The Coming of the Storm

Greetings Readers

Bad Ass

Or so I do from time to time think of myself upon Mother Earth.

Yet, I know from a different point of view I was stupid. Your view depending on how you see the world from your eyes, as well as read.

As living as a true American I have that freedom to view myself how I want to others as well as have a voice (an opinion).

Yet, let me be truthful to myself I seriously fucked myself on my ride home.

I did not leave to go home until about 8:15 last night. As I waited for the parking garage door to open fully I saw the gleaming wet pavement from the sodium arc streetlights and knew that either rain or snow awaited me.

Neither really. It was that pellet like sized hail that was falling in the late evening night. I soon quickly found out that the wind was blowing from the West and North and steadily.

When I did turn to bike North I immediately felt the pellet like snow hit my face and it hurt. Also, on my exposed legs I felt the stinging of the pellet like snow hit my thighs. It did not hurt, but I would soon feel the pain of the pellet like snow hitting my thighs.

I rode about 100 yards when the intensity of the falling snow picked up dramatically. I knew at that moment I had to alter my course and head for the Light Rail Station.

From earlier this morning when listening to Fox News 31 I heard that the storm that was forecasted to come to Denver was going to start in the evening. No, definite time was given, but I thought that that storm would be well after 8 PM. Alas, I was wrong.

I made it to the Light Rail Station and waited in areas that were dry (in a manner of speaking) from the current snow falling. I was not cold, but I could feel the cold. Meaning, I was not miserable – yet.

Matter of fact, I was in good spirits. I was taking Light Rail and I was relatively dry, for the moment. I was so feeling the moment I decided to take a picture at the Light Rail Station and was hoping to use the light sources at the Light Rail station to show how heavy the pellet like snow was falling. I think I was able to capture that moment.

Soon, the Light Rail Train came and I boarded and warmed up a bit. Again, I was not cold, but knew that I needed to get warmed up from being outside for about 15 minutes.

While sitting I decided that I needed another picture of me out in this weather. Although where was I going to take that picture at. Then, it occurred to me – that new water Fountain that is located right off the Arapahoe Light Rail Station. I knew that the fountain would be on as well as the lights that are located in the fountain.

I reached the fountain around 8:30, I estimate, and the place was empty. Good. I tried to find a nice picture-taking place and soon located a spot where I could place the camera on auto timer and then pose.

I took several pictures; most without the flash since I knew from previous experiences that the flash at the distance I was going to pose at was not going to help. I was worried about blur, which I did have on more than half of the pictures I took, but I was able to actually get a few pictures I liked. They probably could have been better, but I am more than okay with the results I got. All in all, at least all the pictures did not come out blurry.

I really liked when I was able to get the orange and red lights captured in the picture. The purple, green and blue did not have the “effect” that caught my eye. By the way Readers, the falling pellet like snow was falling harder, but also changing over to snowflakes, which meant that the air was getting colder. Good, but not good.

So, I spent several minutes at the fountain taking timer pictures and soon the time came to ride home. There was no thought of heading to the nearest enclosed RTD bus stop. Actually, I was not sure that the bus on that route was even running anymore. So, instead of taking the chance with the thumb up my ass I knew I had to suck it up and ride home (all downhill.) Well, the snow and pellet like snow was falling in a mix. I was wet from all the picture posing and my exposed legs were wet and cold.

So, me riding west into the night was tough. I had to hold up my right had to block the snow from hitting my eyeballs. I had my Red Iridium lens on my Oakley’s, which meant I could not wear them at night since that lens blocks out light. I had not gone about 50 yards when I felt each of those pellet like snow hit every part of my expose thigh. It really hurt, but I think that was to the cold actually making my expose part of the thigh cold. Reflecting on the moment, I think my thighs were actually tingling from being so cold.

Here is where I had a choice. Ride fast and feel the stinging of the pellet like snow hit my thighs. As well as feel the wind cooling my body down. What did (or did not) help was that my ride was basically all downhill. I could get home without really pedaling, but that is not what I wanted. As long as I felt that I was moving my legs I felt I was able to keep a bit warmer longer while pedaling.

The other choice was to ride slowly. The softer the pellet like snow would hit my exposed thighs and the less I would feel the cold air when riding. The negative part about this choice is that I would be longer out in the night as well getting colder and wetter.

What did not help Readers – as I was riding through Greenwood Village I stuck to the streets, as opposed to the sidewalk. Hardly any traffic and I did not know the lay of the sidewalks in the dark. I would rather ride in the streets and street gutters where I know the terrain as opposed to the sidewalk since I hardly ever ride on sidewalks.

Well, Readers that was a mistake. Big fucking mistake. Apparently, it was a bit warmer in the DTC area, which meant that there was snowflakes, pellet like snow and rain falling all at the same time. Needless to say when I rode into the street gutter I rode into a gutter full of water – cold water. That cold water soaked my shoes instantly as well as get splashed on my legs and the back of my back from the rear tire. Not to mention the front tire that splashed up water into my face and chest. In a manner of feet I was soaking wet. Fuck me. I knew better, but I just did not think of expecting that until it was too late.

The last mile was tough Readers. The closer you know that you are home the further it seems away when you are miserable or in my case, cold, soaking wet, thighs tingling and wondering if I am going to damage some skin from the cold weather and cold elements.

And that Readers, was my ride home from a picture perfect Dawn morning. I have also included a few pictures from this morning, which I took the time to snap a few shots of me in all my glory.

On a serious note, I have decided to take off my Pink Bracelet (supporting the Komen Foundation.) Wearing that Pink Rubber bracelet was to support the Komen foundation, but more importantly to show the world the few women in my life who were diagnosed with breast cancer and survived affected me indirectly. As well as the ones that did not and for that reason also is why I especially wore that pink rubber bracelet.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Pink Bracelet

Greetings Readers

The Pink Bracelet.

I am a firm believer in the Komen Foundation.

Anyway, after work this past week I was in Safeway buying my dinner I was going to prepare when I saw this Pink Bracelet, which I have taken a picture of, at the check out stand.

Pink, yes. But, with my second hand experience with having someone close to me having Breast cancer I knew that I had to buy a couple of those bracelets. Two dollars apiece is what the price was.

After that, for about two days I contemplated about donning a pink bracelet. I hate to admit this, but I will so. It is Pink and I do not want my sexuality to be questioned at work or with my friends about wearing a Pink bracelet. Otherwise, a total stranger I could care less about. I have blogged about the Livestrong bracelet in the past as well as the Obama bracelet I donned right after the DNC convention in Denver, Colorado.

I really, really wanted to wear that pink bracelet to show support and involvement with the Komen Foundation.

However, here is the fucked up way of my thinking. Do you Readers recollect that I have two Pink bike Jersey (Pink was the color of T-Mobile back in the day with Jan Ullrich) and I have two pink T-Mobile Jerseys in my closet)? I have no problem wearing those pink bike jersey when I do. No thought what so ever to what people may be thinking.

In addition, to the pink bike jerseys I have two Pink Ties in my wardrobe, which I have been alternating wearing one each week. Again, I wear without so much as worrying about what people thought or evening questioning my sexuality.

I do not believe that “Pink is the new Black”

I just wear the Pink items that I have, because they look good when I do wear them and they do not seem out of place on me while wearing.

Back to the story, these two bracelets, these two Pink Komen pink bracelets are causing me to question what people might think when I start wearing the Pink bracelet.

In the end, I have elected to put on the bracelet for one week to show the world my support of the Komen Foundation. In the first two days I saw people, my friends, my co-workers notice the Pink Bracelet on my left wrist. I was so self-conscious and saw each of their eyes pick up on the new accessory on my left wrist. Most glanced real quickly and then soon forgot; a couple of others commented and we talked about the Pink Bracelet. They knew what the Pink bracelet meant as opposed to just an accessory. It showed that I knew about breast cancer and when asked about it on my own personal experience I told them how I was affected. Matter of fact Readers that is one of the reasons why I have an issue with relationships and wondering if I will have to follow in the same footsteps I did over a decade ago. To this day I am still affected and I have not forgotten that part of my life.

In conclusion, I have one Pink bracelet hanging off the side of my monitor and the other bracelet is on my left wrist. I am becoming okay with wearing with the bracelet, but I will only wear for a week; perhaps one more week since that was the amount of time that I gave the Obama bracelet on my wrist. Again I am sticking it to Mr. L.A.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France 2009 - Stage 7 & 8

Greetings Readers

Stage 7 – The first mountain stage of three mountain stages in the Pyrenees Mountains. For today’s stage there are five major mountains. The Cote de Monteserrat that is a category 4 climb, then the Port de Solsona that is a category 3 climb, then Col de Serra-Seca that is a category 1 climb (4.8 miles with a grade of 7.1 %), then Port del Comte that is a category 3 climb and lastly, the Andorre Arcalis that is a beyond category HC climb. (6.6 miles with a grade of 7.1%). In addition to the Andorre Arcalis being an HC category climb the Andorre Arcalis is the 3rd highest climb ever in Tour de France history.

Does this matter you wonder? Of course. Every commentator and the world pulled stats and facts and whatnot and the conclusion that was deduced was that everyone agreed to was that the overall GC winner of the first mountain stage in the Tour de France in the past 10 years or so won the overall Tour de France in Paris. Stats don’t lie.

Today is the longest stage in the Tour de France, so far, at 139 miles.

At the beginning of the stage 7 there are 177 riders that have started the Tour de France. The three riders that have not started are all out of the Tour de France with broken bones. And not because of abandonment

Johan and L.A. had big smiles and good cheer being shown on TV interviews on Versus.

According to Phil and I quote “Every second will count” and today “is the true test of the GC.” Only 1 rider on Team Astana can be leader after this stage. Phil and Paul both agree that there is no need for Team Astana to attack, yet Paul and Phil state the overall GC winner of the Tour de France of the first Mountain stage wins the Tour de France after three weeks of racing. Paul and Phil show stats, graphs and state what they just say about the overall GC winner winning the first mountain stage of the Tour de France.

Today is also the only Mountain top finish in the Pyrenees Mountains for this year’s Tour de France.

Now, to the recap. There was a nine rider breakaway. Fabian had two flat tires (front and read back tire), which probably did not help him to retain the yellow jersey at the end of today’s stage. An interview segment that was shown on today’s stage with L.A. was quoted that L.A. was in the Tour de France to win. Readers, it was announced last year by L.A. that L.A. was riding in the Tour de France to raise cancer awareness as well as his foundation Livestrong to the world about cancer awareness. Funny how L.A. does not remember what was said prior to him joining a team riding in the Tour de France. Or in my case not funny at all, just a two faced rider watching out for himself. Also, 23k from the finish line Levi Leipheimer and Mark Cavendish crash

I will admit that it would be hard to be a “workhorse” rider or commonly known as a “domestic” rider in the Tour de France, after being a winner more than once in the Tour de France. Johan was also interviewed prior to the start of the Tour de France and to quote Johan he said “no specific plan.” Yet, we true followers of the Tour de France know that Johan wanted, as well as L.A., for L.A. to be the wearer of the yellow jersey at the end of this stage. The smiles, the good mood and the non-serious questions by the press totally ignored Alberto Contador. In the end, Alberto showed his team as well as the rest of the world who the “true” leader of team Astana is.

You Readers may be persuaded by the American Press as well as the American Commentators and writers that Alberto should not have attacked, but if it was L.A. that attacked then it would not have been viewed as an attack against the team Astana, but as the 7 time former, yes former, champion of the Tour de France making a “special” comeback and dominating on this stage of the Tour de France. Alas, it was Contador that made the “something special” and now he is viewed by the American supporters of L.A. as the “bad rider” of Team Astana. Of course, there are the former riders of the Tour de France who also agreed that Alberto should not have attacked, but I believe that they too also supported L.A.’s comeback to the Tour de France and want L.A. to win.

This is pure speculation on my part, but it is hard not to see this scenario playing out. I have made it no secret that I do not care for L.A. and that I will not wear that Livestrong bracelet. Yet, what I saw today was team Astana setting the tempo and eventually set up the strongest rider to take control of the Tour de France. Even though every General Manager says / hints toward that holding onto the yellow jersey in the first week of the Tour de France is not the best thing to do, Johan and L.A. hinted that L.A. was going to be the wearer of the yellow jersey at the end of the stage today. Unfortunately to their surprise, Alberto made a fantastic move on the Andorre Arcalis to show who the best mountain climber of the GC contenders were.

The post interview of Lance stating that he had to ride the wheel of the next opponent’s wheel is true. However, it is true since he should not endanger the “true leader” of the Tour de France. There should never be two teammates jockeying for the overall lead since any of the opposing opponents will try to keep in touch (within distance) of the overall leader of the Tour de France. If the second rider of the GC tour leader board is trying to catch the overall leader of the GC rider then the teammate of the overall leader should not try and match the pace of the overall leader. Why? You do not want any other team to be motivated or inspired to rider just as fast as the teammate of the leader of the Tour de France. The teammate needs to follow the next rider who is trying to close the gap to first place before the finish line. That lets the opponent decide whether or not to chase the leader and not to give an opponent the reason or a second wind to try a catch the overall leader. Some times following a teammate is like dangling a carrot in from of a horse. It is there and you will do anything to get that carrot.

Yet, in the end the overall winner of the stage was Brice Feillu who is one of the youngest riders in this year’s Tour de France at the age of 24 years old.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Greetings Readers

Stage 8 – The second mountain stage of three mountain stages in the Pyrenees Mountains. For today’s stage there are three major mountains. The Port d’Envalira at 3,980 ft. that is a category 1 climb, then the Col de Port at 4,098 ft. that is a category 2 climb (7.1 miles with a grade of 5.5 %) and lastly, the Col d’Agnes that is a category 1 climb. (7.7 miles with a grade of 6.5 %)

Today, the riders will reach the highest point in the Tour de France, so far.

At the beginning of the stage 8 there are 175 riders that have started the Tour de France and 15 teams that have started with all their riders on the team roster.

The thing that I have heard so far during the Tour de France is to get HD. Watch the Tour de France in HD. See the rider’s team jerseys in the Tour de France in HD. Check out the scenery in HD.

Interesting. Last year I saw the US Open Tennis in HD and I was amazed. The white lines on the hard court, the tennis balls (and the fuzz) and I have to admit everything was sharp and clear. In some cases a bit too clear.

So, with Versus and Phil saying go and get HD to see the Tour de France in HD I am not sure if I agree. Yes, there are going to be some scenery that are going to look fantastic in HD, but I have to admit that I am not sure that seeing the Tour de France in HD is going to be that much better. There are so many cameras in the Tour de France and all those cameras are on the move – whether by a camera operator on the back of a motorcycle or a helicopter(s) flying along a stage in the Tour de France. Otherwise, the focus of the camera bearing HD is really focused on the riders. So any HD viewer is really only going to see colorful team jersey, sunglasses, bikes, bike helmets, facial hair and the occasional chest hair (if any) of the Rider of the Tour de France.

Those things I mentioned are not incentives for me to see the Tour de France in HD. Again, this is my opinion. And should I see the Tour de France in HD I may change my tune, but for now I can only speculate and form an opinion on what I would really see in HD. Readers, there are the occasional aerial Helicopter views that show very nice scenery, but in my opinion those occasional spectacular views are not the reason why to get HD.

Onto the recap – today was the day that “The God of Thunder” came out to play and showed why he is “The God of Thunder.” Along with “The God of Thunder” there were nine other riders that got away from the main group to form a nine rider breakaway group. Where was Mark Cavendish you are perhaps wondering? Well, he was well behind the peloton. Mark Cavendish was in the Autobus, which I think finished about 22 minutes behind the winner, Luis Sanchez, Stage 8 in the Tour de France. Cadel Evans was initially in the breakaway group, but the Peloton managed to catch him and bring him back into the main field of the Peloton with all other GC riders. Once that was done, any non-GC rider was basically allowed to ride out without any sort of attack from the Peloton. Unless, those riders got too much of a time lead then the Peloton would go into attack mode and reel in the breakaway group to a lesser time gap.

The God of Thunder was able to win two (the first two intermediate sprints) of the three intermediate sprints in the stage today. Unfortunately, the third intermediate stage sprint was after the Col d’Agnes, which was the third major mountain climb and to top that off it was a category 1 climb. Yet, I knew that after “The God of Thunder” won the first two intermediate sprint points he would be happy with those 12 points he gained today. After all, there are two more weeks until the end of the Tour de France. No need to wear yourself out for 6 more points in the Green Jersey competition and with Mark Cavendish well behind “The God of Thunder” he knew that Cavendish would be getting no green jersey points for this stage to add to the overall points for the Green Jersey competition.

Oh, by the way Readers, with winning the first intermediate sprint all “The God of Thunder” needed was 1 point to take the Green Jersey off Mark Cavendish’s back and become the new leader of the Green Jersey and the first time this year for “the God of Thunder” in the Tour de France to don the Green Jersey for the next stage start – stage 9.

At the end of this stage there is now a new leader of the King of the Mountain – Christophe Kern. He now has “bragging rights” to be the best climber in the Tour de France (as well as in the world) for now.

Fabian Cancellara finished over nine minutes behind the winner of the Tour de France on yesterday’s stage, which took him out of the yellow jersey for the start of this stage in the Tour de France. From what I saw he was not a happy rider on today’s stage. He was in a breakaway group, but apparently he was not happy with his “fellow” breakaway riders. Only one can assume that none of the other breakaway riders were pulling their turn at the front of the breakaway group. That is a reason to be pissed off, but this is a race. If you want to win then you have to want to win it. You cannot rely on other opponents to help you ride. You want to win, then lead. If you had a teammate who was on your team then obviously there would be nothing to be complaining about. So for Fabian to be pissed off at rival teams was totally uncalled and unacceptable for Fabian to be pissed off about.

Of course Fabian could be pissed off for losing the yellow jersey yesterday as well as getting two flat tires on Stage 7. As my former old boss would “Sucks to be you.”

Anyway, Rinaldo Nocentini remained in the yellow jersey at the end of this stage.

Readers, a bit more information on the King of the Mountain competition. It was 35 years ago that a sponsor officially asked for the King of the Mountain Jersey be recognized in the Tour de France and become an ongoing competition in the Tour de France. Though, the King of the Mountain competition was first introduced in the 1930’s. Currently, at the end of the Tour de France the overall leader of the King of the Mountain jersey is awarded about 35 thousand dollars or 25 thousand euros. (estimated).

Lastly, the biggest news that Versus commentators (Phil, Paul, Craig & Bob) made was the way that Alberto rode away from L.A. If the roles were reversed the news would be totally different. Bob, Craig, Paul and Phil would be hard up to talk about how L.A. asserted himself on the first stage of the Pyrenees Mountain to show all other GC contenders that the 7 time winner of the Tour de France was back.

Alas, this did not happen and now all who is American related are asking questions of Team Astana. And guess what Readers; they are interviewing riders and the General Manager that we know of – Levi, L.A. and Johan. Either the reporters could not interview Alberto or he politely declined a one on one interview. Alberto did give all the press a post race conference and stated that he saw the other riders doing ok on the climb, but he saw a opening to attack the other GC riders and he took it.

24 hours ago, Paul, Phil and the rest of the world were amazed how Contador rode off from the other GC contenders as well as his teammates on Astana. As Phil stated and I quote again “Every second will count” yet on the pre-race show of today’s stage Phil chastises Alberto for “attacking” his teammates. When in reality, Alberto was attacking the entire GC rider group. This shows how bias and hard up Phil and Paul, as well as Bob, for L.A.’s comeback in Tour de France. Bob even stated that Contador should not have attacked his teammates for the few seconds he did get, but you know how much Bob’s opinion means to me – zilch.

Just like Bob Roll was a guest speaker on the Ride the Rockies in Aspen in this year’s 2009 Ride the Rockies; There was no fucking way that I was going to sit in the school’s auditorium to listen to Bob speak. I have to be blunt Readers – he is a fucking idiot with his commentary, his hand gestures and his off hand comments on other riders who are not L.A. He was just a good rider in the Tour de France when he rode in the 1980’s, but that was it – just good, not great nor “awesome”. Bob was a pissed off rider during the Tour de France and when nothing worked for him, he threw tantrums which were caught on camera. Throwing his bike, yelling at no one and everyone. What a fucking sore loser, in my book. Again, take your fucking licks like a man; don’t act like a fucking 3-year-old child throwing a temper tantrum just because he did not get what he wanted.

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

Mr. L.A. - The "Male" Paris Hilton

Greetings Readers

I was thinking about Mr. L.A. Getting to the bottom of him he is like the male version of Paris Hilton.

He is okay for a while being in the spotlight and then not in the spotlight, but somehow he has to come into the spotlight so us Readers do not forget him.

I do not have a clue how many of you Readers know or heard about Mr. L.A. returning to the cycling world. Anyway, he made an announcement to return to cycle and wants to ride in the Tour de France next year.

Believe me Readers I was up in arms. I rolled my eyes, shook my head in disbelief and wondered what the fuck.

Well, let us fast forward to the past month. L.A. announced he was going to compete in this race and that race. And then there was a race in Australia that he wants to compete in, but his application period does not finish until after that Australia race in January 2009. Mr. L.A. becomes eligible to race officially in February 2009, but he has appealed to the IOC and they have granted early riding privileges. Meaning he will be racing mid January 2009 in Austraila.

That is not fucking fair. Why does Mr. L. A. get an early exemption to ride when all other riders must abide to the rules of the IOC? Why? Mr. L.A. must adhere to the rules that the IOC and any other cycling foundations have laid down. Just because he is L.A. does not mean that he gets special privileges.

Anyway, L.A. announced his return. The world awaited which team would he be joining or what team would be formed. Though every one knew that it would be the first thought – what team, since he technically “destroyed” team Discovery into oblivion.

Readers, this post is entirely in my opinion and no thorough research has been done on my behalf.

Team Astana, which is currently being lead by Johann who was L.A. former manager on Team Discovery and U.S. Postal, was the team that L.A. has joined. Or to specific as the news - L.A.’s team. No fucking way. Team Astana has two strong leaders – Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer. And for L.A. to all of sudden to come out of retirement and want to win another tour de France is un-heard able.

Well, Let me say this for being out of cycling for three years and then all of a sudden to come out of retirement, join a team and presumably become team captain is bullshit. There are other riders who have earned the respect to be team leader. For L.A. to come out of retirement and get on a team and perhaps become team leader is pure bullshit. Other riders have perhaps earned the right to lead a team. We do not know.

Fast forward – Now, L.A. is “afraid” for his safety. Well, I have to say he has been afraid for his safety since winning those tour de France and breaking the record. Not being selfish the French did and prepare for an American to break the record of most tours won. Not to mention other records. L.A. rode and there was no mention of extra security needed for him when he broke all records.

Now, for him to say he fears for his safety and whether or not he will be able to ride in the tour de France is just hogwash. If he wants to ride in the tour de France he must prove himself to the team and also earn the right to ride to ride in the tour de France.

With L.A. announcing that he is concerned about safety, the president of the tour de France and people like me, who have second thoughts about L.A. he should be concerned about his return. Times have changed, perhaps his prescription to his cancer drugs are no longer used. His high cadence is great, but now we may see the truth. Again, I do not know nor will I ever know. The tests are better, but the turn around time is still about a week. Readers, I am totally assuming this since I saw the turn around time last year in tour de France for positive drug use.

Oh by the way Readers, L.A. has hired his own drug tester, but come on – he hired this person. Who gives a fuck! What matters is when the test is done and what the results are. That is what matters. After all how do we not know that L.A. has not “paid off” this drug tester? And not in the sense of salary.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sticking It to L.A.

Greetings Readers

Yeah, that’s right. I am currently sticking it to Mr. L.A. Since the DNC that was in Denver, Colorado I bought a bracelet that reads and supports Obama in 08.

Though, that is not the reason why I bought the bracelet. The number one reason was that I got a deal on multiple bracelets and number two was that I wanted to remember the DNC that was in Denver, Colorado in 2008.

However, a few days later, Sunday to be specific, I saw my Obama bracelet lying on the dining room table and I thought to myself I spent two dollars on that bracelet, but I am unable to wear that bracelet. Foremost, I am not a democrat so I had no reason to wear that bracelet. Yet, I wanted to wear that bracelet I spent money to own.

Well, after some thinking I thought this was the chance to stick it to Mr. L.A. in my view. I have never, never, ever, never, ever, ever, wore or purchased a Livestrong bracelet. I am a firm believer that I do not need to wear a Livestrong bracelet to how support my awareness of Cancer.

In my view, I have contributed more than one dollar that the Livestrong bracelet signifies. I do not need a yellow bracelet to show that I support Mr. L.A. and "his" personal cause.

Side note: Readers, I have contributed more money than the normal person would to to certain causes. I believe in ADA, MS, Komen – Cure for Cancer, Food for the Homeless, and small charities that are not nationally known. Since I pay for my own way into all events that support causes, I can say for a fact that I have paid for all contributions to many causes for the past 12 years. I do not ask my friends or non-friends to contribute on my behalf to a cause.

I hate giving a choice to my friends on whether or not they want to contribute to a cause. I do not want to put any burden on my friends or non-friends on whether or not they want to contribute or not to whatever cause is mentioned. Hence, that is why I do not ask for donations from people

It is kinda weird for me wearing a rubber bracelet, but in my mind I am sticking to L.A.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

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

The Bracelet

Greetings People

I am not sure where or what to talk about. I have some ideas, but they require some more thinking. The other thoughts are just thoughts and really is not interesting info to blog about. Oh here is random subject matter by the seat of my pants...

The Livestrong bracelet. I think that most of you readers know what I am talking about. If not, then I will tell you. This is a yellow, rubber-like bracelet that supports the L. Armstrong Foundation, I think. Or perhaps it is research. I do not know. Let's be honest, I really do not care. I support the Komen Foundation and that is enough for me. Well, I support other foundations and causes throughout the year, so do not rush to judge me on not supporting the "other" foundation. More than likely I have contributed more than you have done your entire life. So shut up until you have contributed, money that is, to any of the foundations more than I have. Volunteer work does not count. Sorry.

So, the Livestrong bracelet is "the Bracelet". A few years back it was the bracelet that was the "fad" of everyone. Anyway, during that brief time everyone I saw had that bracelet. I have nothing against you wearing that bracelet nor telling everyone you are helping cancer out. However, do not ask me why I do not have a bracelet nor why will I not wear one. Yes, I know that you can get the bracelet for a dollar, I think. But that is besides the point. I contribute and I do not need some sort of reminder to show everyone that I "proudly" support cancer. When in fact I contribute about $ 50.00 to $ 150.00 a year to cancer (Komen) I do not tell anyone that I contributed X amount of dollars. Just the knowing that I contributed the money is good enough for me.

I do not care if you contributed a dollar to Livestrong and want to tell everyone. Fine. Just leave me out of your new found joy. The reason why I will not wear the bracelet is everyone and their grandmother has one. It is kind of like your mom asking you "If all your friends jumped off the bridge would you do the same thing? Hell no. Yes, I am not a fan of Lance A. and I have a lot of opinions and views that would "piss off" a lot of his followers. But by no means that the reason why I will not wear a bracelet. Again, I reiterate, I could care less if you are wearing one or not. I am not going to give you a hard time, nor express what I think about the bracelet. I am behind you 100 %. But if you decide to explain or hassle me about the bracelet then "it is on."

Now, there is every type of color of bracelet and you can color coordinate to the outfit you might be wearing that day - red, blue, green, etc. Again, I have not and nor would I ever wear any type of bracelet like the Livestrong Bracelet. Yes, you could give me one and I will display the bracelet at home on my bookshelf, but I will not wear the bracelet.

Sorry about the fragmented paragraphs, but I was blogging on the get-go. I had not thought about putting together this subject matter.

Sorry so late readers, but did any of you readers see those earrings that Serena Williams had on her lobes during the Women's final of the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open? In my humble opinion, it was over the top. I do not know if her play was affective by the earrings, but I doubt it since she has almost always wore "outlandish" styles of earrings. And in some cases, controversial. Yes, this was back in the day of Hingis vs. Williams rivalry's.

until the next time.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete