First Day of Autumn

Greetings Readers

Today, I woke up refreshed rejuvenated and ready to Rock and Roll.  And after a night of something something with someone new, young, fit, well... its all good.  Though that was not the reason why for this mood.

Something about the morning was great.  The morning was partly overcast and looked cold which meant I would have to wear a jacket or put something under my bike jersey - which I do not want to do.

I opted out and decided to take a chance.  And it worked out for the better.  I got on the bike and decided to listen to Dire Straits this morning - Brothers in Arm.  I do not know what it was but maybe the combination of my mood, the music, the bike ride and the morning I was in Heaven.  I smiled at everyone I crossed while going to work this morning.  And lo and behold Readers they smiled back.  Yeah I know that is what happens, but I rarely do do that so it is a surprise from time to time for me.

Anyway, there is one convenience store that I visit weekly for the past 8 years going to work.  I have gotten to know the employees whom work there and they have come to know me.  Well, this morning I did my usual routine and then got to the cashier counter.  I was still listening to Dire Straits and then I saw that the employee was talking to me.  I pulled out my earphones and she said "hey there stranger."  I looked at her and I couldn't place her face.  "You don't remember me do you?  You used to flirt with me alot.  I am alot older now"  I took my Oakleys off and took a look at her.  I still could not place the face.  I smiled "Well I am alot older as well" she responds "But you still look the same"  I am still looking and trying to rack my memory "If your working tomorrow morning I will see if I remember you"

As I was leaving the parking lot I think I remember now.  Yes Readers, I am almost positive where I know her now.  I just got to remember her name by tomorrow morning.  And yes I remember, if this is the same person, that I flirted with her when I saw her and was so close to asking her out that, but she transferred to another location. 

Could this be fate?  Who knows.   Things have going great and alot is happening.  If she is there tomorrow and if the same person I am thinking of - yes I am going to ask if she would like to go out for a drink / dinner and catch up.  Granted, I knew her for a while, but I really did not know her so I am not sure if that sounds ok to ask.  Sorry, I did not look at her hands - for all I know she could be married.  And yes she is older than me by a little bit, I think.  Of course, she could be involved or just not interested in me.  But regardless I will ask tomorrow one way or the other.

Now onto other things - well not really, but music.  I really forgot how much I did not listen to my ipods when I was in this recent relationship that ended.  Earlier this year the ex moved closer down to where I live and work and soon thereafter she was driving me to and from work.  It was nice of course.  But now, being back on the bike since 7-19-14 full time I am getting to use the Ipods once more and get to bike to what I want to hear or randomize the songs.  You Readers know that I love variety of music genres and not restricted to one or two music genres.  The ex was limited to two genres - classical and techo (the techno that she listened to is not really techno thou).  As we speak I am listening to James Brown is Dead by LA Style, but all morning I have been listen to a variety - 10,000 maniacs, Queensryche, Prince, U2.   Oh by the way Readers, I downloaded the new U2 album while I was in Albuquerque - and I do like it, but there is but and I can save that for later), the Doors, W.A.S.P, the soundtrack to The Good, The Bad & the Ugly, Tiesto and Johnny Cash.  I am sure there is a bit more, but what I am saying is that I am in the music zone and I am loving it.  Every minute of it.

I am not quite ready for the announcement I was talking about blog post before.  Nothing big in my opinion and nothing new, in a manner of speaking, but I am stoked.  Looking forward to this.  Sorry, that is all I have to say about that.

oh LaMont - well LaMont has left the place where we worked together for the past 8 years.  Kind of sad to see that, but he told me no LaMont stories on my blog.  I do not think that I have any LaMont stories to tell... well I guess I do have one.  Breaking Bad.   Last year, last summer LaMont actually watched an episode of Breaking Bad since that was the final season and of course the talk was the talk on Breaking Bad.  We faithful watchers who have been on board from the beginning were left with the biggest cliffhanger at the end of Season 5 Part 1.  Hank is in Walter's Bathroom and sitting upon the Golden Throne and looks for something to read.  He sees a book and opens up to the first page "To my other favorite W.W. it's an honour working with you.  Fondly, G.B."  And then Hank looks up with that look and then the screen goes black.  Wow.  Just thinking about that moment now gives me the chills and i can recollect the first time I saw that scene and every time I still see that scene - it is awesome.  The beginning of the end.  And just think Readers - We had to wait a whole year to find out what was going to happen.  This is probably the second best cliff hanger for Breaking Bad in my book and I will share my most favorite season end episode that made me think.... well I will save that for tomorrow perhaps.  Anyway, getting back to LaMont.  I let him borrow my DVDs and LaMont crammed all 5 seasons in like 2 or 3 weeks.  LaMont was addicted from the beginning and was not working out, not going out and even LaMont's wife was getting into the show as well.  It was funny to see this since he always had something to say about me - You kept me up, your fault for me watching Breaking Bad, I aint getting any housework done.

On the last day of his work with me - LaMont thanked me again for Breaking Bad.  And as a gift I gave him Season 3 as a parting gift and to remember me when he needs a fix for Breaking Bad.  Oh Readers I had to buy seasons 1 through 4 again since the ex did not give them back to me - She wanted a gift back (though I did pay her 10 dollars for both shot glasses since the guy at the liquor store opened a gift set-I remembered this now, so technically these are mine since I gave her money for them since she did buy at the liquor store), some money and then to look around my humble place after we have broken up.   That may be a story for the down the road as well, but since this is all related I thought to let you know that as well.  I was Breaking Bad less for a while.  Sorry Readers, that's all I can say on that topic of the ex with the Breaking Bad seasons she kept.  I would think that is a sin to do that, but fuck if I know that is one or not.  I would consider that the sin of stealing - thou shall not steal - if I remember correctly.

And LaMont - I want to thank you for your friendship for almost 7 years.  Yes, I had a bad one year relationship I had with you.  Two donkeys, Two type C personalities was the cause of that, in my opinion - as well as my character.  Though I am glad that I/we made up.  I hope the best for you my friend.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Athlete (still working on a new title)

The Return to the Road Bike

Greetings Readers

Today I am back on the bike after two days of running - granted I was suppose to run today also, but due to what needed to be done at work early this morning I had to bike in.

I have to admit I was looking forward to this morning. I got the bike ready last night.

The run home last night was 30 degrees colder from the previous night. I will admit it was nice. I was not working up a sweat, in a manner of speaking, and I actually felt comfortable running last night. I did have to change Oakley sunglass lens due to the filtration of light into my eyes. I had to use a less dark of a lens. I wanted my eyes to be hidden so that no one can see my eyes. I do have a clear and orange heighten lens, but I did not want to use those two lens.

I was a bit cold when I started running last night, but after the warm up I was okay. Oh, the smell of food last night was... in the words of my ex-co-worker "awesome" I smelled some good Chinese food (as opposed to awful, cheap or just bad Chinese food smell) aroma from a restaurant I passed on the way home. Then, I smelled good hamburgers and I think that was about it. There are only a few restaurants on the way home after that it is trails and the communities that I run (bike) through to and from work.

Back to this morning - the bike into work was not as easy as I thought it was going to be. The Achilles tendon was a hurtin when pedalling. And of course, I am sure that is due to the 24 miles that I have ran in the past two days.

Well.... Since I road in this morning I had to get the mileage of my run in on the running route I have carved out to and from work. I estimated 6 miles, but actually thought it was a bit longer. However, after I got to work I looked at the mileage and the mileage was 5.94 miles. Un-fucking-believable. I know where I can get the .06 mileage, but that means I will have to add a bit more to my run, which mind you is not in a straight line nor the shortest route home. I actually have to run around a dam as opposed to just climbing (running) up and down. I also have to stick to the path as opposed to crossing a park, a baseball diamond, a swatch of grass, etc. I mean I could, but then that would mean I would not know what the mileage adjustment would be and also would be shorter than the 5.94 miles I know for a fact.

For the record

Day 1

Home to work - 1:20.10
Work to home - 1:11.34

Day 2

Home to Work - 1:21.10
Work to Home - 1:12.57

In actuality, I only ran 23.76 miles in the past two days. I lost 3 pounds, could even be more, but I have been eating rice (Uncle Ben's) to replenish my Carbs I have been burning, in the past two days. I did switch to Chicken so that helped out on less fat in consumption.

Tomorrow, Friday, I had already designated my bike day so I will be riding to work tomorrow. I also have to run some errands after work (perhaps at lunch) so I need to be mobile. As much as I planned not to run this weekend I may have to run since I could not run today.

Which brings me to the Runnin' of the Green. Yes, it is that time of the year - and again I will not be running once more. I just started running again, my thighs are tender (sore) and I would feel that paying 40.00 dollars plus is not worth it for me. I know my legs would be still recovering and getting a good time is out of the question and furthermore I do not want to have an awful time officially recorded for a first running event of 2012 for this coming Sunday.

Also, the weekend is Daylight Saving Time. Which by the way Readers - I got to know a Colombian last year and apparently she does not have Daylight Savings Time in Columbia so she hates this. I just found out since I asked her how does it feel to lose an hour this weekend and she replied "What?" And that was when she said she did not know... well forgot since she is not used to DST change.

Anyway, we Colorado residents are going to have good weather for a bit - I saw the weather this morning and by Monday we may hit 68 degrees - not bad for the month known as the snowest for Colorado in history.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Busted on the LIght Rail Train

Greetings Readers

The Sun has made an appearance in all her glory - finally. Anyway, let me tell you Readers about this incident in my past....

Some of you faithful Readers know I have my moods. Most times it does not take much to piss me off. Yes, I admit and confess to that; after all I would be liar to say that I did not.

This incident happened the day I was leaving for our Ranch in New Mexico. I did all the work at work that I needed to do before leaving for my short vacation. I went home and got my bags then left for the bus station that is located downtown.

I went to the bus stop that is located near me since I would need to take the bus to the Arapahoe Light Rail Station.

Eventually, I got to the Light Rail Station, but I missed the Light Rail Train going North since the ticket machine was fucking with my money. I hate these fucking machines – you cannot plug the money right after another. You have to actually let the coin go in and wait about 2 seconds before depositing the next coin. Otherwise, if the coin follows the first coin to closely the second coin will be returned to you. Your fucked when the Light Rail Train is there and you have coins galore to feed into the machine. Needless to say I was fucked.

Bye bye Light Trail Train.

Damn.

So, I got my upgrade ticket and had to wait for the next Light Rail Train going to 18th and California. I was the only one waiting there since I just missed the Light Rail Train. As I waited a Light Rail Train going South arrived. Soon all the Light Rail Train Riders that needed to get off got off. All, but one with a child headed to wherever they were going.

I waiting at one of the entrances I normally board at. While I noticed the person with the child in tow was standing near me about three feet. I did not acknowledge this person, because I could care less. Although, I did wonder why this person was not going wherever they needed to go. Nor did this person go to the ticket machine located at the other side of the Light Rail Station.

About 10 minutes later the Train that I needed to get on was coming into the Arapahoe Light Rail Station. Since I was there first I was first in line to board. Yet, this person walked without so much a look at me to indicate that she was going to cut in front of me with their child. Readers, I have no problem with letting a person get ahead with me with a child in tow, but not to so much even acknowledge me as “please may I cut in” look or something to that effect.

Nope. Nada. Nothing.

Not that you have to guess; I got a bit pissed off. Then to top this off when the Light Rail Train was about to stop there was two bike riders; a man and a woman (probably in their early 20’s) who were getting ready to get off with their bikes.

The person who cut in front of me without so much as glance at me started to go into the Light Rail Train without letting the bike riders get out first. The guy immediately made this person trying to board the Train stop them in their track and made no effort to move. That person with child in tow immediately moved out of the way just enough to let him out with his bike.

Now, here is the fucked up thing. Readers, while the wait was about 10 minutes not many riders showed up, which meant that there was about 5 other entrances to the three other Light Rail Trains that were connected together going to 18th and California. Of all places to board this person chose the entrance I was waiting at and to cut in front of me. That is messed up Readers.

As soon as the guy was off the Train that person with child in tow immediately boarded the train. The look on the woman biker’s face was the pure “What the fuck” look. I could not believe what I just witnessed either. As soon as the person with child in tow was clear the woman with her bike was able to disembark. Yes, I waited until the woman and her bike was off the Train before I got on.

That person with the child in tow took the middle seats between the doors of the Light Rail Train meanwhile I took one of the small seats near the end of the Light Rail Train cars.

Soon the Light Rail Train was off and running. A thought occurred to me this person did not buy a ticket while I was listening to my Ipod.

Then, it was not even 15 seconds later that person with the child in tow pulls out a cell phone and then starts speaking in a language I did not know. This person was not talking normally, but at a loud enough volume to bother me and one more rider on the Light Rail Train.

I was already pissed at this person for cutting in front of me and now to be talking too loudly I was getting more pissed off. To get me going I started talking out loud about how I could not hear my music for someone talking too loudly on a cell phone.

That person with child in tow and cell phone firmly against their ear ignored me or did not even know that I was talking out loud about them. I probably looked ridiculous myself. Oakley’s on when there was no sunlight, my earphones in and me just looking like “do not even think about fucking with me” look on my face.

Two Light Rail stops later “the man” boarded. I was getting more pissed off as the seconds rolled by and I still could hear that person talking loudly on the cell phone in a language I could not identify. “The man” then asks me for my fare. I pulled out my ticket upgrade and my bus transfer and held it out in my palm to “the man”. I did not look at “the man”, but just continued to look at the person with the child in tow with the cell phone firmly placed against their ear.

Out of the corner of my eye I could actually see “the man” really checking out my tickets. I could care less at the moment, but would have if I were not focused on the person with the child in tow. I would say about 20 seconds later I hear “thank you” from “the man” and at that moment I looked at “the man” and pointed at that person with the child in tow “they do not have a ticket.”

“The man” nods his head at me and then walks to the person with child in tow.

“Ticket please” I hear the “the man” say to the person with the child in tow.

At this point I push stop on my ipod, because I wanted to see what was going to happen.

“Excuse me, ticket please,” I hear “the man” repeat himself.

The person with child in tow did not even look at “the man.” The person with child in tow just kept talking loudly in whatever language they were talking in to the person on the other end of the cell phone call.

“Ma’am.”

She looks at with him while talking on the cell phone.

“I need to see your ticket.”

“Ma’am. Your ticket please.”

Eventually, she hangs up the cell phone and then starts to look in her purse. Two stops later, she pulls out a bus transfer ticket.

“Ma’am this is from this morning. I need to see a current ticket please.”

“Do you understand me? What is your name?”

She looks at “the man” without saying a word.”

“Your name please”

Readers I am going to sum up the next part. “The man” asked her for her Date of birth. Where is she going. To no avail. Soon, “the man” got her to call whoever she was talking to get some answers. “The Man” was not going to walk away and give up.

“The man” has a conversation with the other person on the other end of the call and soon it was worked out that she was getting off at Broadway – he also got her name.

When the Light Rail Train eventually arrived at the Broadway Station I saw “the man” get off and then the woman with child in tow got up to get off also. As the woman got up she looked directly at me – “the death to you” look and it was at that moment I smiled my pearly whites directly at her. She eventually turned away, but when she got off the train she stared me down from the Broadway platform. She knew she was in trouble with “the man.”

This was due justice in the world – the ying and the yang.

For her incredible behavior for cutting in front of me, for not letting one of the bike riders to disembark from the Light Rail train first and for talking so loudly on the Light Rail Train and being rude to other passengers this was her punishment for being insolent to others on that faithful evening.

Now, you Readers may think this was my fault, but it was not. If I had not said anything to “the man” he would have asked for her ticket anyway. The woman with child in tow may have been doing this type of thing for a while. Perhaps the woman with child in tow may have been getting warnings up to this point. Perhaps. You can not claim I did not know you had to buy a ticket when there are usually more than two ticket machines located at most of the Light Rail Stations.

Yes, I got a certain satisfaction when “the man” walked her away from the Light Rail Train at the Broadway Station. Call it fate. Call it what comes around goes around. Call it karma. Call it you just “f’d in the A.”

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

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

First Mountain Bike Ride of Fall 2009

Greetings Readers

Yours truly knew that the snow was coming, but what I did not know was how cold the evening was going to be. If the temperatures were going to drop below freezing then I seriously did not want to ride any road bike. I was in no fucking mood to go horizontal and embrace Mother Earth. Most of the time I have no problem riding my road bikes in snow - after all I thrive and boast and get a certain "smugness" when I am that hard core / Crazy bike rider going down the road on a sheet of ice or 12 inches of snow with my biking shorts (as opposed to my long bike pants.)

I was not cranky, I just did not want to slide on ice and go down. Readers, I am not saying that I would not go down on Mountain bike. All I am hinting to is that my road bike tires are about 1 inch wide. (I think, if not less - I really do not know off the top of my head. Even though I should know) Anyway, I do refer to them as my skinny road bike tires. This skinny road tires have less surface area and less contact than a mountain bike tire to the road. I think my Mountain bike tire has to be at 3 inches (or more) wide.

Ever since getting that Mountain Bike... I know Readers her name is Lily, but for the new Readers in between last winter and this fall I better refer to the Mountain bike as a Mountain bike as opposed to Lily on this post only. Otherwise, I might confuse the new Readers I may have picked up since the beginning of the year.

The tires held up pretty good since winter / Spring, but the tires had basically about 20 psi after the long storage (no riding Lily)

Boy, I was out of breath pumping both tires up to about 65 psi, according to the writing on the side of the mountain bike tire.

The morning before heading out to work - it was snowing and the wind was slightly blowing, and I decided to catch the RTD bus stop near my humble abode to get to the Light Rail station.

I forgot Readers how much of a bitch it is to put in and take out a Mountain bike tire on the RTD bus bike rack. The Mountain bike tires, well mine, had to be actually forced into the rack and with some extra muscle pulled out from the rack when you are taking your bike off the RTD bus bike rack. I also forgot how heavy a Mountain bike is to all my road bikes. Urgh! Thank goodness for Jenny, now not my so new neighbor, otherwise I would not have been working out since June of this year. Oh, that is another story for another time Readers. I may have written about Jenny, but I can not remember how many posts I have posted about her. And no Sam - there is no stalking (or any derivative of) going on by me.

Let me get back to blog post at hand...

I was actually cold yesterday. And fucking wet when I got to work. Soaking wet to the thong I was wearing. Kidding Readers no thong, but I was soaked down to the underwear. My long biking pants, my thick white tube socks, my bike shorts I also had on, my gloves, and my three bandannas I had on were just wet. The Natalie Merchant stocking cap was alright. The Oakleys were okay, but were sort of useless since the water beading and running on the lens was making my vision not so clear. Yet Readers, as much as I wanted not to wear the Oakleys on my face I kept them right there. Why? Well, I paid xxxx amount of dollars and by gosh I am going to get my money's work when I can. Oh, I was wearing the clear orange lens since it was dark when I left the house and knew the day was going to be overcast so I changed out the lens that morning. I know stubborn, but I want to sort of keep that image of "yeah I am all that and a bag of chips," hah hah.

Fast forward.

Time to go home and the only two things I had dry were my white tube socks and my long biking pants. Everything else was damp. Damn. With a struggle I put on my Nautica long sleeve running jersey and then over that I put on my biking jersey. I lost my breath when that dampness touched my skin - but only for a few minutes.

Soon, I was dressed to the 7's and was leaving the parking garage. I immediately felt energized. I decided to take the scenic way home (via bike trail) as opposed to riding streets and sidewalks, or the Light Rail.

It was almost dark, but there I was still wearing those Oakleys for the sakes of wearing them. However, it was snowing a bit more than a bit and the wind was blowing from the North. Which in effect, blew the falling snow into my eyes when I tried not wearing the Oakleys for a bit. This time I really had to wear the Oakley lens and of course they helped more than expected.

By the time I got to my humble abode I was more wet from the snow, water puddles throughout the landscape and side streets. Yet, I was smiling and really did not care since I was just happy to be riding (and perhaps saving $ 2.00 for RTD bus fare.)

I stripped down to my birthday suit and had everything hanging from where I could to dry out my attire and backpack I was wearing that evening. Of course, I have some beach towels I specifically bought for this scenario years ago and laid the beach towels down near the front entrance of my humble abode to protect my tiles entrance from water dripping, mud, snow or autumn leaves; as well as the carpet near the entrance of my humble abode.

I thought about a hot shower, but instead I turned on the TV, grabbed my comforter and wrapped myself up and sat down on the couch. Just sitting there wrapped in my comforter was a very nice feeling. I could literally feel how cold my skin was when I moved positions and felt the outside of my thigh against the other leg - I was cold.

And that Readers was the account of the first true snow fall (for me) this Fall. I was out of town, vacation, during the first snowfall this Fall. We have had some light, light snow fall a couple of days this fall, but nothing I would not call that "first snow" of Fall for me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Almost Exact Repeat Incident at 7-11

Greetings Readers

You have read about this incident before from me at the local 7-11 I do frequent from time to time.

Unfortunately, this latest incident is no different.

I had visited this particular 7-11 days earlier, which I bought a liter of Coca-Cola for a good deal, minus sales tax, since sales tax is not included. Yet, down the road there is Jenny’s Market, which has the same price for a liter of Coca-Cola. However, that Jenny’s Market applies a sales tax.

Readers, I am sure that you have just come to the same conclusion I did over a month ago. I am all for paying the cheaper amount of Coca-Cola, especially now with this so-called recession.

I go into 7-11 with my earphones in my ears with Guns’ N’ Roses playing Mr. Brownstone in my head.

I have to admit I was in my mood that was “don’t fuck with me” and “I could care less” mood. Not a bad thing, but not a good thing. Meaning, I was in no mood to take any shit or I was in no mood to be polite. Not mean, just not polite. One might say no remorse.

“We have been dancing with Mr. Brownstone…” is what I hear when I walk into 7-11. Now, whenever I listen to Guns’ N’ Roses I feel myself get into the music and the lyrics - quite literally. I can feel the music and more importantly I feel the music take me to the music’s tone.

I walk to the refrigerator and grab my liter of Coca-Cola and walk to the register up front of the store.

As I have blogged before there are two registers and lo and behold there are two men behind the registers. Whereas the last time there were two women behind each of their registers they were operating.

Since I literally saw two people behind each register I walked to the register that is closest to the door, which is manned by a skinny guy. That is just common for me to do is walk to the nearest register to the door. Readers, the two 7-11 employees were standing behind both the two registers talking to each other from what I saw. Not what I heard what they were talking about since I was listening to Guns’ N’ Roses.

“…That old man was a real motherfucker…”

All of a sudden I saw that the skinny guy started to walk away from his register and counter. There was no acknowledgement that I was at his counter nor was there any sort of words spoken to me from the skinny guy (example: Sorry sir, but my register is closed). However, from the corner of my eye I see the other guy, a heavyset guy, move his mouth to me, but I have no clue what he was saying. Matter of fact, I could fucking care less since I was not at his counter.

Oh yes, Readers I had my Oakley’s on so I could clearly see what they and everyone else was doing around me. And of course they could not see where I was looking if I was looking around. Believe me Readers; I make it my business to know my surroundings since I tend to ride with earphones in my ears most of the time I ride. I am always taking in my surroundings and quite acute to all things around me. After all, my life on the bike depends on me being very aware of my surroundings since I am visually depending on what I can see and not what I can hear.

That skinny guy walks away from the register and counter he is/was at and I calmly wait for him to come back. Oh Readers, I already set my liter of Coca-Cola on the counter so my job as a consumer was done, in my view. Nothing new Readers, I grabbed my item and presented the item for purchase at the check out counter.

I waited and waited for about 10 to 15 seconds making no intention to acknowledge the heavyset guy at the other counter. Meanwhile, the skinny guy was tending the hot dog roller holder, but glancing at me now and then.

Well, about 20 to 30 seconds later, meaning after the skinny left the counter, the heavyset guy whistles at me, as if he was whistling to his dog. Oh yes, I heard the sharp whistle, but pretended not to hear it.

First of all Readers, I am not a dog nor will answer to a whistle like a dog. I was offended, but did not mention this to the heavyset guy.

I hear him, and I of course saw him say, hey over here.

I looked around as if I just heard him for the first time. I see him pointing and motioning that he is open and ready for me to ring my purchase up.

He points to his counter and I point to my Coca-Cola sitting on the counter. I made no move to his counter nor did he make any move to go and get my Coca-Cola on the counter.

Hell no, I did all the work by bringing up the Coca-Cola to the counter. There was no fucking way that I was going to move my item to his counter. He was going to have to get the Coca-Cola I physically brought up from the counter to ring up himself. Granted, the distance was just over a foot, but it was just a foot for him. After all, I am the customer.

I hear the heavyset guy talk, but I could not make out what he was saying. He then shook his head in a no gesture and then I heard myself say

“Well then, if you are not going to ring me up then I guess I don’t need it. And if you can’t walk two feet to get my Coca-Cola then you are going to have to walk farther than that to put that Coca-Cola back into the refrigerator.”

I did not move nor did the heavyset guy. I waited about three seconds then proceeded to walk out of 7-11 without looking back. Out of the corner of my eye the skinny guy walks swiftly to his register, most likely to ring me up, but at this point I was done with 7-11.

Eventually, I did go to Jenny’s market and pay a little extra on the sales tax, but there was a certain smug feeling on walking out of 7-11 holding onto what I believed in – and that is the customer is always right.

I feel I won that showdown that morning. However, it was brought to my attention that they heavyset guy could probably fucking could care less about me. Another friend said I actually lost the showdown since I had to go further to get a liter of Coca-Cola that morning. All these points are probably true, but the most important thing is I did not bulge on what I know was correct and either the skinny or heavyset guy had to put that Coca-Cola back into the refrigerator eventually.

I will admit though if my mood were different that morning I would have moved that Coca-Cola to the heavyset guy’s counter without any thought. I do not blame Guns’ N’ Roses. It was just the timing of the day, the music I was listening to and the way I woke up that morning - I was just ready for a confrontation. I was looking to step into “old” Daryl’s shoes once more.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Once More - Another Set of Oakleys

Greetings Readers

Well, as much I do not want to admit this to you Readers, well I left my Oakley’s down in the garage’s bathroom where I change for work and home and that was the last time I saw those Oakley’s.

Fuck me.

I noticed I did not bring my sunglasses with until mid-morning. As soon as I noticed I headed downstairs immediately. I grabbed my keys just to check my locker, but I already knew I rarely leave my sunglasses hanging from the clothes inside the locker. I was fucked already knowing that I was fucked.

I searched hi and lo, on the counters, under the bench and inside my locker. To no avail. Oh, before going down to the garage’s restroom I checked my backpack, which I bring to my work area just to be safe that I did accidentally put them in my bag.

After knowing what I knew I headed to our guard station and asked if anyone turned in some sunglasses from the garage. He indicated no, but will he be on the lookout.

Later that day I also checked with the building maintenance man, which I personally know. I asked him if he saw some sunglasses, but he also said no. Matter of fact, the few times I accidentally left my sunglasses down it in garage’s restroom and he was the next person to you the restroom he would personally bring them to my office.

I cussed myself and new that the sunglasses were gone to me forgetting them in the garage’s restroom. Within the hour I knew that I was going to be making a trip to the bank and then going to Cherry Creek Mall to visit the Oakley store once more.

There was no way I could not put this off. I was going to check with the guard in the morning to see if whoever took my sunglasses may have remorse and turn them in the following day, but I was not going to take that bet. After all, I am sure that anyone knows that Oakley sunglasses are very expensive and I would admit that if I found a pair I would say that 95 out of a 100 I too would keep this found treasure.

The imaginary Fred Flintstone whistle blew in my mind and knew I had to get moving before my bank closes and before the night gets too late and I get home very late.

I know Readers that I probably should have waited until the morning to see if the Oakley’s show up and have two pairs of sunglasses. Yes, I would have two sunglasses and perhaps spent money I probably did not have to. However, in this case I would have had an extra sunglass as opposed to not have any sunglasses for another day. Those Oakley M frames are me and I do not want to be seen without them on my face; or on top of my head. Ha ha. The joke is on me – I have succumbed to image is everything.

I met a beautiful young woman in her 20’s that helped me look for a new pair of sunglasses. I would say that it took about 30 minutes before I actually “built” my new Oakley’s I was going to owe that night. Oh Readers, at the Oakley store (in Cherry Creek) you are able to build your own pair of Oakley’s from what they have available. Choose your frame, rubber thingamajig, color of the lens as well as the style of lens you want. There is a good selection though depending on the demand on a certain style they may not have that part in stock. Which you guessed it Readers; they did not have a certain lens style in stock so I was forced to choose another lens style. They did order the style I want, but it will take some time before I will be able to get. Meanwhile, I was not leaving that store without sunglasses.

And so goes the rest of the night. I bought a new pair and eventually got home before 10 PM. A long day – miserable? A bit, but nothing new for me and I am surely betting that this will not be the last time that I have to go to Oakley’s again for another sunglass.

I checked with the guard the next morning and he checked the drawer where lost and found is to see if the other guards put anything in the drawer – nothing.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Ride the Rockies 2009 - Day 1

Greetings Readers

Day One - Ride the Rockies -

I woke up at the same time I usually do everyday – about 5 AM. I was cold, but not that cold - really. It was cold, because I have not slept outside for a while.

Today was the first day of bike riding in the 2009 Ride the Rockies.

I decided not to leave early for my first day of riding. I wanted to see the opening announcements (ceremonies) and then I would start after the precession goes that morning. Also, I was cold and wanted the Sun to be out and shining in all her glory.

I spent some time in the school cafeteria since the morning festivities did not start until 7:30 A.M. or so. During that time I was able to just sit and enjoy the morning. Enjoy the time sitting in a chair and not on a bike seat for the next 6 days. Oh yes Readers, I have been on a bike seat for six days, but never required to be in the bike seat for a bike tour for six days. Three days, but not six days.

Late last night I looked at the elevation profile and I saw that we riders were going to climb our first Mountain Pass on the first day of the Ride the Rockies. At 37 miles we riders will peak McClure Pass and then basically it is all-downhill from the summit Pass. Today’s route will be Glenwood Springs to Hotchkiss, Colorado. Hotchkiss?! Where in the fuck is Hotchkiss, Colorado?

80 miles away, but technically only 43 miles away. Meaning, that I only had 37 miles of riding up to McClure Pass. The rest of the bike route would be cake, in a manner of speaking. My worry yet to be seen was coming off McClure Pass.

I had no idea which direction Hotchkiss was from Glenwood Springs, except South. Again Readers, I did not download the tour manual nor did I do any research on the day’s route of the Ride the Rockies at all. I was blind on the bike route and I was not worried. Not at all was I worried.

I sported the Southpark Bike Jersey with the word’s of Cartman of “Oh Man You Guys Suck” on the back of my bike jersey.

To me this first day of 80 miles was my training ride. Shit, I can do 60 miles in my sleep. An extra 20 miles is nothing on my regular training of years past.

I biked steadily and just enjoyed the first day of being on the Ride the Rockies. I was in no mood to bike fast. But, I was in the mood to take some pictures of the bike route. After all, this may be the last time I bike this particular route in the Colorado Rockies.

For the first 12 miles or so I tried to find my biking, but I could not. I tried following some bikers, but they were to slow or too inexperience. I had quite of few riders pass me, but I was no mood to try and keep up with them, nor was I that much of a hurry to bike to the finish.

I saw a mountain in the distance, but knew that we were not going to be climbing that beast. Although, I knew that was the direction that we riders had to bike in.

I reached the first official aid station and decided to stop. I leaned my bike up against a bush and then headed towards the table that held the Gatorade. On the way to the Gatorade table I saw my first vendor selling food. Peanut butter & Jelly sandwiches for $ x.xx amount of dollars. I filled up my water bottles with Limeade Gatorade and headed back to my bike. I did grab a “free” banana before going back to my bike.

On the way to my bike I decided to take a few pictures of my bike and that one Mountain I saw earlier in the morning from a distance.

“Excuse me?”

I was not listening to what was just said since I knew it was not I.

“Excuse me?” I felt a finger on my back

I turned around.

“Could I please take a picture of your bike jersey? My son loves Southpark and I know that he would love to see this”

“Sure.” And smiled internally, but on the outside I agreed politely acting as if this nothing to me.

I turned South meanwhile she took a couple pictures of the back of my bike jersey. And that was that. I decided to take the first official picture of Andrea in the Colorado Rockies. She looked fucking good.

About a half an hour later I saw that we riders were entering a channel of mountains. Not necessarily mountain mountains, but mountains. Now, the question was where was I going to climb a fucking Colorado Rocky Mountain today? Which direction was I going to be biking in?

Readers, I knew the elevation climb, but I did not know the bike route of the course.

I soon rode upon the second aid station of the Ride the Rockies.

That second aid station was no different from any other aid station from any bike tour in the United States. The aid station was crowded with riders and bikes. Not to mention causing some traffic issues either way. Riders not moving out of the road nor the personal support vehicles giving way to the right of way traffic on the road.

I am not going to say it was sad to see, but it did fuel my feelings of being pissed off at other Ride the Rockies riders not giving way to the right of way traffic on a Colorado Highway. I do understand this is an aid station, but this aid station is located on a Colorado Highway and all laws pertain to motorized vehicles having the right of way. Period.

Once more I saw a few vendors selling Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches and other assorted food items.

After 29 miles I finally at ease and started to get into biking the Colorado Rockies. Yet, I think the main reason I was finally at ease was that I had the first mountain pass to climb this morning. Well, within 8 miles and I needed to be in the mood to climb a fucking mountain.

As I rode further south I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a road going up the side of the mountain. Damn. There she is. The road appeared to go downhill a bit, but then she rose up and that was the beginning of the first Mountain climb on the Ride the Rockies.

At the beginning of the climb there was an unofficial aid station selling cookies and smoothies, I think.

As much as I wanted to stay in my big ring gear on my crank, I downshifted to the third gear ring. Dang, I have not been in the third gear ring for years. Years baby! Wow, I could not believe I was in the third gear ring.

I found my first bike climb was going okay. I was going my own pace and ignoring the few people passing and I was ignoring the many riders I was passing on my climb. I heard a lot of gasping, heavy breathing and saw quite of few riders on the side of the road sitting or standing.

Me, I did not want to stop on my first hill climb. So, I just kept a nice pedaling pace and just enjoyed the climb to the top of this Mountain. When I made my first turn in the first hairpin turn of the Ride the Rockies I could not help to think of Forrest Gump. Crazy, I know. But I somehow got to thinking of when Forrest started running for three years in the movie. Gump was running up a mountain and made a turn in a hairpin turn on the mountain. Somehow I saw that almost same exact scene in my mind. This has nothing to with nothing, except that I just thought of that moment from the movie.

I made the mistake of looking further ahead in the distance to see if I could a road further ahead. Meaning, if I could see where I had to bike to up this mountain. Silly to some, stupid to others, or bring it on to the elite few. Readers, guess which one I was thinking. I saw some pretty colors on the trees – yellow, green and light green. Not to mention pine green.

Soon, we riders came to the first photo shot station. I was ready, but not ready. I did not have on a jacket so I was more than 50% ready, but looking like I wanted in the picture I was not.

A few minutes later I reached the aid station, which was just station off the summit of the road. I decided to stop and see the world from the top of McClure Pass. I parked my bike against a guardrail across the highway and walked towards the aid station. I saw a lot more riders and people at this aid station. There was even a DJ, playing music and having trivia or games to win a limited edition Ride the Rockies T-shirt.

I walked around a bit and then saw that the shortest line at a vendor was a vendor called Tracy’s Tasties. I saw Cheeseburgers, pop, brats and chips for a price. The Peanut butter and & Jelly line was long as well as other vendors offering food for us Ride the Rockies riders. I stood in the short line and a few minutes later I had a nice hamburger and Coca-Cola for lunch. Hell why not, I climbed the mountain and technically the bike route was all-downhill from here. The food will be okay and no issue of any more mountain climbing with a full stomach of food.

Oh the Hamburger was delicious. As I was eating it was so ironic that of all songs to be playing was a song from the movie Forrest Gump when he was running up a mountain. I started to listen to the music and of all songs to be playing on McClure Mountain pass was Jackson Brown singing – “Running on Empty.”

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields…

Readers, I started to get a bit teary eyed behind my Oakley lens and a bit choked up (lump in my throat) listening to Jackson Brown singing. Granted, it was only for a moment, but that moment has forever been burned in my mind. I managed to get the rest of my hamburger down and then enjoy my icy Coca-Cola.

I took a few more pictures at the top and then headed off to get off this mountain. I then saw the summit sign and knew I had to get a picture of me at the sign. There were not a lot of riders, but I had to get someone to take my picture. A few minutes later I got my picture taken and then I took a group of rider’s picture together. With that done it was time for the descent.

Readers, this was something that I was not looking forward to on my HED. rims. Not at all. At 8,700 feet going down the steeper side of McClure pass with my 90 rims I had to be very, I mean very careful, going down the mountain with no guardrails and with the winds blow every direction perhaps. I held on tightly to my handlebars and kept two fingers on each brake lever. I was not scared of speed, but scared of the wind, particularly the crosswinds.

I descended about 21 to 28 mph while others blew right passed me. Sure, I wanted to go fast, but I could not risk the wind blowing me and perhaps not reacting to a sudden wind gust and me riding off the road. I could not. There was a headwind, but the wind was also blowing across the road every now and then. So, I was right in a manner of speaking by just keeping my speed under 30 mph most of the time. I managed a speed of 32 mph for probably a few seconds, but braked to get my speed back down to the mid 20’s

Pretty soon I was at the next aid station 20 miles from McClure Pass. I did have a hard time coming off the summit mountain pass road, but once the steep part was over I was able to ride fast again.

According to the elevation map I looked at last night the bike route was all-downhill to our next stop. Well, it may be all-downhill, but as you know Readers there are always hills regardless of a map. And that was true. Overall, the route was a gradual downhill, with the occasional hill thrown in for good measure.

80 Miles was the destination, but topographically I had no fucking clue which direction our destination was in this part of the state of Colorado. As we Ride the Rockies riders biked through this part of the state I could not help to see two coalmines, which actually loaded up those freight trains with coal that I see every now and then. Kind of neat seeing an actually coal train being loaded up.

With my odometer finally getting into the seventy miles range we riders were directed to a side road. This side road was terrible and soon got worse. As we headed into a 180 curve there was a sign indicating wine tasting. I did not know what to make of it, but continued on.

As I continued on two other riders rode along me. We talked to each other and soon we were a trio heading onto our final destination. With the three of us together we kept a pretty good speed. No pace line, but a trio almost riding side by side. I had no desire to draft nor did they draft me. We passed rider after rider and soon I sped up.

I heard a train horn, but had no clue where that train was coming from. I rode over a set of railroad tracks and then thought to myself at least I made it across the train tracks without a train coming. Always a nice feeling. I do not know if the other two riders made it or not. I never looked back and did not know how far behind they were.

About three minutes later those two riders were on the side of me. We came across another set of train tracks and we noticed that there were about five to ten bike riders fixing their bike tires. What the fuck?! I immediately slowed down and analyzed the terrain of the train tracks and the ground. I picked a path across the middle of the road and braced myself. It was a hard crossing; I felt the tires hit the tracks hard. I think that these riders with the flat tires had improper tire inflation so when they rode / hit the train tracks the tubes got squeezed in between the tire and rim and causing the flat tires to happen to all those riders. Not enough air in the tube let the tube get a flat.

The trio rode slow and in the middle of the road across the train tracks and had no problem at all. We looked at each other and then behind us and back at each other and smiled. I smiled because I did not get a flat; who knows why the other two riders smiled.

I saw 79 miles on my odometer, but still could not see a point of stopping. I think we had a few more miles to ride, but to where. We soon exited onto a highway and headed what I thought was South once more.

81 miles and I saw the town of Hotchkiss. Finally, the stopping point. We followed the volunteer’s flags and then there was stopping point. The local high school. I saw the tents, the 18-wheeler’s and bikes.

I rode until I saw the bike corral, which was an enclosed tennis court by chain link fence. Perfect. I walked my bike in and locked up my HED. rims. I know my bike is safe, but not safe from any rider removing my HED. rims and replacing them with their cheap ass rims.

I was done. An easy 81-mile bike ride. A sprinkle of rain, but overall a warm afternoon. Warmer than Glenwood Springs. The Sherpa packer was there, but they were setting up the tents still. I found my bag and then waiting until my tent was set up.

About 40 minutes later my tent was up and time for me get settled. Once settled I got my fresh set of clothes and shower gear and headed for the shower truck. There was a line at the shower truck.

Readers, I never heard so much fucking complaining by men. We men say that women complain a lot, but what I heard waiting for the shower puts the complaining by women to shame. Yes, I too could have complained, but it is a line for the shower and any complaining is basically a waste of breath. Of course this is my humble opinion, but really Readers any vocal complaining made by me would not have any effect of making the line move faster. I waited for about 30 minutes or so. I was not mad, nor impatient. When my turn came around then so be it. I was here in Hotchkiss and I had no immediate plans or dates to abide by. After the shower, who in the fuck knew what I was going to do next.

I soon met up with Nick, the guy who gave me a ride up to Glenwood Springs about an hour later. We headed over to the Beer Garden, which was being held at the local fairgrounds. We both ordered a hamburger from a vendor at the beer garden and found a place near the music stage. I told Nick that this hamburger was nothing compared to the hamburger I had on McClure Pass. He said he didn’t know about that. I told him that hamburger I had was so delicious and worth it.

We ate then we headed to the beer tent and I bought us two beers apiece. My treat since Nick did not take my gas money. We were once more in from of the stage and the local band was trying to tune up. Tried? Well, it took over 30 minutes – Prima donnas. My monitor is not working. My microphone is too loud. Not enough bass. Blah blah blah.

The band then started to play and they were just okay. No covers, but songs with a beat.

An hour later I was ready to leave and told Nick I was leaving.

I headed back to my tent and then got my biking gear ready for tomorrow. At about 9 PM I heard the freight train horn and thought to myself I hope that does not sound off at 1 AM in the morning. I fucking hope not. I looked at my Ride the Rockies map for Day 2 and saw that was another 80-mile day ahead of us riders. The elevation gain looked a bit tougher and the route a bit tougher even after we hit the highest point of bike route. Between Mile 25 and Mile 35 there appeared to be a steep climb for us riders. Yet, I noticed at the end of the bike route there was about 25 miles of flat terrain. Hmmm, that may a point where I will be able to ride like I do when at Cherry Creek Reservoir going all out. Although that will depend on how much energy I will deplete on the climb. According to the elevation map at Mile 35 was when the day’s mountain climbing was going to be over. There are a few steep angles on the route map, but nothing to worry about, in my humble opinion.

I was not tired, so I pulled out my PSP and played some more Lemmings to pass the time.

It was close to 10 PM and I knew I better call it a night. I put in my earphones from the CD player with Tiesto and pushed play. It was light’s out for me until the morning. I was not awaken by either a freight train horn or a rider snoring too loudly.

Quick Update: 06/14/09 at 7:30 PM - I have internet access and I have a limited time. Today was a pretty good day. 81.?? miles today. Starting from Glenwood Springs and riding to Hotchkiss. There was some headwinds after 10 AM and then crosswinds. Overall, I did good. I did not go out to race and try to be the best hill climber. Although McClure Pass - Fucking Climb on my bike and now able to stick a pin on my map at my humble abode on another mountain pass fucking conquered on my bike.

People loved the Southpark jersey and the HED. rims. I even got a few people wanting a picture of the back of my bike jersey. I did take a lot of pictures and even had some thoughts of particular moments on this Day One

By the way Readers - Who in the Fuck won the Stanley Cup?!?! I still do not know nor have looked or asked to see which team one. I hope Pittsburgh.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - No Permit Day

Greetings Readers

In the past week I guess the required RTD Light Rail Bike Pass has been eliminated, in a manner of speaking.

What I mean is that my Light Rail Bike Pass is obsolete.

I kind of compare myself to that fictional character Carlito Briganti in that movie Carlito’s Way.

“Old School.”

How many of you bike riders in the Denver area can claim and show their RTD Light Rail Bike pass?

Up until recently I was more than legit (and probably the only blogger that can verify) that could actually say that I had the right to bring my bike on the Light Rail Train. Whereas, all you bike riders out there could not back up that fact with the required RTD Light Rail Bike Pass.

Does that make me better than you? No. Yet, it does make me one step better than you, meaning at least I had a RTD Light Rail Bike Pass and you didn’t. And I was not breaking the law.

What inspired this blog post was that I saw a huge sign on the driver’s window between the cab and light rail passenger car on how to load and stay on the Light Rail with your bike.

My first thought was who in the world fucked it up finally for the rest of us bike riders who have been following the rules (guidelines).

Who has to be the asshole to not to stand with their bike at the end of the Light Rail Car? I see riders from time to time stand with their bike in the aisles or even in the middle of the Light Rail Car. I do not have a problem with boarding from the middle of the car if you know the Light Rail Car is going to leave at any moment. After all, I do not want to miss a Light Rail car and have to wait for another Light Rail Train, which could be up to another 15 minutes. Let me tell you Readers I curse like a Sailor if I missed that Light Rail Train, because I try boarding at the end of the Light Rail Car as the doors are closing. And most of the time the Driver has done something in the cab that makes the doors stay shut once that close and will not open even if I push that green button to open those doors. So, if I see those doors a closing then I will make haste to the nearest door, which most of the time is the middle of the Light Rail Car and stick my leg into the doors to interrupt the door from closing. I then board in the middle of the Light Rail Train and then head to the end of the Light Rail Car.

Who was the motherfucker who would not move from sitting on the sit with his/her bike at rush hour while other passengers were looking for a place to sit? What I mean is that every now and then I see some bike riders sit on the seat while holding onto their bike in the aisle during morning and / or evening rush hour. These riders ignore the other passengers who do not have bikes and will not move from their seat. I do not have a problem if there are hardly any riders, but I have seen this type of situation more often than not and these bike rider(s) refuse to give up their seat, when in fact they are required to stand at the end of the Light Rail Car.

Those are just a couple of thoughts that I immediately thought when I saw that posted sign on the Light Rail Trains driver’s window. Again - Who in the world fucked it up for me and now how harder are the Light Rail Security personnel going to be on me? I despise them already (but not for the reason you probably do) and I did not need to feel more spite for them, in case they are going to be watching us bike riders closely when on and off the Light Rail Train.

Most of the time I have my Ipod on, my Oakleys on and trying to mind my own business. Yes Readers, trying. I know that I do not do a good job of minding my business, but there are times when someone else (another passenger) is breaking the rules posted, I have an attitude and decide that is the moment for me to get involved or start some shit. Whether to be right, to be an asshole or just to get myself pumped up for no reason than just to see how my interaction is going to turn out.

After that morning revelation I decided to check out the RTD website and I see on the web page that the required RTD Light Rail Bike Pass has been eliminated for good. No longer required.

Now, it is time for this old dinosaur bike rider to “retire” his RTD Light Rail Bike Pass for good.

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