The Pink Bracelet

Greetings Readers

The Pink Bracelet.

I am a firm believer in the Komen Foundation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A bike "Stolen"

Greetings Readers

I left four comments in the past couple of days on four different blogs and they all had a common theme.

“If you disagree with my blog you don’t have to read”

Yes, I agree with that, but don’t be a fucking hypocrite.

After all in all four of these blogs they are open to all Readers – meaning that the blog is not marked for “private.”

All four blogs are open for commenting. And open on the Internet for anyone to read.

On the first blog anyone – meaning anyone – can leave a comment without having a screen name. The second blog you can leave a comment, but only if you have a screen name. The third blog you may leave a comment, but it has to be approved by the blog’s owner. And the last blog has been changing back and forth on what type of blog comments can be left.

Us Readers of blogs know that there are people who comment to agree with the bloggers or give praise or salutations. Yet, there are other bloggers who leave negative comments. And then there are other bloggers who leave links on other blogger’s blogs comments. There are other bloggers who merely comment for the sakes of commenting. And with myself I often leave comments to make the blog’s owner aware more often than not that I do not side with the blogger’s post for that day – not meaning I disagree, but have a different point of view.

With that being said I know that I do not have to read your blog, but I read it because I may find you amusing. I may find you so one sided. I may find you entertaining. I also may find you attractive. I may find you live in a country I want to read more about from your blog. I may find that we share a common interest. I may find that you are in the same city as myself. I may find you so innocent to your stupidity it is a pleasure to find out what fucked up thing(s) you are going to do next. I may see you proclaim yourself to “God” in your blog, then yet in your blog you have broken half of the sins you are not suppose to. You curse, drink, smoke, have sex while not married and to top that off you often use every thing in life as an excuse for “God” testing you in your life. Yet, you do not have the fucking audacity to take any responsibility for your actions or your non-actions in life.

My faith in religion has no bearing to this subject. Nor does your faith in religion have a point to this subject at hand. I bring this up because two of these bloggers believe in God and religion. Both bloggers proclaim their following in religion and to God. And I could care less about their faith since what I think does not matter nor have any bearing in their life. Yet, I have been reading their blogs for the past year and they are so contradictory to what they proclaim and what they write about.

So, when I comment and the blogger has to approve my comment(s) before being posted to their blog – more often than not – my comment does not get posted. I do not use curse words, unless they cursed in that particular blog post, but then again I do not curse since I would not want any cursing posted on my blog.

Hah hah. Sorry Readers – I could not type that without laughing and smiling! You Readers are entitled to your opinion (and cuss words) and ever since this blog of mine has started I have not deleted a bad comment (or a curse word). The only comments I have deleted is the comments that are left that say “click here to get your timeshare for less than you think” which is not a comment, but a statement that has no bearing on my blog post of that day.

Me? Yes, I have limited my comments to bloggers with screen names, since I was getting bloggers who were leaving comments “click here for incredible time share offer in Mexico.” Otherwise, any blogger with a screen name who has left a comment – good or bad – has been left posted on my blog by me. No Deletion.

Getting back to the “if you don’t like - don’t read.”

That is so true – If I am not interested in the blog, I WILL not read. Period. However, it is interesting because it is interesting to me what you are blogging about. It is not about not liking. Those are totally two different things. Not liking and interesting. Hmmmm.

So, when I comment about what you have posted there is a reason I did so. Mostly, not to agree with what you may have done. Not necessarily negative, but perhaps not what you want to see (read) from a blogger like me (or anyone who does not agree with your way.)

For example: Last year a certain ignorant cyclist blogged about how his bike helmet was taken right outside their front door, in so many words (but the word “Stolen” was never used). This person said they were “not mad,” but we Readers know they were. Hell, I would be as well as 99 percent of the population be pissed off that someone took our bike helmet. Wait, Readers – he took responsibility that the helmet was left out for about ½ the day (and near central Denver.) where anyone could have seen (and take) the bike helmet sitting out in the open.

That was the story relayed to us Readers last year from this certain blogger. Three days later the ignorant cyclist reported his landlord returned his helmet to him. The ignorant cyclist gave no apology by making the assumption his helmet was stolen nor was it posted by the ignorant cyclist that he even said “Thank you” to the property manager. Did I care? Nope. And from this particular person I would not have even thought that was even in his personality to say Thanks. And this is only an assumption of me by going off all his blog posts he has made.

With that past history being re-visited there is another blogger out there who recently had something “stolen” – their Road Bike.

Once again – a different, and as before a younger cyclist than me, who has stated all over their blog their following in God, their path to God and faith in God has blogged about their bike being stolen the past week and he (mind you this blogger said he – not she) whoever stole their bike is an “asshole.” Furthermore, if this blogger ever sees this person on their stolen bike they will tackle him. Side note Readers – I too would try and take my “stolen” bike back if I saw someone on a bike that I know is mine.

Wow. Is this person really following God’s morals? I remember – “thou shall not kill.” I am pretty sure that also implies that thou shall not hurt; take revenge on another human being. Right?

There is some history before the blogger called the thief an “asshole” – apparently the blogger left their bike locked up in front of a building on a college campus in Colorado for over 13 days. I do not know anymore than that. Meaning – I do not know how far was this building from the blogger’s home. I do not know why they left their bike locked up for over 13 days at that building. I do not know why they did not take their bike back to his/her home. All I know is that the blogger left their bike locked up for over 13 days, now the bike is gone and that a human being is evil for taking their bike, which they admit it was partially their fault for leaving locked up for over 13 days at a bike rack.

Going to back to the story from last year about the stolen helmet – the blogger neglected to think about other possibilities about what might have happened to the road bike. I left a comment on their blog – perhaps a park maintenance person took the bike – perhaps security (campus), or even the police took the bike into their possession. After all, a college campus has to remain clean and pretty. Seeing a bike chained up for over 13 days and not being moved would appear abandoned to me. I would, if I am allowed to under college rules, to cut any locked bike that appears abandoned for an extended amount of time. No, I would not keep the bike for myself. I would put the bike in storage area or give to the police for holding / investigation.

In this day and age of terrorism a terrorist(s) could technically pack plastic explosive into a bike frame. Hence, that is why at the DNC (Democratic National Convention) last year NO bikes (Road, Fixed, Cruiser and Mountain bikes) were let near Invesco Field at Mile High for that reason alone.

With that being said seeing a locked up road bike not being moved on a college campus would be very, very suspicious and I would wonder myself since a college campus would be a place a terrorist would strike since there are a lot of people, young people, that could be targets for any terrorist(s).

In closing, I hope my comment does not get deleted, but if it does so be it. I do know that the blogger will most likely come to my blog and will read what I just told you Readers. Jumping the gun and assuming the worst is shallow one-sided thinking.

P.S. – I do hope that the bike was not stolen, but if the bike was taken I do hope it is recovered. After all, if my bike went missing I would hope for recovery. Then again, I would not have left any of my road bikes locked up at a bike rack for over 13 days. We Readers know that there are thieves out their in the world and seeing something as easy as a road bike left unattended as long as 13 days is basically an invitation to the thieves out in that world of ours to steal something sitting unclaimed for that amount of time.

Instead of calling someone an “asshole” perhaps you should call yourself an “asshole” for leaving your road bike locked up at that bike rack for that amount of time.

Note: Personally, I am not calling (labeling) anyone an “asshole” – not the thief or the bike owner on this particular subject at hand.

It sounds like “the pot calling the kettle black.”

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

After Election Day - Obama Chosen

Greetings Readers

I woke up this morning and I pretty well knew who became the president elect. I did care on a very small level, but really did not matter one way or the other.

I am just so fucking glad that there will be no more fucking “Bush” in office come the New Year. He cannot even say “nuclear” right.

Anyway, I will and along with the rest of the nation wait and see what becomes. I did hear and see and what Obama said and what others said about him. Yet, I would never consider that factor as gospel (or fact).

I do want to state for the record once more that I biked over 150 miles when the DNC was in Denver. No, Obama does not owe that to me, but I want to state for the record that I gave that much of my time to him this past August when the DNC was in Denver.

Readers – Now this is something I want to say. Risky, but I have to say this. I am afraid that they’re a lot of people out there who are not going to accept this newly elected president. There are many reasons, but none that I can list for you. I have nothing against the newly elected president, but I do have to say that the South will.

I do hope that security will be more tighten than usual. I feel that there is very high risk for the newly elected president once he comes into office. His youth, race and views. I truly hope the best for him, but I fear the worst. And this sort of thinking only comes of way how society is now these days.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Day of Arrival on my Mini-Vacation

Greetings Readers

I arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico about 4 A.M. on Saturday and waited about an hour or so at the bus station until my Dad came and picked me up in Downtown Albuquerque.

We then headed across town to go to my brother’s place on the East side of Albuquerque.

We got to my brother’s place and this was the time that I actually look forward to when arriving in New Mexico. I am not home, but I am home. My home is Dallas, Texas, my actual home is Denver, Colorado and then perhaps my Native American Indian home is New Mexico.

Anyway, sitting on my brother’s couch early in the morning, smelling and hearing the Starbucks coffee brewing, the television on and our family together is a nice feeling. This is usually only one of the times that are family is together and in harmony.

Though, perhaps I think this is my time that I enjoy the most. For me this is the time that I get to give gifts to my brother, Mom and Dad. I have to say I like this time of the day and moment when arriving in New Mexico.

This time I was able to reward with gift to my family the Coca-Cola gifts that I just redeemed a week or so ago. I gave my brother and Dad the Coca-Cola lunch bags and then I gave my Mom the Coca-Cola tub. Then, I gave my parents the Mountain Man nuts (Corn nuts and Almond nuts) I bought a couple days before at work.

Before giving out the gifts I pulled out two VHS tapes that contained the recordings of Ice Road Truckers – Season Two. I knew that they loved the first season I brought down for them last year so I was excited to bring down Season Two for them since they all liked the first season. Unfortunately, I never fully saw the first season and I did not see the second season since I was just really recording for my family since they watched the first season. Anyway, my brother started up the first tape and they immediately got into the show.

While this was going on my Mom was getting cold and asked for a towel from my brother in order to put over her legs since she was just wearing a night gown. Lo and behold this perfect. Since I bought two US Open towels – one for me and one for my parents they did not know that the US Open just happened and that I bought another US Open towel for them.

Actually, I think it is expected of me to buy a US Open towel for them, but not really. Hell, it was my fault for starting this new tradition of buying them a US Open Towel. Yet, I have no problem buying another expensive US Open towel for them – since they are my parents.

So, when my Mom asked that question to my brother. I reached into my bag and pulled out the plastic wrapped US Open Towel and said here you go.

She opened the plastic bag and saw that it was this year’s US Open towel and she said “Thank you.” She immediately covered her legs.

Lastly, I pulled out the Obama Buttons I bought during the DNC convention and gave them to my mother. “Oh Daryl” she said, but I said this is gift and I am not for Obama. Or McCain. This is just a gift from the DNC that was in Denver last month and perhaps this might be worth something should he be elected for president. I gave a rubber bracelet to my brother, just like the one that I was wearing.

My brother asked about the DNC and I told them what I told you readers when I blogged about the DNC. I told them what I did and of the experiences I had during the DNC. I basically told them Denver, in my opinion only, had become one of those countries in the Middle East.

With that it was the end of gift giving and story telling it was time to get ready to go out for our customary breakfast tradition when I get to New Mexico.

Breakfast was nice – we ate at Village Inn.

After breakfast we hit a few garage sales and then we dropped off my brother at his place. Soon, it was just my parents and me and we had a long drive to the Ranch ahead of us.

Before going to the Ranch, a hundred miles plus away, we had to stop at the Grocery Stores. We stopped at Sunflower and Smith’s and in between we stopped at our Hatch Chili place we buy our Chili from.

Let me tell you Readers it is now the season for Green Hatch Chili in New Mexico and this year the crops did not get destroyed like they did last year. When I stepped out of the vehicle I smelled the Hatch Chili being roasted nearby in the roasting containers. Ok - the smell was fucking intoxicating. That roasting is the smell that I love to smell. I compare that smell to the smell of the fragrance Woman’s Escape and the smell of French Vanilla Roast Coffee brewing. Those smells make me gaga. I love the aroma.

I walked around the store and took in the different Hatch Green Chili and the roasting. I was in heaven. We bought a bushel of Green chili. We do our own roasting so they gave us our burlap sack full of Hatch Green Hot Chili. Hot.

At Smith’s that is where I shopped for what I was going to cook and make for meals while I was at the Ranch. I bought Steaks, fish, 2 pound bag of shrimp, King Crab Legs, Brats, Spaghetti materials for making spaghetti sauce, Coca-Cola and Clover’s Chili Potato Chips. The bill came to about $ 133.00 for which I paid one hundred of and then my Mom paid for the rest. I did ask her if that was okay and she indicated yes. After all, most of it was mine, but it was all for us.

At Sunflower, I bought supplies for making my Salsa for my parents and brother. At Sunflower the supplies were cheaper and fresh. I could not wait to get to the Ranch and start my famous Salsa.

After the shopping was done we left Albuquerque and soon headed for the open road to the Northwest of Albuquerque. I pulled out my cassette adapter for my ipod and soon we were listening to my new Johnny Cash CD’s that I bought a few months ago. I was waiting for this moment to play Johnny Cash for them since this is what I listened to when I was a young child. I knew my parents loved Johnny Cash’s music and for me to play his music to them I knew that they would enjoy this. I was right. And they loved the live recording from New Jersey – The Lost performances.

On our way home to the Ranch we stopped at a local store and I bought the traditional Ice Cream we have while going home to the Ranch. Nestle Crunch Ice Cream bars and pop if anyone needs some pop. This was also the last store before going home not to mention that this is the closest store to us - 20 miles or so away from the Ranch. When I say store, it is not a store – more like an A & P of the old days. Only the necessities are available, nothing else.

An hour later I was driving up to the first gate to the Ranch and I knew I was truly home. I saw the damage the rains have done to the road I fixed last year. It was kind of sad to see all the work I did last year get washed away. Yet, I knew that later I was going to have to fix the road. I was already thinking of when and how to fix the damage to the road.

Then, I reached the second gate and I saw our dogs welcoming us home. Goofy was smiling, just like Bullwinkle did (when he was alive). I saw Koko hesitantly approach the truck since he sort of did not recognize me, but as soon as I jumped out the truck Koko jumped back scared and then saw it was just I and came to greet me. A dog never forgets his family owners. I saw most of the animals and I saw my car. I saw my parent’s home.

I was home

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sticking It to L.A.

Greetings Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Final Thoughts

Greetings Readers

In closing, I bought some Button Pins. I bought some Obama rubber bracelets (red and blue) and you know what readers I am actually wearing a rubber bracelet – an Obama bracelet – go figure. I have never even bought or put on a rubber bracelet, ever since Livestrong yellow bracelets made the bracelets what they are now. Showing your support, but also a Fashion accessory that can be matched to your wardrobe.

I saw trash overflow in Downtown Denver. I am sure that you heard or read that Denver was green for the DNC, but I think that was because no garbage trucks could get into Downtown Denver. I can only think that this was a security measure since a dump truck could be used for something other than garbage hauling. So, in my opinion, Denver decided to use “green” and show the world that trash was being hauled by modified bikes since I imagine that dump truck were probably forbidden in Downtown. Though that is speculation on my part.

I smelled the odor from the port-o-potties that were stationed at different areas downtown. I saw a lot of fast food containers littering the alleys, the trash bins and outside some stores. I never really noticed that there was any trash in the streets themselves.

I saw men and women in power suits that looked like they belong on Wall Street. I saw them lining the streets of Downtown looking at their phones since I can only assume that they did not have a pass to the Pepsi Center to see the DNC being held. I saw women who were showing some cleavage and legs. One could assume that this was normal, but the way that they looked and acted sure did not come off that way to me.

I saw the out of state visitors enjoying themselves in Denver. Probably doing the same thing I was doing – taking the whole DNC while it is happening in Denver.

I saw people selling Obama stuff. I would not know who were selling official Obama stuff, except the official Merchandise tent in front of the Colorado Convention Center. Some vendors had a nice set up and the stuff looks great. Other vendors had a single cheap looking table set up. Even more so people had those plastic tubs that you get at Wal-mart or Target and T-shirts just draped and jumbled up in the plastic tub. I was able to haggle, while others paid what was posted. Remember Readers, vendors in mass are willing to haggle since the next vendor have the same items are may undersell them at a lower price.

I did not get to see any protesters getting worked up. I did not see the Rage Against the Machine crowd marching. I did not see any famous movie stars. I did not get arrested. I did not have to have any of my co-workers bail me out. Ha ha. Kidding. Though, I joked that I would have a picture by picture of the police coming at me with riot gear and the big stick and then pictures of me probably on the ground with “the man” towering over me. And I did not get one picture of me against any DNC stuff. I figure you Readers can do without a picture of me at the DNC smiling for the camera.

Overall, the three days I went to the DNC I biked a total of 164.06 miles. I would have biked two hundreds miles if I did not go home and sleep on Wednesday evening, but I succumbed to my body being tired.

Day 1 – 54.38 miles

Day 2 – 50.34 miles

Day 3 – 0 miles

Day 4 – 59.34 miles

I said this before and I will say again – I am really surprised that I got interested in the Democratic National Convention. When I heard that Denver got picked to host the event a year ago I could fucking care less. This was so until about a month ago when my friend asked me to go downtown with her. From that point, I got excited and interested in the DNC. And now it is history for me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Now Over

Greetings Readers

Thursday I was going to take the whole day off, but I decided only to take half a day off. I was sort of sure that I would not need a full day to see the DNC downtown. After all, I had been to the DNC on Monday and Tuesday evening. I could have been down at the DNC on Wednesday, but Damn I was worn out. Working, riding 50 miles round trip and trying to watch a match of the US Open had taken its toll on me when I woke up on Wednesday.

By the way Readers, 50 miles is nothing for me, but when I was biking as fast as I could Downtown and then biking as fast as I could going Home in the dark I was pushing myself very hard. Even riding uphill I was out of the seat pushing the pedals hard. And not “out of anger” such as Phil and Paul would probably say.

Thursday was going to be the day, the final day, of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. My friend and I were going to go down together, but something came up and we would not be able to go together. I thought about not going since my friend was the only reason I took the day off and was going to go down to the DNC. Yet, I remembered Monday and Tuesday and I really enjoyed being downtown and I enjoyed what I saw and experienced.

Before leaving for the DNC I had to get some cold hard cash in order to buy some souvenirs. Some Democratic souvenirs. I had seen some of the booths on Monday and Tuesday lining the streets. I did not buy any on Monday and Tuesday since I knew that I was coming down on Thursday.

The souvenirs were good, bad and ugly. The good were some of the buttons I saw, the bad was the Obama dolls and the ugly was some of the T-shirts that looked like they were drawn by pre-school children selling for 20.00 dollars. There were foam fingers, flags, banners, trading cards, posters and miscellaneous items that I could list.

Since I was going alone that meant I was not going to be walking. I could ride my bike down there. I did not have to pay for an RTD ticket round trip. I know that the cost is little, but if I do not have to spend that little money I won’t. I once more got Andrea ready and wiped clean the HED. rims.

As I was just about to leave my humble abode I was going to take the South Platte Bike path down to Downtown, but then I decided I might as well take the same way I did earlier this week – the Cherry Creek Bike path. At least I know that taking the same route I was guaranteed another 50-mile bike ride.

The Cherry Creek Bike Path was no different than the ride down to Downtown on Monday and Tuesday evening. I left the Cherry Creek Bike path at Colfax and took a picture of the Road close sign leading west. I had no clue or any destination in mind when I went Downtown on Thursday.

I rode in and around Downtown Denver. I noticed a little Law enforcement, but I think that most of them were around the Invesco Stadium. I hardly saw the mass of people in Downtown like I did on Monday and Tuesday. I think that since the gates at Invesco opened at 1 PM that is where most of them went.

I slowly biked through the streets and sidewalks of Denver with my HED. rims proudly being showed off. I rode slowly, but not too slow. I stopped at various spots downtown, but got no real picture opportunity that you Readers might enjoy. I did take a couple more pictures of the bike taxis that I was unable to get a clear picture earlier this week.

I cruised down to Union Station and that was when I saw and heard my first remark “Hey I will trade you straight up – your rims for my Mountain bike?” I looked at him smiling and said, “Um, let me take a look at your ride.” We both laughed and he could not stop looking at my bike. Soon, the light turned green and we were off. He rode off down the street while I just pedaled slowly. I soon noticed people noticing me and I thought to myself “oh yeah”

I turned down another street and then soon I heard “hey L.A.” (My faithful readers know the initials of this particular bike rider who I do not use his full name) being yelled down one of the streets. I didn’t look at who yelled since this sort of comment yelling is nothing knew at me. As I crossed the intersection I then hear “Oh cool – Southpark.” Respect.

I soon crossed another street and then I saw about 10 police horses with a couple of the horses with clear plastic face guards. I soon found myself at the Brown Palace and felt that my back tire was going flat. Damn. And of all places to get a flat tire. Why? Well Readers the Brown Palace is a famous hotel and a place where famous people stay at in Denver. With that in mind there was a police presence and some people who looked like security officers from some outfit on patrol. I could of stop right there, but I had to ride at least a block or so away from the Brown Palace.

Again, more so for myself, since I do not want to draw anyone’s attention to me.

Ten minutes later I was up and riding. I headed to Civic Center Park, but the entire area was fenced off by chain link fences. There was some police patrolling, but other than that everything was quiet. By this time I decided it was time to go to Invesco. Later I found out that the fence was put up to prepare for the Taste of Colorado this Labor Day weekend and not to keep out the protesters from Civic Center Park.

I found myself on Colfax and headed west. Colfax was empty. Police cars were here and there. The police were also patrolling under the bridges. People were walking and biking since no one could drive on this portion of Colfax. I decided to take some pictures of me biking in the middle of Colfax void of any cars. I also took some pictures of I-25 from Colfax. I could see the Orange Snow Dump Trucks on I-25 as well as police cars patrolling I-25 slowly.

I saw that there was a make shift bike corral on the Southwest side of Invesco. As well as a platoon of police with heavy duty looking guns. I decided to head North on Federal Blvd. That is were things got lively. Cameras, vendors, people, heavy vehicle traffic, and everything else you cannot imagine. Businesses that line Invesco were selling their parking lot spaces for 60.00 to 80.00 dollars to park. I could not fucking believe that!

Also, Denver Dept of Public Works were handing out bottles of water for free. And let me tell you readers there were cartons and cartons of water along the streets near Invesco. The Dept of Pubic Works had their trucks driving around Invesco handing out water from the back of the truck. I want to say that the free water was donated by Wal-Mart, which meant a lot to me. Something small perhaps, but for Wal-mart to donate all the water, and Readers I saw a lot of water, I was amazed. Oh, I asked a group of Dept of Public Workers some questions and also for a couple of pictures – as long as it was okay. And that is where I learned that all the water was donated by Wal-mart.

Now, why I mentioned the free water was that there was a booth that was selling Obama water. Obama water? Officially bottled, sweet tasting and something else I cannot remember that made Obama water worth $ 10.00 dollars a bottle. I knew I should have taken a picture, but I guess I was shaking my head in disbelief on what things people were selling. I think I was still in disbelief of the $ 60.00 and $ 80.00 dollars parking

I soon found myself North of Invesco and nearby a bridge that crossed I-25.

“Damn Homey”

Soon, I was being eyeballed by a young guy with his hat turned crooked on his head, his wrist wrapped with a bandanna and has a white tank top showing off his muscles on a bmx dirt bike. Two seconds later about 10 other people (his crew?) were eyeing my bike and me. Or perhaps my bike and not me.

I rode slowly and confidently by them and then stopped on the bridge. I smiled and nodded my head as if saying thank you. Then, I took some pictures of I-25 and the blockade towards Invesco. A pretty impressive view. And no Readers, I was not worried about being jumped since the police presence was stationed at the ramps entrance and exits. I also had the K-9 presence going for me. Any other time I would not be stopping to take any pictures and if I saw anyone looking like that guy looking at me and said those same exact words I would ride like the wind blows on the plains of Wyoming. Hard, fast and easterly.

By this time I had almost made a complete circle of Invesco. I only had the South Platte Bike path to go on and I was not sure if that was open or if the section near Invesco was closed off.

I noticed that there was one helicopter flying / patrolling around Invesco. I did not see any vapor trails from any planes. I did not see any other Helicopters in the area. When I noticed this I was sort of reminded of the days after 9-11. No planes in the sky, only the occasional jet engine whining overhead patrolling the skies of America. This time there was only the sound of the Helicopter doing circles overhead the skies of Denver.

With sunset coming I decided that I would take the final pictures of Invesco in various shots with different lighting (shutter/aperture speed). I heard the megaphone of some protesters that were on the east side of Invesco. I also saw a lot of police with binoculars looking at that, which I was sort of near. No way was I going to stick around. I then headed south and then that is where I ran into the RTD buses. I think I ran into all of the RTD buses in Denver. I could not believe how many buses were lined up – waiting for the speech to end and bus the people to various lots.

I tried taking a picture of the all the RTD buses, but I could not get the shot that showed the number of RTD buses lined up. I guess you can count the white tops of the buses since that is about how you can see that there were a lot of buses waiting.One street further I saw a convey. Police cars, Police Motorcycles, Ambulance, Black Suburban vehicles and bus getting onto I-25. I can only presume that was might have been Obama’s convoy.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 3 and 4

Greetings Readers

Not much else I can say about the credential.

Daryl Charley

The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 2

Greetings Readers

As the title for the Post today reads this was Day Two of the DNC (Democratic National Convention) in Denver, Colorado. Today, I was able to tell most of my friends of my experience and what I saw in Downtown Denver on the first official day of the DNC on Monday. I showed everyone who cared to see some of the pictures I took.

I also told them that I was careful of what I was taking pictures of and how I acted in the vicinity of the Law enforcement that were stationed and mobile in and around the Downtown area. And yes readers, I told my friends I was on my best behavior so I would not draw any unnecessary attention to myself. Worse yet, I did not want to be put into a holding pen for people being arrested and/or confirmation that you are who say you are. Apparently from what was told to me was that there was a tent that held make shift corrals that would hold arrested people for processing and holding,

Anyway, after telling most of my friends today of what I saw yesterday I decided that if there was no chance of any heavy rain showers in the afternoon I was going to bike down to Downtown Denver once more and also to Civic Center Park to see what’s what.

So, as 4 PM came and went I looked out the window and the skies looked ok, in a manner of speaking. I was not able to leave early like I did the day before, but I was still going to go even leaving later than the day before. I rode home fast and had everything ready to go from this morning. I grabbed two half frozen water bottles I made the night before I went to sleep last night and added cold water to fill the water bottle to the top.

I wanted to take the shortest route to bike that I thought would be the best to take to Downtown Denver, but then I decided to take the same route the day before. I knew the path and I now know the terrain. Plus, I knew that I would be able to get over 50 miles in a round trip bike ride.

Traffic all along the Cherry Creek bike path was pretty sparse compared to the day before. And this time I did not have to go slow since I had taken the pictures that I wanted the day before. I also decided to get off at the Colfax exit and head to the State Capitol and Civic Center Park.

Flashback – before leaving for the DNC in Downtown Denver I decided to call my parents and see what they know or seen on TV from the New Mexico TV stations broadcasting. My mom said that they showed “stuff” from inside the Convention Center and the Protesters, but overall they are not showing Denver in general. When my mom says that she means the Democratic National Coverage who are filming the DNC in Denver.

Back to the present – I decided to show you readers Denver from different views from my digital camera. I want you Readers to see Denver and not see just what is being shown on TV. Which I can only assume is coverage from inside the Pepsi Center and command centers located near the Pepsi Center.

I think I have “dished” Denver in the past about how Denver is not a true city, but a residential city. And I still support my view on that. However, I wanted to show you Readers on this post that Denver is a pretty city and if any of the news coverage would film Denver from different locations in Denver they can show that Denver is much more than what the DNC is being broadcast on National TV.

Sorry readers, I have not seen what is being broadcast on TV, but I can assume that what my mother said is what is being shown all over the United States is basically nothing. I am interested in what is being broadcast, but with the US Open in progress Tennis is my number one priority. Everything else is second to the US Open. This is one event that I look to every year and this one event that I actually make it a point to buy merchandise from the US Open Shop.

As I got near the Civic Center Park I could see and smell the protesters. Smell meaning that I could smell the BO of the hippies and what not. I was about 20 yards away from the actual protesters, but the odor was noticeable from 20 yards away. I stink from time to time, but not like the BO that I smelled yesterday. So, with that I stayed on the perimeter of Civic Center park for the most part and then I was able to get close where no one was really around that part of Civic Center park.

I just did not want to smell that strong B.O. There was a group, a rap group, which was performing in Civic Center Park. They sounded nice, but I only listened for a couple minutes before leaving for the State Capitol. I wanted a shot of Civic Center Park and all the people (protesters) from the State Capitol. Yet, when I got to the State Capitol and looked towards Civic Center Park I could not see the people in mass on the South side of Civic Center Park. I took a few pictures that showed the view from the State Capitol looking west. I think that the pictures came out pretty good.

After a bit I decided to skate (ride) just East of Downtown Denver and see how much law enforcement was present around the perimeter of Downtown. Not very much as opposed to Downtown Denver itself. I did see another bike corral at the “Cash Register” building. It was a small bike corral compared to the two corrals I saw the day before. I talked with the person handling the corral. They explained what was explained to me yesterday, but I pretended that I did not know how the bike corral worked.

I soon left and headed North on Lincoln and I think I turned West on 18th and then headed Northwest on 18th all the way to Union Station once more. I had no urge to go to Union Station, but it was on the street that I was taking and that is where I eventually ended up.

I soon found myself at the MSNBC set up and that was when I heard “nice rims.” Oh yeah. I said, “thank you very much” and posed for my picture that was taken by him. I then took a picture of a trailer and truck that was parked right across the street that had some spray painted words on the trailer.

I noticed it was just past 8:00 PM and I knew that the time to go home was here. I knew that I was not going to take Cherry Creek Bike path home and that I was going to take the same route home yesterday which was the South Platte bike trail home. This time I was going to go to the Millennium Bridge and see if I was going to be able to take the South Platte trail home. I say this since the South Platte Trail does come kind of close to the Pepsi Center, which means I was not sure that if the South Platte Trail was closed off. Yesterday, I had took Colfax across I-25 and then eventually got onto the South Platte Bike Trail with no problems.

Well, the return trip along the South Platte was faster since I sort of knew the path from the day before. Nothing to report really, except I did not see any bikers riding towards Denver and I did not see any walkers on the bike path like I did the day before. And as I went past the "new" Mile High Stadium I saw two searchlights panning over the stadium. You can see that white dot of light on the top part of the stadium..

Overall, I did 50.34 miles yesterday to and from the DNC. Not bad at all. Basically, one hundred and five miles in two days time. And you know what Readers? I am handling the bike rides like any training bike ride – no problem at all.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

DNC 2008 - Day 1

Greetings Readers

The DNC - Democratic National Convention - that has started as of 08/25/08. I wanted to go downtown to see firsthand what's what. I am not a Democrat, but that does not mean that I am not interested nor care. I want to see perhaps a once in a lifetime event that might happen in my life.

So, after work I headed home and dropped off all my stuff, including any bike bags. I do not want to pulled over, pointed at, looked at, bothered, profiled, or what not with any sort of bag that might draw attention from the Police, S.W.A.T., FBI, CIA, undercover, snipers, etc. I decided to bring a small fanny pack and use that. Grabbed some cash and ID and biked like a motherfucker devil was chasing me down the road. I rode all the way from the South side of Denver to Downtown Denver.

I made good time and I really rode like the wind. I was pushed top speed and going 30 mph plus when I could. By the time I got down to Lincoln while I was on the Cherry Creek bike path I started to see camera flashes go off here and there. If I saw a flash I did not turn and look where it came from, just in case that is what that person wanted me to do so they could take a full face shot. I don't know.

Cherry Creek bike path traffic was pretty light all the way up to Lincoln. Most people were heading out of Denver as opposed to me heading into Denver.

I decided to get off at Colfax Ave and head East to the Capitol, but at the last second I decided to head North to the Colorado Convention Center. As soon as I turned on the street where the Convention Center is located I saw people, bike, and police. And a lot of each. By the time I got to the Convention Center area the police was enforce around the perimeter. And to my luck I was riding behind a group of McCain supporters. Which mean they were drawing attention to themselves by just being there. And with me in back, just following I could be wrongly profiled as part of the group. right?

Well, the group decided to stop at the corner and I decided I better get going before something/anything happens while in this group of protester. I head down to the front door of the Colorado Convention Center and see more police and whatnot. Across the Convention Center is a tent of the Official headquarters of gear for sale for support of the DNC. And the other thing that was just off the front entrance across the street from the Convention Center was one of the bike corrals where you can get a bike "for free"

I saw one of the volunteers of the bike corral and asked her how this works. She said that I do not need a bike since I have a bike already. I of course tell her I know that, but I am asking what if I needed a bike. Basically, pick a type of bike (I think that she said that there were four different types of bikes to choose from), leave a credit card, driver's licence and I think that was it. They provide a bike and helmet and then when you are done return the bike and then you get everything back that you left with them when you took a bike. Hence, if you take a bike and do not return they can charge you for the bike that was not returned. I think the volunteer said that there are 7 corrals around the area.

I basically was in the heart of Denver and more than a few blocks from the Pepsi Center, but had no desire to go there since I knew that I would not be able to get close, if at all.

So, I headed into Denver a bit and decided to do some biking around the street of Denver. Biking meaning casual slow biking. I wanted to see what's what. I saw police I think on almost every corner and then every other corner I saw a group of police. Each of them looking and scanning the area around them. I saw perhaps non-uniform police on the walkies or radio talking/relaying info. I heard the dispatchers talking from the radios. I saw police parked. I saw police vehicles that looked like modified golf carts.

Just as I passed the 16th street mall I was almost in the middle of S.W.A.T going somewhere. They were in a hurry and did not even bother looking where they were going. I had to make an adjustment to my biking. And believe me readers I would have said something "smart," but due to current events any "smart" remark could get me in trouble. And that is not what I wanted while down there last night.

I then turned north and then head back to the 16th street mall on another street. A photographer was riding up a one way street and right in front of me. Again, I could have done what I would have done, but due to the presence of law enforcement I sort of had to be on my best behavior. Soon, I found myself in front of Union Station.

Flashback - early in the morning on KBCO I heard that there were some people set up behind Union Station and I decided to see what was set up. I saw train cars, trailers and the MSNBC set. I stayed for a few listening to Caroline Kennedy, I think, on a TV that was apparently being transmitted from the Pepsi Center.

From there I decided to go and see how close I could get to the Pepsi Center. Not very close. If was fenced off and not by the typical chain link fence you would think that would be used. On top of that concrete barriers, police stationed and patrolling the barriers. I could see the people who had passes walking to the are who I am assuming had passes to get into the area. I do not know nor did I want to stop and ask them. Again, due to the event happening I had to be aware of my actions.

I left the area of Pepsi Center and road back into Downtown. I then decided to see if I could get to Laramar Square. I did. Not a problem. I took a few pictures of Laraimer Square and people were drinking and gathering so I am assuming that was an OK place to be at Downtown. I then headed down Lariamer Street and so turned off on the street that the Colorado Convention Center was on. I saw that same group of protesters and they were on a corner of the Colorado ballet building/center.

I soon left via Colfax avenue and decided to go over to Invesco Field. As I was crossing I-25 I looked to the North and I see the concrete barriers and two dump trucks blocking the exit ramp in the middle. I could not actually see the actual exit, but I am assuming that was well blocked off from the public. Seeing those two dump trucks reminded of GTA. I could see myself trying to ram those dump trucks, as one might do in GTA. Sounds weird, but I could actually see that happening.

By this time the sun had gone down and it was just past 8 PM and I decided that I needed to go home before dark came.

Needless to say that I did not make it and it was full dark by the time I got to Evens or so. It was kind of nice riding in the dark on the South Platte River bike trail, but also kind of scary since I could not see where I was biking nor did I know the trails condition so I had to be careful riding and not ride into dirt, sand a hole, tree limbs, or a person walking.

9:20 PM I was home. And that was the end of day 1.

P.S. My total ride mileage to and from the DNC was 53 miles. Pretty impressive that I did much biking in one evening. And the funny thing is I never even thought I did that much - at all.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete