Hewitt and Bagdahtis. Both "Epic" matches in themselves. Almost of all Djokovic's sets went to 6-6 tiebreak. I am very proud of his playing and he is a player to watch out for.

Damn. Damn. Damn. I lost a wager on the Williams vs. Bartoli Wimbledon's finals match. So, I have to buy a shot to settle my bet to a co-worker. As Homer Simpson would say - D'oh!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2007 - Day 12

Greetings Readers

What a morning while listening to Radio Wimbledon. I woke up this morning to the Djokovic vs. Baghdatis on ESPN2 then I had to leave for work and that is when the matches got interesting. Williams did her thing and defeated the girl I have noticed this year Ivanovic. Federer was on, but again this is a match I could care less for. Yes - Federer won against Ferrero. I do not know why TV has to show the beginning of the Federer match when "The match" was going full steam on the Djokovic vs Baghdatis match and another Epic battle was ensuing. Check out the final scores of the match 7-6(4-7), 7-6(9-11), 6-7(7-3), 4-6, 7-5. 5 hours long which so far is the longest single's match at Wimbledon this year.

And now - the upset - Justine Henin has been eliminated from Wimbledon. The match was Bartoli vs Henin 1-6, 7-5, 6-1. Listening to the match on radio Wimbledon was sort of sad. I could visually see Justine on the court and "the troubles" that were being announced on radio Wimbledon. Yes, I wanted Henin to win - to win Wimbledon.

Oh, I just found out that ZZ Top is coming to Denver - I think Red Rocks. I also think that I mentioned this, but Tiesto is also coming to Denver - Red Rocks on July 21.

TOMORROW - The start of the Tour de France - In London! I have chosen my rider and I am pinning my hopes on Alexandre Vinokourov of Team Astana. I think he has a good chance - but there are a lot of other riders that I know can do a lot better. But, it will depend on the teams they are on. Yes, that is Alexandre aka Vino pictured along with "his" team. That is my choice for the winner of the Tour de France. Readers? Got a favorite rider?

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2007 - Day 11

Greetings Readers

Gosh Damn - Hewitt fell (literally) er lost, but I was for either one in this match. Hewitt vs Djokovic match was E-P-I-C! Then, there was the Nadal vs Youzhny...

Jeez Louise - Talk about a temper tantrums, so to speak. Everyone and their grandmother is saying that Nadal fought back from two sets down. Yes - That is true. Though this is the whole story and what is not included on how Nadal won. The announcers were saying an epic return from two sets down. What a crock of shit! You readers want to know Epic they should have seen the Hewitt vs Djokovic match. Basically, each set was almost an hour long with some amazing rallies. That is epic. Also, with the epic playing of Hewitt - the sets went into 6-6 tiebreaks. The longest rally set 40 hits this morning. Now, that is fucking epic readers. Epic with a capital E.

Getting back to Nadal. Youzhny was clobbering Nadal 6-4, 6-3, until the third set when Youzhney had some sort of problem with his back and that is was caused his downfall. The last set were 1-6, 2-6, 2-6. And we, I, know why readers - because Youzhny was in trouble and his play was dramatically affected by his medical timeout. The score says that Nadal clobbered Youzhny, but remember this was the time that Youzhny got his injury. Youzhny is pictured on today's blog.

Now, this does not end here with Nadal - How old is Nadal? He is crying like a 17 year old bitch. Now, I know you faithful readers know that I do not care for Nadal, but did you read the article on him and saying....

"He's a strange guy," Nadal said. "I've said 'Hi' to him at least seven times since I've been on the tour and he's never answered back. I asked other players about it. It doesn't only happen to me."

Nadal was critical of the way Soderling appeared unconcerned when the three-time French Open champion fell to the turf at one point. Nadal also didn't like the way Soderling pumped a fist instead of offering the customary "sorry about that" wave of a hand after winning a point with the help of a favorable net cord.

"He must have been in his complaining mood today," the 28th-seeded Soderling said. "If my opponent gets a lucky shot and he doesn't say, 'I'm sorry,' I don't care. For me, it's OK. Why should I say I'm sorry when it's the happiest moment of my life?"

The last straw for Nadal: What he considered a halfhearted handshake at the net when their marathon ended.

"After four days," Nadal said, "that's not normal."

Told of Nadal's comments, Soderling responded: "I'd probably say the same, but I won't do that. I keep it to myself."

On Monday, Soderling was upset that Nadal persisted in his slow, between-point rituals that many players have complained about, including Andre Agassi at Wimbledon last year. With Nadal ready to serve the opening game of the fifth set, Soderling walked deliberately to the sideline to change rackets -- sending a message.

Then Soderling returned to the baseline, Nadal stopped his service motion and held up the ball, as if to say, "Ready now?" That's when Soderling turned away from Nadal and tugged at the back of his shorts, mimicking one of the Spaniard's habits and drawing guffaws from fans.

This bit of news does not help Nadal much, but of course, does show that I am not the only one who thinks Nadal "shorts pulling" is kind of an ugly habit.

Siding with Soderling - He is right - Even I do not say Hi to everyone. Especially, if it someone that I do not know personally. Even the convenience clerks, Grocery Store employees I meet. What sort of world does Nadal live in that everyone he is associated or runs into says "Hi" to him? Wait, wait readers, besides the women who love him and the fans that know him. Otherwise, I doubt the people that do not know him all of a sudden decided to say "Hi" to "this guy"(Nadal) that they do not even know. I sure as shit would not say hi out of the blue to anyone that I do not know. Unless I was drinking. Hah hah.

Oh, oh, oh - Guess who found $ 20.00 dollars on Tuesday? Me. I actually said out loud to myself "Oh Snap!" I will give more details later.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2007 - Day 9

Greetings Readers

Wimbledon is such "a mess". In a manner of speaking. I am sure glad that I am able to listen to the matches on the internet, but if I were watching real time, I would be pissed. Rain delay after rain delay.

Yes, the US Open gets rain delays also, but dang - not as much as Wimbledon.

I am very happy to report "Come On!" made the next round. "Come On!" as he yells out to no one and everyone. I have to admit this could be Hewitt's time once more. He is getting to what he is capable of, but obviously he is also getting "rocked" by the rain delays.

Yes, that is Hewitt (pictured) of which we know him for. Back in the day, this was sort of a controversy since everyone thought "Come On!" was for his opponent.

Now, the Serena injury. Damn, She needs to pull out now and give any other player the chance since she is going to ruin the attendees of her future match (ie Henin) by withdrawing during the match. I know, yes I know, that she is not going to complete the next match. Henin is too tough and there will be no mercy. If Serena's is not too bad in the beginning of the game, it will get worse and perhaps, perhaps, she may use that as an excuse to withdraw from the match. Yes, we will understand, but I won't for I will know the reason why.

I have to admit, I have the matches on tape, but I have not set aside some time to watch since I already heard the match. And without me watching the matches I can not give you readers the story/commentary of what I saw.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wimbledon 2007 - Day Off

Greetings Readers

I did not even bother taping the highlights show that was probably schedule for today. There was a rain delay yesterday and there was only pay for a while - I think 57 minutes. Or perhaps that the Mauresmo match. And today is always a day off for the tennis players. So, there is a show today, but just a recap and I have all the days recorded. So perhaps until tomorrow.

I just saw Live Free or Die Hard this morning. The movie was good, but not great. I am glad I got to see John McClane in action. Yet, he was toned down since the movie was PG-13. The bad guy was not bad.

I worked out at Colorado Athlete Club on Saturday, since I had a free VIP pass and the pass expired on 06/30/07. I stayed at the gym for about 3 hours and I really felt good about being there. I worked out the entire body and I did about three different machines in the cardio area.

As I told some of my co-workers - pretty soon I am going to be putting Baby Oil on my muscles so I can show them off to myself and others. hah hah. I know I can myself laugh, but the good thing about this is that I am now in a schedule of working out and I am being "Just Be."

And in 6 (or 7) days, depending on you readers assess days the Tour de France Starts. It is going to be an "awesome" (sorry readers I had to use this word once more, but more fitting since this is when my ex-coworker would use this word) tour. There is nobody famous, so to speak, and the field is open, from what I have read in the past month.

Time for me to wrap up things. So until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete