May Day - Last Day

Greetings Readers

Destiny? Fate ? Who knows, but I guess I will know the answer in the next 24 hours.

I do not know why that I have been taking so many pictures this week. There should not be any reason to do so. I do realize that I have also been posting a lot more pictures of this and that on my blog site. I did state that I would not post a lot of pictures on my posts, but I felt I needed to share some of these pictures. Granted, they probably mean nothing to you, but to me they are just a moment in my life caught on camera.

Yet, perhaps I just want to show off my new purchases to anyone =). I guess I am actually quite proud of the new stuff that I got in the past week coming back from vacation. Today's picture is me and Rebecca and the new Popeye's Bike jersey.

I guess, I need to get caught up on one subject. Only a select few knew what transpired last Sunday in Santa Fe, New Mexico. That is/was the day that officially starts me off on my biking season. This is the first event that starts me biking "for reals." Unfortunately, due to the branding and all the other work associated to branding I was unable to participate in the Santa Fe Century. I was just a bit sad, but I knew that this was a big possibility that I would not be riding at all and I was prepared for that.

Anyway, the day was beautiful, sunny and in the high 80's low 90's. I did bow my head in remembrance of HeartBreak Hill and I thought I could hear the bitch's anger from me showing her up on our last meeting (Link to my Santa Fe 2004 Santa Fe Century journal http://mikeshardlemonade.blogspot.com/).

And here is an except from that journal

...Mile 37.79 - (Approx.) - Readers, you pretty well can guess the outcome of this battle. Daryl is still smiling and laughing at another victory in the mountains of New Mexico. With all the laughing and talking at the top of the hill among the bike riders, you can not hear the “bitch” scream in rage. With her giving him a blowout she thought she well-had her victory in hand. Little did she know that she picked the wrong cyclist to fuck with on this particular Sunday in May.“I made it to the top - a-gain! This time with a flat tire!”...

I can almost recollect this day once more to a "T." Anyway, I know the Bitch is waiting for my return to the Santa Fe Century and to show me up for pissing her off. And the sad thing for me - this particular "bitch" will be patiently waiting for my return since she will be here til the end of time.

Changing subjects - I finally bought a camera case for my digital camera. I know readers - took me long enough to get a case for the camera. Nothing fancy - a little red case made by Tamrac and I bought at Mike's Camera for roughly 10 bones.

Next subject - Oh yes, before I left for vacation, well two hours before I left for vacation I headed over to Best Buy and bought another PS3 game. I had decided to take the PS3 on vacation with me - hoping that I will have time to play some GTA IV. I decided to buy - "The Orange Box." I am loving the new game

Update 05/31/08 - 1:51 PM - I just found out my "destiny / fate." Registration is Closed. A bit sad, but at least I will have the money I set aside for that to spend on something else. Yet, I will not get to blog about on Monday that I did 152 miles on Sunday =(.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Popeye's Day

Greetings Readers

I am going to designate today as Popeye's Day since I did wear the new bike jersey today. Also, I just wanted to show off to you readers one of my new bike jerseys. As you can see the bike jersey does look beautiful on me and fits pretty well. Not much else I can say on this topic.

Alright - Guess what!? No really! Guess what?! The Ignorant Senior(ita) has gone public. He/she is back to non-private. Nope readers, I did not get to read what has been posted in the last two or three months since he/she went private. Though, I did look at the number of post and those were few and far in between. Anyway, I am going to try and catch up what was written and see what fucked up views he/she has of his/her 24/25 years on Earth.

The Ignorant biker - Hmmm. Nothing going on there. I am thinking after 8 months (I am unsure readers of how long they have been biking) that perhaps they are now becoming seasoned riders (minus one since he/she decided not to ride to work since it was just at the beginning of the double digits walking distance to work.

Me? I do not have an issue. He/she can do whatever he/she wants. No need to explain/tell me what he/she is going to walk to work as opposed to biking. Anyway, you readers probably know my response - Like I fucking care. I have no rings around my fingers so I am responsible for myself.

Let me see, the other bikers have been doing well - a lot less complaining, but a lot of... a lot of... how could I say this... a lot of... never mind. Let me say this way - I am lot less on the opposite side of disagreeing or shake my head in amazement/wonder/stupidity/sadness

Me? - Sure as shit - I am still complaining about this and that. Looking at the women I see that catch my eye. Shaking my head in wonder on some of the things I see in the world. And continuing by hopefully making my blogging interesting to you readers - especially this year.

And in general - thank you for reading/dropping by.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Jack's Day

Greetings Readers

So, there was our nuclear family having an early breakfast at a chain restaurant in Albuquerque on May 17. We were enjoying our first meal together on this particular stretch of the year.

And then it began "What would you like to drink?" she asks with a smile indicating that she is enjoying the waitressing this day.

"I would like a water with ice and lemon." my dad says
"I would like a water with no ice and lemon" my mom says
"I would like an Iced tea with ice, lemon and an Iced tea spoon, as long as you have an iced tea spoon" I say
"I would like an Iced tea with ice and two lemons." my brother says

Tell me readers - are your family drink (non alcoholic drinks) orders sort of like this? And you readers thought I was the unique one in the family/world. Nope. If we are being served we do want it the way we want it - sort of like Burger King's motto - "Your way, right away." And she did go over and beyond by bringing a bowl of lemons later. And yes, I did tip extra for doing that for us.

Well, as the blog title states it is... er was, Jack's Day on May 17. This is the second year birthday of my oldest bottle of Jack Daniels Single Barrel that I have. This was the very first bottle that I bought of Single Barrel Jack Daniels and since then I have been forever changed on how much this Jack is better than the normal "everyday" Jack. You can taste and smell the difference, well at least I can - and I do know the difference. And let me tell you Single Barrel goes down the throat so smooth. Anyway, as you can see I have hardly had any of this in the past two years. I just can not make myself to just take a drink on some special occasion since that would further dwindle the supply of this old Single Barrel that I have on hand.

And yes, I do have another bottle of Jack Daniels Single Barrel on stock since I do allow myself to use that supply as opposed to using the older Single Barrel bottle. This bottle also comes with a medallion around its neck. A nice touch. Also, has a wooden stopper, I think it is wooden. And overall a nice bottle design. What is better is that I do have the "everyday" Jack Daniels on hand so I do not have to touch any Single Barrel stock at all.

With the Single Barrel I have only done shots. I can not make myself to mix the Single Barrel with any other liquids. To me that would ruin the taste of Single Barrel and the reason why I bought the Single Barrel in the first place. So, when I do have to have my Jack and Coke I use the everyday Jack and I am happy with just Jack and Coke. If the everyday Jack and Coke is all that I have since birth then I do not know what I am missing by not tasting what Single Barrel Jack and Coke tastes like.

Sorry readers - I know that I have talked about this in the past, but I did want to show you readers that I do have a two year bottle of Single Barrel Jack Daniels. I guess that I am bragging or more to the point stating, that I have something that you don't have. pppttthhhht (sticking tongue out)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Presents Day

Greetings Readers

Well, well, well, I am still beat (tired), but I am almost back into the "grind" of city life and getting back to the world of Finance. I did have a nice 10 day break from the business world and it was a great welcome to have that. Yet, getting back into the routine is taking some hard adjustments on my part.

Everyone, loves my tan and my Raccoon eyes. From my Oakleys, of course. Oh yes, I got some sun, I got some wind and I got more sun. Matter of fact, I guess I will post a picture that hopefully shows my raccoon eyes. Another Matter of fact, I am going to imitate a picture pose I saw on a blog in the past month or so - minus the helmet. =)

Now, let me flashback to yesterday when I got into work. I saw two packages on my desk and I immediately knew what they were. My bike tires and my bike jerseys! Oh yes, I finally got them and I got the new yellow tires installed on Rebecca last night. Fucking hot! Hah hah. Oh yeah, one might say they are like 5 inch red high heels and how sexy those are on a woman. Ooh baby.

The Blue tires I am still trying to decide what woman I want to install the new tires on.

Then, the two bike jerseys that I ordered also came. Fucking Popeye the Sailor Man and a new (well new to me) Fucking Southpark Jersey.

I do have to admit that the Popeye the Sailor man bike jersey actually looks pretty nice. Even so nice with my... as my ex-co-worker would say... "Awesome" tan I got going. No, really I did not think that I would like the bike jersey, but when I actually opened the bag up I was pretty impressed with the colors and Popeye of course. I think it says "strong to the finish" which I would say is a motto that I could use in the future. The jersey is well designed and not too busy nor too corny looking. Just perfect.

Then, there is the Southpark Jersey. If you are the faithful reader of my blog, then you know that this bike jersey was a must buy and had to have in my collection. I had to search high and low for this bike jersey and when I called up a vendor to see if they possibly had a size large, even though the website indicated that they did not, they did. I jumped and said I want the jersey. The new Southpark jersey is green and has the infamous four kids and this time the saying is "Quit your Bitchin." My fucking new motto for the new season. Just "Quick your bitchin" and get over it. I love it and of course today I wore the new Southpark bike jersey to work.

By the way readers - I can not believe that I have almost spent half a grand on bike jerseys this year. I usually by one bike jersey a year, but somehow this year someone is making the bike jerseys that I desire. A must buy.

The yellow tires, er the Michelin ProRace2 tires, look hot on Rebecca. The yellow contrast to the black bike is perfect. Not to mention it just draws the eyes to me, which I just love. You know me readers I love to get the attention when I am on my bike. And yes, I also rode Rebecca to work since I wanted to show her brand new yellow tires. And here is the sad part (or fucked up part depending on how you may interpret this) before I go to bed tonight I will wipe clean the tires since dirt shows up more prominently on Yellow. Yep, going to get the Orange Goo out from under the sink and have myself "a wiping clean Rebecca's tires party." I got to make sure that those tires look just as beautiful as the day I got them.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - No Vacation Days

Greetings Readers

Alright - I am back once with you bloggers, Internet surfers and the new visitor(s). I have been on vacation for the past week or so. Nothing, but work and some play. As you can see from the picture - that is a cow - specifically a Black Angus Cow. This was one of the "special days" that no calf looks forward to, most likely - the shots (8way, 7way, vitamin, etc.), the ear tagging, pour on, the castration (if the calf is a steer), and the branding. Perhaps I will elaborate later on this, then again may be not.

And the other picture is "Goofy" and let me tell you readers - that is me right now. Trying to keep it together until I can go home, have a beer and then sleep. I am beat tired. I am also pretty damn cold. Rain? What is with this Colorado weather?! Kidding. I know this is Colorado and I have to be prepared for the weather. But I so liked the warm/hot weather with the occasional windy days the past ten days or so.

And I will have to visit the other bloggers to see what I missed and see what kind of views I may have different views on or have something to say. Yet, you know what readers? - I am feeling better, mentally, a lot better, so I guess I think it is best to keep my opinions to myself. At least for a day or so =). Oh I am not saying I was not mentally unstable, but sometimes a vacation does help the mind.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Mileage Maniac

Greetings Readers

Mileage. Hmm. I have thought that perhaps I was not over analytical about keeping mileage, but I guess I am. I know that I have posted some pictures of my odometers – yes-plural odometers – which I have on each bike I own.

I do have to know the exact mileage on where I am going, where I have been and where I am going. Yet, I have not exactly been faithful on writing down the mileage in my mileage log.

As from today’s post you can see the many mileage logs in the past six years that I have accumulated. I think at the beginning of the new century I decided to keep a mileage log book. I think I saw these particular desktop calendars on sale after the New Year and thought to myself – First I am going to save some money if I by this calendar book and two I will get some satisfaction out of logging my miles in a mileage book, so to speak.

What I mean is that I have something to look forward to when I get home and it is the end of the day. I get to see what “Super model” woman graces the week and/or I get to see what “Far Side” comic graces the week. I know that the woman thing is shallow, but damn there are a couple of woman I would say “Damn. She is fucking beautiful.(as the other picture shows - She's, her name is Anna, is my type to a T)”

My only excuse is that I am a guy and I do have fantasies. I will admit yes – there are some of the women that are pictured are very fuckable. Again, I am being honest. Yet, I know that is just a thought. I am not going to say it is impossible since I know from experience that nothing is unattainable for me. Oh yes, that is true. I would love to say whom I fucked all night, but I am not one to brag about whom I have fucked. Sorry readers – I could say, “Have sex”, but the first time it literally is “fuck” then love/sex. Or I do have to admit to who’s fucked the living daylights out of me. The tables have been turned a few times in my life.

Anyway, I digress, I am a mileage recorder, but I do not think I “brag” to the world. I do make a note that I did do over a hundred miles in one day, but otherwise anything under a hundred miles I could care less about telling anyone. Anything under a hundred miles, to me, is just a walk in a park.

Yet, I do brag about doing over 150 miles in one day to you. Yes, that is a lot of miles and that is something that I want to share with you readers. I am not looking for a “good job” or “you’re crazy” or anything at all. I am sharing what I have done. In my mind I have done something more than the mere mortal have done in their life, but by no means will I bring that up and “rub” in your face saying I am better than you.

I know that other cyclists/commuters love to brag they did x miles in x amount of time. I don’t care. Yes, I was once that way, but I have learned no one really cares. I will listen to what you have to say, but inside I will store that info in short term memory. More power to you riders – me I will be happy to tell you what I have accomplished in my life, but I am not just going to tell you just to tell you for the sakes of perhaps eluding to that I am better than you mentality.

I have to say that I am better than 90 percent of the cyclist in the world. Yes 90% of the cyclist. That may seem high and mighty, but I think that figure is true.

Mileage recording for me is automatic for me to record, yet these days there are GPS devices. I do not dream about owning any GPS devices, but dang I am thinking more and more about getting some GPS device mileage record thing-a-ma-jig. I think that it would be very cool to have, but I know the cost is pretty high and that is an expense that I do not want to incur, right now

Yet, to see the elevation change on my route would be “awesome” (using the word of my ex co-worker would use - Just So Awesome!). I probably would not share that information with you readers, but just the thought of knowing what elevation gain and loss would be great to know.

I am satisfied with the two odometers on most of my bikes. I can sleep peacefully without knowing the exact mileage from GPS. Yet, the thought of knowing that there is such a device to record elevation gain/loss is great. Getting a GPS device would further push me over into the “psychotic” stage of knowing mileage and elevation.

Again, I am satisfied with the mileage odometers. Since I have two installed as opposed to just one, which means I have doubled the back up to any error. No odometer is accurate, but if I can reduce the error factor by installing two odometers then so be it. I will pay the extra amount to install the extra odometer on my bikes.

And here is a picture of the 1.75 liter Absolute bottle (I mentioned in post within the last week or so) that is just about completely full of pennies. There is just a little space at the top of the bottle. Any of you readers have a guess on how much money is in the bottle? Note - there are some dimes and nickels that might have got put in the bottle by mistake. Just wanted to state that for the record, but there is not going to be a dollars worth of nickels in there. Anyway, my guess is that there is 25 dollars in that thar jar. Also, I do have other Absolute bottles for nickels and dimes, but I have never, ever got even halfway to filling those jars up. I did get a quarter of the way full with the nickels. I was pretty impressed with myself, but then I thought nickels are larger than pennies, therefore will fill up more space per nickel as opposed to per penny.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Andrea's Day

Greetings Readers

Well, before I get to Andrea's day I want to address some very important and breaking news in the Tennis World. Justine Henin has officially retired - effective immediately.

I know I am saying this after the news broke, but when I saw the pictures of Henin after the Germany Open and the way that she was photographed I knew there was something "not right." I have seen Justine through out the years after losses, but for her to be photographed like she was at the German Open was odd for me to see. I did post the picture that I thought was so not Justine after losing a match.

I am very sad to see her leave immediately - today. I am choked up thinking about her retirement. Justine was not a player that I followed on a regular basis, but always wished her the best on the court. And I was also hoping that she would take down the William sisters anytime that she had to face them on the Tennis courts.

Readers, yes in the past two years a lot as happened to Justine, but I have been a Justine follower before her divorce and re-newed/reconciling family ties the past year or so.

I will miss those "squared" shoulders of her, that cap, her accent and more importantly her giving herself a hand on her tennis racket - whether winning a set or a match. Goodbye Justine - I know this retirement is for good and you may come back to tennis, but probably as an exhibition match and not as a pro - ever.

And Justine - Do not listen to that Mary Jo C. - she's so full of shit!

Now, onto Andrea.

Today is Andrea's four year old birthday. Wow, she is still prime condition with such little wear and tear. Only a couple visible scratches, otherwise her paint job is mint. No grease and/or dirty anywhere... (to be continued)

Andrea, Andrea. She was the first one that I bought that had Carbon integrated into the frame. Granted, it was only the front fork at the time. But it was nice to say that I have some Carbon Fiber in bike frame. Not to mention that the Carbon Fiber Front fork was designed to slice into the wind. Which I have to agree. It was also the first time that I noticed that the impact of bumps and what not was reduced in my handlebars. Or so I think.

Andrea was the bike that I took to the Ironman Arizona back in 1995. I bought those Red colored Pro Race 2 Michelin tires that you see on her now. I wanted a color that would offset the black and white and I think I did a pretty good job on picking red.

Andrea is also the bike that I have done four 150 miles plus rides on in one day. I just know that she is up to the task and very trust worthy in going the distance. Yet, let me be honest the weight difference between having some/any Carbon on your bike does make a difference when you are riding a long distance. Those extra pounds would/could add up after 60 miles riding. Especially so if the course is difficult.

Andrea was named after another woman I knew. Yes, past tense. She was a California blond. Enough I will say on that subject.

I really have not had to do any special maintenance to Andrea since she has hardly been out. In my book a little over two thousand miles in four years is nothing. Granted, those first three years she had under a thousand miles since that is the way I wanted to be so. Only recently when I bought Rebecca that I started to take out Andrea out more and more for rides. I am happy that I am taking Andrea out to ride, but I also want to keep her in mint condition. Which means I dare not take her out if it not going to be a sunny day.

These pictures where taken on Mother's day since I knew that Andrea's Birthday was coming up this week and I wanted some current pictures of her and of course her new dual water bottle cage I did install.

And if any of you readers looked closely you can see my ticket stub hanging from the handlebar. I wanted that ticket stub to be there - sort of like Minnie Pearl and her price tag on her hat.

And I have included her "birth certificate" to show that she has turned four years old today.

Update 05/15/08 - I am sorry Readers, Andrea was also a close out model from the previous year that I got at a clearance price. No one wanted her for a whole year. Until I saw her the following year so technically she is five years old, but celebrated being four years with me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Heidi's Day

Greetings Readers

Happy Birthday Heidi.

Readers - today is Heidi's birthday. Officially, I have her for seven years, but technically she is eight years old, but sat in the store for a whole year until she met me. Her one and only.

Today, I got her ready for her special day with me. Oh, she is old, but she still can ride like the wind. Not to mention that we look like the perfect couple. After work I plan to show her off to all the people in the Arapahoe/Centennial area. She is my first road bike I ever bought after high school, excluding the Motobecane that was bought at a Highlands Ranch Garage Sale in 1996.

At that time in my life 500.00 plus bones was a lot of money to spend on a bike-Heidi. It was so much to pay that I put Heidi (at that time she had no name) on layaway. Three months to pay her off. And on this very day seven years I picked up my new bike (Heidi) with the tax refund I got that year. Heidi's first weekend was done doing the Santa Fe Century.

I have to estimate that Heidi has accumulated over 50 thousand miles. She has been through many rims, one rear derailleur, ka-gillion brake pads and bike chains. Yet, I have the original crank and let me tell you readers her teeth are worn down to the nubs. Heidi is a three ring bike and her outer two rings are worn down tremendously. Some teeth are gone. I literally have to ride in the "granny" ring, but that does not matter to me since I have no reason to ride like the wind while on her. After all Heidi is eye candy. If I happen to use the outer two rings I have to be careful and keep a steady pace. No sudden takeoffs or racing speed since the chain will literally skip over the crank teeth ring and the next thing you know my crotch is crashing into the bike frame and I saying to the effect - "Fuck me" or "Son of a bitch."

I have retired Heidi, but she does get some riding time when I feel I need to show her off to the world.

One of these days I will get her fixed up, but since I have retired Heidi I have all the other bikes to keep maintained and in good condition since it is expensive to keep/upgrade all the bikes that I have.

I know readers - Sucks to be me!

Update 05/13/08 - Sorry readers - I forgot my memory card from my Digital Camera and could not upload the photos the other day. As I just stated on the previous post - Better late than never.

Until the next time.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Mother's Day

Greetings Readers

What a beautiful day today. The Sun is shining, a light wind and not a cloud in the sky (that I can see.)

Mother's Day. I am not sure how many of you readers are near/close to your mother. I am not. I am in another state and usually each year we try to figure out if I am going to visit her around the time of Mother's Day or if she is able to get away from the ranch and come to Denver.

I am betting that most of you have Mother's Day on Mother's Day - where as I do not. Our Mother's Day is usually delayed, but she does accept this. I guess in her view it is better to be remembered later then not remembered at all. I do not mean it to read that way, but that is the only way to get to the point directly and quickly.

Also, I usually get an extra week or two to think of what I might cook for her on her day (excluding the week of cooking I do here and there). Doing work is also on the agenda, but I usually know what that is and can only complain, but jokingly. Yet, this year I finally figured out what to get for. Matter of fact that is what I am going to do Sunday Afternoon.

Update 9:00 PM - So, as the picture shows and 157.00 bones later. Paul Mitchell Products. I am not sure why I had not thought of this before. My mom most of time asks me what she should buy and what she should use for Paul Mitchell Products. And also borrowing my Paul Mitchell products when I go and visit. Anyway, this particular idea came to me a couple of weeks ago. Again, I am stunned why I did not think of this before. So, there I was in the store picking out items for her and thinking back to what products she had used when I brought my stuff down to the ranch.

You know I was going to pick this and that, but then I thought more of it and decided to pick the items that I use and that I know she would use and or like. I was being very careful to not think that I was buying this for myself nor get any thoughts later thinking to myself that what she did not know wouldn't hurt. Yet, in my mind she has no access to Paul Mitchell products and I do, therefore I can easily pick up Paul Mitchell products for me later on. Though, I did pick out a small hair spray and gel for myself, which means you will have to subtract two items from the post's picture.

Though, I keep thinking to myself - Damn that would look good in my bathroom.

And I should be safe telling the Internet world (you Readers) since I know she does not have access to the Internet and I do not think that could find the blog I have. Though I have told her and the family that I do have a blog going on.

Update 05/13/08 - I forgot the card reader for my memory card for my digital camera so I could not upload photos the other day. What is that phrase - Better late than never..

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Missing

Greetings Readers

"Where have you been" she asked me.

"I'm sorry?"

Little did I realize that there is another person that knows me on sight. I was minding my business when she started to talk to me. For the life of me she is too young for me to actually know. And two, she is too young for me to even consider to know.

Well, the low down is that she knows me from me going to the movie theatre. I do go when there are movies that I want to see, but with the rising cost of movie tickets, the popcorn and the soft drinks that two hours that costs you perhaps 20 dollars could buy you a good DVD or two DVD's on sale - or 4 DVDs in the discount bin - which in turns means unlimited playing.

Anyway, I did tell her the above reasons and also that I have to really want to see a movie, as opposed to just going to the movies. She did agree. Oh, sorry readers, she works at the movie theatre that is just up the street from me.

Then, she started talking and boy let me tell you readers she did talk. I am sure that you have heard that woman talk three times more than men. Well, she Damn near talked my fucking ear off while I was waiting for the RTD bus. I do not think I really said "yes" or "uh-huh" she just kept talking away.

The RTD bus finally came and she got in first which meant that she has to pick a seat while I load my bike onto the bike rack in front of the bus. Thankfully, she went to the back of the bus and I was able secure a seat towards the front. I think I have my share of endless woman talking for the next few days. However, if there was groaning and moaning... oops TMI. =)

Onto the next topic. I was thinking the other day and how I mentioned that I only purchase select biking jerseys that I deem to fit to wear/sport. That is still true.

However, I do not buy or endorse bike racing teams jersey. Well, okay - one teams and that is T-Mobile - the pink jerseys, the only two pink professional bike jerseys that I have in my closet. Two because in case I destroy/lose the first jersey I have I then have a back-up just in case. There are bike jerseys that are only printed for a year and then they are gone forever.

I am not sure what I am getting at, but I dislike how people categorize me into that "bike racing" rider. The person that must ride like L.A., ride with speed and must look like a bike racer. Nope. That is not me. Nor do I really care for that generalization into that category.

I am me. I wear what I want to wear and I want to look like a serious cyclist. I want to show off to the world that I am not just your everyday commuter, or wanna be cyclist. Which I do think I have attained that status presently. I also want my fellow cyclist to see my jersey and think to themselves - Damn - he paid 80.00 bones for that bike jersey! I also want them to be jealous of any/all of my bike jerseys. I want them to say "I love your bike jersey." and I want to say "Thank you."

Most of all I want to people to know how fucked up it is that my bike riding wardrobe is much more expensive than all of my other wardrobes put together in my closets. It is funny, but not funny. And that bike wardrobe occupies 1/4 of my closet space.

I do buy the bike jerseys that are in the neighborhood stores, but the way I look at it - it is common and everyone from their father to their grandmother have access to buy that jersey off the rack. Granted, the cost of the bike jersey does make them think twice about spending that much on a bike jersey when they could pick up a 40.00 to 60.00 bike jersey that the store has a contract with a manufacture to supply to all chains. In general, nothing wrong with that, but to me it is. I do shop for price too, but I also want a bike jersey thats first on the block or no one can get easily.

I actually do have to travel into Denver to three different bike shops to check if they do carry the bike jerseys that I am looking for. When the bike stores do not, then I have to resort to buying the bike jersey over the Internet. Not a problem - basically that is how I bought the three Star Wars Bike Jerseys for my birthday this year. And Damn - as far as I know I am the only bike rider sporting those particular bike jerseys in the southern part of town. Not to mention that one infamous Southpark Bike Jersey that everyone loves. I just wish that I had bought a back up of that particular jersey. Well, it is still possible, but I need to make myself buy another same jersey when there are other bike jerseys that I am saving up my pennies that I find out on the road.

Speaking of which - the 1.75 L Absolute bottle that I have on my mantle is just about full with pennies. So, I guess next week I will turn that in and see how much money there is. And perhaps I use that for a back up Southpark Bike Jersey.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Giro d'Italia

Greetings Readers

It is that time of the year for the annual event of the Giro d'Italia in Italy. I have not talked at all about the Giro and what is going on this year with the Giro at all with you readers nor my close friends.

Interesting things have preceded the start of the Giro on Saturday 05/10/08. I am not going to re-stated them on my blog but you can Google or yahoo search on Giro d'Italia and find out what you want to know, if you desire to do so.

I have posted the logo and the map this year. I see that the race starts on the island of Sicily. I also saw the team roster and I am pretty impressed on who's riding. I really could care less on who is not riding, unless he got banned before the start of this year's Giro.

I do not have a rider picked out for this year, as of yet. I do have to be honest that I have not really followed biking since the beginning of the year. I do not know who has excelled and who has not. I do not know who is currently on suspension or banned. All these questions I have, but I honestly do not have an answer for you readers at all this year.

The Giro, in my opinion, is a very good event to pay attention to. Granted, it is early in the year, but you get to see the riders in true form and their loyalty to cycling. More often than not there are riders who skip the Giro and state they can not ride in the Giro, because they are training for the le Tour de France. A valid reason, but in my opinion, a bullshit excuse. I do not have to mention any names, but if you look deep you can see some interesting things.

And the Giro is tough, in my opinion.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Smoking Hot

Greetings Readers

Sorry readers, I know that I have pictured and mentioned her in the past, but I did see her this morning on FitTV and boy oh boy I forgot how much I desire someone like her. I guess she is sort of my ideal mate (based on looks though). Anyway, a shameless plug for the show Namaste and Lily Goncalves. Granted, in this picture Lily is covered up, but she has the blond hair going on, the big old smile and just her looks. Again, this is only my opinion. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Though, I have to admit that is the only reason why and will do some Namaste.

Someone like her would not even have to ask me twice to do something for her. Oh yes, readers I am laughing at myself. I know that I have probably mentioned that I do not compromise doing this for that, but in someone like her I would probably not even question "why should I?!" Alright, I better let this topic go, before I get myself deep in a hole that I can not get out of.

It is so nice that I do not have to wear my Nautica top under my biking jersey these mornings. Granted, the air is about 45 degrees in the morning and the first cranks of the bike I am cool/cold. Yet, I know that in about a mile I will be warm from the blood flow coursing through my body. Not to mention the Sun shining her ever so warming morning rays upon my taunt, muscled thighs. Hah hah.

Anyway, the only drawback is playing Russian Roulette with the weather. Sunny in the morning, definitely does not mean Sunny in the afternoon. With no wind breaker it is just a thin layer of Lycra and cotton to my body. Yet, most of the time when it is time to go home from work I could care less about getting soaked. Matter of fact, I do not blame nor have the right to get angry since I chose in the morning not to wear/bring a windbreaker for the evening rain showers.

I am cold, teeth chattering, sand/dirt plastered against my legs and face, fingers stiff turning red from the chilly rain and wind during the Spring March/April showers. But as soon as I get home I peel everything off at the front door and make a bee line to the bathroom for a shower - a hot shower. Oh yes, that is such a reward for my suffering I did upon myself for not bringing a wind breaker.

I know I could "wad" or "pack tightly" a wind breaker, but alas I do not want to. Also, this is not an every time sort of thing. There are some days that I am no mood to be miserable so I dress to the "T" - Windbreaker, multiple bandannas, covered fingered biking gloves, multiple layers of clothing and my mood (my "Don't Fuck with me" mood) to keep me dry.

As you may have surmised - the snow has hopefully stopped for the winter, but no guarantee, but that means rain showers. I love the rain, but the early spring rain showers are cold to bear. I literally put myself through hell biking this time of the year since I do not want to carry a lot of clothing.

Which I find strange. During the winter, I do not have to worry about bringing an extra pair of clothing to wear on my ride home from work. Every day I wear my cycling clothing and then I bring my work clothes in my bag. Snow usually gets patted off and the clothes are minimally wet (except socks - those socks get soaked year round)

Yet, during the rainy season. I have to bring three sets of clothing with me. Soaked clothes do not dry out in time for me when I am at the end of the work day ready to go home. I loathe pulling on wet clothes. It is just so cold, wet, and miserable for me to do. I know that it may be raining still when I leave work and the clothes that have not dried out will get wet once more, but I want to be less miserable than I have to be. And wet clothes do not go on without stretching and pulling your clothes here and there over your body.

Oh, a bit of free knowledge - do not wear any white underwear if you are going to be riding through the rain. The combination of rain, the dirt/sand mixing into the soaking of your clothes will forever stain them. And I hate to say this, but it looks like a "Skid mark." Oh yes, I tried, bleach, detergent with bleach, stain removers, marker removers, Shout, etc yet there is just a very light mark on where the water stain is. Oh this happened years and years ago, but as you can read I can still remember as if this was yesterday.

I also have to keep my dry clothes in those supermarket plastic bags. If there is a heavy down pour or steady falling rain then my biking bag will get soaked and then eventually my all my clothes will be wet.

By the way, you daily commuters, put your papers and all other stuff in Zip Lock bags to keep them dry. Learn from this guy who has learned from not doing this way back in the day and cursed the biking gods in anger.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athletes

May Day - Rain Day

Greetings Readers

I was awake about 4:30 AM and I was laying on my bed watching the night sky get lit up with flashes of lightening outside my bed window. I was also waiting for the sound of rolling thunder happening in my part of the urban city.

As Pink Floyd once printed - A Delicate Sound of Thunder.

I even opened the window about two inches so I could hear the sound of thunder more clearly. The rolling thunder was more predominant in my mind since I had closed my eyes just to listen to the falling steady rain and the long rolling thunder happening outside my window. I would estimate the rolling thunder was about 5 to 10 seconds long in duration.

I have to admit every once in a while I appreciate being home, inside, in bed and nothing to think about at all. A serene moment. Just enjoying the moment.

So there I lay, I turned off the radio and I did not even bother turning on the TV to listen to the news. I just wanted to enjoy the morning and how the day starting on the day of my brother's Birthday. So...

Happy Birthday Brother.

As you readers now can see I have record of this day that I did say Happy Birthday, even though I am not going to call him up. Though, I have decided to buy him a mini-Ipod since I think I have swayed him with my Ipods that bring down on vacation and show him. 50.00 bones and I do not think that is too much of a cost to give up.

With the steady rain in part of town I decided to ride though I kept the riding to a minimum. Meaning, I took light rail in to work - part of the way. Though, my bike shorts still got soaked, as well as my bandanna, my glasses were to watery to wear anymore and my socks were soaked. Yet, I knew all this was expected so there was no reason to be surprised. I did wear fingered biking gloves. I did not know if the wind was blowing since I did not watch the morning news. When the wind blows a bit and there is rain, fingerless biking gloves, wind and rain do not mix. My fingers are usually red when I get inside from biking.

Spoiler alert for Grand Theft Auto IV - This weekend I happen to walking around (in the gaming world) when I hear a pigeon cooing, or at that moment, some bird. By this time, I had a few guns and I was trigger happy. I decided I was going to shoot that bird. I got the weapon out, took aim - bang. Wow! Seeing a pigeon get blown to feathers was pretty incredible to see on the Playstation 3 console. I am pretty sure that if this was on the Playstation 2 console there would not be the same effect of a pigeon being blown to just feathers. What I mean, I was pretty impressed how there was just a ball of feathers left after shooting the pigeon off the ledge (not to mention computerized blood). I know this is something unusual to point out, but I am pretty impressed that some designer took the Playstation 3 computing power and put some detail into a pigeon being blown to feathers after being shot.

As Elmer Fudd might have said "be wery, wery quiet I'm huntin' pigeons." I have 194 to go.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Crosswalk Dangers

Greetings Readers

I was riding to work going on Arapahoe Road the other morning. Well, let me rephrase that I was riding on the sidewalk since I dare not take the street of Arapahoe during the morning hours of a work week.

I personally do not feel safe on a certain portions of Arapahoe Road. I would rather take the sidewalks then to tempt fate (or the biking gods).

So there I was coming to a major intersection when I see that the crosswalk light is a solid red hand signal. Which means do not cross. Yet, the streetlight is still green.

I know what I do. The crosswalk traffic does not have the right to cross since the red hand signal is showing. The street traffic has the right.

Here is the situation. I was getting ready to cross against the red hand signal when I hear and see a big black truck (sort of like that Dodge 3500 a month or two ago) out of my corner left eye.

Already I knew what was going to happen. This truck was not going to yield. And by all means the truck does not have to since they have the right of way. Yet, I did not want to stop since the streetlight is green.

Well, I slowed down slightly since I knew I was going be yielding. As I expected the truck did slow down a bit, but turned right at a faster speed than normal turn. I was already off the sidewalk corner and heading straight into the truck.

I braked and turned right with the truck. I turned right with the truck for about 5 feet then stopped to let the truck continue on its way.

I was wrong to cross/ride against the red hand signal. Period. Yet, I did. I did not get mad, nor did I shake a fist in anger. I looked for a second at the truck and then proceeded to get back to the crosswalk and continue on with my work.

Again, this has happened before and will continue so in the future. I am not a professional in the situation, but (I think)I know how to handle this situation. My main goal is to scare the driver for turning in front of me (meaning not yielding). Granted, the driver had the right and I should not have even thought about crossing against the red hand signal. I take full responsibility, but deep down inside I feel I should still be able to cross.

However, if I was on the street then I have every right to cross. And I have had other vehicles cut in front of me while turning. Those times I get mad and get my "don't fuck with me" attitude going. That is one of the biggest things I hate being done to me when I have the right of way. I literally have to brake and then I can hear and feel the rubber coming off my 50.00 dollar tire. I am not worried about myself - I am worried about the rubber that I lose on the skid braking. 50.00 Dollars!

I guess I do play a "chicken" game with a vehicle at times. So, I am sorry that I did write that I do not play "chicken" with a three thousand pound vehicle, when in fact I do every once in a great while. I would say I play a control "chicken" game, but there is no such thing as control when dealing with a vehicle on the roads of life.

By the way - the scheduler posting worked like a charm last night for 6:00 PM. Pretty Cool!

Anyway

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Cinco de Mayo

Greetings Readers

Cinco de Mayo - I am going to test the post scheduler on this post. Let me try for 6:00 PM today.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - Sun Day

Greetings Readers

Well, It is Sunday and a sort of a Sun day

I decided to re-new my performance bicycle membership today. I am happy to say that I did use the membership pretty good this past year. I have not bought a new bike for this year, but I do have my eye set on a lower end model which I am thinking of designating a "winter bike" for this coming winter.

When I re-newed my membership I had 23.00 bones to use. Pretty cool. I decided that I was going to buy a new dual water cage holder for me. 29.00 dollars and change for this particular model.

After I got home I was pretty happy, but the bigger issue is what girl am I going to put this on? I knew where I wanted to put the dual water cage, but I really knew where I wanted the water cage. I did want to put on Rebecca since she is the newest, but after thinking that I only put 281 miles on her last year I do not think that I would getting the most use out of the water cage I bought.

I caved and decided to install her on Andrea. Well, after some hard work, not, I got the seat post off (clean the dust/dirt in the frame tube) and then installed the dual water cage and then re-installed the seat post. Wow. I can not believe how good the dual water cage looks on Andrea. I have to say this addition makes her even look more better than before. I know that the dual water cage I will be able to get use out of it on being Andrea since I have decided to use Andrea more and more this year. I think after four years it is time to start to get some miles on her.

I will get an updated picture of Andrea sporting the dual water bottle cage and get a picture posted here in the next day or so.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

May Day - I "Crashed..."

Greetings Readers

I "crashed" yesterday afternoon/evening After being awake for most of the past two days (due to Grand Theft Auto IV) I was literally tired, very tired. I went home made some Uncle Ben's Rice and ate the last of my ribs I barbecue the night before and settled down to watch a show. That did not happen. I laid down on the couch about 7 PM or so and then next thing I know it is 5 AM. I guess I was pretty strung out.

Today, I have a picture of the infamous blue Michelin tire that is causing all the bike flats in the past two weeks. As you may surmise I did have another bike flat and I decided what the hell I might as well take a picture and show what the grandiose Pro Race 2 tire to my readers.

As you may see (or not). I am not sure if you can see the hole in the tire that is covered up my rubber patched from the inside of the tube. Oh yes readers, I used what ever I can use to cover up the hole(s) in the tire(s). I will not let one little hole stop me and say hey I need a new tire. No way. So, I decided to take four rubber bike patches and I then rubber cemented them inside of the tube. I have to say that I did a pretty darn good job. Also, with the patches on the tube I was able to align the bike tube patched to the patches on the inside of the tire, which in turn is even better.

There are four more smaller holes and one "nice" hole on the sidewall of the tire that is causing me the grief most of the time these days. The portion of the tire that is picture is pretty well what the overall tire condition is in. Not a pretty site, but looking ever so supple and used. The mark of cyclist who has some pretty fucked up views on using tires to the maximum usage.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

May Day, May Day

Greetings Readers

Snow, snow and snow. Thank goodness I got Rebecca out before the weather changed.

Alright, this post was written by me the same night when I commented on another blog during the day. A comment should be a comment and I did not want to leave a "book" on the comment section. Remember, I had a lot to say, but had to keep my words to a minimum. Remember readers - this was written before the outcome that was to follow a day or two later.

I am going to use an example readers in order to get what I want to say.

Let us say that you had a night of drinking and now it is early morning. You wake up and you can taste the hair of the dog in your mouth and think to yourself - why do I do this to myself. There is a dull small pounding pain in your head and you perhaps say "whew I need to drink some water and get some fresh air".

After 15 minutes or so you walk out the door with a cup of water that is all dinged up and has misc. stickers covering the cup from all the places you have travelled with that cup. That cup is your pride and joy - one might say priceless.

You start walking and minutes later you are at the park that is fairly close to where you live. You see a nice lone bench with the morning sun shining upon that lone bench.

You saunter over to the park bench and sit down and close your eyes. Your eyes are closed, but you have your sunglasses on so no one can see that you have your eyes closed. You can hear the birds chirping and you can smell the spring pollen that is in the morning air. You take some water from your ever so faithful travelling cup.

After about 15 minutes or so you feel a whole lot better and decided to seize the day. You get up and go on with a brand new outlook on the day.

Fast forward to the evening.

You are going home and you just realized that you left you travelling cup on the park bench from this morning. How the fuck could you have done that?!

You immediately make a detour and go the park as soon as possible to go and retrieve your cup.

May Day! May Day! The cup is gone.

Readers - this is the scenario in another way in order to protect the inno.. er perhaps not innocent.

Anyway, here goes.

You left your cup - it is your fault. No one to blame except yourself. What do you think happened to your cup? What is the first thing to go through your mind? What do you do?

Well, in the case of this person - they immediately thought someone (nope they did not use the word "Stole") took the cup. The person immediately wrote that how could someone take their favorite dinged up and covered in stickers cup after being left a half day in a park.

When I read that I was thinking - wow - how awful is it to think that some person took your cup. Meaning, that this reader automatically thought that someone stole their cup. The person did not give any thought that perhaps a park stroller saw the dinged up and sticker covered cup on a bench and thought that park stroller perhaps threw away that cup since it looked like trashed. Or perhaps the park maintenance people had come during the day and thought the cup was not garbage and decided to put in the lost and found where ever that may be. There are other scenarios I could list out, but it is a mute point.

The first and only thought was that someone took the cup (Again readers, the word "Stole" was not used), but the person did indicate that should you see a dinged up and covered in stickers cup somewhere in Denver then that's their cup. And if you readers can put two and two together and get four then you can deduce that the person was implying that it was stolen.

Now, I did leave a comment indicating that person some could have picked up the not so new cup and threw the cup in the nearest trash receptacle for disposal which in turn makes the park look beautiful once more. I also commented who would want that dinged up cup?

There are other possibilities - How do we not know that some homeless person perhaps took a piss in that cup and left it there? Would you want that cup? I know, I know - a cup can be washed, but that is besides the point I would not want a cup that has been through that. I also do not know who used that cup - could that person have something that could be transferred to me by just touching the cup. I don't know.

Present day - The cup was located - the park maintenance did have the dinged up cup and was rightfully returned and the person was ever so happy with the priceless one of a kind cup.

I am not right. I do not need to add another comment to add something more to say or to say the last word. My issue was this person was so one sided on their thinking that someone took their cup and did not give any thought to other possibilities. The person does not need to apologize to anyone for assuming that someone took their cup, but a simple I was wrong may be in order. And yes sure as shit - I do admit, from time to time, I am wrong. I know from personal experiences it is not fun to eat crow after being proven wrong. In closing - let sleeping dogs lie (pictured on today's post - Koko).

As you faithful readers perhaps know I do think I am high and mighty at times (or perhaps all the time), but I do get taken back down to Earth and get reminded I am human. I have had apologize for my actions for right and wrong, but mostly wrong.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete