DNC 2008 - Final Thoughts

Greetings Readers

In closing, I bought some Button Pins. I bought some Obama rubber bracelets (red and blue) and you know what readers I am actually wearing a rubber bracelet – an Obama bracelet – go figure. I have never even bought or put on a rubber bracelet, ever since Livestrong yellow bracelets made the bracelets what they are now. Showing your support, but also a Fashion accessory that can be matched to your wardrobe.

I saw trash overflow in Downtown Denver. I am sure that you heard or read that Denver was green for the DNC, but I think that was because no garbage trucks could get into Downtown Denver. I can only think that this was a security measure since a dump truck could be used for something other than garbage hauling. So, in my opinion, Denver decided to use “green” and show the world that trash was being hauled by modified bikes since I imagine that dump truck were probably forbidden in Downtown. Though that is speculation on my part.

I smelled the odor from the port-o-potties that were stationed at different areas downtown. I saw a lot of fast food containers littering the alleys, the trash bins and outside some stores. I never really noticed that there was any trash in the streets themselves.

I saw men and women in power suits that looked like they belong on Wall Street. I saw them lining the streets of Downtown looking at their phones since I can only assume that they did not have a pass to the Pepsi Center to see the DNC being held. I saw women who were showing some cleavage and legs. One could assume that this was normal, but the way that they looked and acted sure did not come off that way to me.

I saw the out of state visitors enjoying themselves in Denver. Probably doing the same thing I was doing – taking the whole DNC while it is happening in Denver.

I saw people selling Obama stuff. I would not know who were selling official Obama stuff, except the official Merchandise tent in front of the Colorado Convention Center. Some vendors had a nice set up and the stuff looks great. Other vendors had a single cheap looking table set up. Even more so people had those plastic tubs that you get at Wal-mart or Target and T-shirts just draped and jumbled up in the plastic tub. I was able to haggle, while others paid what was posted. Remember Readers, vendors in mass are willing to haggle since the next vendor have the same items are may undersell them at a lower price.

I did not get to see any protesters getting worked up. I did not see the Rage Against the Machine crowd marching. I did not see any famous movie stars. I did not get arrested. I did not have to have any of my co-workers bail me out. Ha ha. Kidding. Though, I joked that I would have a picture by picture of the police coming at me with riot gear and the big stick and then pictures of me probably on the ground with “the man” towering over me. And I did not get one picture of me against any DNC stuff. I figure you Readers can do without a picture of me at the DNC smiling for the camera.

Overall, the three days I went to the DNC I biked a total of 164.06 miles. I would have biked two hundreds miles if I did not go home and sleep on Wednesday evening, but I succumbed to my body being tired.

Day 1 – 54.38 miles

Day 2 – 50.34 miles

Day 3 – 0 miles

Day 4 – 59.34 miles

I said this before and I will say again – I am really surprised that I got interested in the Democratic National Convention. When I heard that Denver got picked to host the event a year ago I could fucking care less. This was so until about a month ago when my friend asked me to go downtown with her. From that point, I got excited and interested in the DNC. And now it is history for me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Now Over

Greetings Readers

Thursday I was going to take the whole day off, but I decided only to take half a day off. I was sort of sure that I would not need a full day to see the DNC downtown. After all, I had been to the DNC on Monday and Tuesday evening. I could have been down at the DNC on Wednesday, but Damn I was worn out. Working, riding 50 miles round trip and trying to watch a match of the US Open had taken its toll on me when I woke up on Wednesday.

By the way Readers, 50 miles is nothing for me, but when I was biking as fast as I could Downtown and then biking as fast as I could going Home in the dark I was pushing myself very hard. Even riding uphill I was out of the seat pushing the pedals hard. And not “out of anger” such as Phil and Paul would probably say.

Thursday was going to be the day, the final day, of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. My friend and I were going to go down together, but something came up and we would not be able to go together. I thought about not going since my friend was the only reason I took the day off and was going to go down to the DNC. Yet, I remembered Monday and Tuesday and I really enjoyed being downtown and I enjoyed what I saw and experienced.

Before leaving for the DNC I had to get some cold hard cash in order to buy some souvenirs. Some Democratic souvenirs. I had seen some of the booths on Monday and Tuesday lining the streets. I did not buy any on Monday and Tuesday since I knew that I was coming down on Thursday.

The souvenirs were good, bad and ugly. The good were some of the buttons I saw, the bad was the Obama dolls and the ugly was some of the T-shirts that looked like they were drawn by pre-school children selling for 20.00 dollars. There were foam fingers, flags, banners, trading cards, posters and miscellaneous items that I could list.

Since I was going alone that meant I was not going to be walking. I could ride my bike down there. I did not have to pay for an RTD ticket round trip. I know that the cost is little, but if I do not have to spend that little money I won’t. I once more got Andrea ready and wiped clean the HED. rims.

As I was just about to leave my humble abode I was going to take the South Platte Bike path down to Downtown, but then I decided I might as well take the same way I did earlier this week – the Cherry Creek Bike path. At least I know that taking the same route I was guaranteed another 50-mile bike ride.

The Cherry Creek Bike Path was no different than the ride down to Downtown on Monday and Tuesday evening. I left the Cherry Creek Bike path at Colfax and took a picture of the Road close sign leading west. I had no clue or any destination in mind when I went Downtown on Thursday.

I rode in and around Downtown Denver. I noticed a little Law enforcement, but I think that most of them were around the Invesco Stadium. I hardly saw the mass of people in Downtown like I did on Monday and Tuesday. I think that since the gates at Invesco opened at 1 PM that is where most of them went.

I slowly biked through the streets and sidewalks of Denver with my HED. rims proudly being showed off. I rode slowly, but not too slow. I stopped at various spots downtown, but got no real picture opportunity that you Readers might enjoy. I did take a couple more pictures of the bike taxis that I was unable to get a clear picture earlier this week.

I cruised down to Union Station and that was when I saw and heard my first remark “Hey I will trade you straight up – your rims for my Mountain bike?” I looked at him smiling and said, “Um, let me take a look at your ride.” We both laughed and he could not stop looking at my bike. Soon, the light turned green and we were off. He rode off down the street while I just pedaled slowly. I soon noticed people noticing me and I thought to myself “oh yeah”

I turned down another street and then soon I heard “hey L.A.” (My faithful readers know the initials of this particular bike rider who I do not use his full name) being yelled down one of the streets. I didn’t look at who yelled since this sort of comment yelling is nothing knew at me. As I crossed the intersection I then hear “Oh cool – Southpark.” Respect.

I soon crossed another street and then I saw about 10 police horses with a couple of the horses with clear plastic face guards. I soon found myself at the Brown Palace and felt that my back tire was going flat. Damn. And of all places to get a flat tire. Why? Well Readers the Brown Palace is a famous hotel and a place where famous people stay at in Denver. With that in mind there was a police presence and some people who looked like security officers from some outfit on patrol. I could of stop right there, but I had to ride at least a block or so away from the Brown Palace.

Again, more so for myself, since I do not want to draw anyone’s attention to me.

Ten minutes later I was up and riding. I headed to Civic Center Park, but the entire area was fenced off by chain link fences. There was some police patrolling, but other than that everything was quiet. By this time I decided it was time to go to Invesco. Later I found out that the fence was put up to prepare for the Taste of Colorado this Labor Day weekend and not to keep out the protesters from Civic Center Park.

I found myself on Colfax and headed west. Colfax was empty. Police cars were here and there. The police were also patrolling under the bridges. People were walking and biking since no one could drive on this portion of Colfax. I decided to take some pictures of me biking in the middle of Colfax void of any cars. I also took some pictures of I-25 from Colfax. I could see the Orange Snow Dump Trucks on I-25 as well as police cars patrolling I-25 slowly.

I saw that there was a make shift bike corral on the Southwest side of Invesco. As well as a platoon of police with heavy duty looking guns. I decided to head North on Federal Blvd. That is were things got lively. Cameras, vendors, people, heavy vehicle traffic, and everything else you cannot imagine. Businesses that line Invesco were selling their parking lot spaces for 60.00 to 80.00 dollars to park. I could not fucking believe that!

Also, Denver Dept of Public Works were handing out bottles of water for free. And let me tell you readers there were cartons and cartons of water along the streets near Invesco. The Dept of Pubic Works had their trucks driving around Invesco handing out water from the back of the truck. I want to say that the free water was donated by Wal-Mart, which meant a lot to me. Something small perhaps, but for Wal-mart to donate all the water, and Readers I saw a lot of water, I was amazed. Oh, I asked a group of Dept of Public Workers some questions and also for a couple of pictures – as long as it was okay. And that is where I learned that all the water was donated by Wal-mart.

Now, why I mentioned the free water was that there was a booth that was selling Obama water. Obama water? Officially bottled, sweet tasting and something else I cannot remember that made Obama water worth $ 10.00 dollars a bottle. I knew I should have taken a picture, but I guess I was shaking my head in disbelief on what things people were selling. I think I was still in disbelief of the $ 60.00 and $ 80.00 dollars parking

I soon found myself North of Invesco and nearby a bridge that crossed I-25.

“Damn Homey”

Soon, I was being eyeballed by a young guy with his hat turned crooked on his head, his wrist wrapped with a bandanna and has a white tank top showing off his muscles on a bmx dirt bike. Two seconds later about 10 other people (his crew?) were eyeing my bike and me. Or perhaps my bike and not me.

I rode slowly and confidently by them and then stopped on the bridge. I smiled and nodded my head as if saying thank you. Then, I took some pictures of I-25 and the blockade towards Invesco. A pretty impressive view. And no Readers, I was not worried about being jumped since the police presence was stationed at the ramps entrance and exits. I also had the K-9 presence going for me. Any other time I would not be stopping to take any pictures and if I saw anyone looking like that guy looking at me and said those same exact words I would ride like the wind blows on the plains of Wyoming. Hard, fast and easterly.

By this time I had almost made a complete circle of Invesco. I only had the South Platte Bike path to go on and I was not sure if that was open or if the section near Invesco was closed off.

I noticed that there was one helicopter flying / patrolling around Invesco. I did not see any vapor trails from any planes. I did not see any other Helicopters in the area. When I noticed this I was sort of reminded of the days after 9-11. No planes in the sky, only the occasional jet engine whining overhead patrolling the skies of America. This time there was only the sound of the Helicopter doing circles overhead the skies of Denver.

With sunset coming I decided that I would take the final pictures of Invesco in various shots with different lighting (shutter/aperture speed). I heard the megaphone of some protesters that were on the east side of Invesco. I also saw a lot of police with binoculars looking at that, which I was sort of near. No way was I going to stick around. I then headed south and then that is where I ran into the RTD buses. I think I ran into all of the RTD buses in Denver. I could not believe how many buses were lined up – waiting for the speech to end and bus the people to various lots.

I tried taking a picture of the all the RTD buses, but I could not get the shot that showed the number of RTD buses lined up. I guess you can count the white tops of the buses since that is about how you can see that there were a lot of buses waiting.One street further I saw a convey. Police cars, Police Motorcycles, Ambulance, Black Suburban vehicles and bus getting onto I-25. I can only presume that was might have been Obama’s convoy.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 3 and 4

Greetings Readers

Not much else I can say about the credential.

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 2

Greetings Readers

As the title for the Post today reads this was Day Two of the DNC (Democratic National Convention) in Denver, Colorado. Today, I was able to tell most of my friends of my experience and what I saw in Downtown Denver on the first official day of the DNC on Monday. I showed everyone who cared to see some of the pictures I took.

I also told them that I was careful of what I was taking pictures of and how I acted in the vicinity of the Law enforcement that were stationed and mobile in and around the Downtown area. And yes readers, I told my friends I was on my best behavior so I would not draw any unnecessary attention to myself. Worse yet, I did not want to be put into a holding pen for people being arrested and/or confirmation that you are who say you are. Apparently from what was told to me was that there was a tent that held make shift corrals that would hold arrested people for processing and holding,

Anyway, after telling most of my friends today of what I saw yesterday I decided that if there was no chance of any heavy rain showers in the afternoon I was going to bike down to Downtown Denver once more and also to Civic Center Park to see what’s what.

So, as 4 PM came and went I looked out the window and the skies looked ok, in a manner of speaking. I was not able to leave early like I did the day before, but I was still going to go even leaving later than the day before. I rode home fast and had everything ready to go from this morning. I grabbed two half frozen water bottles I made the night before I went to sleep last night and added cold water to fill the water bottle to the top.

I wanted to take the shortest route to bike that I thought would be the best to take to Downtown Denver, but then I decided to take the same route the day before. I knew the path and I now know the terrain. Plus, I knew that I would be able to get over 50 miles in a round trip bike ride.

Traffic all along the Cherry Creek bike path was pretty sparse compared to the day before. And this time I did not have to go slow since I had taken the pictures that I wanted the day before. I also decided to get off at the Colfax exit and head to the State Capitol and Civic Center Park.

Flashback – before leaving for the DNC in Downtown Denver I decided to call my parents and see what they know or seen on TV from the New Mexico TV stations broadcasting. My mom said that they showed “stuff” from inside the Convention Center and the Protesters, but overall they are not showing Denver in general. When my mom says that she means the Democratic National Coverage who are filming the DNC in Denver.

Back to the present – I decided to show you readers Denver from different views from my digital camera. I want you Readers to see Denver and not see just what is being shown on TV. Which I can only assume is coverage from inside the Pepsi Center and command centers located near the Pepsi Center.

I think I have “dished” Denver in the past about how Denver is not a true city, but a residential city. And I still support my view on that. However, I wanted to show you Readers on this post that Denver is a pretty city and if any of the news coverage would film Denver from different locations in Denver they can show that Denver is much more than what the DNC is being broadcast on National TV.

Sorry readers, I have not seen what is being broadcast on TV, but I can assume that what my mother said is what is being shown all over the United States is basically nothing. I am interested in what is being broadcast, but with the US Open in progress Tennis is my number one priority. Everything else is second to the US Open. This is one event that I look to every year and this one event that I actually make it a point to buy merchandise from the US Open Shop.

As I got near the Civic Center Park I could see and smell the protesters. Smell meaning that I could smell the BO of the hippies and what not. I was about 20 yards away from the actual protesters, but the odor was noticeable from 20 yards away. I stink from time to time, but not like the BO that I smelled yesterday. So, with that I stayed on the perimeter of Civic Center park for the most part and then I was able to get close where no one was really around that part of Civic Center park.

I just did not want to smell that strong B.O. There was a group, a rap group, which was performing in Civic Center Park. They sounded nice, but I only listened for a couple minutes before leaving for the State Capitol. I wanted a shot of Civic Center Park and all the people (protesters) from the State Capitol. Yet, when I got to the State Capitol and looked towards Civic Center Park I could not see the people in mass on the South side of Civic Center Park. I took a few pictures that showed the view from the State Capitol looking west. I think that the pictures came out pretty good.

After a bit I decided to skate (ride) just East of Downtown Denver and see how much law enforcement was present around the perimeter of Downtown. Not very much as opposed to Downtown Denver itself. I did see another bike corral at the “Cash Register” building. It was a small bike corral compared to the two corrals I saw the day before. I talked with the person handling the corral. They explained what was explained to me yesterday, but I pretended that I did not know how the bike corral worked.

I soon left and headed North on Lincoln and I think I turned West on 18th and then headed Northwest on 18th all the way to Union Station once more. I had no urge to go to Union Station, but it was on the street that I was taking and that is where I eventually ended up.

I soon found myself at the MSNBC set up and that was when I heard “nice rims.” Oh yeah. I said, “thank you very much” and posed for my picture that was taken by him. I then took a picture of a trailer and truck that was parked right across the street that had some spray painted words on the trailer.

I noticed it was just past 8:00 PM and I knew that the time to go home was here. I knew that I was not going to take Cherry Creek Bike path home and that I was going to take the same route home yesterday which was the South Platte bike trail home. This time I was going to go to the Millennium Bridge and see if I was going to be able to take the South Platte trail home. I say this since the South Platte Trail does come kind of close to the Pepsi Center, which means I was not sure that if the South Platte Trail was closed off. Yesterday, I had took Colfax across I-25 and then eventually got onto the South Platte Bike Trail with no problems.

Well, the return trip along the South Platte was faster since I sort of knew the path from the day before. Nothing to report really, except I did not see any bikers riding towards Denver and I did not see any walkers on the bike path like I did the day before. And as I went past the "new" Mile High Stadium I saw two searchlights panning over the stadium. You can see that white dot of light on the top part of the stadium..

Overall, I did 50.34 miles yesterday to and from the DNC. Not bad at all. Basically, one hundred and five miles in two days time. And you know what Readers? I am handling the bike rides like any training bike ride – no problem at all.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 1

Greetings Readers

The DNC - Democratic National Convention - that has started as of 08/25/08. I wanted to go downtown to see firsthand what's what. I am not a Democrat, but that does not mean that I am not interested nor care. I want to see perhaps a once in a lifetime event that might happen in my life.

So, after work I headed home and dropped off all my stuff, including any bike bags. I do not want to pulled over, pointed at, looked at, bothered, profiled, or what not with any sort of bag that might draw attention from the Police, S.W.A.T., FBI, CIA, undercover, snipers, etc. I decided to bring a small fanny pack and use that. Grabbed some cash and ID and biked like a motherfucker devil was chasing me down the road. I rode all the way from the South side of Denver to Downtown Denver.

I made good time and I really rode like the wind. I was pushed top speed and going 30 mph plus when I could. By the time I got down to Lincoln while I was on the Cherry Creek bike path I started to see camera flashes go off here and there. If I saw a flash I did not turn and look where it came from, just in case that is what that person wanted me to do so they could take a full face shot. I don't know.

Cherry Creek bike path traffic was pretty light all the way up to Lincoln. Most people were heading out of Denver as opposed to me heading into Denver.

I decided to get off at Colfax Ave and head East to the Capitol, but at the last second I decided to head North to the Colorado Convention Center. As soon as I turned on the street where the Convention Center is located I saw people, bike, and police. And a lot of each. By the time I got to the Convention Center area the police was enforce around the perimeter. And to my luck I was riding behind a group of McCain supporters. Which mean they were drawing attention to themselves by just being there. And with me in back, just following I could be wrongly profiled as part of the group. right?

Well, the group decided to stop at the corner and I decided I better get going before something/anything happens while in this group of protester. I head down to the front door of the Colorado Convention Center and see more police and whatnot. Across the Convention Center is a tent of the Official headquarters of gear for sale for support of the DNC. And the other thing that was just off the front entrance across the street from the Convention Center was one of the bike corrals where you can get a bike "for free"

I saw one of the volunteers of the bike corral and asked her how this works. She said that I do not need a bike since I have a bike already. I of course tell her I know that, but I am asking what if I needed a bike. Basically, pick a type of bike (I think that she said that there were four different types of bikes to choose from), leave a credit card, driver's licence and I think that was it. They provide a bike and helmet and then when you are done return the bike and then you get everything back that you left with them when you took a bike. Hence, if you take a bike and do not return they can charge you for the bike that was not returned. I think the volunteer said that there are 7 corrals around the area.

I basically was in the heart of Denver and more than a few blocks from the Pepsi Center, but had no desire to go there since I knew that I would not be able to get close, if at all.

So, I headed into Denver a bit and decided to do some biking around the street of Denver. Biking meaning casual slow biking. I wanted to see what's what. I saw police I think on almost every corner and then every other corner I saw a group of police. Each of them looking and scanning the area around them. I saw perhaps non-uniform police on the walkies or radio talking/relaying info. I heard the dispatchers talking from the radios. I saw police parked. I saw police vehicles that looked like modified golf carts.

Just as I passed the 16th street mall I was almost in the middle of S.W.A.T going somewhere. They were in a hurry and did not even bother looking where they were going. I had to make an adjustment to my biking. And believe me readers I would have said something "smart," but due to current events any "smart" remark could get me in trouble. And that is not what I wanted while down there last night.

I then turned north and then head back to the 16th street mall on another street. A photographer was riding up a one way street and right in front of me. Again, I could have done what I would have done, but due to the presence of law enforcement I sort of had to be on my best behavior. Soon, I found myself in front of Union Station.

Flashback - early in the morning on KBCO I heard that there were some people set up behind Union Station and I decided to see what was set up. I saw train cars, trailers and the MSNBC set. I stayed for a few listening to Caroline Kennedy, I think, on a TV that was apparently being transmitted from the Pepsi Center.

From there I decided to go and see how close I could get to the Pepsi Center. Not very close. If was fenced off and not by the typical chain link fence you would think that would be used. On top of that concrete barriers, police stationed and patrolling the barriers. I could see the people who had passes walking to the are who I am assuming had passes to get into the area. I do not know nor did I want to stop and ask them. Again, due to the event happening I had to be aware of my actions.

I left the area of Pepsi Center and road back into Downtown. I then decided to see if I could get to Laramar Square. I did. Not a problem. I took a few pictures of Laraimer Square and people were drinking and gathering so I am assuming that was an OK place to be at Downtown. I then headed down Lariamer Street and so turned off on the street that the Colorado Convention Center was on. I saw that same group of protesters and they were on a corner of the Colorado ballet building/center.

I soon left via Colfax avenue and decided to go over to Invesco Field. As I was crossing I-25 I looked to the North and I see the concrete barriers and two dump trucks blocking the exit ramp in the middle. I could not actually see the actual exit, but I am assuming that was well blocked off from the public. Seeing those two dump trucks reminded of GTA. I could see myself trying to ram those dump trucks, as one might do in GTA. Sounds weird, but I could actually see that happening.

By this time the sun had gone down and it was just past 8 PM and I decided that I needed to go home before dark came.

Needless to say that I did not make it and it was full dark by the time I got to Evens or so. It was kind of nice riding in the dark on the South Platte River bike trail, but also kind of scary since I could not see where I was biking nor did I know the trails condition so I had to be careful riding and not ride into dirt, sand a hole, tree limbs, or a person walking.

9:20 PM I was home. And that was the end of day 1.

P.S. My total ride mileage to and from the DNC was 53 miles. Pretty impressive that I did much biking in one evening. And the funny thing is I never even thought I did that much - at all.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Qdoba Girl - 3 years later

Greetings Readers

It was just like any ordinary visit to my local Qdoba’s to get my burrito from my post bike ride. Mainly, to get my carbs from the rice and to get some chips and salsa that I love from Qdoba’s

I see that guy that I have gotten to know working behind the counter. He sees me and smile and I too see him and smile back.

“How are you? Is that a Mexico bike jersey you have on?” He says smiling.

Of course this is a joke that has been on going for a while. He must love Mexico since he always wonders if I am going to ride for Mexico or if I was going to ride in the Tour de France of the Summer Olympics for Mexico. I have to respond to him that I am not. I am too old and I am not that good. Though even that is speculation whether or not that I am a good rider.

Anyway, we are both joking and talking and I have to admit I do look forward to the weekend visits seeing him and basically treating me more than a customer. He treats me like an amigo.

He says to me see you next time and then I am off to the next person on the line to help me on what I want in my burrito. You know Readers, the person who asks what you want – very hot, hot, mild or medium salsa. Then, whether you want cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, etc.

I turn to the next person in line.

I was speechless. I could not fucking believe my eyes. There she was – the Qdoba girl from my past. A past that is about three years old now.

Readers, my smile that was on my face got bigger if that was possible and I say something to the effect “It’s you. How are you?!” And my eyes widen up with sudden excitement on seeing my Qdoba girl.

“Hi. How are you?” she responds.

I could not believe it Readers! This is/was the Qdoba girl that I have mentioned in my blog a few times in the past. I was so close to asking her out to a company Christmas party when she was suddenly gone from my life. She was adorable to me and yes I was smitten with her.

Well, the line was busy so I told her what I wanted but I/we were speed talking to each other since we knew we only had a very limited amount of time before she has to help the next person in line after me.

All of a sudden, the guy that I know interrupts our conversation. Whether it was jealousy on his behalf or something else, I immediately held up my hand to him in a stop hand gesture and then with my left hand I crossed my fore and middle finger and hold it front of me and the Qdoba girl and say to him. “Shhh. Me and her are like this.” And I smile at him and then at her and she smiles at me and then at him. And she says, “we are.”

He smiles and then goes away.

I do not know where that comment came from, but it came out since I did not want to be interrupted with our reunion after almost three years.

Flashback – During our speed talk conversation I asked her how long she has been working at this Qdoba’s store. She responds since November last year. Wow. November of last year and this was the first time that I saw her at this Qdoba’s location. Unfucking believable. I guess with her working presumably the hours that she worked at the other store I knew her at makes since. And with me seeing her this past weekend was pure fucking luck. Or perhaps fate.

Present - What is that saying? You find someone when you are not looking. Well, I have not been looking and I did find someone I am very attracted to.

I am so happy. Happy is not a word that even describes how I feel about seeing her. Now, I have to run into her again and hope for the best. Granted, a lot has happened in the three years since I last saw her, but I can only hope for the best.

She seemed happy to see me, but was that because I was a familiar face or perhaps the same way I feel about her? I do not know. Is she single? Probably not, but I can hope. Or at least give her the option to get to know me more.

Anyway, I cannot believe this. Qdoba girl after all these years. Fate?

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

West Nile Virus Coming Again ?

Greetings Readers

Those damn flying gnats. Or perhaps they are damn mosquitoes. I also can hear the bugs making noise in the trees. I see grasshoppers. I can hear the frogs and other things that make sounds outside my humble nearby the running creek.

I had not realized that I did not miss these bugs when we had the 23 days of basically a heat wave (90 degrees plus). Matter of fact, I never even noticed that the bugs have not been around. Since Denver has not had any rain for about two months I do not think that the conditions have been right for the Mosquitoes to come out of the ponds, puddles and standing pools of water.

Last year, I remember hearing in the news – West Nile Vile. And many towns north of Denver where actually were spraying for mosquitoes. You Readers who do not reside in Colorado we did have a big problem with West Nile Virus last year.

Matter of fact, I was a bit worried about West Nile Virus. I did not want any mosquito sticking its needlelike funnel mouth into any part of my body. I did not want to bike ride in a certain area of Colorado. I was very cautious when ever I saw a dead bird in the street or on the route that I was biking on. And let me tell you readers there were a lot of dead birds that I saw on the road and sidewalks on the South side of Denver.

Dead birds you ask yourself. Readers, I saw on TV that if there are dead birds most likely they died from West Nile Virus infection. I only listen to that one news bit, but never followed up on hearing that news. Meaning, how many bites from a Mosquito did it take? How long did the bird take to die from West Nile Virus? And any other questions I did not think of at that time.

People were actually encourage to call Department of Health for any dead birds so they can do an autopsy, so to speak, for West Nile Virus infection.

All this summer I am glad that the one thing that I am seeing on the road are flatten squirrels and rabbits. And there have been a lot of flatten squirrels and rabbits. In case any of you readers wonder what I mean by “flatten” is that the animal got run over a vehicle.

Looking back on last year it is funny now, but it was not funny a year ago. Any time that I was outside and I thought I felt or did feel something land on my skin I move hand so quick to slap the area that I felt, or thought I felt, that some bug landed on my skin. I took no chances and I was sure quick about slapping any part of my skin I felt or thought I felt something land.

Now, this year so far I have not heard any West Nile Virus infection or outbreak. And this may be due to no rain and the hot, hot weather. Or perhaps the spraying from last year helped for mosquito control this year. Though I would not have a clue if that were even possible.

Now, with the all the rain that we have had in the past week the bugs are out, the trees and grass are green, and my allergies have started once more. Yet, when I got a face full of flying gnats, I hope, I quickly brushed my face clean and rode fast through that part of the area. Readers, when I got a face full of something flying I immediately thought Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus. As soon as I rode clear of that little area I started slapping my legs and arms and brushing my bike jersey and bike shorts free of anything that might have landed / flew on me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A Bike Rider Breaks a Bone

Greetings Readers

I am all for condolences. I am for - that’s too bad. I am all for - hope you get better.

But, I need to know what happened. Such as in the case of a bike rider that fell off his / her bike and broke (fractured) a bone while riding the Cherry Creek Bike path.

The story is short and to the point – perhaps to get the most sympathy, but I have a feeling there is whole lot of the story that is missing from what actually happened. By the way readers, the story was not told by him/herself, but by his/her girl/boyfriend.

As, I have told you readers, we got a lot of rain in the past week and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday there was constant steady heavy rain falling. As I hope most of you readers know there is only a certain amount of rain that the ground can absorb. After awhile the ground becomes saturated with water and then the ground can not absorb/hold any more rain.

With that said there is nowhere for the rainwater to go except into the drains. Some of those drains empty into various creeks. For example, Cherry Creek. Any seasoned bike rider who has ridden on Cherry Creek bike path has seen the signs posted along the Cherry Creek Bike path indicating that the area is prone to flooding during rainfall or something to those words. Sorry readers, I ride the Cherry Creek bike path every now and then and do not know the signs by verbatim, but I have read those signs a few times and ignore them since I know what they are posted for.

I have ridden the Cherry Creek bike a few times right after some rainstorms. I have seen debris on the bike path washed up from the Creek. I have seen sand and dirt washed up on the bike path. I have seen weeds and foliage washed up on the bike path and wrapped around the signs posted along the bike path.

The story I heard / read that this bike rider road into some sand and then fell onto some large rocks that line Cherry Creek.

That just sounds fishy. There are no blind corners along the Cherry Creek where the creek and the bike path are almost next to each other and where the creek does overflow onto the bike path when there is heavy rainfall. Also, I think the posted speed limit of the Cherry Creek bike path is 15 mph. If there is not a posted speed limit then the speed is 15 mph on any bike path in the Denver Metro Area unless a different speed is posted.

Now, this bike rider rode into some sand and fell over onto the rocks that line the creek. Well, how can that happen? The area that I am assuming that this rider fell in has a good line of sight to see what is ahead of the rider. So, if the rider saw the sand then the rider should have slowed down or even stopped and carried/walked his bike over the sand on the bike path. Right? If the area was in an area where the bike path was obscured by trees and blind corners then the rider should have slowed down since everyone who was in Denver this past weekend knew we got our fair share of rain and the water was flowing everywhere.

I-25 got flooded with rainwater and many streets got flooded and yes all the creeks were overflowing with rainwater. Matter of fact, on TV and in the newspapers there was mention of flooding.

Even riding at the posted limit on the Cherry Creek bike path after three days of major rain falling is sort of asking for trouble. Especially so if you are arrogant to think that the bike path gets cleared right after the rain stops falling.

I also have to mention that the Cherry Creek bike path has areas where the bike path is covered in shadows, whether by the angle of the sun, riding under a bridge or under some trees. Any seasoned rider knows that riding into a bike path covered in shadow(s)s can be dangerous. If you are not wearing sunglasses and going from bright light to dark shadow your pupils need time to dilate.

There are also a couple of areas along Cherry Creek that has rocks lining the bike path and the creek and are under a bridge. So if this accident happened under the bridge did the rider even slow down while going under the bridge. Did the rider have sunglasses on? Worse yet was the rider not even looking at where he/she was riding?

There was no mention of what type of bike was involved in the accident. Was it a Mountain bike? Or was it a Road bike?

If a Road bike was used then it was purely the rider’s fault. Any Road biker knows and should be cautious about riding in any possibility of sand at all. Sand would be the ultimate enemy of a road biker. Skinny tires and sand do not mix at all – sort of like Oil and water. The skinny tires immediately sink into the sand if riding straight into sand. Or should the rider be making a turn and encounters sand in the turn the rider and bike are going to have an accident. Yes readers, the sand is that much of a danger to us road bikers.

Now, if a Mountain bike was involved I would think that there should not of been an accident since the Mountain bike tire has fat tires. Also, going through sand should not be a problem, if the bike rider was not going fast. The he/she were going through the sand not too fast then the bike rider should have felt the sand grab the bike and immediately slowed the bike rider down. This is speculation on my part since I really know nothing about Mountain bikes except for the short time I had my 25.00 dollar garage sale Mountain Bike.

I hope to hear / read what happened readers. I do not see how it can not be the rider’s fault for breaking his/her bone. In addition, there is no mention of another rider causing the accident.

P.S. The bike rider who had an accident is not one of the ignorant bikers.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

New Rims and Jerseys this Year

Greetings Readers

Update - A month later.

So, if any of you faithful readers have been reading you may have figured out it has been over a month since I have gotten my new wheels from HED.

Life for me has been great. Well, better than great – spectacular. All eyes are upon me while riding in my “hood.” One might say that I have the southeast side gang at my back. Though, the gang would be young teens. Ha ha.

Now, I have been riding the rims for the better part of 95 percent of the time while out biking to work, the store, wherever, etc.

Well, it did not dawn on me until about a week or two ago. I had to go to the grocery store for some groceries and this time I had to go right after work. I went straight home before going to the store.

First of all, I had to empty out my biking bag, which contains my work clothes, sometimes lunch Tupperware and misc. things that are too valuable to bring to the grocery store. I also had to change bikes since there was no way that I was going to ride my bike with the HED. rims to the grocery store. Yes, I think it would be pretty cool to see my bike locked up outside the grocery store, but that is also asking for someone to perhaps thinking that they might want to “take” my HED. rims and/or bike while I was inside shopping.

So, just to be safe I have been taking my other bikes to the grocery store, department store, the Library and stores in general.

Anyway, I was wearing my Southpark jersey and a few people said to me various comments about my bike jersey. Of course, I was happy to hear that those people who commented on my bike jersey. Yet, all of a sudden I realized what I have not heard in the past month.

There have been no comments on any of my bike jerseys. At all. Believe me that I have been wearing my nicest bike jerseys while riding Andrea with her new HED. rims. Matter of fact, I have been making sure that I color coordinate or have a match theme on my biking wardrobe.

I have been riding here and there and getting the double takes, the dramatic head turns, the whiplash head turn, the stares, the “oh I wish I had your bike” look, and so on. Yet, what each of the people are looking at is either the rims themselves or the rims and bike together and the rider - me. I do not think that they are looking at my bike jerseys anymore.

I have spent almost ¾ of a grand on bike jerseys this year and since I have been riding Andrea with her new HED. rims I am not getting any “nice” comments on any of the bike jerseys that I am sporting. I am not mad, but I am sad. No one is looking at any of the Star Wars Bike Jerseys I have, No more Popeye comments and definitely no Southpark comments when wearing any of those jerseys.

This does not mean that I am not going to be buying any more cool bike jerseys. This was something that I noticed a week or two ago.

And no I would do anything different on either of the purchases made this year. Matter of fact, I am saving my pennies up for another set of rims from HED. This time I am going to go with the three spoke rim. And I will be saving 40 bones this time.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Baseball at the Olympics - A Rumble

Greetings Readers

I did not see the game, but the replay was on TV this morning on the China vs. United States in Men's baseball was something else. I was in awe of how the game went down. Why did it go down the way it did go down? Was there something that was not mentioned that these two teams acted this way? Since I saw the replay on local TV there was bias like China just did what they did and we, meaning the United States, had to react the way they did. Though, I first saw the replay on MSNBC and they told and showed what happened and did not lead the viewer to a bias conclusion, nor were there any off-hand jokes of what happened. I am curious though since literally it was a rumble. I would have liked to seen this game, but there are others I have seen.

Last night, I decided to go to the store. Since I was going to the store I had to take another bike and not my "Tricked out" bike. I was wearing my Popeye's bike jersey and lo and behold two people comments on my bike jersey as opposed to my "tricked out" bike. There was a lady that was in front of me, but before she got in front of me she saw me. I saw her look and smile, but did not think anymore of that. Though I did look at what any guy would look at from the view of the back of a woman. Well, I saw her veer off and then she turned around and she said "that's a very nice jersey."

"Thank you" I said and then a few seconds later.

"Is it because it shows off my rippling biceps" with a huge smile.

"Yeah, that's what it is" she responded.

That was good for a good laugh. And I was smiling all the way home. Basically, I felt good and I guess I needed a good laugh.

Now, that are the sorts of comments that I live for, crave for and desire for when I know I purchase any of my bike jerseys.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Its Monday and its Sunny!

Greetings Readers

I saw the Sun this morning and she was beautiful. I know that may seem strange, but after the past three days of rain and more rain and not basically seeing the Sun I was happy to see the colors of the morning dawn – the dark blue, the orange, the red and eventually the yellow on the horizon.

I am glad that we got the rain, but I am glad we got back the Sun. This past weekend I had to close some of the windows, I had to pull out the blanket and even the comforter. My knees hurt and I think that is because of the damage I have done to my knees throughout my athletic career. Now, I think my knees are aware of any cold weather change. And boy I could my knee’s pain this past weekend.

We are into the last week of the Olympics and I have to say that I am really enjoying all the coverage USA, CNBC, MSBMC and Telemundo are showing of the Olympics events. I have watched small tidbits here and there of Channel 9’s NBC coverage, but it is just so bias. And really who wants to hear about interview after interview, a short bio of a certain athlete to get to Beijing. I know that I don’t. I want action and I want all sort of action. And also – is not too true that there is just too much coverage of a certain swimmer. Well, I am in good mood today so no talking smack.

And we have one week until the US Open. Oh yeah. And my co-worker and I have ordered our US Open towels for this year. In addition, I also ordered a yellow water bottle with the black logo of the flaming tennis ball.

Well, that is about all the happiness I can share for today. Let us hope that continues for a while.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Colorado Rockies are Still Here.

Greetings Readers

I was in the grocery store this morning and a couple of people asked me if it was too slick to ride out there. Meaning, were the roads slick. I said no. I do have racing tires on, but that is really nothing to worry about. Why? Well, most of the roads that I ride on are either asphalt or pavement. However, there are a few places on the road that are made out of concrete. Concrete and my racing tires are not a nice match. Often times, I slow down when I have to make a turn on concrete,

Oops, readers I am going off topic on what I wanted to write about. No, slipping on the roads is the least of my concerns. What is my concern that when it is raining the water that is all over the road more often than not hides holes in the roads.

Meaning, that any pools of water could be hiding a hole in the road. And a deep hole at that. Hidden holes are a concern since I have bent a couple of rims while riding the rain. Sometimes when the rain is washing/running down the street gutters of the street the water hides any lips that may or may not be there in between the sidewalk and road.

Well, I was happy that I got out this morning to ride. No waking up to rain like yesterday and raining for about 6 hours straight. Since the roads were semi-dry and there was no rain I decided to take out Andrea and the HED. rims. There were small patches of sky that were almost visible. Not clear sky, but almost.

I could not go to King Soopers since there is no “real” cashier until 8 AM or so. Otherwise, shoppers are forced to use the automated do it yourself check out. And as I have posted in the past I am not going to do my own check out. Fuck that. I decided to go to Safeway. I got to Safeway just a bit past 7 AM. The story is closed. What the fuck. Alright. I was a bit miffed, but that meant that I got to ride further and show off my bike and HED. rims. Albertson’s was the next and only store that I was going to go to this morning.

Thank goodness for Albertson’s. After my trying to find a grocery store excursion I decided do a few laps in the Greenwood Village DTC area – mainly around Fiddler’s Green. I did some slow riding and just enjoying being out on a bike without all the rain that had falling in the past 48 hours. Streets were clear, semi dry and the world had yet to wake up in my part of the city.

No traffic on Arapahoe Road and you can see that from the two pictures that I took – on shot towards the East and the other to the west. Oh yes readers, I was riding in the middle of the road as if I owned this piece of Arapahoe Road. No gutter riding this morning. Actually, I never ride the gutter on Arapahoe Road – too congested and too dangerous for me to consider riding in the gutter. This is something I know from experience and I am not going to tempt anyone. Arapahoe Road is mine early mornings on the weekends and it is sidewalk riding any other time along Arapahoe Road.

Since there was rain basically all day I had to take out Tracey (my rain/snow bike). This was the second day that I had to ride her. Why? Well, I am not going to take any other bike out into the rain. I want my other bikes to be rain free. I just have a bike designated for rain riding; therefore I am doing damage to one bike. Also, I have only one bike to clean up after riding in the rain.

Yesterday was the second day that I had to wear my long sleeve jersey and the first time that I had to wear my long legged bike pants since early this year. Friday was also the first time since last winter that I had to wear the Orange lens for M Frame Oakleys. Since there was no sun, there is no sense of wearing tinted lens. Though Saturday, I went back to the tinted lens since the sun and semi-clear skies came out for the first time since three days ago. The sun and semi-clear skies lasted for about 2 hours, but I took advantage of those two hours.

Well readers, I was put on the wait-list for Obama. I was disappointed, but then I forgot I was not doing this for myself, but my friend. At least I signed up for tickets for my friend and tried to get tickets so my friend had better odds for getting a ticket to Obama’s speech at Invesco when the DNC happens at the end of the month.

Now, time for Olympics. I was on the bus the other day and out of the blue was asked about the Olympics. Wow. That was the reason that I was taking the bus I was watching women’s Volleyball and was watching as long as I dared to, but knowing that I had to get to work as soon as possible. Pretty soon other passengers were joining in the conversation.

For the past week this type of behavior has not been uncommon. At work, at the stores and your friends are talking about the Olympics. Granted, most of my friends are talking about the events on TV, but I am talking about the events that I see on MSNBC, CNBC and USA networks. I only have watched an hour, if that, of channel 9 coverage of the Olympics.

Why? Well, channel 9 is bias. And this is speculation since I have not watched channel 9. I think they are only showing, gymnastics, swimming, basketball and beach volleyball and focusing on the United States only. Granted, I am for the United States, but we as a whole have to root for all and not be bias against all other countries besides the U.S. I think that it takes channel 9 to show an event that lasts 3 to 6 minutes about 30 minutes to an hour. You probably get some interview, then some segment of that athlete, then the sport announcer(s) opinion and then finally the event. Whereas the other channel have none of that bullshit stuff. Once an event gets done then it coverage of another event.

There are other events which I have mentioned. Sculls, Archery, Traps, Kayak, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, 20k Speed walking, field hockey, soccer, boxing, women’s weight lifting, indoor cycling, visage (sorry readers on the spelling, but it is the event where it is a horse and rider and riding around in an arena), and so on. All these events are the Olympics and whether it is Cuba vs. Netherlands, China versus Korea. I have to say it is exciting to see.

Yet, it is also sad to see that there must be a loser. I have seen the crushing defeats that have brought a tear to my eye since they have tears for being eliminated from the Olympics. I have seen the underdog win. I have seen the highest rank player(s) win at the event that they are suppose to. That is the Olympics. The Olympics are not just about the United States competing

I have stayed away from the US Basketball, Michael Phelps, Mays & Walsh and women’s gymnastics.

In closing, as the post title states - I saw the Colorado Rockies for the first time in 3 days.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A common subject - Complaining

Greetings Readers

I did something that took about an hour’s thinking and now what’s been done cannot be undone.

Flashback – In the past two years with blogging and many, many years before blogging I have told many stories involving my experiences with different fast food joints and some restaurants.

Stories. That’s what they are. Most of the time they are bad experiences. Bad meaning – bad service and not the food. The stories are born from my visits. I never go looking for a story at any visit to a place where they sell/serve prepared food.

I realize that I must not be a prick, but you readers must also understand that I am much more than just the next customer that you serve in the establishment that you are employed with. I understand that you were most likely trained how to work at the place you are employed at. You are trained to ask/act when the first customer comes into the establishment.

As an unwritten rule we customers are to listen to what the employee was trained to do when greeting customers the first time. I do not disagree with that unwritten rule.

Now, here is where you, the readers, may disagree. When I order something from the menu I have the option to add or delete or even change what I want on the order.

For example – If I want to order a number 5, but I want to substitute the fries for some other item on the menu, then I should been able to so without prejudice. If I order a Hamburger and I want it cooked medium well – then do it and do not tell me that, what is most likely printed on the menu that, eating meat not fully cook could lead to food poisoning. I know how to read the menu.

Using that same example if you ask me what I want on that Hamburger? I will reply, “I only want lettuce, pickles, and mustard (or spicy mustard as long as it is not Dijon). Do not ask me if I want cheese on that Hamburger when I said clearly “I only want…” Depending on how my service has been to this point I respond / not respond to your question about whether or not I want cheese on my Hamburger.

I could give you the silent stare. I could respond, “Did I ask for cheese?” And there are a few more examples, but I better not give you readers any more examples.

I do know that some of you restaurant and fast food employees are required to ask and perhaps up sale an order, but when I say only – that means only. Don’t ask for anything more when me, the customer, says only.

With that being said. I often only need a main meal and perhaps a side item. Most of the time I already have a drink. So when I order, for example, a hamburger and fries do not ask the question – do you want a combo? Or tell me that I will be saving some money if I order the combo. That may be the case, but if I wanted a combo meal then I would have ordered a combo meal. I can add numbers – fuck me, they call Stephen Hawkins Jr. Ha ha- kidding, but as that phrase goes it does not take a rocket scientist to do this sort of math.

When any employee at a fast food / restaurants asks me a question on what I want. Let me answer and do not interrupt me with another question before I even finish your first question.

Again, those are experiences, which are later turned into stories. Sure, I get pissed when I get deviated from my MO for ordering food. Yet, the only one that gets involved is the employee that is serving/waitressing me.

I am not looking for free food, gift certificates or a free dessert. I want to be treated just above the average customer. I have been told that I was an ass, a dick, a S.O.B. etc. for what I may telling any of my friends of some of my “bad” experiences. Yet, I believe in that “the customer is always right” rule. I do not take advantage of that rule, but sure as shit I will try and adhere to that rule.

Current Day – I was sort of inspired by that wrestler who would not accept the bronze medal. I did mention that it must have taken some big cojones to do that. Inspired? I know that I could not do something like that right now, but I wanted to do something that may be like that or a step in that direction in my opinion.

With a recent fast food / restaurant experience that I did share with you readers, I decided to go to the establishment’s website and send an email of what I told to you readers. Again, this was brought on by what that wrestler did last week. Prior to seeing that I never did tell anyone more than the server who served me at the establishment they worked at. There was no reason to tell anyone else. In my mind, I now have some larger cojones, but not even close to Abe’s cojones for dropping that Bronze medal.

So, last week I sent an email and copied and pasted what I told you readers prior to this post. I gave them my first name and personal email address and even gave them the store I had the experience at. Now I am just waiting for an email response, if any. Readers, this was the first time ever that I decided to send/write on an experience from a restaurant / fast food experience.

I am not looking for inconvenience sympathy, but I am expecting some sort of reply to my email. I am curious. Though ever since sending that email I can see many scenarios on the opposite end of the email I sent. Such as… “Yo Jim, check out this email from Colorado.” Or “hey I think we have letter of the month from Colorado.” Or “What does the person want?” I left nothing out nor omitted what I told you readers in the past post I did post.

So I clicked the send button and now nothing can be undone.

P.S. Readers – what I have just posted is nothing new that I have not posted before. I have explained / detailed from my point of view many times. I have admitted my mood at certain times. I have admitted I was wrong at times. I have admitted that I took the low road as oppose to the high road. Yet, I have never been one sided and indicated that it was the entire restaurant / fast food establishment’s fault.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

49 Degrees in August

Greetings Readers

When my time is up adding to the American Economy I go down to the garage and change into my biking clothes (and no not just the garage readers - the garage floor restroom). 99 percent of the time I ride my bike via the underground garage exit. With that being said I ride up the incline to ground level and then hang a left towards the East and make a final appearance in front of the building of all the other people who also added to the American Economy.

At the end of the day, most days, I probably have had many Coca-Colas and energy ready to burn. So, I make it a point to ride a bit faster than I should. Basically, showing off in my mind to the people also leaving for the day.

Yet, that MO changed when I got my HED. Rims.

I am doing almost the exact same ritual for the past month now, except I am now riding as slow as possible. Casual. Yeah, just casual riding like going out for a slow cruiser ride. I often look around who is also leaving, but not making eye contact with anyone else. And that may in part because no eyes are really looking at me, per se, but my bike and rims.

With that being said, I have talked to my friends for the past month and they know that I am happy, proud, love showing off my expensive rims. I think they understand, but then again I could be wrong. Never-the-less, I know that I am happy and that’s all that matters.

As I have posted to you readers about the different comments and what I have been doing to show off my rims I make sure to tell my friends who do not read my blog or any blog in general.

The end of the work week and I was just about ready to go, but I had to go and see my friend before I left for the weekend. Readers, let me assign my friend a name – let me us Pat. I started to talk to Pat and my friend interrupts me with a smile…

Pat saw me last night starting to ride home while sitting in their car getting ready to go home. Pat spots me and saw my rims for the first time. But Pat also saw what I have been telling everyone for the past month. Apparently, I was not exaggerating to Pat about riding slow. I was riding so slow that Pat laughed inside their car when I went by. But when Pat saw my rims my friend was impressed. While recounting seeing me last night Pat was pretty impressed by my bike now and how much those rims make me and bike so much more than just your everyday bike rider. Even though Pat was sitting in their car was some distance away Pat knew that was me riding. I think Pat said to me before leaving for the weekend “boy you are milking those rims aren’t you?”

I told her that’s not all. Stopping at stop signs and looking left and right two or three times. Looking at myself in any window so I can see my reflection and see how damn good I look.

Yet, what Pat added at the end of the conversation was - as I was riding off into the distance those rims could still be seen by Pat and they looked great.

Oh yeah.

Today's picture is a picture of South side of Denver and I know that you can not tell it is raining, cold, and foggy, but it is. When I left for work there was a low cloud ceiling, high forties and a steady falling rain. Amazing that it was 100 degrees last week and now it is half the temperature. Oh this picture is shot facing west. Visibility is about 1/2 mile and I know that you can not see the Rocky Mountains (I estimate about 15 miles to the foothills from where this picture was taken), but she's there. Just hidden being the fog bank, and the low ceiling clouds.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wrestling at the Olympics - oh well

Greetings Readers

Roman Grecko Wrestling - I hate to say this readers, but this event just did not do a thing for me. I did not get excited. I was bored. I did give one match up a viewing so I can say that I did watch one event. Anyway, I gave up and watched women's soccer.

I should not of given up watching since that was where it got interesting. I am not sure if I am cheering or booing, but the guy wrestler who won the bronze dropped his medal on the podium and walked away. Fucking wow! He has some balls to do that. Damn. I am not sure I could do that, but should I ever feel that way that is the way I would like to go out.

I am not supporting the wrestler, but I have to give kudos for him even doing something like that.

Onto the next subject

Alright, I have been eating out pretty regularly for the past two weeks. Oh yes, there is a reason, but nothing to share with you readers.

Anyway, I go into Chipotle’s for lunch. I probably arrived after the major rush of the noon lunch hour for most white and blue-collar workers. Which means that I was basically the last person in line.

I asked for a ground sirloin beef burrito. The employee looks at me saying nothing. I estimate about ten seconds later I repeat what I just said - I want a ground sirloin burrito with the word please at the end of my sentence this time. I immediately got crossed since I had to repeat myself. I think you readers may or may not know I hate repeating myself if I was clear the first time.

“Uh we do not have that here” is what I think the employee said to me. I look at the menu and shake my head. If the employee would of said that when I answered what I wanted to eat the first time, then there would not have been the start of a chip on my shoulder. “Oh that’s at the other place,” I said softly. The employee did not, would not, say that other place – Qdoba – but the employee and me connected. “OK – give me the steak burrito.” Readers – I know that this whole part of the story could have been avoided if I had looked at the menu on the far wall from the lunch line.

Then, I was out of that employee’s life and into another employee’s life doing the fixin’s of the burrito. “I want…” which I started to say and then the employee interrupted “What do you want in your burrito?”

What the Fuck !?!?!?

I did speak “I want….” before the employee asked the question the employee probably asks every customer that question. Though, this interruption further made the chip on my shoulder get bigger. In addition, this pissed me off since I was interrupted when I was giving what I wanted on my burrito.

I take a few seconds before saying anything. All this time I was basically looking the employee straight in the eye, without saying a word and a face that showed stone cold pissed off.

“I want tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce.” There was no “please” by me. Then, I am out of that employee’s life.

Now, the next employee. I immediately asked “I want chips and salsa – hot” Right after I said this sentence the employee asks what else I want. I stare at the employee. I am not to repeating myself since I made myself clear the first and only time. A couple seconds go by and then the employee reaches for the bag of chips that are prepared and sitting on a shelf on a wall behind the cashier. After that the employee goes and gets my hot salsa.
While that is being done I started taking out a 10-bone bill from my wallet.

About 10 seconds later the employee re-appears with my hot salsa and starts bagging my lunch. I then put out my right hand with the 10-bone bill and it is about 6 inches away from the cashier’s hands.

Readers, at this point I am pissed, since I basically had an “incident” with each employee on the lunch line. Fuck me. No fucking way. Fuck them. At least I know I watched them make my lunch so there is no way for anyone of them to have spit in my lunch.

The cashier asks “would you like a drink?”

Now. About 95 percent of the time the answer that I give is “no thank you.” Which means that perhaps 99 percent of you readers would answer the same way. But as I just outlined I was pissed off for the actions of each employee I encountered on the lunch line. I agree with all you readers that the right thing is to respond to the cashier was either a “no thank you” or “yes please.”

But I was pissed and the pissed off mood grew at every employee I visited on the way to the cashier. The cashier did nothing to get me in a pissed off mood. But! The cashier did add to it when the cashier asked “would you like a drink?”

The remaining 5 percent is what came into factor in this instance. I immediately replied “Did I ask for a drink?” A couple seconds later I added, “The answer to your question is the answer to my question.” The cashier looks at me, but no evil/stink eye. There was no - who the fuck is this customer - look. There was no reply to my question. The cashier simply pushed some keys on the register and then gave me my change.

This was not a victory, nor was I looking for a victory. I know what I wanted and that’s that. I clearly stated what I wanted and did so even before I was asked all the questions that were directed to me. Though, the last one was rude (in my opinion), but only because I had experienced the questions prior getting to the employee working the register.

I know there was a high road I could of taken, but due to all the questions that were asked for me I chose the other road.

I know that I am going to sound like a broken record, but at this point – this is where I decided to be like Tony. I am not happy until someone else is more miserable than I am.

The cashier did not deserve my question to their question, but this was the last employee before leaving Chipotle and I needed to get my pissed off mood on someone. I believe in I am not happy until someone is more miserable than I am when this sort of situation presents itself.

Wait. That was not the end of my experience. I was pissed off and to justify my response on how to get back at Chipotle I decided to take my change and not take my receipt. I grabbed the cash and did not grab the receipt. The cashier dropped the receipt and I made no move to pick up the receipt. A few seconds pass and the cashier picks up the receipt the cashier dropped to the counter and the receipt disappears behind the counter.

Child-ish?

Perhaps, but the cashier should of asked me if I wanted my receipt. Since the places I frequent often ask me if I want my receipt or not. I am under no obligation to take the receipt from the cashier. Is it written that I am responsible for a receipt (a piece of paper) that I paid for? No fucking way. I paid for my meal and that’s that. If I did not ask for receipt then I do not have to take the receipt.

Remember readers, this particular post is an every now and then thing and not something I do every time I go out and eat. If my experience did not piss me off by the time I got to the cashier then none of what I just wrote would have not of happened. I would of said yes or no and took my change and receipt without prejudice.

Yes, I was a prick. I do not apologize nor will I apologize for what I just described. Again, I have stated this before – I am the customer and the cardinal rule is “the customer is always right.” Or as in Burger King’s motto – Your way Right away.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete