May Day - Opinion Day

Greetings Readers

Tell me Readers. What do you think, in my ex-co-workers words, would look “just so awesome” on my bike I have chosen to take for the Ride the Rockies next week.

I recently received my new HED front rim and have installed on Andrea.

I have the H3D front rim on with the yellow Michelin tire and then I kept the back Jet C2 HED rim on the back with a blue Michelin tire.

The HED rims do not match, but after riding on the mis-matched HED rims for about two weeks I have come to look upon Andrea and the mis-match HED rims do not look that bad.

I want Andrea to match, but riding on the HED H3D front rim for the past two weeks I have to admit it really does not look that bad. I was worried about the not matching and perhaps looking pretty awkward, but in reality it looks okay to me.

Both are deep-dished rims and made by the same company. When I mounted the front rim and had the back Jet C2 rims on I have to admit that the rims actually work together.

The coloring and the rims actually worked together – harmony.

So Readers, I ask of you, should I use the two Jet C2 HED rims I have or should I use the H3D front rim and the rear Jet C2 HED rim?

I have less than a week and I need some input. I have an idea and I am going to go with it, unless I feel (hear) you Readers think otherwise. Sorry Readers, I cannot tell you Readers what I think works.

So, please tell me. I have posted a picture of the mis-matched rims and then you can see at the top of my blog site the 2 HED Jet C2 rims in matched harmony. Ignore the color of Michelin tires and see if you can decide if mis-matched or matched rims would be better. I did change the color scheme of the Michelin tires since this post, but that is irrelevant since I am asking if the matched or mis-matched HED rims work together.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2009 Cherry Creek Reservoir

Greetings Readers

I guess, I would have to say that this is the first day of my training for the Ride the Rockies

Although, I will not confirm that. Damn Straight!

I was totally expecting bad weather today, but somehow the day looked great and more importantly the temperature was pretty darn warmer than I expected. Once again - fucked up weather reports from Crystal Eggers and Angie Austin.

With that being said I decided to head out to Cherry Creek Reservoir and see what is happening out there. I have not been out to Cherry Creek Reservoir since last year and have no clue how the road/riding conditions are out there.

I decided to take the HED rims and Andrea and see out of shape I am.

I have to admit that winter has taken its toll on me and I was pretty out of shape going around the Reservoir. There was some head wind depending on which way I was riding inside the state park.

I knew that I was not going to be able to work on speed, since I have not been worried about my speed for the past 5 months. I decided to work on speed sprints through out the park on my circle.

I felt winded and slow throughout the 44 miles I covered in Cherry Creek State Park. I got passed by many riders (I estimate about 15 riders total) and I passed a riders few. Again, I was not looking to ride the fastest out there. I wanted to get the feel for riding out at the Reservoir since it has been a while. I did get the comments "Tight" and "Very nice wheel set" and the looks of other riders. There was some wind out on my course I road, but I would have to say that it was veru manageable, compared to last week when I was almost blown over. I have to admit after last week's wind I am now less fearful of the wind I thought was tough to ride in before last week. I now have more confidence and less worry on what the wind will do to my rims and me while riding.

I wore the Ipod, but I really did not listen to the Ipod, just the world and the occassional "nice rims" comment.

Climbing the little hills were not like last year, which means I am out of shape, so that is something I will need to work on. And I was still about to keep riding in the largest gear so that was good.

And that was that at Cherry Creek Reservoir this past Sunday.

Later on, I stopped by the Arapahoe Marketplace to get my post Coca-Cola drink and I saw the regular homeless person sitting on a nearby bench.

I got myself a Coca-Cola and then I thought why not. I took out another dollar bill and then point at the Coke Machine and guy nodded yes. So, I pushed the Coca-Cola button, got the Coca-Cola and then gave to him. He said "Thank you"

And there you have Readers - According to one blogger "that I am the rudest person ever known" - However, would the rudest person ever known do that for a homeless person? I know almost for a fact the blogger who called me the "rudest person ever known" would not do that if the positions were reversed. Gosh willing, the blogger would complain about why they would even contemplate on giving a Coca-Cola to a homeless person sitting on that bench on a Sunday. Matter of fact, I am also willing to assume that the blogger would complain about giving a Coca-Cola after the fact of giving the homeless person a Coca-Cola. Pure speculation on my part, but I only go by what I read in the past by that blogger.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Pondering "That Dam Run 5k"

Greetings Readers

I am getting better and better, but I still have not made the commitment to run this weekend. There is one event scheduled at Cherry Creek Reservoir and that would be the "That Dam Run 5k."

Interesting though... Why only a 5k? Since the previous years the event was a 5m/5k event. And last year the event I did go to, but there were hardly any participants since that Sunday was so snowy and wet. I had about 1/4 of ice on all of my road bike spokes. I destroyed a bike light due to getting the bike light wet with wet snow. And top of the start of that morning my brakes were iced up in no time and the next thing I knew I couldn't brake and off the sidewalk I went and thumped to kiss Mother Earth's white jacket of snow.

Anyway, I want to run the event this year, but then again I do not want to run just a 5K. I want to run the 5M (5 Miles), which basically has the course going over the entire top of the Cherry Creek Reservoir and back.

If the cost is going to the same, but for basically half the distance from last year - I see myself getting screwed in the deal. After all in this day and age, we all have to make money choices and where to save money and where to spend money.

Right now that is a choice I am going to have to make real soon.

Although, I have to admit that if I get chosen for the Ride the Rockies, then most likely I am not going to run.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France 2008 - Day 2

Greetings Readers

Today - is the first Sunday that Colorado is allowing Alcohol sales. I promised my local liquor store that I would stop in. I did tell them that I will not shop on any Sunday when it becomes legal to buy Alcohol on Sunday from a liquor store, but will stop on the first official Sunday it becomes legal. I am all for Alcohol, but I think that the non-selling of alcohol on Sunday has been good. I think, that would should have kept Sunday as non-alcohol sales (except for 3.2 beer at the grocery store and convenience stores). Again, this is just my opinion. So, as of July 1, 2008 it is legal for Liquor Stores to be open and sell Alcohol.

And it was a pretty good Wimbledon I have to admit. Though betting wise - I lost my pants and then some. Pretty fucking ugly. Since my co-worker knew that there was going to be a Williams all final I asked him who he thought was going to win. He said Serena. I immediately replied - Venus. And it was on like Donkey Kong. Well, I guess it really did not matter since I was already in the hole and one more bet was not going make or break me.

So, this is day two of the Tour de France and sure enough Phil can not help to reference L.A. any chance that he could. In the end - it was the "God of Thunder" who came in first for the stage win! I would like a nickname like that - "God of Thunder." And that is the "The God of Thunder" pictured on today's post.

The stage was pretty uneventful. I set the tape to record so I could go out biking in the morning, due to forecast rain later in the day. Also, I felt I needed to go out and ride while every other biker that had to watch the tour, which put less people out at Cherry Creek State Park. I did not get to watch the entire program, but I was able to watch the last part of the Tour when I got in from riding close to noon.

As I mentioned I headed out to Cherry Creek Reservoir. I took the chance that every bike rider was going to be watching day 2 of the tour - Live - which means less serious riders at Cherry Creek State Park. Sure enough hardly any hard core riders, such as myself doing laps in the State Park. I had four packets of Orange GU and two water bottles for the ride. Though, I was unsure of what distance I was going to ride. I want to do an inside the park century, but then I did not really want to see the same course nine times over. So, I kept my mileage close to 40 miles under 2 hours and pretty darn happy with the results.

I kept a pretty darn good low pedalling cadence at the speed of 21 mph. I did really good out riding and keeping to a strict GU and water intake every 35 minutes and 15 minutes. Nothing really to comment about the ride itself. Except for the last lap I did and one of the last small hill climbs.

I was passed shortly after reaching the loop on the Northwest side of Cherry Creek State Park. I saw the guy pass me by pedalling away in a hard gear. Me, I was in my hard gear, but kept the speed to about 20 mph. He soon was approaching the hill and I then spotted him shifting to an easier gear. Basically, I saw his pedalling get faster, which means he shifted from his hardest gear to an easier gear.

Oh you know it readers. He was going to be "F'd in the A" - "on Saturday" as my favorite little Southpark Character would say. I was about 40 yards when I saw this. I immediately got my pedal strokes moving and I soon saw he dropped another gear to make it easier for him on the hill. The, next thing I know I pretended to be the Stage 1 winner and sprint to the finish on a hill climb. I pushed my legs to the maximum output and I literally shot past that rider who passed me on the flats. And I do not mean just passed him, I was there for an eye blink and when I passed him. Then, I reached deep down and pedalled even stronger. I passed two more riders, casual riders, and I literally did not even get to see who they were since I was going so fast uphill. I am sure they thought to themselves, as my old ex-co-worker would say "Just so awesome." Or maybe "wow." =)

I crested the hill and 20 yards later I looked behind me and the road median was clear. I showed no one and anyone that day who owned that particular hill climb. Actually, this matters to no one except to me. I was challenged and I challenged right back.

Update 07/07/08 - I forgot to mention - the total of the ride on Sunday was just half a century - clocking in at 51.54 miles. Ok, I guess.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Century Ride of the Year

Fucking lost the post - will re-post. fuck me.

Update 07/01/08

Greeting Readers

Well, as you readers can see from that first sentence I lost substantial post writing. I was on a roll typing away and if you regular bloggers know that if you do not stop typing away blogger.com does not save. So, there I was typing away probably like a meth addict-smoking away with me continuously typing that Blogger.com could not auto save.

Long story short, I did a combo keyboard entry and then the whole post went blank. I quickly stopped typing and then tried clicking on the “dashboard” for returning to the dashboard. Just in case that the auto save was invoked while I was typing away. I guess I was a second too late and the next Fucking thing was I had a blank fucking post. I was and still am fucking pissed OFF!

Motherfucker! I was cussing left and right since I had some pretty good writing. Now, I am going to have to re-write this post from scratch, but not from memory.

Let me restart Readers.

My first century of the year. And not my first century. It is never will I be able to do a century ride. It is whether or not that I want to do a century ride. I have so many century rides under my belt that it is not that whether or not can I do a century ride.

So, this past Sunday I decided to do my first century of the year. Yes. I did check my mileage log on my dining room table and I double-checked and re-checked the mileage log and sure enough I have not a century ride this year – at all. Sort of amazing since I usually have two century rides under my belt by now.

Well, I got Andrea ready for the century ride that I decided to on my own. Sorry readers, most of the time I only do century rides when required – official bike events. Otherwise, I usually keep the mileage that I do un-officially to about 70 miles. I sprint and test myself to other riders on those days I am training.

Unfortunately, I did not remember until the day of the event that the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series competition was being held at Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park on Sunday. When I remembered it was early Sunday morning approaching Cherry Creek Reservoir.

I am not saying that I hate nor detest that event, but with that event going on the route that I train myself on crosses the official route of the Danskin Event. Oh no, I have no right to complain nor would I. If I have to stop to give right of way, so be it. I have no authority to cross the route pass without checking with the Danskin officials.

This has happen to me in the past and I have made it a rule, my rule, to just avoid Cherry Creek State Reservoir when there is an official sanction event scheduled. If the roles were reversed I would not want a non-competitor crossing the route course.

As I crested the hill I saw the familiar closed sign of the Dam road and then I saw the familiar orange sign indicating that there is an event going on.

With that I decided to take the route outside the State Park and ride on the front face of Cherry Creek Dam.

Now, I was onto the Cherry Creek Trail heading to Downtown Denver. The ride was pretty uneventful for most of the trail. I was cruising and holding a steady pace of 20 mph plus. And yes readers – I was very, very mindful of the trail traffic. I respect all the other people on the trail since they have the same right to the trail that I do.

As I neared Speer and Broadway the Cherry Creek Trail got heavily populated with walkers, runners, bikers, homeless people, Rollerbladers, and kids. This was not unexpected. Since I have been biking for “x” amount of years I knew what to expect and knew what I was going to encounter this time of the year.

You have to be a fucking idiot to think that the Cherry Creek trail belongs to cyclists / bike riders exclusively. Yes, I keep a high mph, but within reason. I brake and watch out for all obstacles on the Cherry Creek Trail. I am required to yield to all foot traffic. Yet, I am one to admit that I keep a high 20 mph ride through and to Confluence Park. I do not cuss anyone should they “block” me from passing.

Now, after 15 miles I reached Confluence Park and I needed to take an alternate route to continue onto my destiny of 100 miles.

When I had to go onto another route I had to pass a couple of riders. The first rider signaled that he was going left…

To be continued...

Perfectly fine that he signaled. Matter of fact, I would not have signaled myself at that particular turnoff. Anyway, he had a riding partner, a woman, behind him. She did not signal to turn, but turned without looking behind her. And yours truly was right behind her about five feet or so. I turned left since I needed to. So, I passed and took the turn wide.

"You could have called out that you were passing. thank you"

What the fuck. I took less than a second to respond.

"You should of hand signaled that you were turning left - thank you very much."

I did not hear her response. Do not fucking give me lip if you are doing something "wrong," so to speak. That is the fucking Kettle calling the pot black. Oh no, I was not bother at all, since she was just as wrong as I was not following the bicycle rules.

I quickly put some distance between me and her ? guy? - sure enough he could probably beat me up ;-). I crossed over the South Platte and took a quick break. 20 miles completed - 80 to go.

With that I headed South along the South Platte River. This is part of the South Platte Trail that I do not care for. The trail is narrow in most places, bugs galore that hang around the river. Rollerbladers, wooden bridges that are very slippery when wet, some homeless people under and around the bridges, and more importantly - that little section of the South Platte Trail that is infamous for a radar trap of 15 mph. Nope, I have not gotten a ticket, but I have had friends get ticketed for exceeding the limit near the Aspen Grove area. And the tickets are usually handed out on a Saturday since that is when families and events are held near that area of the Trail.

I try to maintain a 15 mph speed limit, but I have been known to kick it up a notch to 18.9 mph - which is the fastest speed I dare to do.

Anyway, that whole length of the South Platte Trail is really just a hassle for me to deal with, in my opinion. And that is the reason why I avoid that part of Trail riding. I excised the right to ride another route since there is no reasonable excuse for me to give to you readers that does make me sound like an ignorant bicyclist. =).

Though if I was like one of the bicyclist's I read about then perhaps a reason I would give - is that is the only trail to ride on. Well, that is true, but there are streets a plenty and not to mention sidewalks. There is always an alternate route - it would be ignorant to think so one-sided that there is only the Trail to ride on to and from Denver to Chatfield Dam.

I reached the Chatfield Dam. Is it called Chatfield Dam or is Chatfield a State Park. I honestly do not know nor remember. No big deal at all. I only bring this up since me and the people I know always call Chatfield Reservoir as Chatfield Dam. Go figure.

I rode up the Dam's front face for the first time this year. Only two riders were in front of me that I could see. I did catch one as he neared the summit and the other ride was sort of in my reach, but not enough time to close the distance before reaching the top of the Dam.

I rested and took a couple of pictures at the Dam.

Now, it was onto the part of C-470 Trail that I do not like to ride on. Maintenance on this part of the bike trail on C-470 is awful. Most of the bike path from Chatfield Dam to Morrison has the concrete trail cracked. and not little cracks either. The crack runs for the most part down the middle of the bike path. The crack varies from a few centimeters to about two inches wide.

Since, I have not ridden this part of the Trail in two years or so I see that they did pour some black tar into the cracks. Some of the fix looks great, but other parts of the path look like the tar patching did not help at all.

Yet, the best part of this C-470 Trail is that this is the climb. My time to shine once more. Basically, I/we are at the base of the Rocky Mountains and starting the ride up the foothills. I love seeing a rider in the distance. It gives me an incentive to ride the rider(s) down. My forte.

I was all business until I was crossing over 285. I was at the south side of Bear Creek Lake Park. I took a couple more pictures and then got myself moving. This was also the first time that I saw a team, a cycling team, of about 9 riders biking/training together. They were riding in the opposite direction and thought nothing of them.

Well, it has been about three years since riding in the Bear Creek Lake Park and I thought I remembered the route to bike through the park. Nope. I did a mile circle and ended up where I did not want to be. So, I had to re-ride where I just rode five minutes ago. And just like Bugs Bunny would say "I knew I should have took that left turn at Albuquerque" since it was a left turn that I should have made instead of a right turn.

Bear Creek Lake was uneventful, besides the wrong turn. I climbed out of the park on the Eastern side of the park. Now, I have to remember all the turns through the BCT (Bear Creek Trail) system. I was confident, but also weary on making another wrong turn. I did make it out of the portion of the BCT that had many turns.

Soon, I was near Federal, but in reality I thought I had traveled to the mountainous slopes of Peru. Or some mountain slopes that contain goats. There were about 100 goats in a pen. I can not even remember even seeing that many goats in an area like that. I think, that the goats were eating all the weeds in an area that perhaps someone was being kind to the environment. Meaning, not using a mower, but using animals. Then again what do know about goats. Oh I know. Do not bend over in front of a goat by giving the goat a bull's eye target (your ass)to use their head for hitting. Oh yes, I have seen that happen. And many goats are tempted - perhaps a genetic trait. hah hah.

I soon reached the South Platte Trail and this time I was heading North back to Confluence Park. Again, the ride was uneventful. I was getting tired by this portion of my 100 mile route.

Once I got to Confluence Park I rested for about 30 minutes or so. Taking in some major Hotties that had some bikinis to make the male imagination go wild. I took a breather on the Northwestern side of the park.

I mounted the bike and proceeded to take the Cherry Creek Trail back to Cherry Creek State Park. As I neared Lincoln I decided I was going to stop by Turin Bicycles and see what they have on stock.

I saw nothing of interest, though a bike jersey did catch my eye to purchase in the future. I have to think about whether or not do I really need this bike jersey.

After about 10 minutes or so I was on the Cherry Creek Trail once more. I noticed that I was tired since there were more riders passing me by. As opposed to me passing them by.

As I got near Havana Road, I decided to make another rest stop for Powerade and a Coca-Coca. I think I mismanaged my electrolytes since the past 5 miles I felt I was starting to bonk. I rested for about 15 minutes outside the Gas station - enjoying my Gatorade and Coca-Cola - both of which were cold and refreshing. I could feel the cool liquid in my stomach.

I once more got onto the Cherry Creek Trail and knew there were two climbs that I was not looking forward to do at this portion of my bike ride. I was exhausted and knew the two hills I had to climb were going to be tough. The first one is short and a bit steep, but in the condition I was feeling at that time I knew that it was going to be chore. Well, the drinks and rest break I took helped me to climb that first hill.

Now, the second hill climb is right after going under 225. The Trail goes up steeply for about 30 yards then perhaps a 3/4 gradual climb to the Dam road. I did good, but I had to drop several gears into the easier gears before riding this hill.

The ride through Cherry Creek State Park was good. The Danksin was over. This was also the first comment I got all day on my Southpark bike jersey - "I like your jersey." as she passed me by.

That motivated me to ride like I just first started late this morning. Soon, I caught and passed her by. I reached the Southern entrance of Cherry Creek State Park and I was at 90.20 miles. I had to find 10 miles in order to reach 100 miles. And from the entrance of the Park to where I live is about 5 1/2 miles so technically I had to find 5 more miles. I did look at the odometer and I saw that it took me 6 hours and 4 minutes to ride 90.20 miles - average speed 14.9 mph.By the time I got home - 100.47 miles at the average speed of 14.7 mph. And that was that.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Dam Run! - 5 Mile & 5 K

Greetings Readers

"What!? You didn't get enough?"

That was asked of me after doing the "That Dam Run! 5k/5Mile" at Cherry Creek Reservoir when I was getting ready to ride home on my bike. I think I responded to her "never" with a smile.

Returning to the scene of the crime I was in a much better state - physically. Since last week I decided to go drinking the night before the 20 mile run in Cherry Creek Reservoir. Though, I now enjoying telling that adventure.

Now - "That Dam Run". I knew that the temperature was going to drop down to 40 degrees on Sunday, but that was as of Friday morning's FoxNews report. Saturday was going to be a beautiful day - and it was. Denver broke a record 74 degrees. Very nice.

But

Sunday, I woke up and looked out the window and I see snow. Not just snow, but blowing snow. Blowing snow on the ground and in the sky. And not only was the snow blowing it was falling heavy. Visibility was not very far. I quickly turned the TV channel to get a weather report and it was not what I wanted to hear.

Gusting winds in the Denver area from about 30 to 40 miles per hour with the temperature dropping throughout the day. I was indifferent, but not very happy. I decided that I was going to bundle up for the run due to the winds I could hear outside my window and the angle of the snow falling to Earth.

I grabbed my long, tight biking shorts, then added my short biking shorts and ending up with my warm up pants (jogging suit pants). I elected to go with long pair of white tube socks. No little sock booties. Then, I put on my Nautica jersey, then a bicycling jersey with my green Adidas jacket on top. Around my neck I put two bandannas. Finishing up my running wardrobe, I elected to stay with my Thinsulate gloves and Natalie Merchant Stocking Cap.

I grabbed the winter bike and headed out the door. Urgh. Flat back tire. And this was the only winter bike I had since I had to throw away the Mountain bike last month. Urgh. Time was getting away from me. I couldn't fuck with repairing a flat tire (patching, gluing, pressing, etc) nor grabbing another bike was an option. Instead I grabbed a new tube and installed that tube in 4 minutes, I think. The tire held and I was once more out the door.

The weather was actually nice, but I was also in an area that was protected from the wind that was/is blowing. I turned the corner and my front tire slid in the snow. The wet, slushy snow. Oh gosh. I was fucked. 9 am - the starting time - was getting closer and closer and I was still 5 miles away from Cherry Creek Reservoir, which I still had to ride to.

I got on the bike and started to pedal. All was going great, except for riding North, straight into the blowing snow. 50 yards later I did "Kiss the Earth" that morning. Fuck me. I was laying on the ground amid the snow and snow bank. The side walk that I was taking has a lot of curves and corners and I somehow forgot that there was slushy snow, which means that my brakes will ice up. With that, I forgot and well that is the reason why I fell. Oh I braked for the oncoming corner, but the brakes had iced up and that was that. Fucking A - I tried staying up for a second, but then I when down like a clown, Charlie Brown. I laughed at myself because I simply forgot, but I was also riding faster than I should be for the conditions. But I had to move since 9 AM was quickly approaching.

At one point, through the DTC area, I was riding about 4 feet into the road from the curb. No sidewalks and slush/snow was in the gutter. There was no way to ride in the gutter. Thankfully, the morning was early enough for me to avoid any traffic. There were a few hills so I had to do the "Fred Flintstone" braking since my brakes were iced up solid. A - I could have pissed on the brakes or not to piss. Well, I elected not to. Mainly, since I still had to ride to the starting line, then run, then ride back home on the bike. For the sakes of argument, my pissing on the gears could even freeze my gears, cogs, whatnot even more than it is. I did not want that to happen since I did not want to walk my bike home nor try waiting for a bus (I estimate that I had a quarter inch ice around each of my spokes. My spoke are silver, but as you can see from the photo they are black with muck).

Finally, I made it to the starting line at Cherry Creek Reservoir. Whew. I saw that there was a police car and the Dam was closed to traffic. I also had about 5 minutes or so to spare. Yet, what I also, or not saw, was that there were hardly any runners. Boo Yah! My kind of race. The less runners there are the better that I will place overall. I took a picture of the starting area, got registered and locked up my bike near the Dayton/Dam intersection at Cherry Creek High School.

Boy oh boy, my socks were soaked to the skin. My feet were soaking wet and cold. My jogging pants were also soaked due to the slushy snow splashing from the tires of my bike. I was soaking wet, but not miserable. Unbelievable. And I think I owe that to the fact that there were hardly any runners present when I got to Cherry Creek Reservoir.

My number was # 355. Visibility was about 400 meters (1/4 mile) and even less when looking to the North. Which by the way was the way that we runners were going to run. With that in mind I had to keep my Oakleys on so my eyes (eyeballs) would not get pelted by the snow that was blowing in from the North.

Go. We 5 mile runners took off first. Those first running steps were ugly. The plows did not go on the Dam since the Dam road was closed to traffic. Therefore, slushy snow was all over the road about 1 to 2 inches thick all over the road. Some of the road had more some had less, but overall the road was slippery to run in. I could not do any long running strides since I feared that I could easily slip and perhaps "tear"/injury my body.

I did bring the Ipod, but elected not to wear/listen to since I wanted to hear the runners and other people around me.

Mile 1 - oh how I hated running into the 30 mile gusty winds, with that hard snow (well it seemed hard) into my face. My Oakleys were starting to fog up and ice was forming on the inside of the lens, but I could not do a thing about it. I would rather protect my eyes until I get to the turnaround point.

A few runners did pass me, but overall I was able to hold my position that I was comfortable running in the slushy snow. I was in a hurry, but not that in a hurry. Again, it came down to that I wanted to add the event to my athletic resume. "That Dam Run!"

A few more runners past me, but they were doing the 5k run so that did not bother me.

After a little over 2 miles I saw the lead bike and runner. He said "good job" and running like Forrest Gump. I also started to keep a count of runner so I know how many people are in front of me.

Visibility got worse over the Damn so you could never really see very far in front of you.

I then saw the turnaround point materialize out of the blowing snow. Very cool. I was about to have the wind at my back and more importantly take off my Oakleys.

As I turned the corner I saw that there was a crowd of 7 to 10 runners all bunched up and I estimate about 30 yards behind me. Not good. Before I turned the turnaround point I counted 8 runners in front of me. I was ninth and I did not want to lose that position. I really wanted to say Monday morning that I got in the top 10 overall. I did not look back. I increased the length of my stride and found the strength to kick it up a notch.

With the wind at my back, the Oakleys off my face and two runners that I kept in view I knew I had a chance to keep a pace that would keep me in the top 10. Mile 3 the snow was accumulating on the Dam road, which made the road a bit less slushy. I could literally feel the difference in my contact with the road. With that, I kicked it up another notch and ran in the heavier snow I saw on the road. Meanwhile, the two other runners in front of me elected to run in the vehicle's tracks that were made earlier.

I saw the 5k turnaround point and knew the end was getting near, but not in sight since visibility was still down to 400 meters, though it seemed better since we runners were running with the wind and blowing snow.

4 mile mark - I kicked it up another notch. One runner was crumbling (losing his stride) in front of me and I knew it. The other runner,a woman, I was catching up, but did not quite have the pace to close the distance faster that I would like to.

The Finish line materialize out of the blowing snow and I saw that one runner who I was catching up to and I had him - I got 9th place - Woo Hoo! The woman runner I was not going to be able to catch, but I will still give it all I can before I finish.

I crossed the finish line at 44:08 (at a pace 8:50 per mile). Really not bad for the conditions of the road and what we runners had weather wise. I am fucking proud that I showed up and did my part to benefit "Kipture Primary Kenya School Foundation"

I got a few more pictures at the finish line and I of course took a few photos at the same places that I have been for the past month.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

2008 Snowman Stampede 10M/20M

Greetings Readers

Pain. Let me re-visit “pain”. I told you readers that I desire pain.

I had a very rough night last night. I slept on my back and every time that I turned over on my side my thighs would wake me up. The pain. This happened about three times throughout the night.

Finally, I came awake with the morning sun shining against the northern wall of my living room. The sun was very bright. The other thing that was very bright was the pain in my thighs and I was just a bit tender in my calves.

As I told you readers I knew this morning was going to be difficult. Even more so since I elected to forgo any type of pain medication. I was, am, going to right this pain out. Let me tell you readers that I did sleep on the couch. And should any of you readers witnessed me this morning trying to get up off the couch you would have laughed your ass off. I tried, really tried, to just stand up. Nada. I could not even do this simple act of standing up from the couch. I had to bail on that option. Now, I was sitting in the middle of the couch so I decided I would use the sides of the couch to push up off from. Well I could not get to either side of the couch to this. I was too stiff to move over to the side of the couch. I tried twice and once more I had to bail on this option.

The last option, which is always the best option after a grueling run, was to roll off the couch. I rolled off the couch and fell onto my knees. In Nasmaste form, I would be doing the cat pose. The next part was the hardest – getting up onto my feet.

After 15 seconds or so there I was facing the couch on my feet and ready to take my first official steps of the day – to the bathroom. Ooh. I was stiff. You have to imagine me walking like Frankenstein to the bathroom. Thank goodness I did not have to take a dump. I might still be stuck on the “throne”

After that little trip to and from the bathroom I was starting to loosen up. Since I was starting to loosen up I decided to take a walk around my humble abode. I went to the kitchen, to the bedroom, outside the balcony and then back to the living room.

There was no way in hell that I was going to be able to do the Run the Republic today. With that in mind I decide to do my Sunday ritual. Getting dressed was a chore in itself. It was painful, but I was able to laugh and ooh when getting dressed.

And the rest is history.

Now, let me return to yesterday morning. I was not hung over, but I was not in the best physical form. Yet, I had decided to do the Snowman Stampede 10M/20M at Cherry Creek Reservoir.

As I arrived at Hobie Hill I saw a lot of people. More than I thought there would be. I signed up and had about 5 minutes to the start of the race. I elected to start at the back of the pack. I knew I was not going to be the fastest nor the way I was feeling I was going be steady.

The morning was nice – in a matter of speaking. Not really cold, a bit of a northerly wind, but the sun was shining ever so brightly. More importantly there was no snow falling and the temperature was not in the twenties.

I started out pretty good and feeling all right. I was keeping a good pace. Mile 9 - I was slowing down just a bit, but that could be everyone else was running faster since most of them probably picked the 10M run. As opposed to me who chose the 20M and had to maintain a pace that would keep me going and not get swept up by keeping pace with the 10M runners.

I was a bit sad that I reached the 10M-point and had another 10 miles to go. While everyone else was finishing up I had to keep running. I grabbed some more Gatorade, some chewy banana nut granola bar pieces and headed out for the final loop. 11, 12, 13 miles I was keeping a pretty lonely pace with basically no other runners around me. Then, that’s when the night’s drinking caught up to me – I hit the wall. I literally started to slow my pace down and eventually I started walking. I walked about 30 yards and then I knew I had to make myself start running again.

The next aid station was a relief. I grabbed some orange goo and more Gatorade and rested for about 5 minutes. I felt my strength coming back into my body and when that started to happen I knew I had to start running again. I had another lonely run down to the turn around point, which totaled about 2 ½ miles.

During those 2-½ miles, I saw many runners that passed me during before the 10-mile mark. I also some runners that I passed turn around early, before going to the turn around point. Fucking not fair, but I at least know that I ran the 20 miles as opposed to them.

I was slowly crumbling away physically, but mentally I still had the drive to keep running. Less than 3 miles to go and the end was in sight, which meant I was close to adding this event to my already impressive athletic resume.

The last two miles were the toughest. I was not even running, but I was running in a slow motion state. Or perhaps more to the point I was jogging lightly, shuffling myself to the finish line. I was at the very pack of the back, but never the less I was going to finish.

Un-officially I finished at 3:56:48. Not very good at all considering that I did the first 10 miles in 1:30:00. As you can tell the time difference on the second loop I was reduced to running on instinct. There is no shame at all I feel about my time. I know and you readers now know the story behind my performance

I have posted two pictures - The first one is the same shot and view that I have been taking for the past three weeks. But as you can see the sun is setting and therefore is making the picture is dark. So I had to turn around and get a decent picture of me after the Snowman Stampede.

Thinking about this more, I can make a separate Blog entry on the event. Oh, do you readers want to know the ride home after running the 20 miles?! It is a story in itself.

Oh, I almost forgot. My alarm goes off every morning at 5:05 AM. Ooh boy, I do not know how long the alarm was beeping this morning, but when I came out of my sleeping stupor I rolled off the couch and crawled on my hands and knees to the alarm clock. I then crawled back to the couch and immediately fell asleep. I remember this moment, but I do not remember how I actually felt. My mind knew that I needed to shut off that alarm no matter what.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 9

Greetings Readers

I just saw that there is a trailer for "The Mist" by Stephen King. Very Interesting trailer - scheduled release date is November 21. I am sure that the movie will sort of be based on the short story. However, the Mist was a short story and pretty good. Not the ending you may want to read about, but sure makes you think on what would you do in a situation for yourself/family/love one(s). I know that the story made me think about what I would do and who I might be left with and what to do next. The trailer sort of kept to that story line, but I think I see that there is an added element. I like the background music of the trailer. Makes the trailer much more spooky. The music really only has a few keys to me and then picks up toward the end, but never-the-less I can hear the same chords over and over which makes the score good, to me. Here is the website address - http://www.themist-movie.com/

I have a huge purple bruise on my left thigh. I could not sleep on that side of my body so I had to sleep on my right side. Otherwise, I think I am okay. No real soreness. A couple of scabs now. I think I really have made a couple of good scars in the making. In case you readers need some back history I was in a bike accident, by myself, while turning a corner. Going pretty fast on tires that I was not familiar with. My bad. Or as my old boss would say "Sucks to be you. Hah hah." I did make a blog entry so you can read my post on on the post accident. Last day in August.

The U.S. Open - Interesting Friday, Saturday & Sunday. I watched some of the matches, but otherwise I did some slow paced laps at Cherry Creek. I saw a few macthes, but I think I was most annoyed at Jim Courrier. I really can not explain the attitude that he is giving Tracy Austin. It seems to me that anything Tracey says Jim has to "contradict" whatever she says or make some issue about whatever Tracey says. Annoying to say the least.

I think most of you readers know my stance on the "other" announcers, but I have not put Jim into that group. However, after this U.S. Open I might have to. I hope that no one at USA Network told Jim to make himself get "into" it with Tracey Austin.

I, of course, heard that 7 letter word from Mary C. I heard Tracy say "Special" 4 times in less than a minute, J Mac refering to himself and comparing himself to the present players and age. And I heard "Epic" over and over from almost every announcer at the U.S. Open. I also did not care for the announcer in the corrider leading into Arthur Ashe Stadium. Always asking about their opinion other players and not about the upcoming match that he/she is about to play with the other opponent. Why ask that of the players when what matters how they feel about their match?

Well, I got to get going.

Note - Update 7:40 PM (MST) - I have got my first bet of the U.S. Open. It is Williams vs. Henin. I, of course, took Henin. I am hoping for the best for myself on this outcome! I need redemption.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

US Open 2007 - Day 6

Greetings Readers

I made myself go out and ride with Andrea for a couple of hours even though I wanted to watch some, actually all, of the US Open Tennis yesterday. My girl Hingis was eliminated as well as Sharapova. Blake won as well as Peer! Oh yeah!

Woo Hoo! Not only did Sharapova get eliminated she got her ass kicked and not kissed. Fuck all the announcers saying over and over that she only lost two sets since yesterday. I do not dispute that, but she has been playing "nobodies" and that would help her achieve the only 2 set lost so far. So, she played the 30Th rank seed in the US Open Agnieszka Radwanska. Radwanska is pictured on my blog today.

So, I decided to a couple of laps around Cherry Creek Reservoir. I had forgot that this weekend was the 2ND Annual 24 hours of Triathlon. Here is the website address, but as of this posting the link is not working www.24hoursoftriathlon.com.

As I entered the Cherry Creek Reservoir I see the big orange sign indicating that the Triathlon event was in process. I saw the course was in my way I was going to ride in the park. I rode up to a volunteer and asked if I was okay to ride or if the course was closed or was there a detour that I must take.

He indicated that the course was an open course, just be mindful of the racers. I said not a problem and even offered to go elsewhere. He said not a problem just be aware and do not race the racers. You appear to be a racer yourself and I know you may want to see who is faster.

I rode cautiously onto the open course and proceed to ride. I saw the bib racers and they did look like racers. I saw some "awesome" looking rims and wheel sets. After about 5 miles I reached the running course so I made sure that I yielded to the ride of way to the racers. After they past I continued onward. All in All I was mistaken as a racer about 3 times. Damn. Do I have that look? Did I ride like I should be in the event? Who knows.

I stopped here and there and looked at the running course and the swimming course. Not too bad. I even got a bit reminiscent about my past - 2 years ago.

The event started at 8:00 AM on Saturday and supposedly ended at 8 AM this morning. The day was okay with some scattered rain showers here and there. A nice evening and night. I hope all went well them the past 24 hours.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Cherry Creek Reservoir in August

Greetings readers

Yesterday was the day to take Rebecca out for a ride. Saturday was good too, but I made Sunday the day.

I got up early Sunday and took Tracey along and we went to the store to get some breakfast material and the Sunday Denver Post.

Readers - Am I suppose to assume that is "Lola Granola" in Opus? I think that would be her, but what would she be doing there? I might have to do a bit of research, if possible. Or I am going to have to wait until more information surrounds this Lola.

Me and Rebecca headed out to Cherry Creek Reservoir to do a couple of laps. Low intensity and high intensity, depending on how I felt when I got the reservoir. Oh yes, the day was already hot, but more importantly - NO Humidity! I grabbed a couple of Mountain Blast Powerade drinks from the gas station and that was all I needed. I had my Santa Fe Century jersey on today. I wanted to be bright. Readers! I was pertaining to physically bright since I know that I am mentally bright. Period. So there I was in the orange and yellow jersey with the Sunday shining ever so brightly. You probably could not look at me directly with the sun light reflecting off my jersey. LOL. Anyway, I decided to ride into Cherry Creek and see how it goes. I was not in the mood to start off fast.

The wind was blowing lightly, in from the East. I saw many riders going the opposite direction, which was good. Any time I see a rider in front or pass me that competitive side comes out from within me. Me and Rebecca were just keeping a nice pace and getting the feel of each other out at the Reservoir. We managed a nice gingerly pace on the first lap of the Creek.

Second lap, me and Rebecca were passed by a rider, with a few pounds on, at a reasonable pace, but by no means flying. We watched him get ahead then I heard the gears of the bike (through my earphones) and see the rider move his hand down to the down tube of his bike. No way. Old school. Me and Rebecca were not going to be passed by an out of shaping, non-looking, rider on an old school bike. We picked up the pace and within 50 yards we were in the slipstream, drafting, the rider. We drafted for about 2 miles or so. Yes, we enjoyed the 18 mph draft and definite slow paced pedalling we were doing. As oppose to him pedalling away. Sure he looked back twice, but I made no effort.

Sorry readers, me and Rebecca had no reason to do any work at the front. Sure in hell I took full advantage of the "free" ride. He did not seem concern about me and Rebecca drafting him. If he did he would of slowed down and made us pass. Then after about 2 1/2 miles he was turning left as oppose to going straight, which was the way me and Rebecca had to go.

Then, the last four miles we were passed by another rider, more hard core looking, and that was the time to draft once more. Well, we played catch up and then we reached a 4 way intersection, but a 3 way stop with one right of way (no stop sign).

This is what separates the people who give riders a bad name for breaking the law. All three of us were approaching the stop sign and yes we are required to stop. The only people who have the right of way that do not have to stop is the people coming into Cherry Creek Reservoir. There is truck turning South, which is the way we were biking. At the same time there is a few vehicles stopped going East. This rider in front of us decided to "cut behind" the person waiting at the stop sign going East. While about 6 to 10 vehicles were turning left, right or going straight.

As much as I wanted to do the same thing. I did not. That is breaking the law, not to mention, giving another reason why cars/trucks "hate" cyclists. I waited for about 2 minutes (until everyone abide the law) and then me and Rebecca took off. Two minutes ahead of us and the guy in front could ride. We "dropped the hammer" and decided this was going to be last lap at the Creek and give what we could to catch this law-breaker. There are twists and turns, trees, and shrubs all along the route so could not really see very far in front of us. Our average for the first mile was about 30 to 31 mph. About mile and a half we saw the "red" jersey of him in the distance. Not a speck, but very far. I bet his speed was about 20 mph, Needless to say, the red jersey was getting closer to us, but we could not close the distance within the exit/entrance on the South side of Cherry Creek. I would estimate about 75 yards, but we were exhausted for really giving all we could in those last four miles.

All in all, we worked up a sweat and tried our best to catch up within the distance we had. No loss since we obeyed the law and waited our turn at the stop sign. The other rider was in the wrong for doing what he did. Would I have done that? Yes, a long time ago, but now I know better and more wise about riding. Otherwise, it felt good with all the adrenaline and lactic acid in the muscle, not to mention sweat pouring off my face. I was breathing heavy, but all so good. =) That my friends is one of many reasons why I ride.

Me and Rebecca finished up our ride with a post ride drink on the steps of the Arapahoe marketplace with a cold Coca Cola from the vending machine outside Albertson's. Boo-yah.

Update 08/14/07 : I added a picture of the location of the intersection in question in Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park. Yes, this pertains to this blog's entry. Yet, this is a daily occurrence on almost every rider who thinks they do not have to stop.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 4

Greetings Readers

I am not tired, but my body is indicating it is. Mentally I am okay, but physically my body is saying so-so.

Again, after work I headed off to Cherry Creek Reservoir. This time around I had to take "it easy" - my average was 15 .4 mph. Yes, I made myself go the speed I wanted, but also the gosh-forsaken-wind was blowing in from the Southeast and it was windy. I estimated about about 16 to 20 mph blowing. Last night, there were riders who were passing me. I am not going to say there was a lot, but there a more than a few. For a split second I wanted to show those riders a thing or two about riding, but I restrained myself. I occasionally do have control of myself and ignore the others around me while riding. I did 46.85 miles yesterday.

I have to admit I did one lap and almost called it an evening, but the desire somehow woken up when I rounded the bend for home. I had to do another lap in order to get mileage up. Home sounded good, but daylight was still in the sky and I ever-so-wanted to get more mileage in.

So, I started the second lap and that was when I noticed that my legs were feeling funny. Or more to the point - my thighs. If I was not pedaling and just coasting, or if I stopped for a bit and then started to pedal once more - I got the feeling that you are "Bonking" and then I literally could "feel" my blood circulating into my thighs and the bonking feeling would disappear. I am not sure if I ever that sort of feeling before.

Then, the other feeling was when I had to climb those hills I could feel my thighs "physical yelling" of no more riding. Although, when I felt that yesterday - to me it means - no pain no gain. I could feel the lactic acid building, muscle breaking down.

So endeth the ride and this morning I was definitely better than yesterday. Still tight in the thighs, but not as bad of a feeling as yesterday. I think I made a decision to take this evening off. I really need for my body to recover even though mentally I could do another 45 miles today. I was so tired last night that I just grabbed a can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup and had that for dinner, with crackers.

Desire is such a wonderful thing. Speaking of which....

At lunch today me and a co-worker went for custard (ice cream) and as we were parking we noticed this girl/woman in a snug almost sleeveless red shirt with her very big breasts filling out the shirt. Breast are a nice thing for me, but not a part that I put number one on my most desirable list. But these breast were in a very tight red shirt and - oh yes - they were nice. and big. Compared to the petite body and baseball cap on her head and blue jeans nice and snug. Sorry readers, but this one moment that has really caught my attention. She was standing and talking to a tow-truck driver sort of right in front of the custard shop. Very nice body and we even locked eyes for a second. Yes, I would say she could be my type. I know this "little" entry has nothing to do with nothing, but I just had to remember this moment.

Or perhaps it could be all the riding that I have been doing in the past three days - 219 miles - perhaps my testosterone level is getting high than usual and I am noticing more than usual. Who knows.

Tour de France - Cancellara pulled an upset yesterday by winning the stage. It was big upset to the sprinters and not to mention to the four riders pictured on my blog today. These four riders were the breakaway group of this stage almost all day and then they fucking blew their chance in the last few kilometers of the stage by basically "sparring" or "playing cat and mouse" with each other. The peloton caught up and the rest is history.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 3

Greetings Readers

It was a late evening yesterday. I was out biking until 9:30 PM last night. As soon as I got off work yesterday I headed home, dropped off my work clothes and then headed over to Cherry Creek Reservoir for some mileage. I was a little bit tight, but feeling good.

I got over to the state park and started to do some laps. I was averaging 20 mph, considering my long bike ride the day before. I felt good. I knew that I could push myself to exhaustion since I knew that I was not going to make the 104 miles that I needed to in order to be with the Tour de France.

Long story short is that I did 45.76 miles yesterday. Not too shabby. I did a couple of laps in Cherry Creek and I even a couple of riders next to me. I was pushing the big gears while these other guys were pushing the high cadence gears. It is always good for me to see them pedal two or three times more than I have to in the larger gear, but going the same speed, if not faster. I often have to miss a rotation since I am often on their back wheel - drafting. Why should I get ahead of them when it is them that are trying to pass me? I often play "head games" and pedal just a bit extra so when they look back at me they still see me on their back tire when perhaps I should be way back behind them. It is funny to see them pedal much harder in order "to lose" me.

I am 53 miles behind the tour mileage, but that is going to increase significantly since today is a long stage of 153 miles, I think. There is no way I can catch up.

Getting up this morning sucked. I was a lot more tighter and the muscles in my lower legs a bit more stiff. I can thank myself and one of the riders at Cherry Creek for pushing me to a higher limit of riding. I knew better yesterday, but I also knew that I had to push myself.

I did not get to watch the Tour de France - Stage 2 last night, but I did get the see the ending when I was checking my recording. Another crash - Riders riding with one hand on the handlebars and the other tucked into their body (pictured Cancellara in the yellow jersey crossing after being in the crash kilometers from the finish). One guy fracture his thumb 5 places. His thumb! A nice sprint by two same team members on a little climb to the finish. Somehow these two were able to get past all the sprinters. Perhaps the others thought the hill was not as steep. I do not know.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Tour de France - Day 2

Greetings Readers

Day 2 - has come and gone. I am currently riding with the tour since I had to bike 203 Kilometers on Sunday. It did not come easy though - I had to do four laps in Cherry Creek, then headed North to Downtown Denver, then South to Chatfield, then further south to the edge of Highlands Ranch then North all way to Parker then back to Centennial, Colorado. I guess I am still good. I am a bit worn, but otherwise I feel like my old self.

I took "Tracey" with me and we did pretty good. We did about 50 miles in 2:15/2:30 which was pretty good. We got out the door at about 6:30 and did not come home until the afternoon. We were going to stay in the Cherry Creek Area, but damn -after four laps the scenery was getting boring and the other cyclist were starting to come out to the reservoir.

We headed down to Confluence Park and took about a 15 minute break. Then, at Kalamath and Alameda I had to stop by a Gas Station to get some more liquids. I also decided to get some fries at Burger King. Wow! I have not have fresh French Fries in month! Oh they were soo good and so hot, so fresh, but again so damn good!

Heading down South Platte there were a few detours which I was not aware of. Yes, I did not like them, but they did help my mileage for the day. That was a plus - since I had some serious cycling to do.

Highlands Ranch was were I did all my hill climbing from the junction of Santa Fe and C-470. I would estimate that I did 14 miles of hill climbing to Lincoln and I-25 going throughout Highlands Ranch.

Coming back from the junction of E-470 and Parker Road the wind, rain came into my life. I was hoarsely yelling "Is that all you got?!" I was not going to let this weather stop me from completing "my tour stage". "Is that all you got ?!" As I said that I see lightening flashing to the Northwest of me - I would say 10-20 miles, but I honestly do not know. It could have been 5 miles away. I did not stop though. I was on a mission and I was not going to stop.

And that was about all for the day.

I got to watch the first stage after cleaning up when I got home yesterday and knew I had rode what they had rode earlier that day. Robbie Mc Ewen (Pictured). was the stage winner. With much thanks to his team mates.

Wimbledon - as if I need to tell you who won the Federer vs. Nadal match on grass. Yes - Federer won.

Until the next time readers

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Doing puzzles to "block out" issues

Greetings Readers

Puzzles - I like doing Sudoku puzzles, my 5000 puzzle pieces I am still working on and then my current Playstation 2 game - Gods of War.

I guess I am in the mood to keep my brain from thinking about things I need to "LIG" If I start watching TV I start to drift from the TV show and then I get to thinking and then I might get myself worked up thinking more and more about the issue.

Anyway, I am playing God of War and really enjoying the puzzle aspects of the game. Enjoying the puzzle part and the game itself is a bonus. I thrive on challenges.

You know readers, this subject is really out there, but does pertain to something current, but needed to, in a way, to write down something/anything without actually mentioning what/why.

Yes, I am being cryptic, but due to the people that know I have a blog, this will be an easy way for someone to see "what's up Mr. C"

Me and Rebecca rode in together this morning. She has not been out for a few weeks. The weather is suppose to be sunny and clear so that is why she went out today. Which reminds me - This is the first time ever that I have registered for "the Bike to Work Day". Of course I gave them my PO Box address. Where I live is a secret and does not concern anyone unless I am getting a little something-something. Whew. I finally put a smile on my face.

Of course, what does not help is something else happens and that just adds to the issues already in hand.

I am rambling readers. It is not fair to you so I am going to close this entry out and we will begin with a new page tomorrow. And this is also the reason why I did not make an entry yesterday. Needed some time to not to think, so to speak. Also, I am really fucking pissed off and it is getting worse my the hour. I think I might have to have an evening ride around Cherry Creek Reservoir. I got to get this chip off my shoulder.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Looking back at past reflections of my life

Greetings People

As I was cleaning up one of my very old, old computers (133 Mhz) I found this file and thought it would be nice to share a moment about two years ago. After I read this I was instantly reminded of this time in my life...

Greeting Goofball-ers'

Now, if any of you son of bitches got anything else to say, now is the fucking time!
Kill Bill. Volume One

Time sure has a funny time passing us by and getting us another day closer to death. A dark perspective or maybe the accepting the truth is a little hard to comply with? I do not know. No, I am not looking for an answer nor am I going to give you an answer.

So, you Goofball-ers' know the drill. I am about to embark on a journey and I, of course, will be your guide for the length of this story telling. Grab your drink and let us go forth together

Grab my hand or put your arm around my waist and let us embark into the world of the Goofball-ers', a world that unfortunately is drawing slowly to a close. Not much is holding this world together and the solution is beyond my control. Sure, another year has gone by, but somehow time is getting irrevelant in the Goofball-ers' world and the ties that hold this world to the Goofball-ers' are slowly deteriorating away...

Note: Before reading further - No disrespect is intended to any religious parties. My apologies to anyone who is offended. Remember you do not have to read anything you do not want to. All views expressed are mine. thank you.

(Before starting this section, put in Kill Bill. Vol 1 Soundtrack, Track 14 - The Lonely Shepard)

The sky is overcast in gray with the snow falling gently around him. Tis a cold day, but not too cold for him to enjoy a nice bike ride. Even though he is enjoying his ride, you can not see the pain that his well hidden below the surface. Emotional pain is one of the hardest things to overcome in life and every year during the winter he has to come to terms with past emotional pain and new pain that occurs during this time of the year.

Steadily biking through the snow he thinks of what has transpired this past November and December to him. That was a mental and emotional time and nearly costed him his soul. He knew that he was close, very close, to depression. He knows depression, but he also knows about winter doldrums and the difference between the both of them. Doldrums are what he gets every year.

Yet, on this particular ride, he is able to make peace with himself and look back on his life so far. He was able to overcome the seriousness of sadness that occurred and actually get a smile to his face. A smile that is hardly seen at all anymore.

As we see him riding toward the gates of Cherry Creek State Reservoir Park we see his ZZ Top bandanna wrapped around his head, his Oakley Sunglasses covering his dark brown eyes from the snow and wind , his winter bike riding outfit and fingerless riding gloves. Heidi is with him also enjoying the day. Just before he passes the gates we can hear Natalie Merchant singing from her The House Carpenter's Daugther album coming from the CD Walkman's earphones. Perfect music for the perfect day of snow riding.

He is not smiling, especially with him finally letting go of the one he started to have feelings toward.

Looking back on the year of the Ram (sheep), is a year he would like to put well behind him. Though readers, fear not for him, his road to recovery has been swift and quite acceptable to him considering the circumstances. Let us watch him disappear in the falling snow and fog and hope we may re-visit him again...

(End the song that was started for this section)

Welcome to the year of the Monkey. Tis the year of 2004.

Well, now we are in 2007 and now I have to figure out what year it is. Rooster? Anyway, I will try to blog tonight, but may not have the time to. Oh the Soprano's start this Wednesday on A & E and yes most likely I will watch.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete