The Last Tuesday of 2006

Greetings People

I guess I have to quickly make a blog entry. I am not in the mood to really write, but as I said before I do have a lot to tell and a lot of topics to choose from. But I will tell those tales later.

To sort of re-cap in a few. I made it through the blizzard of 2006, however with that storm I had to cancel my travel plans and I stayed at home. The main reason was that DIA was close for a day or so and with that it put a lot of people on standby and that meant people were most likely trying to get out of Colorado anyway that they can. Whether it was by bus, driving, or catching a ride out of Colorado. What else sealed the deal was that four of our cattle decided this was the time to give birth to four calves.

Well, this entry was pretty short, with that I will catch up later

P.S. Woo-hoo - the days now start to get longer!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

6 days before the day of reckoning

Greeting People

So, I am thinking about going on vacation for Christmas, but I will not be taking any extra days off. I will have to make use of the days that have been granted to me and I will see if that will be enough. Well, I guess that will have to be okay, since I did not schedule any days off. My parents are in a different state and the drive is about 8 hours – no less. So, I have a day of traveling then one day of rest and then another day of traveling back home. I can do that, but the thought of being out on the road is not very exciting. Although, I will be able to bring my new portable DVD player, which I will be thinking of Julia ,when I watch a movie.

Oh, I forgot I have another incident that happened in Lonetree, CO. I met Tom Green from Channel 2 news on Friday. Yes, I recognized him from the morning show since most of the time I usually have that station going on while I get ready for work. However, lately I have been watching channel 13 (fox news). I basically like seeing Dan Daru once more. Dan was on Channel 2, but he left some time ago, after his wife had a child and now I have discovered that he is now on channel 13. Dan is a character and I have to say that the first few times that I saw him I was appalled, but then I got his sense of humor and now I like watching his reports. Hah hah. So, I digressed….anyway I saw Tom Green coming out of the Recreation center in Lonetree and I immediately recognized the mug. I was walking with someone and I saw secretly “hey is that Tom Green?” I did not want Tom to get high and mighty about himself about someone like me recognizing him. Anyway, I said it to him softly and by that time Tom had reached us so I said “Hi you are Tom Green right” He said yes “and you are?” I said “Daryl Charley” and that was that.

Now, we are bro’s. Kidding. Man we are just like that. Lol. Now readers, you see I can make up anything after this to make this sound interesting. Actually, I have been joking about this to my co-worker about meeting Tom Green. Yesterday, I said I was still in awe of meeting Tom Green and I also mentioned the spot that we met for the first time.

You see – I can milk this incident for all its nothingness, so to speak.

Also of note, I have only ridden three times (total of 10 miles) in the past three weeks. An amazing fact readers! The cold that I had, well still lingering, has kept me off my bikes and it has been cold so that was also a determination factor why I have not been riding. I will have to do some totaling of my bike miles pretty soon. I usually do this about this time of the year and see what sort of miles that I have put on.

Well, this was a random blog, but I thought I had better write something since it has been a few days for me not posting anything. I do have a lot to say, but I need to think about it before blogging.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The RTD Light Rail incident in Lonetree, CO

Greetings People

Well, I guess... er I know, my mood has gotten better, improved one might say, over the past 24 hours.

As I have mentioned in the past, I think. Well, maybe not on this blog, but sometimes "It is the little things in life that might bring a smile to your face"

Well, I walking to the light rail station after work yesterday. Still full of piss and vineager one might say. Actually, I would relate myself to was that I was walking with attitude and the chip on my shoulder from when I woke up was still there. Oh yes, sometimes you wake up with an attitude and that stays for the whole day. As was the case with me on this particular day. So, I was walking with my head high, taking long strides and with the face of "Don't fuck me with" mood all over.

A woman was "pacing" from which I saw from a distance, but I thought she was just waiting for the light rail started making a straight line for me and I knew she had her sights on me, but I gave no acknowledgement of her. I kept my eyes straight and my stride was still strong. Then, those immortal words were spoken by her "Excuse me. excuse me." I had picked up my pace so she actually had to pick up her pace in order to intercept me from getting by her. Oh, I nearly lost my cool. I did not want to do a survey tonight, nor could I fucking care less about how you have no money and need to borrow a dollar to get home. As you readers know, I have my Russian "girlfriend" asking for money and you know that outcome. I was not even going to give any money away - especially today. And more importantly no dollar to an American woman this evening.

So, getting back to story I turned my head to her, showed my "who the fuck do you think you are?!" face and said "yes" in cold, terminator voice. She then start a speel and I gave her less than 10 seconds in my mind to wrap it up. She said she was sorry on behalf of RTD and please accept this gift from her, RTD. I might of mentioned before - I was wound up, like a crack ho needing some drugs, and I said something to the effect "what is the catch?!" I was still having the attitude and I was not going to give her any of my information nor was I going to sign any papers. She said "Nothing. free." Immediately, I got rid of the attitude and came down from the archs of heaven and joined the rest of the human race on earth and said "thank you" with remorse in my voice. I managed a smile and became submissive in this conversation. I think, I said sorry for my initial "coldness", but I did follow up with more thank you's since the initial thank you I said.

The gift was a $ 5.00 dollar gift card to Starbucks. I hate to say this, but that $ 5.00 dollar gift card turned my day right around. Not just because of $ 5.00 dollars, but the gift itself. I thought and have been thinking about buying my Large Mocha Frap with whipped cream in my "OG" coffee mug from the 90's tomorrow.

In closing, yes I am human and yes I have my days where I want to be left alone. I realize how bold it was her to approach me in what I am sure she saw hostilty in me. She took her chance with me and now I post my "I am sorry" to her even though she will never know most likely.

Until the next time readers...

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

My Russian Woman and new DVD player

Greetings People

I think that I am almost up to being well. I have a slight cough, I am still blowing my nose like crazy and I have stopped taking any medication. All this is a good sign and I do not have to worry about having a relapse.

Although, today I woke up in a foul mood. Well, let me tell you I think that it started yesterday afternoon and I was getting pissed more and more every hour. Nothing to mention since there are many people who might read the reason why I am fucking pissed off. No need to bring any more conflict into my life. I have learned that you have to let it go.

Oh by the way, in case one of you readers are wondering if it is the person who did not say "thank you" to me when I held two doors open for you. It is not that, but as you can tell I am still not over that. I would probably let it go if it was one door, but two doors and no thank you. Well, that is just plain rude. Oh yes I know who this person is and I this particular face is hard not to remember.

Guess what folks? My russian woman has email me that she is coming to the US and wants some help with some money to finance her visa. I was laughing hard at this. I was laughing so hard that I was coughing, since I am still sick. Oh, I am not that easy. ::snicker:: I guess I better let you on this. I had googled her name (information) early in our correspondence and guess what - she is a scammer. Apparently, she sends out emails to guys, and yes I saw the same exact emails that were sent to me that were posted on a scammer identification site. I also saw the same pictures that were sent to me that were sent to other people. I also read that other guys that did post to the site did send money to her. How stupid are these guys. If you are desperate guys - stay in the US, go to bar/nightclub or something local. Sending money to a foreign woman and expecting her to come for you alone is a "sucker bet" Get off the computer and go socialize with the real world. There are women, US women, out there looking also. Yes, you got an email from a foreign woman that says you are wonderful, she tells you about her "life", she sends you pictures of herself, etc. I started emailing with her about two months ago so now it two months into emailing back and forth and I was just waiting for the day she was "going to come to the US and she needs money". hah hah. I could of busted her on this, but I did enjoy getting her emails. No loss for me, except to enjoy another experience of life. She was leading me on, but more importantly I was leading her on, by taking two months from her life. I guess we will see or not, since I have given her this link in one of my emails.

That is another thing. I am sure that any emails they send are full of information and I am sure that all the info is bogus. Anyway, I have responded to a few, to make sure that she knows that I am still interested. 99 % percent of the time I never got any answers to my questions I asked. She can write a email, with such adverbs and colorful adjectives, but the sentence structure was awful. I responded with bogus information also and never pledged "my love" to her. I said this and that, nothing concrete. Just like a pen pal.

Oh alright, I better get going, but let me see if I can find some pictures to show you. She is cute though - if it is her =) Nothing dirty, but pictures of her in different poses. Oh, I could go on and on this subject. Perhaps this is something I can talk about indepth later. Thinking about this more and more I could actually talk a lot about this. Kind of interesting when I have started to think about this more and more.

As I blogged the other day about my new contacts I decided to buy an impulse gift for me and that was a portable DVD player. Yes, I do like it. It is no name brand, but for 90 dollars I could not resist. You know what this is really? - that is the $ 90.00 dollars that Julia could of had in order to help her cause to get to the US just for me - HAHAHAHAHHAHA. I will think of Julia everytime I watch a movie on my portable DVD player! Now my friend, that is my love pledged.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Happiest Guy...I ever knew...

Greetings People

I guess the title of this blog says it all. I would almost quote the Depeche Mode's song "The Happiest Girl. I ever knew...", but I am not a goil, I'm a guy.

Yesterday, I had another follow up to my eyes and I got the best, er bestest, news I have heard in a long time. I am to wear contacts once more! Oh my gosh. I could not believe it. Granted, me and my eye doctor have to monitor for the next two weeks and make sure that my issues do not start up once more.

As of 12:15 PM yesterday afternoon I was wearing contacts again and I celebrated by buying another computer game yesterday.

So, this morning, roughly 57 days later I picked up my Oakleys off my bathroom counter, washed and dried them off and then put them on for the first time in almost two months. I was so myself and I think I will be more and more later today. I do not have to worry about my vision being impaired partly, nor do I have to worry about pushing my eyeglasses back up on my face.

I, I.... was shaking so badly after putting in the first contact yesterday I could not put in the other side. I had to have my doctor do it for me. Shaking with joy. And not because lack of caffeine. Now, I am walking around with a smile on my face like I just had sex. Yes, that is happiness for me.

I even made the effort to go for a ride yesterday and I was so confident, since I did not have my eye glasses. Whereas, I have not been riding since I have been wearing my eyeglasses. The ride felt so good. No, I did not put my Oakleys on yesterday - I was still so happy and filled with glee that I did not even bother going home to get the Oakleys. I even cleaned my other 6 Oakley lens so I can start using those, since I will be wearing my Oakleys full-time.

Now, switching gears, the Ironman Hawaii that was on t.v. this weekend. The show was good, but it lacked something and I think it was the mood of the music that was wrong. The music and format has been changing for the past two years from the ominous mood music they used. Now, the show has "beat" music and "pick me up" music, which is fine, but the Ironman for us watchers is whether or not they finish, not whether they come in first or not. Yes, it is a race, but in the years of the t.v showings it is about finishing the Ironman and may be not finishing.

I did not cry or tear up through out the show, but I did when the Team Hoyt did not make the cut-off time. We faithful watchers know that there time was up a couple of years ago, but father time has come and taken the toll on Team Hoyt. I did not tear up for that moment, but did thinking about what has transpired in the past 7 years for them.

The last one that I really shed some tears on was the blind guy being lead, by a string, by his guide/friend. The blind guy had a number, his guide did not. This guide did the Ironman Hawaii for this blind guy, probably his friend. However, the guide did not have a number nor did the Ironman Hawaii issue him a number. Fair is fair, but I cried for the guide, because this guy finished the Ironman and he got no recognition of any sort, that I could see. That is dedication my friends! That is loyalty and more importantly, that is what you would, should do, for someone who needs help. Put yourself out for someone who needs it more. That is complete opposite of being selfish and with me being me that is the ultimate sacrifice for yourself in competing. Even the ABC tv replay had no other in depth info was told about this guide.

In closing, with the Ironman Hawaii 2006 I am glad that Norman Stadler won once more. I am also glad he did not fucking meltdown like he did from last year. I have had a meltdown like that before and he acted the same way I did. Natache Baadman had a hard time this year, but I am glad to see her smile as she was coming down the Queen K. There was nothing about Lori, except in the very beginning of the swim. Her smile is also very contagious for me. The stories were okay, but nothing compelling for me to get really emotional about. The Blazeman, I am glad I was able to follow him last year and to see someone remember him this year.

Alright folks, once more I have taken some time from your life and I thank you for sitting a spell with me for a bit.

P.S. I am glad that the "Models" won the Amazing Race. I wished the "sistas" would of, but I knew, yes knew, from the start that they had no chance to make a run for first place

P.S.S. The Nip / Tuck finale is the Tuesday. I am hoping for a good one and I do hope we get to see another season. Rumor mill - Joely will not be back, per one of the tabloids I saw in the grocery store. Nip / Tuck for me interesting and enjoyable.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Doesn't this photo say "I'm OG, Brah" ?!?!

Greetings People

I can not believe that I have to re-type this blog entry. What makes this worse for me is that I am sick, literally, and I do not want to type any more.

So, here I go again and this will not be the same word for word, or if I want to sound smart - per verbatim.

Here is a photo from the day of the Boulder Backroads Marathon 2003. I had just gotten home from Boulder and I was sort of in a foul mood and I was literally fucking tired. This is the face of a driven man and the face of a man who has ran two marathons in two weeks. Anyway, I think this photo now says - "I'm OG, Brah!" or may be in my own words "Don't fuck with me honeychilde"

Of course, my co-worker would say "brah" is for Point Break movie watchers. I neglected to say that this was also the word Cartman used as Dawg the Hall Monitor.

So, I have been out of commisson for the past week due to an off and on cold that has been trying to put me down and out. Down for the count is what this cold wants. I almost was out - I have been sleeping and resting around the clock and I hate being like that. Basically useless is how I interpet this situation, if you will. I have not been able to run, bike, go out, be up, or worse yet, play with my new computer that I got just before Thanksgiving.

In closing, I have added some more photos from the Boulder Backroads Marathon 2003 and Courage Classic Tour 2001 so take a look if you want to see some more grand pictures of me.

With that I will let you readers go, more importantly, let me go back to my life of slurping soup and sleeping. Urgh.

Oh, the grand daddy is on this Saturday - IRONMAN HAWAII - from this October. If you want to see what I want and also had a taste of this with the IRONMAN ARIZONA I competed in please watch. And yes, I actually made it this far without finding out who won the women's and men's title. Woo hoo. I have been looking forward to this event ever since October - the replay!

Until the next time

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

First day of the Last Month in 2006

Greetings People

I have to say that it was pretty interesting doing some searches on Blogger.com by different words. I only browsed for about an hour and a half, but I was able to "surf" the entire North American region - I went from PA, to Buffafo, to Portland, then to South Carolina, then Halifax and then finished up in New York. Sort of a mixed bag of info. Only a couple blogs really caught my eye and gave me some ideas on a direction for next year, which I am already planning.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you about which direction I am thinking about - planning a biking journal perhaps, or maybe a wealth of useless info maybe. I could do a daily blog of riding, but that does not really sound interesting, unless something happens. Yet true to life, about 95 percent of the time something does happen to me while riding around "my hood".

I am someone unique. Yes, I know that we all are unique, but I am more unique that you think. I have mentioned some words about me and after reading them again to myself I am someone you may relate to, but would never admit it. Hah hah.

Well, Just a quick blog and then I am going to think more about this blogging direction this weekend and see what sort of ideas that I might come up with.

I know this might be rambling you are reading, but that is what a "blog" means to me. It is also some of the things that I have noticed on others blogs.

"Welcome People" things will get interesting...

Maybe I even will tell you about my "Russian" woman I am corresponding with from St Petersberg, Russia. That is something interesting already, baby!. You think you are laughing now, well wait until you hear this story.

Told you I was unique

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Last Day in November of 2006

Greetings People

I know I should of blogged something, but I have been on vacation for the past week and I also have been busy prior to going on vacation. So much to talk about since I was out of touch with the world. I hope everyone's holiday was good. Until the next time, my pretties

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Orange Snowman or Orange Eskimo in Denver, CO

Greeting People

I was taking the local RTD bus the other morning, because of a flat tire. There I was minding my own business when I sort of noticed an orange snowman moving its legs nearby where I was sitting on the bus. Lo and behold the orange snowman was an orange ski parka that held a former co-worker whom I worked with at Archstone-Smith. For personal reasons I will list her by first name only. Jackie. I had not seen her since she had went out on medical leave for.... anyway, we I left Archstone-Smith she was out on leave and I never got to say goodbye to her. I got up out of my seat said "Hey girl" We only had a few street and bus stops between us before she had to get off at the stop near the Archstone-smith building near Yosemite and Dry Creek. Husband, child and herself is doing well. I told her the same - I am doing well. It was good to see her and if you are reading this now - "HEY Jackie!" She and I are going on vacation next week and both heading in the same direction - South. I could of caught a ride with her. I guess my bad for not contacting her since I left Archstone-Smith.

Other than that, a beautiful day in Colorado and the weather is sunny, in the 60's and a little wind. Alright folks, I guess I better get going and I will try to post a bit more before I leave on vacation next week. Oh, the eye has improved in the past three weeks so I am hoping to be back in contacts by mid-December. Hope the best and never wish. Wishes are for Fairies. Sort of like Applesauce is for babies. =)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Other Blogs have been added !

Greetings People

Just a quick note - I have been adding new blogs to my blog site. Please go to my main profile page and you can see and select the blogs that you want to read about. Enjoy yourself.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

SouthPark Re-cap - so far

Greetings People

Some things on Southpark are just too much. Let me see - we are on the 5th episode of the Southpark's 10th season.

The first episode - World of Warcraft
the second -Conspiracy Theory
third - Hall Monitor
fourth - Satan's Halloween Party
fifth - Ms Garrison/Nintendo Wii - Part 1

Where do I begin.

Ike saying to Kyle "You are dead to me Kyle"
Cartman as Dog the Hallway Monitor "Go with Christ"
Kyle talking to President Bush "Really?!"
Butters uttering "Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls"

The images are just as bad, especially last night's episode showing Ms Garrison's chest. That gave me the heebee geebees, even now thinking about it - that's just messed up. Ike in bed with his school teacher, Cartman saying that he stuck his finger up his butt and then asked a girl if she smelled lemon grass on his finger. Butters getting down at Satan's Halloween party with Biggie Smalls next to him. How about the image of "Beth" (Cartman's(Dawg's assistant)) and her bosom so big that you could not even see her face, only the top of her eyes. What about the Steve Irwin showing up at Satan's Halloween party as himself. And to close off with Ms Garrison taking a crap in his hand, in the classroom and then throwing his feces at the replacement teacher?!

Man oh man - "that is F'd in the A!" as Cartman would say.

I guess I have nothing more to say about this, for now anyway.

All the snow that had fallen last week has basically all melted away. We are in the mid 50's today and the weather is suppose to get warmer and warmer.

Oh, by the way, I actually had to get fitted for new eye glasses. I have been sidelined with glasses for a bit and I needed a new pair since my old pair is about 15 to 17 years old. I guess I look okay, but I am still a bit self conscious about wearing them. Last Monday was my first day of wearing glasses full time again. I have a follow up check up on November 12 to see how things are going with my eye and I am hoping for the best. Glasses are okay, but I did not realize how much sight I have lost due to the constriction of my viewing of the world through glasses. I really want to wear both of my contacts again.

The Fallen Athlete
Daryl Charley

Happy Halloween 2006

Greetings People

The thing with blogging - I can write a simple blog and it would not have to be one of my epic stories, or something messed up, or funny, or whatever. For instance, I can say

Happy Halloween!

and...

Two Week Ago In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Greeting People

Sometimes a week goes by as "slow as molasses in winter time" and other times a week goes by so fast.

I never have been to the opening day of the Balloon Festival in Albuquerque. Let us say that was an amazing sight to see in the early morning sun that came over Sandia Peak on the East side of Albuquerque. Dawn patrol started about 6:00 am and their goal was to test the air and wind and see how the conditions of the morning were going to be. This Dawn patrol is essential to all the balloonist since there are going to be quite a few of them in the air.

Located just to the North of Albuquerque is where Balloon Festival Park is located. That is the starting point for the balloonist to begin their ascent into the sky. the balloon are assigned into waves and the waves are timed out and incredible to watch the ascention. Not to mention all the people in attendance that are present to see this world wide event happen.

Well, that being said. On opening day the balloonist do not take off from Balloon Festival Park. Instead, the balloonists are assigned to many different elementary schools throughout the city of Albuquerque. I think I saw as many as eight balloons at one elementary school getting ready to lift off.

I am assuming that the coordinators at each of the schools get the okay to start the lift offs of the balloons and the next thing you know there are balloons floating up in the air from all over Albuquerque. The sight was unbelievable. My dad was driving so me and my mom were able to see balloons around us. My dad unfortunately had to focus on the road in front of him and also be careful of the traffic around us since this was Friday morning traffic time. I lost count around 90 balloons.

So, I think the balloons stayed in the air for about 30 minutes then next thing you know the balloons are literally dropping to the ground right in front of you. You can see the balloonist in their baskets looking for a place to land. They are limited to the landing area depending on which way the wind was blowing them. As we were coming up 4th street going north we saw one balloon select a spot in between the main road and a sub division. The supposed landing area was on a hill and the utility lines were sort of here and there and the space was about 40 yards long. Amazingly enough that balloon landed safely. Of course while that was happening right in front of us there were three more balloons coming down to the west of us. All of them picking little landing area between building and homes. If you had your window down you can hear the gas increase or decrease if they were added more hot air to the balloon for more lift in order to clear a utility line or building/home. Pretty amazing.

Now, while that was going on you had to be careful of the "chase vehicles". The chase trucks were trucks with trailers who were assigned to follow their balloon and help them out. These drivers were good not to mention on their toes watching, following and anticipating the flight path of the balloon. I sort of related the sight to storm chasers or tornado chasers and how they follow their subjects.

By eight in the morning almost all the balloons were down and the opening morning of the Balloon Festival was over. I am glad I was able to watch this amazing event and also that the rain did not come. Saturday was a partial rain out and part of Sunday was also a rain out due to the cold front that had arrived Friday night/Saturday morning.

The First Endo of the Year

Greeting People

I have to start and mention that this morning on my bike ride into work, which I also did on my mountain bike I bought this summer, I went up and over my handlebars. Sort of like an ungraceful ballerina or maybe a ballerina who decided to get wasted before an event. It happened so quick next thing you know I was laying on right side in the three to five inches of snow that had fallen in the past 24 hours.

You know I guess this is why I have a blog. I can tell you, or even remind myself of the misfortunes of my life. I know you probably shaking your head in disbelief, but I guess I am here to amuse you.

So, returning to the story.

I had to ride along the side of the road, basically in the gutter. There was no sidewalk on this portion of the road. The morning was a bit cold and the sun had not quite warmed up the snow and ice that had been compacted in the gutter in the night. I had to be careful of the frozen ice and slushy ice that was being warmed up by the sun. Well, there was I going up Park Meadows Drive, with my music going on the background.....

Oh, on a side note once more, let me tell you people about the new CD burner that I bought this past weekend. I was able to get last year's Sony model of the CD burner that one of the Office Depots had out on clearance. Since I have not been able to buy a new computer and unable to buy the Ipod that was suppose to buy last month which I have been brooding about, if you will. I saw the burner and saw that the specs met one of my computer's requirements and decided to gamble. Long story short I able to get the baby installed all by myself Sunday night and then I bought the CD-RW disc on Monday. Oh let me tell also, that while I was in Wal-Mart I had to ask for help since I no clue on whether to buy a CD-R or a CD-RW discs. But let me tell you that the Wal-mart employee was able to set me straight that morning. He sort of noticed I knew nothing about burning. Or probably thinking that this guy does not know his head from his ass. Well, I would not taken offense even if he said that. I am green behind the ears... well not green anymore since I am able to tell you that I have burned my first CD! He automatically recommended that I buy the CD-RW discs since I am beginner and would basically "Fuck it up" and then I would up the creek. I am happy to tell you I am glad I did buy the CD-RW since I tried to "burn" a CD Monday night and I did have problems - tiff, wma, etc, too many fucking audio formats and I did not get the hang of what format to rip to until near midnight. I will pass on my wisdom right now - you better "burn" in wav format since that what my CD music is recorded in. This info will save some headaches and lots of Donald Duck imitations that I was doing late Monday night and well into Tuesday morning. I could of been mistaken as Donald Duck with all that muttering and walking around in a pissed off state of mind.

...so going up Park Meadows Drive listening to my first "burned" CD. I was listening to the Scorpions version of "Dust in the Wind" and then next thing you know I was gliding through the air on a one way ticket downward arch to kiss Mother Earth personally. This fall was sort of controlled, since I sort of know how to fall, as opposed to the other people who fall like stone to the earth. Remember - I said I was"gliding" to earth. I only "fell like a stone" early in my falling days. Hah hah. I immediately turned my body to land on my side with my arm against my side and then fwump. I was glad I was not on the CD track "Fragile" by Sting, otherwise this blog might of been different.

Not a thump, but a fwump. A fwump is when you land in snow. Woo hoo - another fall that I was able to get up and laugh about. Son of a bitch - I must be experienced in accidents, unlike others I know who get themselves "F'd in the A" as my favorite little buddy would say. Also, a fwump is much more gentle than a thump. And even better than a bump bump your fucked thump. Hah hah. I am now making myself smile and laugh. I can laugh, because I have experienced all those sort of falls.

A couple of cars slowed down but I waved indicating the universal sign that I was okay and that was that. I was smiling and laughing to myself. I guess I need more riding time on my mountain bike. Granted, this was the first time that I rode the bike in the snow, which was the plan this morning. But, I bet that if I was riding my road bike this accident would not of happened. Then of course I would not been able to entertain you reader with another accident in my life.

Alright, until the next time I bid you adieu.

The Fallen Athlete
Daryl Charley

Something from the Plains of New Mexico

Greetings People

Here is a picure that I like, but does not show the mother of the bitch - HeartBreak Hill. This woman is located in the early part of the Santa Fe Century, but still a hill that one should not take lightly. She can take down 90 percent of the riders that try and tame the bitch. I do have some journals of the Santa Fe Century, but I am currently in the process of loading onto Blogger.com. Anyway, this picture is the smile of a well done job that awaiting for me at the top of the climb. Yet, the bitch took a shot at me and nearly caused me a heartbreak on this day.

Vacation Time

Greetings People

I am sorry to say that I am on vacation starting now and I will not be back until next week. So, I bid you adieu

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A lost photo roll that was found amid tapes

Greetings Readers

Well, well, well sometimes when you least expect it something puts something back into perspective with life.

I submitted roll of film and little did I know that this roll of film was over a year and a half old. Actually all the pictures were still intact, but some showed a little color failure. Not a problem. I am going to post some pictures in the next few days/weeks - most will show my beautiful SouthPark jersey, which was the jersey for this year - 2006. I wore this baby to all my official events, whether it was running or riding. The season is about over and soon this will be sent to the "other" jersey.

I did find a new jersey two weeks ago - The official T-Mobile bike Jersey for this year - on sale. It is so pink - I love the color and I think I can pull it off, but I do not know. The other part of the roll included some pictures of my Ironman Arizona that I attempted in April 9, 2005. Sure it brought back some memories, but more importantly it reminded me that I still have two more years to re-apply for Ironman Arizona. That week was still the best time I ever had to date and I was able to relish the time that I was able to spend with my parents.

On another note, the Boulder Backroads Marathon happened this past weekend, but the event did sell out before I could sign up on the last day of registration. No big deal since if I made the cut or not - it matter very little to me. Although yearning for another marathon medal on my wall reminds me of another opportunity to grab my fame, and let me admit it, my shallowness. Whatever - Boo-yah

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sunset - the Coming of Fall 2006

Well the Fall season is upon us this Friday - Sept 22, 2006 I am not sure how to get ready for the coming months and what my outlook for next year's biking/running going to be. I have many ideas, but still unsure. With that I will end on that note.

The Nip/Tuck Test - Ooh Baby - To a T !!!!

Take the Nip / Tuck personality quiz to see which character you are!

Elephant Rock Ride 2006 (The Epic Story)

June 4th 2006

Introduction

Unfucking believable – Can you readers believe that I have been officially biking for ten years now. Ten years! I have done numerous bike tours in the past ten years, I have race professionally for about a year and then competed in an Ironman Triathlon (Arizona). Looking back on my life – Unequivocally, this is exactly where I expected to be in my biking career even though the only thing that has eluded me is the Ironman Hawaii Triathlon.

Well, as you have surmised readers I have not written in two years since I went into training for the Ironman Arizona. Yes, I have done a few events, but nothing that I wrote about nor probably could recollect anymore. I might have to check my laptop computer, but I do not think I have any notes saved, but I will check and who knows I might entertain you with a short story.

Anyway, I am here to declare that I have reemerged into the cycling world. I said I was retired, but I came out of retirement and I have come back with a vengeance, so far. I trained myself pretty darn good in the past six months. Andrea, Tracy, Heidi and yes even Sarah have gotten some mileage this year with me. When I take one of these women with me on my training rides, it seems like old times. One would say that it is like riding a bike, you never forget.

For the readers who do not wish to proceed with me into my world – “Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out!”

Finally, in the past I have always used a movie quote to start off my epic biking adventure stories. However, this time I am going to use a partial music lyric from the opening song of The Sopranos.


Sunday, June 4, 2006 Castle Rock, Colorado - Elevation 6,989

"Woke up this morning
got yourself a gun"

The Sopranos

Note: This here story is about my bike riding and nothing else. Maybe some surprises other than that strictly all about me. Me, me, and me. If this is not your cup of tea then read no further. Remember, if you do not like what you are reading you do not have to read any further.

“If I could only stand and stare in the mirror would I see
One fallen hero with a face like me”

W.A.S.P.

The re-awakening of the fallen athlete and not a hero.

One may say that waking a sleeping giant may be a cause for alarm. However, in the case of this particular cyclist that is the farthest thing away from the truth. It is the beast you have revived and he is fucking pissed off.

The Elephant Rock is a bike tour event that Daryl does not schedule during any of the years of his cycling season and/or training. The main reason is that the event is too fucking crowded to begin with. With the tour event having over 7000 cyclist each year there are just too many riders to begin with. The other reason is he really can not justify paying money on where he does most of his training rides.

Only the seasoned and long distance riders endure the ill-effects of this tour event. The veteran riders have to deal with the newbie riders, which number in the thousands and then with all the new riders in the tour they take the shorter route through the event; therefore raiding all the rest stops from the starting line to the finish line. How that impacts the hardened riders is that the majority of them opts for the longest route, which in the case of the Elephant Rock, is the century route (100 miles). When these riders roll into the aid stations there is usually nothing left but the food that the riders do not want to eat and then only plain water is left to drink.

According to Daryl’s beliefs he would rather eat nothing than eat food that is essentially shit to him. Why suffer with something that you do not want nor like to eat. Then there is the water issue. Depending on how far into the ride that Daryl is he has already converted over to a Gatorade, Cyclomax, Powerade, or Creadrive supplement drink, which means that his body has switched to processing sugar and the consumption of just plain water is basically a waste of hydration and energy.

Centennial, Colorado - Saturday Morning - 4:15 AM

Awakening from a slumber or a nap, one could not tell. However, if you happen to be in the same room you may be asking yourself why Daryl has not hit the snooze button on the alarm, which has been beeping for the past twenty minutes. Falling off the couch is the only way that he is going to get moving. Daryl literally rolls off the couch and then pushes play on the VCR. Soon the theme song of the Sopranos starts up and who could not get motivated listening to that song. The song hooks you by the opening lyrics and not to mention the melody rift that defines the Sopranos.

Approximately four hours earlier he had finished getting Andrea ready for the Elephant Rock and they eventually went to bed a little after midnight. So getting up after four hours of sleep was a bit of a concern, but this has not been the first time that he and Andrea did a ride involving very little sleep. In the long run it gives them both more mental power to know that the other riders are probably more rested, but will most likely fall behind Daryl and Andrea sometime during the ride today.

Mile 0 – Douglas County Fairgrounds – Castle Rock, Colorado – 7:05 A.M.

Returning to the cycling world once again feels like home to Daryl. Or one could say it was like returning to the one you liked/loved in your life that was gone for a while. Nothing can parallel to the early morning start of a bike ride. In this instance, nothing like doing a century ride. A century ride is something that gets him stirred up. Like seeing an exquisite woman who catches his eye – damn exciting. The early morning colors of the day, the cool morning air and the silence of the day which will soon be disturbed by the noise of the world waking up in the next hour or so. The morning belongs to Daryl and every now and then to the birds that reside outside his bedroom window near his porch where he occasionally enjoys breakfast on the balcony.

Well, since he monitored the weather reports throughout the week Daryl was optimistically hoping for a favorable day. Hoping for no rain, no wind and for the fucking sun to shine ever so bright in the heavenly skies.

Mile 1 – Castle Rock, Colorado - Even though Daryl has logged in twenty-two miles since leaving Denver this morning he is getting ready for the official Elephant Rock 2006 century ride. He singled a few bikers that were riding together and decides to use those bikers as pacers through the beginning of the Elephant Rock Ride.

Mile 1.5 - “That’s a cool jersey!”

Mile 1.6 - “Look! Cartman.”

Mile 1.61 - “Oh man! You guys suck” someone yelling, then group laughter ensued after this Cartman saying.

Mile 1.7 – “Sweet bike jersey man.”

Mile 3 – (Approx.) - The commencement of the first hill climb of the day. Daryl recollects that this climb is sort of steep in the beginning, but does not remember how long the climb is. He is still with the group of riders he chose to group with himself.

The time is about 7:15 AM and as customary to the Elephant Rock the tour is abundant with riders riding into their destiny.

Daryl is reminded of the new law that the Colorado State Patrol are trying to get into effect. Basically, the state patrol want a cap, a “limit”, on the number of riders in any bike tour in Colorado. The last numbers that Daryl read was 2000 riders, which is perfectly fine for him. It is a good limit for any bike tour.

At the time of this journal entry the proposal has been “sidelined”, so to speak. Daryl does not know if this is mostly because of the Lance Armstong benefit ride scheduled for later this year, which gave notice not to participate in Colorado if this proposal of a cap limit gets approved. Again who really knows the reason. In Daryl’s opinion this was probably a determining factor. Readers, Daryl will address this topic in a future journal, since getting into this issue could be just as lengthy as this story and that would not be fair to entertain you readers with news regarding the state government of Colorado.

Getting back to the story…

Mile 5 – (Approx.) - “I bet that you were riding up that steep part in your big gear, right?”

Daryl laughs at this. “Sorry, saving my strength for later” Yet, Daryl was not holding out. He was looking for the opportunity to drop the group he chose to follow along with as a fifth wheel. He also used the prior five miles to get the feel of the bikers around him. This may seem irrelevant to the ordinary rider, but to Daryl that makes him attuned to the attitudes of the riders.

As he came over the crest of the hill he saw another long climb and concludes this was the time to make everyone take notice of him. Especially true this year since the back of his jersey says…

“Oh, Man, you guys suck” by Cartman

Anyone who watches Southpark faithfully knows that this phrase uttered by Cartman means just what it says. “You Suck!” Or in Cartman’s hidden undertones – Fuck you – You Fucking suck! Enough said.

All Daryl wants to hear this day was laughter behind him and the others riders saying what a cool jersey he is wearing as he rides by them. He wants to be in the limelight again since he took off a year and went into retirement last year. With him acquiring this bike jersey a couple of months ago – Daryl is absolutely in love with the jersey. Any opportunity he gets this year he will sport this bike jersey. To the grocery store, the shopping mall, his weekly city rides and any place he thinks he will get noticed he will don the beautiful, the spectacular, Southpark jersey.

The young, the old and the unknowns. They laugh. They say such things like “cool jersey” “fucking awesome” “dude where did you get that?” “Cartman” “Southpark rules” “Timmy!” and so forth. Whether it is from the cashier, the bagger, the shopper, or a cyclist or better yet – a gorgeous woman cyclist – woo baby! Any nice comment puts a smile on Daryl’s face, not to mention a set of nice legs.

Returning to the bike ride, Daryl decides this is the time to make his move and the time to demonstrate to the world that he is not too old nor lost his touch.

Mile 6 - (Approx.) - Rider after rider were falling victim to Daryl’s hill climbing ability. One rider tries passing him on the long climb, but lo and behold the rider could not maintain the tempo that Daryl was dictating up the hill. The funny thing, if you want to call this funny, Daryl was not even raising his heart rate that much. Yes, he was out of his saddle, but not breaking a sweat pedaling in his big gear ring.

This is the sort of thing that gets Daryl’s motivation going even more. He knows that his ability lies within each hill climb, whether he is using his 8, 9 or 10 gear bike.

Uh-oh. Picture time. Click.

Mile 8 - (Approx.) – Aid Station One - Daryl has no intention of stopping at the first aid station. Especially, after the first climb. This Aid station is also situated on a downhill curve, which is not a very ideal location. This being the first aid station of the day a lot of riders are going to stop. Everybody and their grandmother will be at this Aid Station. The seasoned riders are going to pass by this aid station for those reasons.

There is also another reason why he will not stop at this Aid Station. The wind. The ever oh so fucking wind that plagued the Elephant Rock Ride two years ago. The wind that particular morning came hard and blowing directly in from the south. The headwind was very strong that day and Daryl’s goal was to put some miles into the ride just in case that wind shows up for this year’s ride.

Mile 10.5 – Junction Lake Gulch Road / Highway 83 - So far so good. The riders have considerably dispersed out through the course and Daryl has found his “sphere of tranquility.” The wind that he was hoping not to show up is not present. Daryl has used the past ten miles to warm up for the course and now knows the next segment of the route is going to be particularly flat until mile 24.4. The other thing that Daryl can look forward to is the open fields of Douglas County. Not. Unfortunately, this is the scenery he has seen many times over and nothing else can describe the vast, endless fields of Douglas County.

Mile 12 – (Approx.) - “Alright, the road is pretty flat for the next ten miles or so”

A volunteer yells to the riders. Which he is right. The road has leveled out and now was the time to put some speed into his riding in order to get to the Douglas / El Paso County Line as swiftly as he could without actually breaking his Lactose Threshold limit.

Usually Daryl has nothing to contemplate about except looking at the riders he rides by and the occasional few riders that pass him. You have to remember Daryl is a very good rider, but not the finest rider by no means. Nor will he ever make that claim.

The wind that Daryl has been worried about is not even present. The nod to the gods this morning and the “for he is fallible” that he uttered to himself early this morning before dawn has once again not let him down.

The riders have sort of spread out along Highway 83, but there is still an unending line of riders in front of Daryl and behind him.

Daryl has been riding solo for a couple of miles. So far, he has not seen a rider that he could use as a pacer.

Mile 14 (Approx.) – Daryl glances behind him very quickly and unbeknownst to him he has his own follower. A rider was following in his wake and this was something that motivated Daryl to increase his pedaling. He started to pedal a little harder, since he was already in his big gear ring. He needed to make this rider earn his keep. Daryl was keeping a pace that was okay for him since technically he was already ridden twenty-two miles further than any of the other riders.

Mile 18 – (Approx.) – Daryl and his follower have been pedaling a good clip. Both of them were passing rider after rider and they were only pass by a few other riders who are probably on the same mission as them.

Mile 22.4 – (Aid Station) – Well, the riders have come to the second aid station on the bike ride, but this will be the aid station that Daryl will stop at. He needs to get some food into his body. He saw the fruit that is usually offered to the riders and decides that he is going to have some of that fresh fruit, but then he saw some kind of nutritional bar on another table. He grabbed two of the same kind of bars that were offered and then headed back to his bike.

The bars were Nature Valley – Sweet & Salty Nut Granola bar – Peanut (naturally favored) – God damn! This was one damn good tasty bar he was biting into. Something about the flavor and texture of the granola bar ignited his taste buds. He positively needs to get some more of these scrumptious bars.

As Daryl was walking back to his bike, he notices the wind was blowing considerably. “Fuck me” he uttered softly with a smile on his face. Damn his luck the wind was blowing from north to south. Go figure. Daryl got a few more comments on his jersey as he walked to his bike. Now was time to mount up and get to the century route turn-off as soon as possible.

Two reasons why, the wind will eventually change direction during the day and the other reason why is that Daryl needs to get through the century route as quickly as possible in order to get back onto the main route of the shorter route riders (50 and 65 mile routes) since those riders will literally empty those aid stations of the “good stuff” and leave behind “the shit” that nobody will want unless you absolutely have to have.

Mile 24.4 – Highway 83/County Line road – The last option to take the 100 mile route or take the shorter 65 mile route. As Daryl always thinks to himself this is the point where the route separates the men from the boys and the women from the girls. There are many riders who take the 100 mile route, but since the Black Forest has trees and hills riders never really get to see how many riders are actually taking the 100 mile route.

Mile 24.7 – (Approx.) – After the “hard core” riders made a left turn for the 100 mile course the riders have thinned out considerably. This is the only part in the bike course that Daryl was not looking forward to. Heading into the Black Forest, which is located just north and a bit east of Colorado Springs. Daryl can not really recall the bike route from memory, but he remembers some hills and some turns. Other than that his mind is blank as a chalkboard.

There is nothing arduous about the Black Forest that Daryl would consider difficult for him. Just a few short, steep climbs here and there, but what he dislikes about the bike route is the ride east. Each rider has to bike east – all the way to Bradshaw Road. The route unfortunately is not straight as Daryl is. The route goes east, then south, east, south, east, south, east, north, east and then finally the riders come eventually to Bradshaw Road. As you readers can kind of assume the route is as crooked as the current president of the United States.

Mile 29 – (Approx.) – Daryl has been playing “your turn, my turn.” Basically, he would pass a few riders on a hill and then on the down slope the riders would pass him. Again, he had to conserve some energy since he technically is biking one hundred and fifty miles today. There were about five riders with Daryl who were sort of traveling together.

The reasoning is that if you keep the others riders in sight of you, there is some indication of how you are riding. Whether you need to pick up the pace a bit or catch up since you may be starting to pedal slower than the other riders.

Mile 31 – (Approx.) – The wind has been non-existent since entering the Black Forest. With all the trees and little hogbacks in the forest the wind has been shut out by the Black forest terrain.

Mile 36.9 – (Aid Station 3) – The next aid station that was on the agenda was this third Aid station, which was stationed in the middle of nowhere. This aid station was fairly packed with riders and most of them were in line to use the port-o-potties that were available. Luckily, Daryl did not have to stand in line and wait for the port-o-potty. The line was at least fifty riders long and all waiting their turn to use on of the three available port-o-potties

Therefore, he bypasses the port-o-potty line and heads for the line of food and drink.

“Do you know what my favorite episode is?” Daryl turns around and then she says “Cripple fight!” Daryl could not help to smile and laugh. Daryl says loudly “Timmy!” Then they both laugh out loud. Next then you know another person said they liked the episode with “the Crips” Soon there was a group of them having a nice conversation about Southpark in the middle of nowhere at the third Aid station on the Elephant Rock Ride. Each of them took their turn mentioning some episode that made them laugh, which was basically every episode those creators Matt and Trey have done. Timmy, Jimmy, Token, Cartman, Kenny, Ike, Mr. Hanky, Butters and Towlie, The only character that was not mentioned was Chef.

Mile 38 – (Approx.) – Daryl’s CD player suddenly plummets from his bike and tumbles in the air to the pavement of Eastonville Road at about the velocity of twenty-three miles per hour. Daryl looks at the oncoming demise of his CD player, which more than likely will be shattered in several pieces all over the El Paso County Road. In the next second he saw the aftermath of what happens when a CD player hits the pavement from the height of about two feet and traveling about twenty-three miles per hour. He can recall the image with such clarity. His CD player falling and then the compact disc flew out of the player, like a bull rider being thrown from “yellow jacket”, as well as did the batteries and battery cover. That was all he saw in that second. He immediately pulled off to the right side of the road and applied the brakes quickly and hard.

Daryl ran back about fifteen yards and found his CD player miraculously in one piece. He also found both batteries and the battery cover littered across the hot, black top country two lane road. Daryl spent about two minutes more trying to locate the compact disc that was in the player. He hesitantly put his CD player back together and yes you guessed right – the player still fucking worked. Sony still produces the best compact players and with this particular player, which by the way cost him a “Franklin” about three years ago, is his baby. This CD player has been through so many accidents and yet to this day she still puts out the music and still brings a smile to Daryl’s face. Another thank you to the biking gods, which Daryl did give a nod to this morning

Mile 44 – (Approx.) – Sweet Road / Bradshaw Road junction. Daryl was approaching the junction that he has been looking forward to all morning. Unfortunately, with Daryl’s gladness also came someone’s misfortune. There was the aftermath of a tragic accident. This is the sort of accident that he witnessed two years ago in almost the same location of the bike course.

An elderly man was laid out on the corner of the junction and appeared to be unconscious. Blood was here and there, but did not appear to be serious. A couple of others bikers were with him and told us riders that everything is okay and the ambulance was on route He also pointed to the sand on the road that resulted in the rider’s accident “be careful”.

Mile 45 – (Approx.) – The ambulance passes Daryl in the opposite direction hopefully to the casualty at the junction.

Mile 48.3 – (Aid Station 4) – Well, the last few miles since turning onto Murphy Road the wind has been blowing steadily from Northwest to Southeast. Not just steadily, but also very gusty. Ever since Daryl rode past Elbert Road the wind has been blowing and making his life and the other riders pedaling laborious.

Daryl had to stop at this Aid Station to gather himself. The wind for the past three miles has been relentless and his speed dropped to an average of ten miles per hour. Even though his bike odometer and the map indicated 48.3 miles the mileage for Daryl is 70.3 miles. With the added mileage and blowing wind the distance so far appears to have taken a toll. In addition, dropping below ten miles per hour has had an effect on Daryl’s psyche.

Daryl heads over to the drink station and refills one water bottle with Gatorade and then gets into line for the port-o-potties.

Ten minutes later and probably a few ounces lighter Daryl grabs a couple of energy bars and heads to his bike.

He was not quite ready to say goodbye to the aid station so he takes a seat next to Andrea and watches the riders come and leave. He was looking at all the bike jerseys, specifically scanning for anyone else wearing a Southpark jersey. While recuperating he struck up a conversation with another rider who had the same exact model bike he was riding today. The only difference was that this rider bought his bike used from a bike store that rented out the bike for excursions around the Cherry Creek Reservoir.

They had a pleasant talk for about ten minutes – about other bike rides, the Leadville 100 and what is left of the Elephant Rock Ride.

Mile 50 – (Approx.) – The crossroads of Meridian Road and Murphy Road. This is the beginning of what should be a fairly easy ten miles to the next aid station. A short downhill descent and then a steady uphill incline on Burgess Road.

Mile 53 – (Approx.) – Daryl has found another group that he is has been playing “your turn, my turn.” There are about ten riders in this group

Mile 54 – (Approx.) – Daryl has been passing rider after rider on the hill ascents and then on the downhill he pedals conservatively while the other riders pedal like bats out of hell and pass him on the descents. This is the usual routine for this group of riders

Mile 60 – (Approx.) – Finally, Daryl has come to the point of the course that he looks forward to – to bike north. Yet, even with his delight of riding back to Castle Rock he will be tackling the many steep, rolling hills for the next ten miles. The hills are steep in this portion of the course, the weak will falter and Daryl will ever so fucking demolish any cyclist on the hill ascents in the next ten miles. This is his time to twinkle. Twinkle?! Get the fuck out of here! This was his time to shine and be remembered for the guy with the Southpark jersey who rode by them with “attitude” imprinted on the back of his jersey.

Mile 60.75 – (Approx.) – Oh, how the “mighty” unsubstantial cyclists have fallen to the wayside. Daryl was being an exhibitionist. No ifs, ands or buts, Daryl was dominating on this hill before the next aid station at mile 61.2. Sure at the start of the climb other riders were attempting to stay in front of Daryl, but little do they know whom they were fucking with. With about a quarter of the hill climb remaining any rider that was maintaining pace with him was instantly left behind as he dug into his reserves and left those pacers and wanna be king of the hill climbers in his wake.

Mile 61.2 – (Aid Station 5) – No need to stop at this aid station, since the next aid station is only seven miles down the road. He must also keep the riders that he dropped on the hill climb behind him. No need to give those riders any signs of hope or glory in riding Daryl down.

Mile 64 – (Approx.) – Highway 83 / Shoup Road – Things sure have transformed in the past two years, the highway construction is finally completed on this section of the highway. Four lanes, a wide shoulder, and even those annoying rumble strips are present. At least there is a shoulder to ride on since the last time Daryl came through this area he was riding in the road. At that time the road was only two lanes wide and packed with traffic on that particular day.

Mile 66.50 – (Approx.) – Highway 83 / North Gate Road – Another milestone has been reached. This is the portion of the course that the 100 mile century riders will join the 65 mile course riders.

Mile 67 – (Approx.) – Roller Coaster Road / North Gate Road – Those would be entrepreneurs have shown their faces once more. The entrepreneurs were offering icy, cold refreshments for a price. Daryl almost succumbs to the lure of an icy, cold Gatorade for the sweet, low price of $ 2.00. Almost, but not! He decides to gamble and makes his second nod to the gods and puts his conviction into the hands of the biking gods once more knowing that he could provoke the biking gods for making a second request in one day. Tempting the biking gods is no laughing matter to him.

Mile 68.2 – (Aid Station #6) – This aid station is located about thirty yards from the top of a very steep hill. Not the ideal place to make an Aid station since this aid station is situated on a very steep hill ascent. Never-the-less, Daryl will make this an honorary custom and stop for any sports drink and food that might be available.

Daryl gets lucky and gets the final pitcher of Gatorade that this aid station has available. How fucking fortunate?! No such thing. The nod to the gods provided the Gatorade for Daryl, but not without consequences. No “good” food is left at the aid station.

Only one type of energy bar was available at the aid station – Larabar – Pecan Pie – Raw natural food for health. For life. For fun. Uncooked. Unprocessed. No sugar added. Non-GMO. Gluten free. Dairy fee. Soy free. Vegan. Kosher.

After Daryl reads this piece of information on the wrapper he smiles and thinks to himself “What the fuck?” There must be some pretty fucked up people who must meet and/or need all these criteria’s listed on this Larabar snack bar. What he means is that this aid station is located on the 65 / 100 mile route and riders are not looking for “fun” food, or for “health” food or “Kosher” – get the fuck out of here! Hah hah. This bar’s net weight is 1 oz has 140 calories, which 13 % of the bar is total fat. If the riders are taking the 65 / 100 mile route the 140 calories is nothing to worry about and whether or not it is this healthy matters not, riders are looking for something tasty, salty, and maybe some sugar for energy since there is basically thirty one miles left in the bike tour. If any of the riders have been riding hard their body has probably switched over to processing sugar and sweating out salt. Today was moderately hot and the body may need one or the other or both in order to function safely.

By the way readers, the bars taste like how the wrapper advertised, like shit. Daryl compares the bar to the inside core of a fig Newton with more of a firmer body. There was no Pecan Pie taste, only the taste of a healthy food bar - bland. He does not recommend this energy bar, have a power bar instead you will thank him later.

Mile 72 – (Approx.) – County Line Road / Roller Coaster Road – The 100 mile and 65 mile riders join the 50 mile course riders.

Mile 75 – (Approx.) – What a different outlook on the second time of his journey through this part of the Elephant Rock’s course. Two years ago Daryl knew he struggled on this little part of the course. A short, steep hill climb before the down hill descent into Palmer Lake. Now, this time around he had no difficulty what so ever climbing this hill.

Mile 77.6 (Aid Station – Palmer Lake) – Daryl’s bike odometers indicate that he has officially reached 100.7 miles for the day, but knows that he still has another twenty three miles to the finish line and about fifty four miles to bike home.

This Aid station is quite busy and jam-packed with riders. Live “hippie” music was being performed by some unknown group nearby a gazebo where there was a variety of food to choose from. Not necessarily the “good” stuff, but subsistence that Daryl could stomach. He made up his mind to have two peanut butter sandwiches and take a brief break at the gazebo near a stream. While eating he thinks about the next twenty three miles and how this will be the last aid station stop for him even though there is one more aid station located at the 88.8 mile marker.

The weather has been good so far and there was no sign of any rain clouds in the sky or on the horizon. The time to get a move on has come and to put another century ride into the books and to congratulate Andrea on another expedition with his journey of a hundred and fifty mile day.

Mile 79 – (Approx.) – This is the start of a downhill descent to about the 89 mile marker. There are a handful of hills in the next nine miles, but nothing to be fearful about. Riding along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is so exhilarating to Daryl. Whether riding in this part of Douglas County, or near Lockheed Martin, or near the Boulder Reservoir the feeling is indescribable.

Mile 88.8 – (Aid Station #8) – Daryl once again bypasses this aid station. No need to stop since the finish line is in twelve miles.

Mile 90 – (Approx.) – Tomah Road / Perry Park Road – The beginning of a two mile hill climb. Unfortunately, the last hill climb is long and gets steep shortly before the summit. The hill is not tough, but after biking ninety miles or with the case of Daryl biking one hundred and ten miles, this ascent becomes a monster to reckon with and not to be taken lightly. Otherwise, one may well be walking one’s bike in shame.

Mile 93 – (Approx.) – He has reached the summit of the hill. Daryl has demonstrated once again to himself that he is a remarkable climber. He was ruthless in his pursuit of riding down a lot of riders to the top of this final hill. Only one rider tried passing him, but Daryl rode by him in the last quarter mile of the ascent. Daryl did not just barely pass that rider; he left that particular rider way behind. No chance in hell was he going to be overtaken so close to the peak of this hill.

Mile 94 – (Approx.) – I-25 / Tomah Road – CastleRock can be seen in the distance north of Tomah road and every rider can now ascertain how far the finish line is to the eye.

Mile 100 – Finish Line – The bike’s odometer time yields 7:44:00 total. Nothing majestic about this finish, except Daryl has completed one hundred and twenty-two miles as opposed to a straight one hundred miles which probably all other 100 mile route riders did. He also knows that he has another twenty eight miles to achieve his odyssey.

“No rest for the wicked” – Daryl mutters softly and half smiles to the world.

Epilogue

Alright, another century ride down and you know what readers this time around I still felt fresh at the finish of this Elephant Rock Ride. Granted, I still had to bike to Denver, which meant that I still had twenty six miles more to bike until I got home and yell “Boo Yah!”

I thoroughly enjoyed this ride. I think that out of the 7000 plus riders I was the only rider with the SouthPark Jersey, Riders were coming up to me and saying how much they loved my jersey. Or they spotted me at one of the aid station along the bike course. Those comments really made my day during the Elephant Rock ride and worth the $ 60.00 entry fee. I guess what I mean is that I was looking for attention this day, but I did not realize that I would get as much notoriety as I did. I got the respect I wanted or if this was the Boondocks – I got “street cred.” Hah hah! I was in the limelight for the entire day – ever so fucking sweet.

The Southpark bike jersey so far has paid for itself this year. I guess I never realize how many people out there know SouthPark. Not just the town Southpark Colorado, but the show Southpark.

Nothing much else to write about on the finish line ending of my day. I parked my bike outside the fairgrounds main building and went in to grab my well deserved paid lunch. This time around I decided to get one lunch instead of two lunches as I did two years ago. I thoroughly stayed hydrated and well nourished during the entire century ride so food and fluids were not necessary to replenish my body’s nutrients.

I grabbed a table that was empty and was soon joined by three other riders who saw my jersey and decided to sit with greatness. Not. Only kidding. I am not that great, but I often do hold myself in that position in my mind and sometimes in my fantasies. I also grabbed a beer that was supposedly brewed in Durango, Colorado. Lunch was good and we all talked for about an hour and then said our farewells, goodbyes and best of luck.

On that note, I have to say goodbye to this year’s Elephant Rock Ride 2006.

Author’s Note

Alright – final numbers 150.60 miles – total time 9:36.30, 15.7 mph average speed and with the maximum speed of 42.0.

As you readers know this is the part of the epic tale that I get to write anything that might be of interest. Or may not be – depending on your point of view.

Okay, about nine months ago a cyclist I knew got into an accident with a vehicle. I do not know the specifics nor did I inquire about the nature of the accident. Yes, it was pretty bad – Probably worst than one of my many accidents, since I never lost a few teeth and got really fucked up. Well, let me rephrase that... hah, hah, I have gotten fucked up drinking, but not getting really fucked up on a bike with a vehicle. I have had a concussion, bruises everywhere, scratches on the face, a cortisone shot in order to relieve a post-accident inflammation in the shoulder area. I could have lost an eye, but I ever thank my Oakley sunglasses. Besides all the physical scars I have endured there are the mental scars, which played havoc in my first couple major accidents on a bike.

Anyway, in the days following her accident I had many people come up to me and ask me “Did you hear?” How is she?” “Are you okay?” and the same sort of questions. Then, after those initial questions now came the questions of how and why? This was something that I absolutely could not comment on. Again. I do not know the nature of the accident. Also, I really do not know her. We did the same things, so to speak, but I would not consider us really friends. That was my choice, after I met her in the beginning and then backing off. From that point, I kept my distance and basically avoided her. So, my apologies to anyone who thinks I knew something at that time, but truly I did not. Nor was it for me to assume who was at fault in this accident, only she can tell what happened.

Being in several accidents myself, with half of the accidents involved with vehicles, you have to remember regardless whether you have the right of way and doing everything by the book, you have to be conscious of the drivers around you. By the numbers, I have several bikes that weigh basically 15 to 25 pounds and the vehicle that you may think needs to heed to you weigh over 1500 hundred pounds and is made of steel and not carbon fiber. I / you will lose the “you want to play chicken” battle hands down. I would become another grease spot on the road of life.

I felt for her, but I did not offer my condolences. My number one concern was giving her the privacy. You could call me heartless, you can call me selfish and you call me thick headed, but I did what was right to me. I am superstitious when it come to biking and when knowing, even seeing the aftermath of a terrible accident, those things could effect me immediately or sometime later when I least expect it. Sort of like Tony Soprano and “Those god damn ducks.” He never knew when those ducks would come back.

I did buy a few gifts for her, but from where I am writing this epic story the bag still sits on my bookcase with all the gifts still in the bag. The card I bought is also still in the bag. There is one item, which is in the refrigerator, that I was planning to give, but someone talked me out of including in the gift bag. I bought it because one of her close friends made a comment about it and well I decided to go with it. I bought some… never mind. Better left unknown. Yes, it was meant to be a joke, but by no means did I come up with idea. I guess you can chalk this up in the “I am glad I didn’t” column. The gift bag still resides on the bookcase. The gift is unique, but I am sure that I could I give this to some other woman who may appreciate my thoughtfulness.

Well, to this day I still do not know the nature of the accident; therefore I am still happy to say no comment. I can not say it was her fault or the driver.

Has my riding changed because of her accident you wonder? No. I still do not wear a helmet on my rides, I still ride with my CD player and earphones and I still ride on the streets as opposed to sidewalks. There is a vehicle out there in the world with a name, my name, on its bumper, but for now I am still here and still giving you readers another chronicle in my life.

Considering the addition of a new circle of friends that I have met in the past few years that will be reading this latest journey, I hope this does not piss you off since we both may know this person. I often write and express what I feel in my stories since I do my best tale telling in my writing. I wrote what needed to be told since I had to hold my voice until the time was right for me.

Until the next time

w-i-t-h-u-t-m-o-s-t-s-i-n-c-e-r-i-t-y

Daryl
aka CalSeti

June 19, 2006
Englewood, Colorado

Elephant Rock Ride 2004 (picture only)

Greetings Goofball-ers'

Tis been a long time since I have said anything regarding my cycling. My life was busy for a year and then I went into retirement, which I came out of this year. Yeah, I know that you probably guessed my retirement would be short lived. Well, I am not sad that I came out of retirement in 2006. My life on the bike and off has been pretty interesting. I am going to try to write about some of the past two years or so, but more importantly I am going to try and entertain you with this blogging thing. This is my first attempt into this sort of medium and we'll discover how this will work out. For you and more importantly me. I am testing the uploading of a picture onto my account so this is a trial run of what I hope is to be more pictures on the way.

In closing, I am going on vacation in the day or so and then I will be out of touch with the real world for about a week, perhaps into July. I hope to publish my first story here, which will be the Elephant Rock 2006. Take care everyone and guess what? "I AM BACK!"