The Post Ride Wrap-up

Greetings Readers

So, there I was on the lawn outside the Greenwood Village Chamber of Commerce or is that the Town Hall? I am not sure. Perhaps Both. Mute point. I was there just enjoying my post meal on the lawn waiting for the raffle. The big raffle. This is also where I get to meet and see some of the people that I saw out on the course. Most that I passed on the bike, but a few that passed me on the 45 mile route.

I got a pretty big meal, but I think I was full from eating that frozen custard, two of them, and three cups of coke. When I got my Hamburger, Macaroni salad, some sort of cheese and rice mixture I was nibbing away, but wolfing down the meal. Everything was great even the hamburger was cooked perfect. I guess I was already full in a manner of speaking.

While I was enjoying the meal I could not help to notice how many children there were. And me with the words "Quit your Bitchin'" I was getting self conscious of that "bad word" on the back of my bike jersey. I decided to lean back so the bottom of the bike jersey could not be seen. Even then I decided it would be best if I just lay back and enjoy the lawn, the sun and the meal on my back. I would have to say it was nice.

You would not think I would care, but I did. I just did not want a child to say to his / her mom that guy has a bad word on the back of his bike jersey. Nor would I want a child to have them ask their parent what that word means.

Fast forward, most of the raffle was completed. They almost called my number out, but I was four short. I could have had a nice prize. Anyway, before the big two giveaways - two tickets to anyway in the US and a road bike we (bikers & runners) had to endure an auction.

I mean endure in the most polite way The auction is for charity. Yet, what I do not get is why put a high dollar charity auction at this event. Most people do not bring over $ 200.00 nor expect to spend $ 200.00 at a bike / run event. We realize that our registration fee hopefully goes to the charity that the event is helping. Anything extra is great, but in my mind we have done what we have.

There was some very nice items, but let me get to the meat of why I bring this up. So, there came this one item that was up for bidding and that was a picture of L.A. at one of the final stages (time trial) at the Tour de France. The pciture's owner had spoke about the picture and who took it and why it was something special. Hey, I know that phrase - Something special. Something special my ass. Do not get me wrong the framed photograph looked good, from my viewing point (40 yards away or so), but the bidding starting out $ 300.00 if I remember correctly.

I know the proceeds, if all of the proceeds, will help the charity, but $ 300.00 bones for a picture of L.A. that was on a stage at the last tour de France was worth the $ 300.00 bones. Well readers, no one took the opening bid. We all looked at each other and looked around to see who would take the opening bid. No one. Meanwhile, the announcer was still talking away, then finally lower the price 50.00 bones to 250.00. Still no one took the opening bid.

You know readers - this sort of restores my faith in that no one really cares about L.A. Wait! As I mentioned this is at bike / run event and again who brings or plans to spend that much money. So that might have been the reason why no one took a bid.

Well, the lower opening bid still had no takers after about 15 to 30 seconds. Then, someone did - the owner of JD Bait's Shop took the opening. And he did win the framed photograph of L.A. which he indicated that he will display in his store. Yet, thinking about this I think that was "I felt sorry for you bid" to me. The item was not getting any bids compared to all the other items that were auctioned off, so in order for the picture's owner to save face the owner of JD bait's shop open the bid.

By the way readers just to mention -

The Greenwood Goosechase did help

Sungate Kids - Sungate is a not-for-profit organization serving Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln and Elbert counties. Sungate provides child victims of abuse with critically needed services including forensic interviews by specially trained staff, medical evaluations and supervised visitations. With Sungate's help, child victims can begin to heal and recover.

Sidekicks for Sight - Sidekicks for Sight is a volunteer group that raises puppies to be future guide dogs for Guide dogs for the blind. It is their job to see that the pups are raised with good house manners and are socialized to all the environments that they may be exposed to as working guides

Arapahoe Rescue Patrol - Arapahoe Rescue Patrol is a unique organization made of high school students. The patrol aids in search and rescue missions for missing persons and mountain rescues. Members are also trained in emergency care, swift water rescue, avalanche rescue and recovery, evidence search and disaster rescue.

And that my readers is the post ride wrap up and another Greenwood Goosechase notch in my belt.

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

2008 Greenwood Goosechase

Greetings Readers

"Woke up this morning..."

What another beautiful Saturday Morning. I woke up ready to bike and start the morning off with the Soprano's. Nothing gets me in the mood like some Soprano's.

I could hear the birds starting to chirp away this morning at 4:40. I got out of bed and wrapped myself in a blanket since I did not feel like showing off my almost naked body. Though this was an opportunity to show off my thighs. =). The morning was cool and I could hear some water sprinklers in the distance. I also could literally hear silence, birds and water sprinklers. I was not focusing on another noise and it was very, very, nice. I could feel the cool morning air seeping into my blanket and it felt nice against my body.

Anyway, that was the morning. After some time it was time to get Rebecca ready for her first official ride of the year - The Greenwood Goosechase. I also had to pick a helmet and I pick the yellow Giro helmet. Now, the bike jersey. I already knew what bike jersey I was going to don for the Greenwood Goosechase. "Quit your bitchin!" I know there was no other choice for what bike jersey I was going to wear. Yet, The Greenwood Goosechase is sort of family orientated and the thought of walking around the event with a "cuss" word on the back of my bike jersey was something that I really did not want to do. Never-the-Less - I was going to wear the bike jersey regardless.

I did not pre-register so I was going to pay extra the day of the event. No biggie. I was unsure how the weather was going to be this weekend so paying the extra five bones was not an issue.

Fast Forward - The event looked pretty packed to me and I did chose the 45 mile ride - there was no option to chose anything less than the maximum mileage of this event. I saw a lot of bike jerseys that were just plain and simple. I also saw the Elephant Rock bike jersey for this year, the event that sold out before the day of the event. I saw some nice bike. I also saw some nice thighs from several women. Oh la la.

Registration went well and it was off to the starting line. I saw a lot of riders, but not really packed, packed. I picked a spot to wait for the starting time. I took a good hard look around me. I saw a bike that looked just like Andrea, but no where near the excellent condition that I have taken care of Andrea. I saw no other Southpark bike jersey.

The gun went off and my destiny awaited. I waited at the starting line until almost all the riders cleared out of the starting area. It was about two minutes later that I finally got going. The stranglers, but keeping ourselves safe from the maniac riders that must begin racing once it is time to start. Not me - as I stated before my MO is usually to work from the back of the back to the start of the pack. I like being behind and working myself to the top during any biking event. Being in front means trying to stay in front while you have an elite group of cyclist chasing you down. And more often than not it is the solo bike rider that must overcome a few riders of a cycling club working together to chase up down. Two, three and more riders working together will overtake a solo rider any day of the week.

Yet, there is an exception to that rule. I can decimate about all cyclists on a climb. Period. Damn proud and very confident stating that for the record.

Anyway, I started out slow savoring the start of my first official bike event of 2008. I also was in the mode of showing off my bike jersey. Not even 50 feet out of the starting line "Quit your bitchin" is what I hear when I slowly passed a few riders. They laughed and I smiled in return, not that they could see that smile of mine. It was worth every 80.00 bones I paid for the bike jersey.

After about 1 mile I decided it was go time. I also decided to take the extra longer route through the Highland canal. This was decided since I wanted the extra mileage, but in addition the weather was sunny so that meant the dirt trail was dry.

In fact it was too dry. All of riders who chose the Highland canal trail were leaving dust trails in our wake. It was that dusty and not that windy so the dust was sort of hanging in the air. This was especially good news since that meant all I have to do is get a wet paper towel and just wipe Rebecca clean later on.

Finally, onto Belleview and that meant this where I lose any cyclist following me on the trail and more importantly to see how my training has been going for the year. Coming off the Highland canal and going East is a pure climb towards to I-25 and then a bit 1/2 mile reprieve and another climb to the Cherry Creek State Park Reservoir. All in all it is a good warm up for the legs. I would say it took me about 50 yards to get in the rhythm, after that it was all business. I did do pretty good.

I was decimating a cycling club with a light gray and orange highlights bike jersey. I think, I saw Denver Hyatt printed on the back of the bike jersey, but I am not sure. I passed a couple of them. I started passing a lot mountain bike riders. Spinning in a high cadence rhythm (is that right?) and going nowhere fast. Me - I was in the lowest gear slowly turning the crank with a nice fluid motion. I got up a few times out of my seat to exert my dominance on the climb when I thought there was going to be a wheel sucker on the back of me. Not going to happen.

Then, as I was getting near Quebec street I see some spectacular calves pedaling away on a mountain bike in front of me. I was about 40 to 60 yards away, but the definition of the silhouette of the calves was remarkable. Definitely what I liked! I put the pedal down and decided right then to see how old, how good looking this woman rider might be. I caught her pretty easily and I saw that she was a bit older than me, but nothing I can not handle. I was still in awe of her calves. Yes, as you can guess calves, well a nice pair of calves is a huge thing for me.

Then, as a few of us got near I-25 the policia were in force and it was a stop and go traffic to get to the other side of I-25. I took in some water since I had time and surveyed my company. Not too bad. Then that is when I saw two riders of another cycling club sprint by me on the short downhill from I-25. I got back into the grind and then we were off climbing up Belleview once more. I saw that the distance that had opened up was closing fast between me and those two riders. Hmmm. Perhaps those two are not that good of a hill climber? Or perhaps saving strength? But, saving strength on a 48 mile route. Highly unlikely.

Soon, it was the two in front of me and me closing the distance fast. Soon enough I was on the back tire of the two and was deciding whether or not I should pass or see what these two were up to. Then I noticed that there was a third team member on the back left of my wheel. They (he) had boxed me in so I could not pass his two team mates. Motherfucker. I looked back left, looked in front and then took in the distance and speed I would need to "escape" the boxing they did to me. I was going no matter what and should the back rider hit my back wheel he is going down - not I. I can control a back tire hit, but rarely a front tire hit. I saw the chance and took it pretty soon I dusted that three person team. I kicked up my pedaling another notch and soon enough I looked behind me and I could not even see them.

I put some distance in between me and I also got the policeman's go ahead to turn towards Cherry Creek Reservoir. Thank goodness. I soon arrived at the turn off and over shot the entrance over the Dam. Well, that was the opportunity to let that team that boxed me in go ahead of me. The three were cruising at a good rate and alternating the lead. Meanwhile, I had to go from an almost dead stop to back up to riding speed. The wind had picked up a bit, a few riders were on the Dam, but really scattered over the Dam so there was no one really out on the Dam road.

Since I was riding solo and this was a real test of my training since the beginning of the year I decided to make this ride all about me and not wheel suck anyone. I let other small groups of riders go past me, which I had every opportunity to slip in back of their slipstream, but decided against that. So, going solo was something I felt pretty good about. Well, only three small groups got ahead of me and some single riders were slowly being overtaken by me.

Then, I caught some rider off the back left and 4 feet away. Basic standard spacing for any triathlon event for not getting DQ for drafting. I also saw that one drafting group was slowing down or I was speeding up and soon enough I knew that I could bridge the gap and catch them. I decided to show off right there. I got out off my seat and got those thighs moving. I saw that I was closing the distance on the Dam road in front of me. I took a quick look behind me and I saw that I literally left that rider to the left of me behind. Well, needless to say I bridged the gap before we got off the Dam road and I was pretty happy for myself doing that. This also help me gain some distance between the three riders who boxed me in.

Yes, the getting out of the saddle and riding like the wind took a big effort, but after that moment I did not feel that I had wasted any strength nor did I feel winded after that little effort. A short descent into Cherry Creek State Park with weaving on a bike path from the Northern Entrance. Then, a short distance later it was onto the asphalt road of the park. I had made myself go in sync with the other riders around me and get some water into me. I knew that there was another hill climb in the park and this was where I was going to make up distance I lost on the flats to the three riders.

The hill approaches and I saw that most, if not all riders, had slowed and dropped into their easy gears. Meanwhile, this was another shot (spot) to shine and show off. I kept Rebecca in the deepest gear and soon enough we cleared the first small climb without incident. I did pass about 10 riders. Then, there was a short flat and then another climb and that was when I saw the three going up the second hill. Damn, I was back into contention. Hill climbers they are not.

Soon it was onto the exit road of Cherry Creek State Park that empties onto Parker Road. A flat part of the course and this was time to catch some of my breath and see how much more of an effort I can get out of me. Mind you readers, I do not think that I had even gone 10 miles and I was pushing myself to LT breakdown. Parker Road came and went and it was onto the bike path from Parker Road into the State Park. We had company from riders going the opposite way, walker, dog walkers, and other riders going slower than us to deal with.

I saw the three in front and it was at this point that I realize that these three are going to be an incentive to push me to my limits (within reason, of course).

Flashback - the mayor of Greenwood Village had said at the beginning of the bike event that there was a rough rough on the East side of the Park and we should watch out.

Well, I was looking and keeping an eye out, but I could not for the life figure out where she was talking about. I knew Cherry Creek State Park, but never remembered any real part of the course being rough. Well, I reached a point in the course where we had always turned right, well this year the sign indicated keep going straight. That was when I knew this had to be the part that is rough. I keep my fingers on both sets of brakes, the path got rough and rougher. The morning sun was also casting shadows from the trees onto the bike path. I rounded a sharp corner I took wide, thankfully, and saw that the path had literally a big hole in the middle of the path. No asphalt was to be seen except for a few inches on either side of the hole (from what I remember).

In the spilt second I saw the hole I chose a path that looked pretty good to ride through. I did good. Then, the bike path had literally disappeared and I had to ride through another damage area of the bike path. Out of the woods and I could see the Cherry Creek State Road inside the park. Yet, there was an S curve and at the beginning of the S curve was a nice (a sarcastic nice) patch of sand (fine grain sand from the look of it). Fuck. I knew I was fucked. I could not turn at the speed I was going at without losing control of my bike. And I was not going down. No fucking way. I kept a straight line and rode through the sand and rode out onto the side of a hill onto the road, which the volunteers had stopped traffic just in time. I was not going fast, but I was not going slow.

It was time to get onto the road I was familiar with last year and that was bump, bump, bump from all the tarring that the park has done to fill in the cracks of the Cherry Creek State Park road. I hate those bumps. Small bumps, but can be felt on the handlebars and with every lap in the park it is fucking annoying to feel.

I saw more riders which I was able to pass with ease. Then, from the left of me it was one of the three riders that boxed me in. He was apparently playing catch up from somewhere and was trying to get to his other two teammates. Soon enough he was gone from my sight, only due to me keeping the pace I was at and him going all out to catch up to his teammates. I also attracted a wheel sucker that I noticed. I decided to make him work for keeping on my back wheel. Once more kicked it up a notch and soon enough he and I were working who could out ride the other. No contest, but he did pretty well keeping pace for about a 1/2 mile.

Now, it was onto a part of the course that I despise. Blind corners, always crowded, and very hard to get any speed. Which in fact this year I was able to use to help me catch the three. It is a gradual hill climb to the turnaround point, so that helped me to catch them faster. And more importantly, when the third rider caught up he had to catch his breath before the three started riding like the wind..

Soon enough, we four hit the turnaround point and apparently the three ran into a "friend." They stopped, I did not. This was my time to put some distance between them and me on the downhill and flats of the course. I did put the hammer down once more and got myself going as fast and safely as possible. I wanted distance since I know that these three will soon overcome me. Me against the three.

I had a nice ride back on the path to the road inside the park. Soon enough I was on a part of the road that I do enjoy. No bump, bump, bump and this is also an area of Cherry Creek Reservoir that I work on my sprinting. You either go with the wind or you go into the wind. Not a bad place of asphalt and that is why that I enjoy this little stretch of road. I did take a look behind me and saw no other riders, specifically the three.

I never looked back until the hill climb to the south entrance of Cherry Creek State Park. I saw one of the three riders making the hill climb behind me about 40 yards to estimate. I did not see the other two, but I am sure that they were right around the blind corner / tree. I decided to put some extra effort into my climbing and this was the opportunity to put distance once more between me and the three.

At the top of the hill was the rest station. I had water and I still had some orange goo and I did not have to go to the restroom. With that, I passed the rest station and headed down the front of the Dam on the bike path. I rested and drank more water since I had the chance to recover. I did not know if the three were going to stop or if they were going to try and catch up to me. It was all downhill and I was sort of keeping back some strength since there is another hill climb on the front side of the Dam.

I saw one rider in a green bike jersey and I saw that this rider was all business, like me. That meant I had something to go for and also keep me pushing myself to catch up to the rider. At the distance I was at I could not determine if it was a he or a she. Regardless, this rider was riding pretty darn good. Matter of fact, I could not tell if I was closing the distance between me and that green bike jersey rider. I did pass the same riders that the green bike jersey rider past. Soon, I was in sight of Parker road and I saw the green bike jersey rider just making the corner. I was getting close.

I would say I was about twenty seconds behind from my counting in my head to the point I marked off in my head on where the green jersey bike rider had left. Well, as I crested the top of the hill the rider was a he and he was stopped doing something. So much for that little incentive.

I still had no clue of the three and where they might be at.

And it was once more through the park, the turnaround, the south entrance of the park and then it was onto Greenwood Village once more. I stopped for a breather at the rest stop that I past twice. I was unsure of taking a break or to get back going. Well, I wasted about one minute and then it time to go.

I made the ride from Cherry Creek State Park solo, but I saw in front of me many, many riders that were held up at a intersection (Belleview). Nice, but not nice. I soon cleared the mass group of riders and was on my own on a short hill climb. I reached the top and soon I was coasting down to Orchard road at the speed of 21 mph (courtesy of the radar speed sign.) I could of rode hard, but I needed to gather some energy back from that little hil climb and not to mention that extra effort I have been doing to keep the three at bay.

I had to stop, red stoplight, at Orchard and it was the three that showed up on my wheel. We four waited about a minute and then we took off. Well, in that minute my leg and calves got a cramp. I could not sit and pedal. nor could I stand in a pedal. I coasted on the down hill trying to stretch the muscles. It was a cramp ready to go critical. I was almost finished and I had to get this cramp loose. I think it was from the hard exertion, and the sudden long stop that got the cramp started. Damn, I did not want to lose the three, but I knew that I was going to.

I let them go. Or they dropped me. Depending on your point of view. I was finally able to sit and pedal, but I needed to get back into a rhythm and keep the cramp at bay. I was able to keep them in sight of me about 50 yards, but eventually lost sight of them due to all the corners on the last four miles of the bike course winding ourselves through the DTC (Denver Tech Center).

The cramp in my calf took its toll and I knew that there was going to no way to catch up to them now. Especially, at the pace that I have been doing for the past two hours. I was tired, but not tired - just spent at mile forty something. I did the turning through the DTC and then soon enough I had reached Orchard once more.

Lo and Behold - the three. They got caught at the intersection at the red light. As well as about 20 other riders. Wow. What luck. I gathered what strength and got ready for the green light.

The three took off, as well as another rider and then me a close forth. The three did not take off immediately, but still kept a nice pace. They were yelling, basically happy yelling for their confidence - perhaps? or the end? Who knows. I would say I kept them at a ten to twenty yard distance. Then, as we neared the Arapahoe Light Rail Station they got the green and I got the yellow and red light right after they cleared the intersection. Fuck. I had the three. And more so, I had the Yosemite Hill climb up and over I-25. I had them. A fucking red light at the right moment for them, a wrong moment for me.

I mentally cursed at no one except the stoplight and my timing. Finally, a green light and it was off once more. About a mile left and I was unhappy that I got the red light when I so had them on the last hill climb.

More turning through every corner in the Denver Tech Center, passing Fiddler's Green and then finally approaching Quebec street at mile 48 for the last time. I coasted into the finish line and that was that.

And my rider number was 1064..

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Greenwood Goosechase 2008

Greetings Readers

This Saturday is the 13th Annual Greenwood Goosechase that is held in the DTC area, that is basically Greenwood Village. I can not remember when I first found out about this event, but this is one event that I try to schedule to ride each year when I am in town.

Most of the time I am in town and also I am only about two miles away from the start / finish line. I do like doing this event since most of the time (75% percent of the time) I have won something or another at the end of the bike event.

Also, there is a semi decent food after the post ride. There have been excellent local restaurants that have been the major provider of food for all the riders and runners of the Greenwood Goosechase. Yet, this event is pretty crowded to begin with if the day is sunny and warm.

I am always starting at the back of the pack and then make myself work to the front of the pack. I hate to say this, but many many riders are starting off to be first and that is just an accident waiting to happen. I wait til bikers get separated and strung out in the beginning of the event. Then, I make my move to pass riders left and left and left.

Not much else I can say on this event, til afterwords. Pictured is the logo for this year

Uh-oh, time to confess - yesterday I got off work late and the sun was setting low on the horizon and I had been wearing my eye glasses. I did not want to put in my contacts nor did I want to wear my eye glasses. So, basically I rode home in a blurry state. Let me tell you it was tough. I did try and take the shortest way home, but obviously that did not help. In order for me to take the shortest way home it meant that I had to take some dirt bike paths. Not a problem.

Fast forward, I was almost off the dirt bike path - about 10 yards to go to the street. The sun was throwing shadows all over the bike path from trees. Anyway, I turned where the trail turned towards the street. 10 yards. Well, I did notice the ground, but without really seeing I did not know there was a rut created by the park maintenance vehicles by the previous weekend's rain showers.

I felt my tire hit the first rut at about 8 miles per hour. I went over it, but I knew I was fucked when I felt the rut and how in the world am I going to straighten out while in the middle of the turn. One tire was over the rut and the back tire was seconds from doing the same thing. The other factor was that I have no brake basically. Meaning, my brake pads are worn down to nothing so there is no such thing as a quick stop. I turned the front wheel into the direction of the rut and I felt the front tire rub the rut. I was shit out of luck. I tried to get a foot down on the ground, but then it was too late.

I fucking "kissed the earth" on the dried wheel ruts. That is worse than falling on a flat surface. I curled up into a ball and waited for the thump that I was going to make on the bike path. I hit pretty hard for going so slow, but that was expected. Since I was not seeing the world I did not bother looking for anyone that may have saw me crash. I could care less. I took about five seconds to recover and then slowly got up and surveyed myself.

I was in more pain than I thought that I would get. I got up and looked at my bike very closely, since I could not see. I patted off some of the dirt bike path residuals off my bike jersey and got up on my way...

To be continued...

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.

Tour de France - Day 6, 8

Greetings Readers

I did not have time to blog yesterday - Sorry readers

Tour de France - Day 6 was the first venture into the mountains of France. Yes, Vino was tested and he was able to stay with the rest of the "best". I guess that "best" depends on your point of view. Unless you are Phil Liggett and have written off Vino and Team Astana Already. I understand that he is a good announcer and has been in and with the tour for many years, but he is almost like the John McEnroe of Tennis commentary. Him and Paul Sherwin - Readers - You can make a drinking game from the words they use over and over during the live coverage.

Thank gosh, I do not depend on the "enhanced" version that is shown at night. That is the show that is "enhanced" with trivia, useless things, the "facts"(the way that they see the facts), etc. I digress...

So readers, Take a drink every fucking time that they say "Anger" "pedaling in anger" pedaling with anger" "Lance A..." "Johan" "Armstrong" and I think those are the key words they forcefully put into their commentary. You can not include "peloton" "the back" breakaway" "yellow jersey" etc.

On those two commentators - Paul and Phil are so bias. They think this and they think that. Or from the video today or yesterday (sorry readers my memory is blurring with my watching the tour) showed Vino was near the finish Vino made the universal sign of the cross in front of him. BUT. Phil had to say that was the sign of being drained or to some effect like that. Sorry readers I was a bit peeved when Phil made a whole different interpretation of the universal sign of the cross. Of course, I and his co-host, made the connection of the universal sign of the cross. From there you can interpreted what that may have meant. Vino did do good yesterday and today. Yes, he was transforming from a tour rider into a tour mummy rider with all those bandages all over him.

I did not see Vino's appearance as funny at all. I was worried for him and I am still rooting for him. Never give up until you can not go on anymore.

Now, Tour de France - Day 8 - Stage 7 - The start this morning for us in the Mountain Time Zone 5:30 AM - we joined the tour with a 15 man breakaway and they were approaching the cat 3, cat 4 and cat 1 mountain climb. All the GC (General Classification) riders were pretty much together, the sprinters were hanging on, to advance to the next day.

"Flecha". hah hah - yes he was in the breakaway group once more and they made me say his name with a smile. Since the tour has entered the Alps I saw for the first time Michael Boogerd. That is him pictured on today's blog. This rider is pretty impressive for me. He is one of the domestiques, but more importantly he is the pacer in the mountains for his team. Whenever I see him in the front of the group I know that is about to make the group working much more harder. Boogerd is not a "small" guy. I am amazed, yes amazed, when I see this guy leading out his team. As in the past year or so, I have seen him lead out Michael Rasmussen. These two together is like "butter and toast." Boogard is the "toast" burning the group into submission on the mountain climbs and once his job is done he pulls off and then like 'butter" Rasmussen slips away to earn those coveted "King of the Mountain" points.

Today's winner was amazing in my opinion. I was surprised and nope - I do not know who the fuck this rider is. Two good things - 1. He, Linus Gerdermann, is that he is on T-Mobile. and 2. He is German. He made me proud to own & wear my T-Mobile Bike jersey I bought last year. I was sitting on my couch yelling for him not to give up on the last Cat 1 climb since the next rider was only :29 seconds behind him. I was in awe watching the foam around his mouth. I could literally feel his pain and emotionally I was with him. Yet, as I knew he still had to battle for first going down to the finish. Congrats to Linus and T-Mobile!

Tomorrow - Three Cat 1 climbs - it is going to get very, very interesting readers.

Oh, yesterday me and Bobby Rae worked out at the Colorado Athletic Club in Inverness. I guess I have spoiled her with the "nice" club as oppose to 24 hr fitness. Again, I had a great time yesterday and I can feel the burn in my muscles. She liked the club and as we were leaving she had to drag me to another area and she got her "punch on" with a bag and also with me "wearing the boxing hand glove".

You want to know something readers. I have been living with sore muscles for 6 days! Not just sore, but very sore and fatigue. I had to take another rest day. There were two mornings this past week were I woke up very stiff and took every effort for not to cry out in pain. But as soon as I got up went to the bathroom and then back to bed I was okay. Well, not okay, but was able to deal with the day. Yes, I have been taking some Tylenol when I felt the pain starting to get worse.

I guess that about sums up the blog for today.

Wait, yesterday, I was on the Light Rail since I knew that I would not make the bank in time. So, I had to use the light rail to help with the distance to my bank. So, I got on and was minding my business when this 20 to young 30 something woman was waving her hand to get my attention. I did notice her when she first got on the train, but that was about it. Wavy hair, a nice figure and yes, nice "rack", not a red-head, but sort of close or maybe it was the light and freckles, but nice freckles. I took out my earphones and "yes?". "How is your Giant?" And then we talked for only about 2 minutes or so, but I wish I could talked longer, but I really had to get to the bank. Yes, she was very cute when I actually started to talk to her. Or could be all that testosterone I have been exerting this week. Who knows. Or perhaps she saw my rippling biceps. hah hah. Well, could be since I did work out at lunch and those "guns" of mine are getting better and better. I wish I would of gave her my name and number or a name to find me on the internet.

Perhaps, it was not meant to be. But dang, I had the sudden urge, strong urge, to lean in closer to her and kiss her like it was going to be her last kiss ever. We were talking close to each other since she was in sitting next to the aisle where I was standing/leaning in to her. I can not explain that feeling. She did have nice full lips too which complemented her eyes. Okay readers, I got to let this subject go, but again I think this note is more for me later down the road.

Note: I located this statement after finishing my blog:

"I am sure Vino will start the stage tomorrow," team manager Marc Biver told reporters.

"I know him, he is a warrior, he's not going to let it go without a fight.
"He is going to go to the limit, he is ready to die on his bike."
Kazakh Vinokourov, 81st overall and two minutes 10 seconds behind leader Fabian Cancellara, has stitches in his knees and elbow as well as bruising on his buttocks.

Until the next time

And I thought I was done - Finally a picture of me and Rebecca at the Greenwood Goosechase 2007.

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

99 degrees in Denver

Greetings readers

Denver was 1 degree away from the magic number of 100 degrees yesterday.

You know readers I have nothing to really talk about. I am still working on my Greenwood Goosechase story.

I realize I have some open ended stories. I guess I am starting to follow in the footsteps of the Soprano's. Of course, this was subsciously done on my part. I did not do this on purpose. Anyway, I guess I need to return to the story of Oscar's Smokehouse and "the fucked up dairy cow" that I still see outside their restaurant when I bike by there every other day. Though, I am going to have to revisit my first part of the story to see were I left off, but I do not think that there is much to say after that.

A few more withdraws from Wimbledon (from AP) - Mario Ancic withdrew from Wimbledon on Thursday because of a continuing illness, and Li Na pulled out with a rib injury. Anastasia Myskina, the 2004 French Open champion, previously had withdrawn, along with Vera Zvonareva, Zheng Jie and Romina Oprandi. On the men's side, Gaston Gaudio, Xavier Malisse, Jurgen Melzer, Paradorn Srichaphan and Jose Acasuso have withdrawn.

"Yeah! I saw that. I did it" - Detective John McClane. I have to admit I am getting excited to see "him" in action once more. Live free or Die Hard

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Happy Father's Day

Greetings Readers

I am not going to say much. I did the Greenwood Goosechase in Greenwood Village, CO on Saturday. Yes - me and Rebecca tore up the course. Well, perhaps not, but it was the first official ride of the year and the first official ride for Rebecca. She performed perfect. I was a bit winded here and there, but not for the reason you probably think. Sorry readers, I will post the after ride journal this week.

Happy Father's day to my Father.

On Friday I was at the Grocery Store, King Soopers, and as I was getting ready to bike home. There was this family with two little daughters. The four, or perhaps three, year old daughter says, yells, to me "I like your shirt!" I said "Thank you very much."

Readers, do you even have to guess which bike jersey I was wearing!? I sure hope not. Or else Cartman will be pissed. Then, at the Greenwood Goosechase, a couple of volunteers also made comments on my jersey. Two years in a row and the jersey still gets the comments. Boo-yah!

Then after going home, I decided to go to the local bike store. I bought some odometers and then I noticed they had another bike like the one that I bought a couple of months ago. Guess who is 107.35 richer?! Me. My bike store has a 90-day guarantee that they will match or refund the difference on the bike if the price changes from 90 days of your purchase. That second piece of the evening even made the evening more sweeter.

Also readers, if any of you missed the first season of Dr Who they have just started running on PBS. For you folks in Denver, Co - it is at 9 or 10 PM on Friday night on Channel 6. That is Christopher Eccleston the 9th Dr Who. I actually did care for him in the first episode. You know trying to compare any other Dr Who to Tom Baker as Dr. Who is unthinkable. Yet, I gave him a chance and sure enough I got to liking him.

Hah hah.

Well, time for me to get going.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

I'm like a Blond, whatever

Greetings Readers

The Starland, Starfest Convention was this past weekend at the DTC Marriott, but with my getting a new bike I just could not really go. The entry was $ 37.00 for Sunday, which is the day that I wanted to go. And it would not stop there, I would visit the booths and there are the Action figures which are missing from my collection that I would have to buy. So, the cost would have gotten higher. I have gone the past two years and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I even saw some of the famous people that show up. This year would have been good since Leonard Nimoy was here in Denver, aka Mr Spock. I know he was a character in a show/movie but there is no character like him.

"The needs of the many outweight the needs of the few or the one"

I finally got caught up on the Riches from last Monday. Yes, that was the day I was out on Vacation in New Mexico. Anyway, the repeats were not until the weekend so that is why I am now telling you readers about it. This episode was good, but more of a filler, I think, for tonight's episode. Something big happened which leads them back to the "family" they left.

Planet Earth on Discovery wrapped up the 10th &11th Episode(Final) of the series this Sunday. What a good series. Granted, they used some film pieces over and over, but overall the series was fantastic. I enjoyed the "Caves" last night and was pretty impressed. There were so many shots that were powerful, if you will, images for me. Whether they were visually stunning, such as the great white leaping out of the water or an emotional scene, such as the Panda bear taking care of her baby panda and her devotion to her baby.

Sort of a nice weekend. Yesterday was Sunny.

Well, I guess I am out of time, perhaps I might blog later on.

Update 6:18 PM

This logo is another event that I have done over the years. I thought to check on this since I usually include this short event in my biking schedule. The website address is www.goosechase.org and the event is really close to where I live and so I like doing this event. Last year was the first year that I did not win a gift/prize at the event. Oh well. This year, depending on the weather of course, I will be taking out Rebecca. The day of the event is Saturday June 16, 2007

until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A lost photo roll that was found amid tapes

Greetings Readers

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

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

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

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

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete