The Kobayashi Maru

Greetings Readers

"You have to get off and walk your bike." the guy told me

About a millisecond goes by

"You have to walk to your right" I reply

It was the infamous no-win scenario playing out once more in my life.

There was no way to win, only to play out until the end, which in this case point out to that guy he was walking on the "wrong" side of the path. Oh yes, he did this purposely Readers and he oh so wanted me to take my feet off my pedals.

He would have succeeded, but he did not know who he was dealing with and how I can balance pretty darn good on my bike when at a complete stop (most of the time). I wish I could say he did not know who he was fucking with, but I did not really do anything - except comment back on what he was doing wrong - essentially walking in the path of oncoming people who are walking to the Light Rail Station.

I did not hear his responses since he was out of walking distance of my ability to hear the from music playing in my ear phones. I did not look back nor cared.

I braked and balanced for about three seconds and the guy started walking to his right around me. No, he did not make a move to push, touch, shove me, but I was ready. I was so ready. After all, my mood was doing okay this morning, until that comment was uttered by him and I changed my morning mood from the "I could care less" to the "go ahead and try me" mood instantly.

I mentioned this before and I have admitted that I was, and will still be, in the wrong. Around certain RTD Lightrail Stations are areas that are posted that "you must dismount from your bicycle" or "dismount bicycles."

However, I usually do not. I will come to a complete stop when I approach a pedestrian from the opposite direction and then will wait for him/her to walk by and then I will start to bike off slowly again. And if I am biking in the same direction of a pedestrian(s) I will not overtake /ride pass that pedestrian(s). I will follow, but not closely since I do not want that person to wonder if I am going to ride over them.

So, after doing my balancing act for a few seconds in front of that guy he started walking off to whereever he was going and that was the end of that incident this morning.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Green Festival - I Got Picked

Greetings Readers

"I'm going to be a Superstar"

... well

"I'm going to be a Hot Urban Model"

for a day, err I mean an hour, err I mean for just one minute!

Well, yours truly will be going to the 1st Annual Green Festival this Saturday since I was chosen to "show off" my bike at the Colorado Convention Center on Saturday at 3:00 P.M. I think the event at the show is called BikeDenver's fashion show.

I did fill out the form that was required and was sort of doubting that I really would get to participate. After all, my bike(s) are nothing special. Overall, I am not contributing to the smog by driving to and from work (or anywhere else) every day in Denver. So, that was about I could say that I was helping out by being "Green."

And there was this one question on the form - What's makes your bike so special? I thought and thought about this and honestly listed - nothing really makes my bike special - I have two water bottle cages, a rear 2 water bottle cage holder, aerobars, and I think I wrote my handlebars wrapped in bandanna's and then the piece de resistance - HED Jet c2 Deep dish 90 mm rims.

In another blank I quoted myself "It's all about the wheels"

So, with the sort of answers I wrote down I was really doubting that was going to be accepted. I do not know what they were / are looking for. I did not know how shallow I sounded when I wrote down my answers. If there were alot of riders submitting forms I was pretty sure that I was going to be at the bottom of that list to be chosen.

Overall, I was okay with what I put down and I felt there was no reason to lie or exaggerate any of my answers. The only goal I had was to get pick so I could show off my rims. That's is all.

Now, my next worry is what outfit I am going to "model" in. Should I going Business-like, Gangster-like, hard-core rider-like, Beat-up looking-like, color coordinated-like, time-trialing-like, Texas themed-like rider, and so on. Do I bring my Cuervo wristband I wear occasionally? Do I wear a bandanna around my neck since I do when it is winter to keep the cold air going down my neck and into my jacket? Do I wear my fingerless gloves or my fingered gloves? I just do not know. So, now I am going to have to lay out my biking wardrobe and see what's what and decide what to wear.

Oh yeah, I have to bring a bike helmet. A helmet? Fuck - I do not wear a helmet unless required or I feel bad ju-ju that tells me to wear a helmet. Now, I have to decide on whether I should bring either of the two over $ 100.00 bike helmets (yellow or blue)? Or should I bring in my $ 10.00 helmet that is... well looks like $ 10.00 and has stickers plastered all over the bike helmet. I will most likely wear a bandanna on my head since that is my MO. Then again, I am thinking about wearing one of my bike caps. I just do not know.

Decision, decision and the right decisions need to be made in the next 3 days.

P.S. - I will try and work on those calves of mine like a mad man - hah hah - Let's see if I can get them calves "popping" by Saturday 3 PM for the runway!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Bike Path Temporary Closed

Greetings Readers

I do not pass along news, but thought I better just in case someone reads the blog and plans to bike this particular area of the bike path in the Denver area. This is from the Englewood website, I think

The rain and melting snow provided enough moisture to push Little Dry Creek over its banks at several locations between Clarkson and Broadway, forcing Englewood to temporarily close the bike path that runs along the creek banks.

The east-west bike path goes down to the level of the creek as it passes under Logan, Sherman and Broadway.

Normally, the creek is only a few inches deep. But the abundance of moisture swelled it, turning the normal slow-moving, shallow meandering creek into a rushing stream. By mid-afternoon April 27, the water was still high in places. It flowed over the portion of the bike path under South Logan Street, lapped at the very top of the bridge span. Further west, the creek was back in its banks but, in many spots, there were broken branches piled up by the rushing water and a inch of more of still-wet mud covered the concrete bike path.

The city has a plan in place to deal with the overflowing creek and crews will probably be out early April 28, cleaning up the mud and debris so the bike path can be reopened.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

My Brother's ipod - Finally

Greetings Readers

I forgot to tell you Readers about the ipod I finally gave to my brother.

This was the one that I bought for him last year (Click here for history), but failed to give to him. I just never got around to loading the music he may wanted to be loaded onto the ipod. Or he would hate what I loaded on the ipod; therefore I just did not do anything.

Needless to say that 1 gig ipod shuffle is still sitting, well was sitting, next to the monitor until earlier this month.

I have my 30 GB ipod and 25GB ipod and that is more than enough for me than to fiddle with my 2 one GB ipod shuffles I have laying around my humble abode.

I did tell my brother last year that I bought him an ipod and in the interim he should by an ipod charger for an ipod. I did show him the model that he needed to buy. The reason why was he did not have a computer and the only way to charge the ipod I have to give him was to charge by the adapter. I did tell him that he should NOT use any other computer to view the ipod shuffle since it will be going off the host computer he hooks up to. Any other computer would erase the ipod shuffle and that would be then end of that ipod shuffle songs loaded on the ipod.

During the time my brother was up here visiting me I told him that in order to use the ipod I got him he will need to sit with me to load the music that he wants on that ipod. I did tell him that 1 GB is going to go fast and he better make sure that he picks the songs he wants from my music library.

Fast Forward – He basically used the last remaining vacation day in Colorado to load the ipod with music. I contributed some songs that were, in my opinion, very good. Otherwise, he chose songs from my library that were good to him. There was not a problem of running out, but actually getting the song(s) he want for his new ipod and dealing with the limited storage capacity.

I told him that if he likes the ipod shuffle, he could buy the next size available (or whatever size he may want to buy) and then he would be charge of buying and loading music on that particular ipod. And yes, he can still use my collection to load from. And he would not have to worry about hooking up the ipod to another computer and erase the entire song library.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2009 Green Festival - Denver

Greetings Readers

I visit a blog that I frequent on a weekly basis.

I see that there is going to be a bike event incorporated into a "Green" convention in Denver, Colorado at the Colorado Convention Center on May 2 & 3, which its theme is something Green…

Oh here it is - Green Festival

Anyway, specifically at 3 PM on Saturday, May 2, you could sign up to show off your bike and tell what/why it is (so) special or makes your bike what it is. From what I read either the bike’s owner or a model walks your bike down a runway and the MC speaks about the bike being walked down the walkway.

“It’s all about the wheels” I heard whispering in my head. The bike, my bike, with the HED. rims are a medium grade road bike. However, with the HED. rims the bike is so much more than just a medium grade road bike.

And that’s that. The HED. rims are what makes Andrea great. Otherwise, without the rims Andrea is just a “plain Jane” Andrea. Andrea has aero bars, tri water bottle holder on the rear of the bike and bandanna wrapped handlebars. Andrea is really nothing special. I only chose to put the HED. rims on her since the HED. rims match the color scheme of the rims.

With that being said I do not see how me filling out the application would show or represent a benefit – Green-wise. Except, looking good when riding to and from work. Yet. Yet Readers, I would have to admit it would be kind of cool, or in the words of my ex-co-worker “just so awesome” to see a bike, my bike, which would look great, going down a runway in the Colorado Convention Center. After all, I bought the wheels to get attention

Anyway, I think I have until midnight on Monday to fill the form out...

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Reflectors and Reflections

Greetings Readers

I think I have noticed this before, but never really paid attention to until this past week.

This is not true shit. This is not fact. But this information is in the majority.

Us hard-core bikers do not have any reflectors on our spoke tires. Whereas every day bike commuters have reflectors on their spokes – whether their bike is a road or a mountain bike – or even a fixed gear bike.

I did not take them off to be against them being on the spokes; I just took off all the reflectors (except the Mountain Bike I bought this year) that were on all my road bikes. Going further I do not think I have any front or back reflectors on my bikes either.

Just a second Readers.

I just looked in my box of bike stuff and found the zip lock bags of miscellaneous lights and reflectors. And yes, I do have a lot. Before this post I did not realize how many of those items I have in my box that have never been used beyond the day I bought any of the bikes.

Reflectors are nice, but in my opinion battery operated lights are better than just reflectors. Just as Sam – he showed off his battery-operated lights that were in his spokes. I only saw a picture last year of his lights in his spokes, but going from what I read and saw a picture does not give it justice.

Although, my battery powered lights do get used when required. Yet, I have to be honest there are times when I do not have my battery operated light or my batteries are dead and I do have to ride in total darkness. And Readers – I know that I am breaking the law by riding without lights on my bike at night.

Dangerous, but somewhat exciting barreling down a hill in complete darkness. Only the sound of your tires beneath you and the wind making noise in and around your ears. Sometimes, I am riding in areas that are without lampposts, and then there are areas where there might be lampposts every 50 yards. Even though I do mention that I am barreling down a hill I will tell you Readers that I know the area I am riding in to the best of my knowledge.

That does not make it alright Readers. How am I not to know if the County Workers came out and decided to work on (or destroy) that part of the road or sidewalk earlier that day? I just do not know. I do not encourage this type of riding – matter of fact Readers - do not do it. You could crash into something, you could fall, you could break your rim, break your bike or worse yet hurt or even kill yourself riding at night in the dark without lights.

Yet, my proudest moment (and my proudest moment may be my most fucked up moment – depending on your point of view) was my brother and I riding down from Echo Lake to Idaho Springs at 9 PM on August day years ago. That day in August we got caught out riding to the top of Mount Evans on our bikes and took longer than we thought. Even though we misjudged our time we still rode to the top and then back down. I would have to say that was pretty scary and reckless of us to ride in the darkness of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but it had to be done. It was so dark, but being the area without any lights anywhere we could partially see from the stars up in the night sky. No moon that night, but the stars helped us get down to Idaho Springs. However, when a car came from the opposite direction we had to slow down and pull over just in case the vehicle thinks that they were the only one on that road at that moment. And to adjust to our pupils being dilated to the darkness and then the suddenness of high beam headlights shining in our fasces, we really had to slow down and ride to the far right of the road to b safe from the oncoming vehicle.

Flashback – my brother and I were so cold coming down from the top of Mt. Evans we had to stop at the lodge at Echo Lake. Luckily, the place was open. My brother and I ordered some hot chocolate to warm up. While we were doing that I saw on the wall of the place a movie poster of the movie – American Flyers. One of my favorite bike movies – yes even better than Breaking Away. So there I sat on the stool looking at the American Flyers movie poster with some autographs of the actors and actresses of the movie. To me that was the neatest thing to see – After all, I have the DVD American Flyers and then to see that movie poster was a “moment” for me. Meaning me, big brother, looking over younger brother just like in the movie American Flyers. That entire day I looked over my younger brother – I drove us up to Idaho Springs, paid for his admission to the State Park and then for the cup of Hot Chocolate. I told him how to ride down in the dark and of course be careful.

That day meant a lot to me and that to this day I still have my Mt. Evans park pass – 08/22. Also, every time I see American Flyers I cannot help to think of that one-day in August and the similarities of me and my brother and the character brothers in the movie. Yes Readers, I know that it is fiction, but still believable enough to be true.

In closing Readers, I do not support, suggest or encourage any rider(s) taking off their reflectors or riding in the dark without any lights. I am more experienced than the average bike rider, but that does not mean I am immune to any type of repercussions of riding in the dark without reflectors or lights.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

24 days ago - 1st day of my Vacation

Greetings Readers

The first day of my vacation. My family had to leave Colorado as soon as possible to beat the cold front that was going to come into Colorado and dump some more snow.

We did do pretty good and pretty much managed to beat the major part of the front. We did encounter some heavy snowfall, but only outside the Great Sand Dunes on our way to Alamosa. After Alamosa we headed south to New Mexico.

There was some more snow falling here and there but by the time we were about 10 miles away from the Colorado / New Mexico Border we had escape the snow and the cold.

Just crossing over into New Mexico we decided to stop and get something to eat. We reached a small town; Ojo Caliente called and saw that there were only three places to eat. We picked the place that had the words “Café” after the place’s name – Mesa Vista.

The place was what it was for the place where it was located. What I am saying that the café fit the profile of what a no name café in the middle of nowhere would look like. Rustic, old (where the early 20th century started) and nothing spectacular.

Old chairs, table, walls littered with black and white pictures and wood saws. There were some antlers and old antique items scattered throughout the café.

Yet, all that said I was looking for some hometown cooking.

Twenty minutes later I got my lunch and saw my parent’s and brother lunch also. Not what I expected.

My Chicken Fried steak was actually a frozen chicken fried steak that was re-heated in an oven. My gravy was made from those gravy packets you can find on any grocery store shelf. My brother and father’s fries were definitely not fried in cooking oil. Nope – probably cooked right next to my Chicken Fried steak in the oven. And yes the fries came from those frozen bags of French Fries you find in the freezer section of any grocery store.

In the end though, my meal was okay and I was okay with that. Normally, I would have complained like I would have mostly likely done. Our waitress, well I think the only person working in the café was doing her job and did do good service. A couple of local people came in and talked to the person working in the café.

And that was most likely the last time that we will stop at that place. Not good, but not bad – we did give it a chance, but I know that we will never stop there again. My brother and I joked about how we did not hear anything cooking in oil or on a flat grill. We smiled and laughed, as well as our parents when they started listening to our conversation.

Twenty miles later we had to stop at a gas station / grocery store that we knew of. First the way we were going home there was no grocery store at all. We wanted to have breakfast, but more importantly we needed some food for the following day since my parents said that there is no food at the Ranch.

We shopped and then that was when I knew I was truly back in New Mexico and the part of New Mexico that is… well let me tell you what transpired. So, I opened the door for my Mother and then I saw that there was a woman approaching from the outside with about 5 or 6 empty water jugs. I did what I would do I held the door open for her. She walked passed me without so much a glance or in my view – not a Thank You.

“You’re Welcome” I said to her back.

She did not turn around or acknowledge what I just said.

“Daryl. Don’t forget where you are at.” My Mother said.

She was right. I was in a small no name place in the middle of New Mexico expecting manners and grace. Well, not exactly all that, but I did expect a Thank you. After all, she was about 5 yards away from the door I held open for my Mother. I did not have to hold that door open for that woman.

Readers, that was pretty much the day of the trip down to the Ranch. And that ends another chapter in my life. Oh yeah, after not getting a “Thank you” I expected, I remembered were I was and blended in nicely with some of the people of New Mexico. Yeah and if you believe that you are so gullible - Man oh man, I "stick out" every time I am in New Mexico - attitude, dress and the way I talk (or don't talk.)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "Insect" Incident

Greetings Readers

Amazingly enough I was able to get off work before 5:00 PM yesterday. That is truly amazing.

I changed from bike work clothes into my bike riding gear and soon left the parking garage. Wow I thought to myself, so that is what the sun looks and feels like when I get off at 4:30 PM. Although, there were some rain clouds in the sky on where I needed to go – home.

I started out slow and just enjoyed the evening weather and gusty winds, which affected my riding since I was riding with Andrea and the HED rims. A gusty or strong wind is felt so much more with a 90 mm deep rim – as opposed to no 0 mm rim. I have to have both hands gripped a bit tighter on the bandanna wrapped handlebars to make sure that I have better control in case a sudden gust of wind threatens to blow me over or into the curb.

On the way home I did stop off at my local bank that opened in a new location earlier this month. First time I have been in the new location since they moved early April. I did my business inside and then got two comments on my Southpark bike jersey by a couple of new employees. They loved it. Who doesn’t right?! Well, besides the people against curse words and foul mouth cartoon fourth graders. Or people who just don’t like Southpark.

15 minutes or so later I was getting close to home. I did encounter and feel some raindrops, but just a raindrop here and there. Matter of fact, I was ready to be rained on even though I did not want to. I think, that I was happy from getting off before 5:00 PM and getting rained on was nothing “grand” to get “bent” out of shape for.

The homestretch – I was cruising down a hill and going about 25 to 30 mph. I tapped the brakes a bit since I was turning into a corner that I was practically going in blind. Also, with the recent snowstorm there is a lot of gravel on the roads so I have to make sure that I do not slide on the sand, gravel or salt that was dumped by the snow plows on Friday. I could not see who or what might be around that corner I was turning into. Due to my speed I was going to be leaning sharp into the turn and even try to cut into the corner, but leaving me an out (alternate path of trajectory) in case I see a vehicle at the last possible microsecond and need to avoid a collision.

I approached the corner I estimate about 23 mph since the last speed readout I saw was at 27 mph and I did tap the brakes a few times quickly after that reading.

I turned left fast and at an angle.

In that turn I felt an insect hit my nose and then go up into my nose. Fucking sucks to be me. Since there was gusty winds I was holding onto the bandanna wrapped handlebars pretty good. I was also traveling pretty fast so that was the other reason I was holding on tight to the handlebars. During that moment the insect hit my face and then preceded to go up into my nose I wanted to put my hand up to my face immediately. I couldn’t. I dared not to for the thought of a gust of wind or perhaps riding into some gravel making me have an accident.

That insect was tickling/touching my inner nose hairs and immediately affected me. I did not feel I wanted to sneeze, but I wanted to close (pinch) my left nostril with one of my fingers, close my mouth and exhale through my right nostril as hard as I could to get that insect out.

I want to say that this was about 10 seconds or so of discomfort, but in reality it was about 5 seconds or so. As soon as I cleared the corner I immediately pulled to the right side of the road, slowed down (no locking the brakes since these are new tires as of Monday) and then put my right hand up to my nose, closed my mouth and blew as hard as I could out my right nostril.

I did not feel when the insect was out of my nose, but I blew like that over and over for about ten seconds or so. And yes Readers, I had to do a bit of finger penetration in the right nostril to make sure that the insect was not on the outside of the nostril perhaps hanging on for dear life to the insides of my nostril.

So, that marks the first insect up my nose for this year. I never go out without a season with an insect going into my mouth, up my nose, into my eyes, down my bike jersey or into one or both of my ears. Perhaps you daily commuters this does not happen to you, but to us hardcore riders it happens more often than you think.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Breaking the Law

Greetings Readers

Now, I got that Judas Priest song stuck in my head now - "breaking the law, breaking the law.".

I have never claimed to be 100 percent perfect in all ways of my bike life, my knowing the rules and obeying the guidelines. Yet, I do give myself a hand on some things which I know I am almost perfect at on bike knowledge.

Such is the time to tell you faithful Readers that I am breaking the Colorado law everyday.

I can not remember the official listing and I think it is under C.R.S. 42-4-1002 (or perhaps C.B.S. -Colorado Bicycle Statutes, under number 10 - letter (d):

(10)

(a) A person riding a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

(b) A person shall not ride a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk where such use of bicycles is prohibited by official traffic control devices or local ordinances.

(c) A person riding or walking a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

(d) A person riding a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk shall dismount before entering any roadway and, when crossing any such roadway, shall observe all the rules and regulations applicable to pedestrians.

So, there you have it Readers I have to say that I do not dismount before entering any roadway.

Another flaw that you can check mark under my name - sorry Readers.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The HED. rims Get Wet

Greetings Readers

I knew that the day was going to be nice and pretty warm. Althought, there is still a lot of snow on the ground and piled up in mounds everywhere. Also, there was a lot of water from the melting snow that the Sun has done the past few days.

I really wanted to take Tracey out and ride, but I basically said to myself - screw it - I am going to Andrea and the HED. rims out today. Regardless of all the water run-off which is NOT what I want to ride my bike. And that does not include getting the HED. rims wet, perhaps muddy.

So, I said what the fuck - There has to be a first and this was the time to christian the HED. rims to water.

Up to this point I have been very, very, very and I mean very careful when I take my HED. rims out. If there is any chance of rain - no. If I think I might ride through some running water - no. I am not riding off any curbs. I am not taking unknown routes. and so goes the list.

So, now here is an early morning picture of me and Andrea - and with her brand new Blue Michelin tires I bought last year.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

HED H3D Clincher

Greetings Readers

This Rim from HED cycling and is beautiful - gorgeous. And guess what - I have just ordered

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

No Fear Riding in a Friday Snowstorm

Greetings Readers

It was just about four weeks ago since Tracey was almost taken from me.

No, I was not frightened to take Tracey out in the world again. First of all, Tracey had some pretty shitty tires on her. Meaning, that I was on my back up tires and I was getting flats every day prior to Tracey almost getting taken that one Saturday Afternoon in March.

Tracey has been sitting in my room waiting to be fixed. During that time between almost being taken and taking Tracey out for first ride since the incident my parents came and visit me (and celebrate my Dad’s birthday). Then, I went on vacation with them when they left back for the Ranch. I came back the second week in April and tried to get back into synch with my life.

Littered throughout that period there were a lot of nice sunny, warm days, which I took Andrea out. When the days that were going to be bad – rain or snow predicted - I took Lily out. That’s the great thing about having six readily bikes at your disposal (not counting the four bikes I have in storage) I can take or choose the bike I want for whatever the day might bring.

Friday morning I got up early and decided to change out those fucking shitty tires I have as back up and change them for the tires that are on Andrea’s HED. rims. I have exhausted all my back up patches and I just did not want to deal with one more flat that is a fucking guarantee going to happen to me.

I do have two sets of spare Michelin ProRace2 tires and I have been waiting and waiting for the moment to use. Now, over a year later since purchasing the extra sets of ProRace 2 tires I figure that it is time to use the Blue Michelin tires on Andrea and move the red Michelin tires to Tracey.

I thought, really thought, of taking Lily to work, but I woke up and thought to myself it is time for Tracey to get out. Regardless of the forecasted snow that was going to happen… well that was already happening when I left for work Friday Morning.

Tracey felt so weird when I was on her. My position, her frame, but soon I remembered her like the back of my hand.

The rain and snow and rain and snow fell throughout the morning and early afternoon. I even got to see and hear the rare lightening flash and thunderclap in the middle of a snowstorm. Wow.

Well, the office got word that we were shutting down at three. Almost everyone asked me did I ride today. Oh yes. And my Road Bike to boot.

“You need a ride?”

“Nope” I answer.

“You sure?”

“Yes. I am going to go to the Light Rail station and then when I reach my stop I will only have about two miles to get home. Matter of fact, I bet that I will beat you home and you will be still stuck in traffic with everyone else trying to get home.”

“Yeah I know you will beat everyone home – I bet a lot of people are getting off early and it is going to be ugly. Just like it was three weeks ago.”

I leave the parking garage and sure enough the ride home was going to be tough. I was already slipping and sliding, but I managed to get in area where the building maintenance guy had just plowed with the mini four wheel ATV. Oh yeah. As soon as I reached the parking lot I had to stick to the fresh snow/slush part of the parking lot since with me riding in the tracks of the vehicles was a very bad idea. The slush was compacted to ice and there was literally compacted slush everywhere.

I was slipping and sliding everywhere, until I found a small area near the curb to ride in where it was safer to ride in as opposed in the tracks of the tires made by every vehicle out there. I guess the one positive thing was that it was not cold. Blowing snow yes, but not cold.

Eventually, I made the Light Rail Station with Tracey without falling to kiss Mother Earth.

Soon I was at the Arapahoe Light Rail station and that was my stop. Now, the question was which was I going to go home. I could take the direct path home. Nope. I could take the non-traffic way home. Nope. I decided to take the long way home via Yosemite and then Arapahoe Road home. I wanted to be seen. I wanted to show to everyone that I would be beating everyone home. I also wanted those drivers to think, “That’s one crazy son of a bitch riding in this weather.”

I rode with no fear that Friday Afternoon. I knew that I was going to be showing off, in my mind, and to a certain degree that was going to make me feel good about myself.

I will tell you Readers one thing. Both brakes were fucking useless! Useless! The slush was turning to ice at the braking area and I could not even squeeze the levers to brake. I literally had one foot in the toe straps and one foot on the ground sliding on the sheet of ice on the road.

About half way home I decided that I am going to stop at the liquor store.

Three people (two men and a woman) where outside the liquor store talking and then notice me pull up on my bike.

“Wow” one said

“That bike must be good in snow?“ the woman asked.

“Nope, only the rider.” I reply with a big smile.

“Do you want my goggles? I think that you need them more than I do?”

“No thank you. My Oakley’s are working good though.” I reply.

I lock up my bike, which I did not need to since anyone trying to take my bike would not get very far at all.

“That was very nice of you to offer me your goggles. Thank you again.” I say to the woman as I walk by her.

“You’re welcome”

Five minutes later I walk out with my alcohol

“You take care and watch out for those crazy drivers.”

“Thank you”

Soon, I was on Arapahoe Road once more, well the sidewalk, and I was heading west. Heading home.

Now, was the time for me to shine. There was traffic and it was not moving. I saw that the sidewalk was not plowed and that no one else had walked on the sidewalk since the snow started falling. Perfect. I just needed to keep my momentum and remember the lay of the sidewalk.

I got Tracey moving and sure enough I was reading about 15 mph going down Arapahoe Road on the sidewalk. Traffic was not moving and I am sure that I was the envy of the drivers that were stuck in that traffic jam. Oh yeah. I pedaled like there was no tomorrow. I was not worried about falling. No fear. Even with a backpack full of bottled beer I was not scairt.

Fast Forward. I got home and took a couple after pictures of Tracey and then really looked at Tracey. Damn those red Michelin Prorace 2 Tires look hot on her frame. Not to mention brand new. That’s the thing with riding in the snow my bike tires get cleaned. Fucking clean. Fucking brand new clean.

And that my Readers and Faithful Readers was my ride home this past Friday with Tracey.

By the way Readers – Those Blue Michelin tires on Andrea look fantastic. Meaning, they do not stick out like the red Michelin tires did on Andrea. Which means the white on the bike frame and wheels stand out even more.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tyler Hamilton Retires - Oh well

Greetings Readers

It is news, but not news. After all, I knew that Tyler was already in "trouble" earlier this year when he was not part of a team anyone, due to what we did not know at that time.

Then again, Tyler Hamilton has been out of the limelight for some time now due to the events following the Olympics (Athens) if I remember correctly. Not the Olympics themselves, but he did have a positive test come up, but could not be backed up since the back up sample was tainted or something or the other. You Readers can probably Google and research to see what it was specifically. I am just going from my memory.

Anyway, he was able to keep his Olympic Gold and thereafter he tested positive in another event and was handed a two year suspension.

Tyler eventually came back, but no high profile team wanted him and Phonak was no longer in existence (or what it that red/black and white jersey team-the name slips my memory-CSC?)

Anyway, I did not follow his return to cycling or cared.

I have to say that I really did not care for Tyler Hamilton at this point. I think, it was duly to the point in A Tour de France years back when Lance fell down with another another rider on a Mountain climb due to a spectator's handbag (purse) getting caught on the handlesbars. Anyway, there was Tyler in the Breakaway group and got news and then waved/told everyone of the news and used his hand to indicate to the other riders in the breakaway group to slow up and wait.

Now, this is my opinion - whether right or wrong - and there is bias. If Jan did not hold up per Tyler's hand waving Jan would have won the tour. Yes, I do believe it was the right thing to hold up if a rider fell, but in this particular incident it still appears that the two riders had the "choice" to veer from the accident to be forever talked about. The spectator did not purposely get in the way or pushed the strap into the handlebars. The spectator was in the way, but again the two riders could have rode to the left 6 inches. And I have seen an interview between then and now that I am not the only person who believe Jan should have taken off and not waited - This commentator is a high profile commentator who I have mentioned in the past.

Anyway, that is my thoughts and personal views on that particular moment with Tyler Hamilton.

So, as with Jan "retiring" years back it is Tyler's turn to "retire" without really anyone caring the least bit.

P.S. this is one of the pictures that I can remember seeing of Tyler Hamilton's in his high point of his short biking career.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Anonymous Riders in Spring

Greetings Readers

It is that time of the year again.

Spring is officially here and the weather is getting better and better with each passing day. Apparently, there are seasonal and new bike riders getting their bike out of the garage or stop using the bike as a clothes hanger in their bedroom.

Whereas, I am out on the street year round. I cannot say that I ride 365 days year round, but I would have to estimate that I am at least on the bike about 330 days of the year. I would say that is a pretty impressive number. Well, I do have my bike / running log so I could actually see how many days I did ride.

Everyday I will see a bike rider out in “my hood” – whether I am going to and from work, going to the store, going to get something to eat or just going for a ride. That’s all. I do not “mark” that rider in my memory. I do not try to memorize the bike and or the bike rider. Although, if I do see that particular bike rider again then it is kind of not hard to think to myself “yeah I saw him last week.”

Except, if it is a woman bike rider then I will look and see if I want to remember her again. After all, I am a sucker for a cute woman who may or may not be the one for me. Bonus for me if she deep definition in her calves and thighs – oh yeah.

I digress Readers, so there are more riders out there each day, but that’s all. I could care less whether or not I have seen you before. We are not friends nor am I looking for another friend in my life. That’s it.

If you are riding in the street – so be it. If you are riding on the sidewalk – so be it. If you are going to wave to me – so be it. If you give me the head nod – so be it.

Whether you are commuting to work or riding for the first time more power to you. Me, I do not care what you are doing on the bike. What you are doing for yourself affects me in no way what’s-so-ever. You may impede my way for second (perhaps more), but that is all. I may grumble, I may even curse, or even say, “Excuse me,” but after I pass you or we pass each other going in the opposite direction I will forget all about you.

If you walk you bike across the street in the crosswalk, more power to you. I am not going to walk my bike across the intersection and I am not going to care if you say a comment to me that I should not be riding in the crosswalk. I am not going to care if you give me the stink eye. Readers, though I do have to be fair that if a certain someone asked me five minutes before running into that biker walking their bike about what time is it then I may be in my sarcastic, don’t fuck with me mood.

If I see a bike rider in the morning, in the afternoon or at night, so what. If I see a bike rider once a week or 5 days a week, so what. If I see a bike rider across the street riding in the opposite direction, so what. That bike rider does not matter to me.

Entitlement. The new bike rider, that seasonal bike rider or old school bike rider has the same “entitlement” to any other bike rider – even me. I know I may be better than that particular bike rider, but I cannot say, or state for the record, that I have more “entitlement” to the roads and sidewalks I call “my hood” or outside “my hood.”

As I have heard (and read) in the past from most of cycling bloggers and bikers in the Southern part of Denver - bikers have “entitlement” to the streets. These bikers have stated to have “entitlement” to be on the same streets as a motor vehicle. Yet, these same riders somehow think that have personal “entitlement” to where they bike and every other bike rider is not entitled to “entitlement” to the same piece of road that blogger is riding on. A hypocrite in my view.

Actually, I have to be honest – this is a rider who reminds me of the Artic wolves up in Alaska. Peeing and marking their territory boundaries so no other wolves can claim his/her territory. Can you not see this resemblance, Readers? This bike rider is apparently keeping note of all the other bike riders on “their route” and the rider has issues with more and more riders in their territory with the coming of Spring. I just hope that the rider will not start peeing at every street corner, tree and fire hydrant on “his route” and yelling, “this is my house!”

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

My Reward to Andy - 2 Weeks Later

Greetings Readers

Monday evening. It was going to be gorgeous day. With that I decided to take Andrea to and from work.

That meant I could not stop anywhere between work and home. Yet, I knew that Andrew was going to be working at the Library that evening and that was the time to give my gift card I bought for him personally.

Oh, I did not want to ride home after work and change bikes. I just did not. I headed straight for the Library with Andrea and the good wheels. On the way to the Library I thought of where am I going to park my bike when I go inside the Library. I knew that I could not chain up my bike with the HED. rims to the Library bike rack, which is about 20 yards away from the entrance of the Library.

I decided to park and lock up my bike and backpack near the front entrance with windows I could see out from. I was not going to leave the line of sight of my bike just outside the entrance.

I walked in the Library and up to the front desk

“Hi, is Andrew working?

Another Librarian gives me the look that wants to know why? You know Readers I do go to this Library all the time, but I never knew how suspicious the Librarians are.

I wait about three seconds or so, since she was being quiet and apparently not going to answer my question.

“I’m the guy whose bike was almost stolen about two weeks ago and I am here to thank him personally.”

“Oh yes” her mood changes 180 degrees and now I am like her best friend. “Let me go and look for him.”

Minutes later she comes back to the front desk and she says she cannot find him. She then adds that he is scheduled to work the front desk at 7 so I could come back then.

“Ok, please do not tell him that I stopped by and have a gift card reward for him. Thanks”

I walk outside the entrance and then a lady with her young child says to me

“You shouldn’t leave your bike and bag locked up out here. There was this guy that was staring hard at your bike. He made it so obvious and not hiding it that he wanted your bike. He did not even care that I saw him staring at your bike.”

“Thank you. I was right inside and could see my bike all the time. Again thank you.”

“Yeah. He saw your bike and was hanging around for a couple of minutes looking at your bike.

I headed home since I had a little over an hour til 7 P.M. to return to the Library.

7:05 I got to the Library with Lily and then walked in the Library once more. I saw Andrew and then he saw me

“Daryl right?” he smiles and we shake hands.

“Yes. I left for vacation basically right after my bike was almost taken and you stopped the would be thieves. I have decided not to file a report since in my view I would only get reimbursed for the lock and I do not want to have you to appear in court should it go that far.”

“Hey that’s ok. No problem.”

“Anyway, I want to thank you with this gift card. You went over and beyond that you had to do. After all, there is a sign posted outside near the bike rack that says the Library is not responsible for lost or stolen bikes.”

“Well, tell you the truth I did not know what I was going to do if he was still there when I ran outside.”

“Again thank you. I hope this is enough for you as a reward?” I ask Andrew.

“Yes, it is.”

“If you need more please tell me and I will. Anyway, thank you again once more and have a nice evening, Andrew.”

“Thank you.”

With that said I walk outside the Library and into the setting sun ready to disappear over the Rocky Mountains.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

...Internet Famous; Sort of

Greetings Readers

Internet Famous; sort of.

I have to admit it was kind of weird seeing me (well everything below my neck) on another blogger’s blog that was apparently taken by another blogger – not the blogger who I was on his blogsite.

I was part of the blog subject matter, which was about handlebars and wheels. The picture that was taken of me had both subjects. Apparently, my bandannas, well the four bandannas that I have wrapped around my handlebars were being pointed out. Then my HED. Wheel set were also mentioned.

Oh yeah. It’s all about the wheels.

I was smiling and laughing at myself and the blog that was written. I am thankful that the blogger did not ridicule me. The blogger’s author noticed the wheels, the bandanna’s wrapped around my handlebars, me being in the hardest gear ring and then commented on that I probably could hear the a race announcer counting backwards in French - quatre, trois, deux, un and then perhaps me and bike in a pile outside the Light rail with me entangled in Taiwanese metal. Hah hah. Yes, I thought that was funny and have to admit that the blog was nicely written.

I pretty happy about seeing myself (from the head down) and my HED wheels on someone else’s blog that I printed out the blog part (and picture) and hung the blog post on my office wall. I told anyone that cared to know that I was now Nationality (perhaps Internationality) known.

With the good though – there is the not so good. Depending on your point of view. The comments that were made were… well more than a few comments. Everything from someone else saying that they know me and did not submit a picture of me to the blog’s author, to the point of my US Open backpack and my apparent backhand or something about girth. There was comment about my views on Coca-Cola rewards program to me riding the light rail with those wheels. There was a comment about my Texas bike jersey. And then a few others comments. Of course, my favorite comment about a certain ayearofbikecommuting author – Sam – who nearly spit out his morning coffee. Priceless.

That was about all the comments that were made about my picture and blog. Hurtful? Nope. Do I need to defend or reply to them? Nope. Do I care? Not really, except for the nice comments, which I like.

I thought about answering each comment that was made, but then that is just going to open up more comments. Overall, that picture was a picture of me (from the neck down) captured forever at that moment. There is no history. There is no future. There is me (from the neck down) at that one precise moment in the past on the Light Rail.

Say what you will. I have over 25 bike jerseys so commenting on that one Texas jersey in the picture is what it is – nothing. I love that Texas bike jersey since I am from Texas and two I love the back of the bike jersey. Nothing to defend or nothing to explain.

My Backpack. Wow. I never knew that my backpack would be commented on like that. After all, I am pretty proud to have that US Open Backpack. Unique and limited to the US Open. Of course I have 5 bike bags that I use, but for going back and forth from work and to the grocery store I use the US Open backpack for transports of clothes and groceries.

My aero bars were also commented on – specifically the angle of the aero bars. I admit that the angle is awkward in the picture, but that is due to the weight of the bike lock I keep on the aero bars and the aero bars being a bit loose. I adjust the angle of the bars when I need to for going into aero mode.

My Coca-Cola rewards program. A blogger commented on how I blogged on the Coca-Cola reward program. Well, I am glad that he or she did read (perhaps not finish) my views on the rewards program. I know the comment was supposed to be sarcastic, but to me it was kind of nice to think he/she at least read the blog post.

Do I need to defend what was commented on my stuff and me? Nope.

Though the thought of contacting the blogger’s owner to perhaps shed some light on my bandanna wrapped handlebars and why I do it.

P.S. Sam – I am sure that I could go way in depth about my bandanna wrapped handlebars to a degree one thought was impossible. Matter of fact, the thoughts in my head regarding said subject is currently being put together in some sort of outline

P.S. Readers here is the link to where I am partially shown (from the neck down) and just mentioned as a blurb - click here to look.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Gift Card Shopping

Greetings Readers

When I came back from vacation I still an obligation to fulfill and that was the reward I promised for Andy.

So, on Saturday I decided to get some gift cards. Oops Readers, I also have to reward other people in life who have helped me in one-way or the other. “Gold heart” or “Heart of Gold” Charley makes another appearance this year. Or as Lamont would say “Tim Man” Charley.

I picked up three gift cards on Saturday – two restaurant gift cards and one iTunes Gift card. I know I wrote that I would get a $ 30.00 dollar gift card for Andrew, but I could not find one at Safeway or King Soopers. I do not think I could have found for that denomination at either store. I know, I know I could have gone to the restaurant of my choosing to get a gift card for whatever amount I wanted, but I wanted to do all my gift card shopping in one place and at the same time.

So, I have some low dollars to choose from then $ 25.00 and then the next denomination was $ 50.00. Fifty dollars was a lot and perhaps I should have picked that one, since Andrew did save my half a grand road bike from the bike thieves. After all, what is $ 50.00 dollars compared to having no bike right? Well, I settled for $ 25.00 gift card that was good for four different restaurants – Chili’s, Maggiano’s, Macaroni Grill and On the Border. As I am writing this I still think that perhaps I should have given him a $ 50.00 gift card.

Saturday afternoon I headed over to the Library to see if Andy was available.

I asked, “Hi is Andy working?”

“Andy?”

“Yes Andy”

“I’m the guy that Andy saved the bike from the bike thieves a couple of weeks ago.”

“We have an Andrew? Tall guy.”

Readers. Let me tell you. I did not take a lot to restrain from being a sarcastic son of a bitch at this moment. I mean come on Readers. Who does not know that Andy is usually a short nickname for Andrew. I did not laugh. I did not roll my eyes. I kept myself in check and just L.I.G. I do have to admit that I am talking to the cutest Librarian working at that location. So my type, but I have seen the rock on her finger indicating a Mrs. So that was another reason not to be the sarcastic guy I am most of the time.

“Yes.”

“Oh he is not working today”

“Do you know when he is working next?”

“He usually works Monday evening.”

And so goes the conversation.

“By the way, please do not tell him that I came by with a reward. Ok?

“Sure. No problem”

And that was the end of trying to give my reward to Andy, I mean Andrew.

Now, in case you Readers are curious about the other two gift cards. Well, I am going to tell you only one of the reasons why I had to get another gift card. As I have mentioned in the past I do participate in the Coca-Cola rewards program. Though, right now I am still a bit peeved about the changes and current rewards. Anyway, I have a friend who has been collecting all the Coca-Cola bottle caps and Coca-Cola 12 packs points that he gives to me. I think he has been giving me his Coca-Cola points for almost a year now or perhaps pretty close to a year.

So, since he has done this for me and he did actually help me purchase some of the Coca-Cola gifts that I have redeemed in the past year. He was actually helping me get so close to getting a high end gift, but as last year drew closer and closer I was not going to be able to get to my goal of a flat screen TV as a redeemable Coca-Cola item for points.

Anyway, since he has been giving me points I have been thinking about getting a gift for him from my Coca-Cola rewards program. However, I look at the gifts available and I just know that I did get something for him I might receive that gift and keep that for myself. Yeah I would do that since I am a Coca-Cola collector.

Then I thought to myself – iTunes gift card. He always talks about iTunes and how he sometimes gets caught up spending some time on iTunes finding and buying songs. Enough said. I came in Monday morning to work and gave him a gift card for $ 15.00 dollars for iTunes. He was on the phone, so I dropped off the card – mouthed thank you and then left.

Now, would “the rudest person ever known” give gift cards for someone he did not know for saving his bike from being stolen and another for a friend just helping me out for giving me his Coca-Cola points that he just throws away? I did more than say Thank you and that is that.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Infamous "F" Word

Greetings Readers

Yes.

“Fuck”

The F word. I have to admit that is one word that I do not say in front of my Mother. I have said the words son of a bitch. I have had said the word shit, Perhaps I have had said bullshit. But not the word Fuck in the presence of my mother.

Up until April 3, 2009.

Since I was there on the Ranch and we just had 12 calfes in one month, it was time for my parents to make good use of me when I was there. After all it does take more than two people to give shots, spray or brand cattle (and calfes).

I do not look forward to this, but deep down inside of me I do. After all, this has to been by us since we cannot ask anyone else to help. Nor would I even think about having someone help us with our cattle.

My parents rounded up the Cattle while I got ready to help. To be honest I was still in bed enjoying my so-called vacation. The morning was great and to think I knew my fellow friends in Colorado were in the midst of snow and cold weather. Whereas I was enjoying wind and 60 degree weather.

The cattle got corralled and that the time that we has to get organized. Divide the cows and steers from the calfes. Sort of hard to separate, but has to been done.

The calfes were too young to be branded so we left that for another time. However, the male calfes were in for a rude awakening. Rubber bands around their balls. Yes Readers, we do not raise bulls – only steers. Which means that we have to castrate or put a rubber band around their balls.

We did not ear tag the newborn calfes, but we did ear mark the calfes. We also gave a couple of shots to the calfes.

We were almost done when the f word in front my mother happened.

The calf was too big for the calfing table, but too small for the cattle chute. So, we have to use the cattle chute with a metal bar to hold to the calf in place in the cattle chute for shots and branding if necessary.

We got the calf in place and then I slid the metal bar in place and put pressure on the metal to hold the calf in place. I was doing good, doing my part. Then, the calf moved in the chute and caught me off guard. (Napping) Well, the metal bar came loose for less than a second, which is all it takes, and the calf moved in the opposite direction and my left hand was pinned.

The metal bar pinned my hand between the chute and metal bar tightly due to the calf moving.

“Fuck!” I yelled.

The pain was incredible for those few seconds. In those seconds I reacted. My Right hand pushed the metal bar, or I so believed, and then my right hand got caught for less than a second within the metal bar and cattle chute and then I somehow was able to free both hands.

Yet, not without yelling, “Fuck!”

Man oh man it hurt. Fucking hurt.

I am sure that my mother understood what had happened, but with me saying the F word was probably something she never heard uttered / yelled from my mouth in front of her.

I feel bad about saying Fuck in front of my Mother. I proud myself on not saying that word in front of her, even though we are bombarded by that word via people, TV and radio. I will say the occasional shit, but never fuck.

Anyway Readers, my hand was bruised for over a week and as of today the hand still hurts, but not as much and the bruising has disappeared. I am even thinking of going in for x-rays since I am starting to worry about a fracture. Nothing broken mind you, but perhaps a fracture.

And I have to add that I was able to finish working on the calfes, in addition the steers and cows and the bull for the annual shots and tagging. In my book I was a bad ass on that day.

I just hope that I do not ever say “fuck’ in front of my Mother again. I do feel ashamed. I know that I cuss on the blog, but cussing like that in front of my parents, well my Mother, is different. I was not raised to curse in front of my immediate family. Taboo in a way.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Mr. L.A. - Again - in the News

Greetings Readers

I have not done my research on this particular news item. I am only going by what I have read and heard.

So, apparently, Mr, L.A. has stated, twittered, blogged, listed on his website that he may be banned from the Tour de France.

Now, I am going to basically sum up what I have heard and read. This will not be verbatim.

Apparently, a surprise anti-doping test was scheduled for Mr. L.A.

A tester showed up had credentials. Either the Team Captain Johann or some people on the team called to verify the tester's credentials. So, while that was going one Mr. L.A. decided to take a 20 minute shower. Nothing from what I heard or read that the tester forbade or Mr. L.A. was doing this because he could.

Yet, it is stated that all riders being tested have to remain in view of the tester when a test is being submitted. Period.

Bottom line, Mr. L.A. did what he wanted because he is Mr. L.A. Come on Readers, I know that I can wait 5, 30 or even 60 minutes before taking a shower. I may stink, but I will wait so I do not break any official rules or regulations in place that could suspend or fine me for acting that way. If there is a problem/issue then I am betting an objection, a report, or complaint could be filed later.

No one is above any rules and regulations - not even Mr. L.A..

On other side - there is another article saying that the Team asked the tester if Mr. L.A. could shower. The Team asked the tester to wait outside, as opposed to inside where Mr. L.A. was. Mr. L.A. apparently told the AP that this news was leaked, when in fact Mr. L.A. posted what happened on his website (Livestrong, I think).

Now, Mr. L.A. is pouting like a three year old child, or a seven year calling another person out, or even like Paris Hilton - he is trying to be in the news at every moment possible.

Again, there is conflicting information and I do not know what it true and what is not true. I do not know what is right and I do not know what is not right.

The only issue is Mr. L.A. not liking what is being done in his comeback. If he has to complain every other week and what not and does not care for it then leave the professional career again. If you don't like it then don't do it. What's in the past is past, deal with the here and now and future. After all, there are a lot of people that want to see Mr. L.A. back. Personally, I don't care, except everyone saying "Lance's team" when in fact Mr. L.A. is not the team Leader - Alberto Contador is the Team Leader currently

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

From My Mother on her Latest Trip

Greetings Readers

Last year, I blogged about a trip that my mother took for the Navajo Nation to the Northwestern part of the United States – to be more specific Seattle, Washington.

I relayed some of the trip details that my mother shared with me to you Readers.

As any child would do I asked that magical question we all ask our parents at one point or another.

“Did you bring me back anything?”

I do not have to tell you what was the answer of that question since I blogged to the Internet world of what the reply was from my Mother.

In between that Seattle trip and when my parents came up and visit my mother took another trip as a representative of the Navajo Nation. This time she went to California. And that was for the first time for my Mother to go to California.

We talked about Charles Lindberg field, the San Francisco Airport near San Jose and Los Angeles International (LAX). We talked about our experiences about the approach of those airports and the areas surrounding those airports. I think she had a nice time, just like I did in the early and mid nineties.

Flashback – I blogged on what I felt at the time when my Mother gave me my “gift” from the Seattle trip.

Present. After that and before this blog I told my Mother how I felt and that I actually wrote to my blog Readers on my feelings on that “gift” I got from her.

Apparently, my Mother never forgot what I said about what I felt. Well, that is given – What I mean is that Mothers tend to never forget the things that that need to remembered.

When my parents came up to Colorado at the end of March my Mother brought me a bag that she had got for me during her trip to California.

In the bag was my gift, well my gifts, from that trip. I got a Temecula pull over and a San Diego cap. Both are very fucking beautiful. And in the bag was the receipt for the purchases.

Readers, I want to make it clear that I was never truly mad at the gift I got from her Seattle trip. But, when I told her that I blogged about my gift to my Readers I think that she was taken back (perhaps hurt) that I would tell my Readers what my Mother gave me and the story behind that gift.

That was not my intention to make my Mother upset if she was upset. I joked about the Seattle gift, but overall I was still happy that I got a gift. I think that whenever I go down to New Mexico I usually bring a gift to my parents and brother. So, when I told my mother that I really did tell you Readers of my gift and how I felt she felt kind of bad. But again Readers, I was looking for a gift, but not a gift.

I love my Yellow San Diego cap. After all, on my Camero car key ring the only key ring I have is a San Diego key chain. I love the pull over and matter of fact, so do my friends. One friend wants to knock me out and take my pullover (jokingly, of course).

These two gifts more than make up for the gift from Seattle. And no Readers – I fucking did not say that to my Mother. Although, I knew that she knew that I knew that more than made up for that Seattle gift she got for me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Belated April Fool's Day!

Greetings Readers


Belated April Fool's Day! I was on vacation during the 1st so I could not do April Fool's, though the thought of scheduling the post for that day did occur to me to do.

Well..... I will get you Readers and faithful Readers alike caught up in my life, vacation, and what not real soon!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

My Blog - The Final Blog Post

Greetings Readers…

…For the last time.

I have decided to end this blog of mine. The Rise & Fall of an Athlete.

Looking back the title of the blog came so quickly to me back in 2006 when I first heard about blogging. Little did I know what blogging was going to mean to me now. Not an outlet, but something to write about on an everyday basis to the Internet world.

The Rise and Fall. Well, I have to say that there was a definite rise to my career in biking. Unknown to me at that time, my biking career was going to be more than I ever dreamed of. The Fall – well… there have been many “falls” and none I want to remind myself or you Readers about. They are there and will be there for the rest of my days.

I have biked many mountain passes in Colorado. I have traversed the winds of Wyoming. I have biked the terrains of New Mexico. I have done back to back 100 mile bike rides. I have done a century ride one day and then the next day run a Marathon. I have ridden "where the street have no name."

I started blogging on a whim not knowing what to expect nor where to go. You Readers can see my direction (or lack of) on when I first started blogging on blogger.com. I was scairt in the beginning. Meaning, I was not sure on how much to reveal to the Internet World. I was not worried about what people thought. I was worried about if my blogging was interesting.

I did not have a counter in the beginning, but later I did install a counter to my blog site. I was curious. Though I was not curious about who was visiting or how many times. And to this day – I could care less. Yet, I do like to see my blog counter go up. Who doesn’t right?

Well, it is now 2009 and now blogging has taken off more than ever. I have blogged more than ever I would have thought when I started back in 2006

I have had ideas. I have had arguments. I have had opinions. I have had disagreements. I have had followers. I have had anti-followers.

I have pissed off more Readers than you Readers know of. Yes, I have a lot of direct emails as opposed to comments on my blog site. I may comment on those who leave a comment. Then again, I really do not. Most Readers that do leave a comment are commenting on the moment not realizing the entire issue at hand, but Sam knows.

I do think I am unique. That may not be not right. But Unique. I do not say that I am right, but I do present the view of something I believe in. Readers, I am unique and I am very okay with that. You can say what you want to about my writing. About pictures of me. I am okay with that. After all you Readers are most likely seeing something that is new to you. Whereas, my faithful Readers know why I am commenting on some issue and/or comment.

You Readers have your opinions. Your comments. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing - is it not? After all, I have voiced myself every once in a great while to a moving vehicle with such colorful language (ie: MotherFucker!), with either a smile or pissed off look on my bike. (Though, I know I am not the only person to do this and will not be the last) Later on, I remember cussing and perhaps using the middle finger was a wasted effort on my behalf - after all it is just word(s) and a finger - nothing more.

I have nothing to prove to you Readers. Yet, I do believe in “upping” you average Readers when I can. That’s my nature (or my major flaw in some Reader’s views). No one to blame nor do I have an excuse to give to you Readers.

Such as the HED rims. I paid almost two grand and I do expect people to notice. I am not the fastest rider, but I am the HED rider in South Denver area. Matter of fact, I am sure that you can ask any local Denver rider if they have saw me and my HED. rims they would know of me. After all, I know I am the only rider South of Denver to have HED rims. I got to be.

I am straying from the point of this post, sorry Readers. Thank you for listening to my rants. My surprises. My fortunes. My experiences. My issues. My problems. My Actions. My non-biking subjects. My RTD issues. My Qdoba girl. My Life.

In closing, I had no goal. I had no idea. I only had the idea to write about my life on biking and not biking. I perhaps touched a few people. I perhaps pissed off a few people. Overall, it does not matter whether or not you agree with my point of view.

Readers, I am not ending because I have run out of ideas, opinions, getting tired of blogging, can’t do it anymore, etc. I think with my picture finally getting posted another blog (minus the head shot – I guess I am that ugly) was very nice to see and sort of got me thinking to end the blogging with getting noticed and "Internet Famous". As opposed to calling it quits with no recognition. Just my way of looking and thinking about seeing and reading about me.

Damn – those HED rims do look just a nice with someone else taking a picture of me and Andrea!

I can not thing of any closing words, quotes or memories. With that said - time to bid you Readers and Faithful Readers a final farewell.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Back from Vacation, Again

Greetings Readers

Well, I am back from vacation, my parent's vacation and month end close. I have been super busy.

Also, I almost had a bike stolen - I will tell you later - which bike and the details. Sorry for you Readers that are probably hoping that my bike should have got stolen. So sorry. Though - I will say that people who know of me are watching out for me and that is how my bike was "saved" by someone who knew of me, but never talked to me before that day of the crime.

And to the person(s) who think that "I am the rudest person ever" you should ask yourself if "I am the rudest person ever known" would someone or you just watched my bike get stolen and smile and perhaps think "yeah he deserved that" or perhaps "he got that coming." I am betting yes, but again that is pure speculation on my part.

That may be, but I have to say that Andy, the person who knew of me, but never talked to me before came to my bike's aid.

A big "Thank you" to Andy. And yes Readers, I plan to give him a gift card to Chili's or some restaurant for saving "my girl." Due to timing and now getting back to Denver I can now give him his reward. I am thinking $ 30.00. And again, pure speculation on my part, that's $ 30.00 dollars more I gave than the person(s) who think "I am the rudest person ever known" who would have said thank you many times over and that's it. No thought of any gift for saving a bike to be stolen.

Now, let me see... I will need to get caught up in the world and see what's what. I see that Cutler is gone! Woo Hoo! I see that Mrs. Obama hugged the Queen - Blasphemy! Curtsy Mrs Obama you are no special than any other person in the Queen's presence!

Oh, and to wrap it up - it felt good to get on the bike for the first time in two weeks. Yep, Two weeks. I am "the man" once more and I even rode Andrea today since the weather is sunny and nice. Oh yeah.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete