Greetings Readers
“I Apologize”
You faithful Readers know I rarely apologize and hardly apologize for any of my actions or interactions with others unless it is truly something I need to apologize for.
Yet, I do have to apologize - today - to my Readers and to the unknown people I have met in my travels that are not aware of this blog I have.
Flashback – The first day of the Green Festival Bike Show at the Colorado Convention Center in Downtown Denver.
There I was standing in line with about 20 other bikers getting ready to show off their bikes to the attendees of the Green Festival. Specifically, to the woman from San Francisco with the old style Bianchi bike that now lives in Denver.
Before actually saying “Hi” to her I looked at her bike and thought that looks likes a piece of shit. What I mean Readers, that bike does not look anything special to me. It does not look vintage, hell it does not look beautiful. More to the point, she spent 2K and to me it still looks like a piece of shit. (P.O.S.)
I think, about 6 hours later I soon came to realize that was I in her shoes at a point in time in my past. Yes Readers, that woman was me.
Meaning, my French racing bike – the Motobecane.
I am so fucking proud of my Motobecane that she is the only bike that does not have a “Girl’s” name in my collection. When I say “Motobecane” - old school riders and bike riders who think they know bikes know the word Motobecane look and listen to what I may have to say and show. Hell, the people who know about bikes stop and comment when I ride my Motobecane.
Readers, with that said here is what I realize. I talk about the original metal clips I have for the pedals, the rim that I had to have restrung, the original paint job and gearing located on the slant frame as opposed to the handlebar area of the bike we bike riders are used to seeing. I also brag about the weight of the bike and the steel that is on the bike. I like telling people that I have the original braking parts that I still have on the handlebars.
Now Readers, you just read what was said to me about their bikes at the Bike Denver Fashion show and what I say to people when talking / showing my Motobecane.
I do not have a clue whether or not an old looking bike is from the 70’s, 60’s or 50’s or even from Europe. To me, the old looking bikes look like shit and are just old looking. BUT. I just realized that is me from a road bike perspective as opposed to the everyday old time bikes that were made during those decades in the past.
If I was just an ordinary bike rider I would have most likely taken an interest in most of those bikes at the Bike Denver Show, but I did not. To me all the old “so called” vintage bikes looked the same to me.
Then, I realized that I was them when I ride, talk and show my old school Motobecane to other people and riders who are not familiar with old French racing bikes. To them my Motobecane probably looks like a piece of shit. Matter of fact, they are probably wondering the same thing – How much I paid to have one of my rims re-strung? How come I have not painted my Motobecane? How come I have not replaced those old broken metal toe pedal clips?
With that realization “I am sorry Readers.”
I guess the thing that I did learn was that I found this out all by myself as opposed to someone else pointing that out to me.
In closing, those old bikes were and are nice and I am sure were a hit of the Bike Denver Fashion show. I just hope that my bike, the only road bike, was not too “odd looking” at the bike show. In my view, I was not showing the entire bike off – just the rims. But as seeing this was a bike show I neglected to realize that I was not just showing off my rims, but the entire bike. At least I did clean up Andrea and put on new White Bandannas.
Again Readers “I apologize” for thinking that bike of yours is a P.O.S. not realizing that you too may be thinking the same exact thing about my Motobecane.
P.S. I am only apologizing to the vintage bike owners. I am not apologizing to you bike riders who have bikes that look and are P.O.S. bikes. Rust, dents, and just plain fucked up bikes are just P.O.S. bikes.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Showing posts with label Motobecane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motobecane. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Flashback - Courage Classic 1998
Greetings Readers
Pictured is the first bike jersey that I bought at a bike tour event. The event was ten years ago. Wow. How times flies when you do not really pay attention. Ten years. The bike jersey is sort of cool these days, in my opinion - basically all white and a few logos and colors which makes the bike jersey alright. Though, at the time of purchase I thought that this was the most, as my ex-co-worker would say, "just so awesome" bike jersey.
I do not think that I have told you readers the story behind the purchase of this bike jersey. Or have I? This bike jersey was expensive, but at the time I wanted a bike jersey that looked like that. Also, at that particular time in history that was when I was rotating between the two solid yellow bike jerseys.
So this bike jersey is from the Courage Classic Bike Tour that is held in the Rocky Mountains over a three day period. The amount of mileage differs from year to year as well as location when I was an active rider in said tour.
Unfortunately, due to the Courage Classic Bike Tour upping their registration fee, applying a camping fee, a shower fee, and I think adding more meal plans the tour got too fucking expensive for me to really to participate and feel good about. Believe me I am all for helping out the Children's Hospital of Denver, but I need to make sure that I am not paying any more than I have to in order to enjoy the biking itself. Yet, when they started to add extra fees I got a chip on my shoulder and to this day that fucking chip is still there.
I forgot to mention that I pay for my own way into any bike event(s) I ride in. I do not believe in raising money for the event(s). I do not like the thought of going around and asking people to pledge money to help me. The way to look at it is basically you are asking money from people to help you to get to ride in the event. And me being me I hate asking for money. It hurts. Not only does it hurt I hate making people feel that they must give me money. Sorry readers when I type "give me" I really mean contribute/donate money to the charity itself. I do not want to make anyone feel that they must give me money or feel uncomfortable by saying no. If you say no then so be it, I am not going to hold that no to you nor will I remember and bring that up later in life and say "yeah that was the person who elected not to contribute to the Children's Hospital.
If I pay all the money myself then I am on top of the Earth. I know that by paying the entire amount myself I am content. I do not have to thank anyone for their contribution nor am I obligated to ride in said tour if someone contributed by assuming I was riding the tour for their contribution.
So, I think it was the second day of this bike tour when the route was staying around the Frisco, Breckenridge and Keystone area of the Rocky Mountains. Their was an option on the route and that was to go up Loveland pass. Loveland Pass. Wow, at that time the thought of climbing/riding up the Loveland Pass on a bike was something to brag about. Oh yes, readers I still brag about climbing Loveland Pass on a road bike anytime I get the opportunity to do so. I love showing my pictures that I have taken at the top of Loveland pass. I also like showing the picture of me standing next to the Loveland Pass sign that is the dividing line of the Continental Divide.
Pretty Cool.
So, when I approached the turn off section, option section, I thought right there that I was presented with a challenge. This is what separates the men from the boys and the girls from the women. To climb Loveland Pass would be something so fucking awesome to talk about after the bike event which was something that motivated me to take the option up Loveland Pass.
From my Spring training prior to the bike event I knew I trained, but the real question was did I train enough. Or more to the point - correctly. I self trained myself at that time and matter of fact I still self train myself.
I can not recollect the exact feeling or moments on that climb, but I remember the feeling of me actually riding up Loveland Pass. The Loveland Pass that is used when the Eisenhower Tunnel is closed and the only way to continue East or West is to take Loveland Pass.
I can not remember if the climb was truly hard or just something that was hard in general. I do remember that the number one goal was -NOT TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND WALK. That was the number one rule in my book and even today that is the cardinal rule not to break. Never, ever get off the bike and walk to the top of the mountain. Yet, I have walked my bike on some mountains so I have broken the rule a couple of times. I am human.
Present day - with my training I make sure that my hill climbing skills are superb. I never, ever want to walk my bike up a mountain. I want to ride smoothly and ride with style up a mountain. Again I think, I believe in my hill climbing skills. I often get cocky, I often joke and more importantly I make it a contest between me and other riders on a hill climb. I want to "shine." I get off being the guy who can take the mountain down and to leave riders in my wake.
Returning to the story, I made the bike ride to the top of Loveland Pass and the rest is history. From that moment on I knew my life was going to change - and change for the better.
The descent was fucking awesome. Who knew that I could get over 40/50 miles per hour on a bike. And at that time I had never crashed on a bike which meant I was fearless going down Loveland Pass on a bike. I was tucked in on my Motobecane and enjoying the descent into Keystone. I was holding onto dear life on the handlebars and I was enjoying the descent since I rode up Loveland Pass.
Fast forward - after the event I decided to go to the merchandise area and reward myself for climbing up Loveland Pass. I saw the bike jersey hanging on the tent wall and that my faithful readers is the story of the first official Bike Tour Jersey I bought for myself and how I think I got into buying the "cool" bike jerseys.
Presently, this particular bike jersey hardly ever gets worn anymore. It is dated and nowhere close to bike jersey designs these days. Yet, to me this bike jersey is "Old School". I decided to wear this bike jersey for old times sake and this was the first time in over a year that I have worn this bike jersey. I do have to admit that I wore my US Open White Bandanna with this bike jersey and changed the Oakleys lens to mirror black and I looked pretty decent. =).
I have fond memories of my first official bike event in my life and I remember reading the brochure that stated we riders have over 145 miles of biking in the Rocky Mountains. I remember thinking could I ride 145 miles in three days?
Now, I can do 150 miles in 10 hours on a bike event day. Now, that was something at the time I never thought of happening to me or even think of attempt to do. There was no try - either do or do not. And yes there is a bit of Yoda there.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Pictured is the first bike jersey that I bought at a bike tour event. The event was ten years ago. Wow. How times flies when you do not really pay attention. Ten years. The bike jersey is sort of cool these days, in my opinion - basically all white and a few logos and colors which makes the bike jersey alright. Though, at the time of purchase I thought that this was the most, as my ex-co-worker would say, "just so awesome" bike jersey.
I do not think that I have told you readers the story behind the purchase of this bike jersey. Or have I? This bike jersey was expensive, but at the time I wanted a bike jersey that looked like that. Also, at that particular time in history that was when I was rotating between the two solid yellow bike jerseys.
So this bike jersey is from the Courage Classic Bike Tour that is held in the Rocky Mountains over a three day period. The amount of mileage differs from year to year as well as location when I was an active rider in said tour.
Unfortunately, due to the Courage Classic Bike Tour upping their registration fee, applying a camping fee, a shower fee, and I think adding more meal plans the tour got too fucking expensive for me to really to participate and feel good about. Believe me I am all for helping out the Children's Hospital of Denver, but I need to make sure that I am not paying any more than I have to in order to enjoy the biking itself. Yet, when they started to add extra fees I got a chip on my shoulder and to this day that fucking chip is still there.
I forgot to mention that I pay for my own way into any bike event(s) I ride in. I do not believe in raising money for the event(s). I do not like the thought of going around and asking people to pledge money to help me. The way to look at it is basically you are asking money from people to help you to get to ride in the event. And me being me I hate asking for money. It hurts. Not only does it hurt I hate making people feel that they must give me money. Sorry readers when I type "give me" I really mean contribute/donate money to the charity itself. I do not want to make anyone feel that they must give me money or feel uncomfortable by saying no. If you say no then so be it, I am not going to hold that no to you nor will I remember and bring that up later in life and say "yeah that was the person who elected not to contribute to the Children's Hospital.
If I pay all the money myself then I am on top of the Earth. I know that by paying the entire amount myself I am content. I do not have to thank anyone for their contribution nor am I obligated to ride in said tour if someone contributed by assuming I was riding the tour for their contribution.
So, I think it was the second day of this bike tour when the route was staying around the Frisco, Breckenridge and Keystone area of the Rocky Mountains. Their was an option on the route and that was to go up Loveland pass. Loveland Pass. Wow, at that time the thought of climbing/riding up the Loveland Pass on a bike was something to brag about. Oh yes, readers I still brag about climbing Loveland Pass on a road bike anytime I get the opportunity to do so. I love showing my pictures that I have taken at the top of Loveland pass. I also like showing the picture of me standing next to the Loveland Pass sign that is the dividing line of the Continental Divide.
Pretty Cool.
So, when I approached the turn off section, option section, I thought right there that I was presented with a challenge. This is what separates the men from the boys and the girls from the women. To climb Loveland Pass would be something so fucking awesome to talk about after the bike event which was something that motivated me to take the option up Loveland Pass.
From my Spring training prior to the bike event I knew I trained, but the real question was did I train enough. Or more to the point - correctly. I self trained myself at that time and matter of fact I still self train myself.
I can not recollect the exact feeling or moments on that climb, but I remember the feeling of me actually riding up Loveland Pass. The Loveland Pass that is used when the Eisenhower Tunnel is closed and the only way to continue East or West is to take Loveland Pass.
I can not remember if the climb was truly hard or just something that was hard in general. I do remember that the number one goal was -NOT TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND WALK. That was the number one rule in my book and even today that is the cardinal rule not to break. Never, ever get off the bike and walk to the top of the mountain. Yet, I have walked my bike on some mountains so I have broken the rule a couple of times. I am human.
Present day - with my training I make sure that my hill climbing skills are superb. I never, ever want to walk my bike up a mountain. I want to ride smoothly and ride with style up a mountain. Again I think, I believe in my hill climbing skills. I often get cocky, I often joke and more importantly I make it a contest between me and other riders on a hill climb. I want to "shine." I get off being the guy who can take the mountain down and to leave riders in my wake.
Returning to the story, I made the bike ride to the top of Loveland Pass and the rest is history. From that moment on I knew my life was going to change - and change for the better.
The descent was fucking awesome. Who knew that I could get over 40/50 miles per hour on a bike. And at that time I had never crashed on a bike which meant I was fearless going down Loveland Pass on a bike. I was tucked in on my Motobecane and enjoying the descent into Keystone. I was holding onto dear life on the handlebars and I was enjoying the descent since I rode up Loveland Pass.
Fast forward - after the event I decided to go to the merchandise area and reward myself for climbing up Loveland Pass. I saw the bike jersey hanging on the tent wall and that my faithful readers is the story of the first official Bike Tour Jersey I bought for myself and how I think I got into buying the "cool" bike jerseys.Presently, this particular bike jersey hardly ever gets worn anymore. It is dated and nowhere close to bike jersey designs these days. Yet, to me this bike jersey is "Old School". I decided to wear this bike jersey for old times sake and this was the first time in over a year that I have worn this bike jersey. I do have to admit that I wore my US Open White Bandanna with this bike jersey and changed the Oakleys lens to mirror black and I looked pretty decent. =).
I have fond memories of my first official bike event in my life and I remember reading the brochure that stated we riders have over 145 miles of biking in the Rocky Mountains. I remember thinking could I ride 145 miles in three days?
Now, I can do 150 miles in 10 hours on a bike event day. Now, that was something at the time I never thought of happening to me or even think of attempt to do. There was no try - either do or do not. And yes there is a bit of Yoda there.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Monday, May 12, 2008
May Day - Heidi's Day
Greetings Readers
Happy Birthday Heidi.
Readers - today is Heidi's birthday. Officially, I have her for seven years, but technically she is eight years old, but sat in the store for a whole year until she met me. Her one and only.
Today, I got her ready for her special day with me. Oh, she is old, but she still can ride like the wind. Not to mention that we look like the perfect couple. After work I plan to show her off to all the people in the Arapahoe/Centennial area. She is my first road bike I ever bought after high school, excluding the Motobecane that was bought at a Highlands Ranch Garage Sale in 1996.
At that time in my life 500.00 plus bones was a lot of money to spend on a bike-Heidi. It was so much to pay that I put Heidi (at that time she had no name) on layaway. Three months to pay her off. And on this very day seven years I picked up my new bike (Heidi) with the tax refund I got that year. Heidi's first weekend was done doing the Santa Fe Century.
I have to estimate that Heidi has accumulated over 50 thousand miles. She has been through many rims, one rear derailleur, ka-gillion brake pads and bike chains. Yet, I have the original crank and let me tell you readers her teeth are worn down to the nubs. Heidi is a three ring bike and her outer two rings are worn down tremendously. Some teeth are gone. I literally have to ride in the "granny" ring, but that does not matter to me since I have no reason to ride like the wind while on her. After all Heidi is eye candy. If I happen to use the outer two rings I have to be careful and keep a steady pace. No sudden takeoffs or racing speed since the chain will literally skip over the crank teeth ring and the next thing you know my crotch is crashing into the bike frame and I saying to the effect - "Fuck me" or "Son of a bitch."
I have retired Heidi, but she does get some riding time when I feel I need to show her off to the world.
One of these days I will get her fixed up, but since I have retired Heidi I have all the other bikes to keep maintained and in good condition since it is expensive to keep/upgrade all the bikes that I have.
I know readers - Sucks to be me!
Update 05/13/08 - Sorry readers - I forgot my memory card from my Digital Camera and could not upload the photos the other day. As I just stated on the previous post - Better late than never.
Until the next time.
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Happy Birthday Heidi.
Readers - today is Heidi's birthday. Officially, I have her for seven years, but technically she is eight years old, but sat in the store for a whole year until she met me. Her one and only.
Today, I got her ready for her special day with me. Oh, she is old, but she still can ride like the wind. Not to mention that we look like the perfect couple. After work I plan to show her off to all the people in the Arapahoe/Centennial area. She is my first road bike I ever bought after high school, excluding the Motobecane that was bought at a Highlands Ranch Garage Sale in 1996.
At that time in my life 500.00 plus bones was a lot of money to spend on a bike-Heidi. It was so much to pay that I put Heidi (at that time she had no name) on layaway. Three months to pay her off. And on this very day seven years I picked up my new bike (Heidi) with the tax refund I got that year. Heidi's first weekend was done doing the Santa Fe Century.I have to estimate that Heidi has accumulated over 50 thousand miles. She has been through many rims, one rear derailleur, ka-gillion brake pads and bike chains. Yet, I have the original crank and let me tell you readers her teeth are worn down to the nubs. Heidi is a three ring bike and her outer two rings are worn down tremendously. Some teeth are gone. I literally have to ride in the "granny" ring, but that does not matter to me since I have no reason to ride like the wind while on her. After all Heidi is eye candy. If I happen to use the outer two rings I have to be careful and keep a steady pace. No sudden takeoffs or racing speed since the chain will literally skip over the crank teeth ring and the next thing you know my crotch is crashing into the bike frame and I saying to the effect - "Fuck me" or "Son of a bitch."
I have retired Heidi, but she does get some riding time when I feel I need to show her off to the world.
One of these days I will get her fixed up, but since I have retired Heidi I have all the other bikes to keep maintained and in good condition since it is expensive to keep/upgrade all the bikes that I have.
I know readers - Sucks to be me!
Update 05/13/08 - Sorry readers - I forgot my memory card from my Digital Camera and could not upload the photos the other day. As I just stated on the previous post - Better late than never.
Until the next time.
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fool's Day
Greetings Readers
I am back from my mini-vacation at the Ranch. I decided to go and see my parents, especially since it was my Dad'd birthday this past weekend
I have had a pretty short and long vacation, but I think I needed the time to rest and away from the world in general
I left Thursday's night and arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico about 4 AM on Friday. It was a nice 47 degrees. Readers - compared to Denver's 20 to 30 degrees in the morning I loved the 47 degrees. Balmy! hah hah
I met my father and brother. Mother was at the Ranch since we had a new calf the previous day so someone had to stay at the ranch to mind the new calf and the mother.
We did not stay in Albuquerque very long on Friday. Just to pick up some groceries, stuff at Wal-mart, and breakfast. We made a stop at a liquor store to pick up some local beer called - Tractor. We picked up a Pale Ale, Stout and Red Ale all by Tractor made in Los Lunas, NM.
We then left Albuquerque and headed to the ranch. I saw the movie set that my parents had told me about on the phone. I have a few pictures and I will post for you. On Monday they started tearing down the set so it seems that principle shooting at that location is complete. So, in a movie in the coming future that shows "Love Ranch" I can tell you where it was shot in New Mexico and also that I was about 40 yards away from the Set's entrance.
Finally, we got home. "Home" for me is also the Ranch. I took a quick look around and then I took a nap. I was tired since I really did not sleep since Thursday's night. I got up in time for Dinner and to watch WWE Smackdown (poor reception).
Next thing you know I was going to sleep at 9:30 PM. That is totally unheard of (in my world), but of course when at the Ranch - time does not exist so to speak.
Saturday - Mom cooked a nice breakfast. After that me and my dad had to gather the new mom and calf for transport to the vet. Later, we found out that we did not have to go to the vet - the issue remedied itself.
After that they decided to check on the cattle on the winter plot and I stayed behind since I was tired from travelling.
I toured the Ranch. It was so quiet and sort of empty without the chickens around anymore. Readers - please see previous post on the "Massacre" regarding the chickens and ginneys incident.
Today picture (first picture posted) is the last of the Ginneys & Chicken we had - we now only have four Ginneys. I also saw one of the two culprits shot (pictured) and our warnings to others culprits should they come near our Ranch.
I also read my new Stephen King book - Duma Key outside and inside the house. The day was in the 70 degrees region and boy oh boy it was nice. I had the three dogs come investigate me on what I was doing then one of the cats actually came out (from napping) and laid against my back in the shadow from the sun. Sort of makes me want to make cats an exception.
My parents finally came back and then that was when I started to cook Bratsworth and started to make salad and salsa. Everything came out good.
Though, I saw a bag of tortilla chips in cabinet and grabbed it to taste test my salsa. I grabbed a chip, dipped and ate. A hard crunch. I look at my mother and asked
"How old are these chips?"
"Those are the same chips you bought when you were here the last time." she said non-chalantly.
"Your kidding right?"
"Nope. Matter of fact the other chips in the cabinet are the same chips so you might as well throw those away too."
I shook my head, but oh well.
Sunday - Parents went to church and I stayed home. I cleaned up, read some more, then got lunch started about 12:30 PM, which consisted of Rice (Uncle Ben's), salad and Steak (Rib Eye this time) and some ribs (all grilled of course). Pretty darn good lunch.
More of this and that. Moved some irrigating pipes and then my favorite - shovelling shit. Horseshit and cow shit. This time around pretty dry droppings, but tons of it. My Mother and Father raked and shovel and I did the wheelbarrowing. I had to wheelbarrow about 50 yards out and then 50 yards back from a nearby arroyo that we are filling up with the leftover shit. By the way, I did not mention that the wind was blowing 20 to 30 miles an hour and boy oh boy that added that extra element of raking, shoveling and wheelbarrowing shit so much the better.
I did not get to ride at all at the Ranch. I did not even get to see my baby, Motobecane.
Monday - get up eat, very windy outside so we could not really do anything else outside. I did cook the rest of the ribs, mmmmm.
By the afternoon I had to go home - to Denver. I also had to go home to emails, phones, computers, city, noise, smog, starless skies, and conveniences I take for granted.
Tuesday morning 6:24 AM I was back in Denver and the COLD. Oh so cold, compared to New Mexico the past four days.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.
I am back from my mini-vacation at the Ranch. I decided to go and see my parents, especially since it was my Dad'd birthday this past weekend
I have had a pretty short and long vacation, but I think I needed the time to rest and away from the world in general
I left Thursday's night and arrive in Albuquerque, New Mexico about 4 AM on Friday. It was a nice 47 degrees. Readers - compared to Denver's 20 to 30 degrees in the morning I loved the 47 degrees. Balmy! hah hah
I met my father and brother. Mother was at the Ranch since we had a new calf the previous day so someone had to stay at the ranch to mind the new calf and the mother.
We did not stay in Albuquerque very long on Friday. Just to pick up some groceries, stuff at Wal-mart, and breakfast. We made a stop at a liquor store to pick up some local beer called - Tractor. We picked up a Pale Ale, Stout and Red Ale all by Tractor made in Los Lunas, NM.
We then left Albuquerque and headed to the ranch. I saw the movie set that my parents had told me about on the phone. I have a few pictures and I will post for you. On Monday they started tearing down the set so it seems that principle shooting at that location is complete. So, in a movie in the coming future that shows "Love Ranch" I can tell you where it was shot in New Mexico and also that I was about 40 yards away from the Set's entrance.Finally, we got home. "Home" for me is also the Ranch. I took a quick look around and then I took a nap. I was tired since I really did not sleep since Thursday's night. I got up in time for Dinner and to watch WWE Smackdown (poor reception).
Next thing you know I was going to sleep at 9:30 PM. That is totally unheard of (in my world), but of course when at the Ranch - time does not exist so to speak.
Saturday - Mom cooked a nice breakfast. After that me and my dad had to gather the new mom and calf for transport to the vet. Later, we found out that we did not have to go to the vet - the issue remedied itself.
After that they decided to check on the cattle on the winter plot and I stayed behind since I was tired from travelling.
I toured the Ranch. It was so quiet and sort of empty without the chickens around anymore. Readers - please see previous post on the "Massacre" regarding the chickens and ginneys incident. Today picture (first picture posted) is the last of the Ginneys & Chicken we had - we now only have four Ginneys. I also saw one of the two culprits shot (pictured) and our warnings to others culprits should they come near our Ranch.
I also read my new Stephen King book - Duma Key outside and inside the house. The day was in the 70 degrees region and boy oh boy it was nice. I had the three dogs come investigate me on what I was doing then one of the cats actually came out (from napping) and laid against my back in the shadow from the sun. Sort of makes me want to make cats an exception.
My parents finally came back and then that was when I started to cook Bratsworth and started to make salad and salsa. Everything came out good.
Though, I saw a bag of tortilla chips in cabinet and grabbed it to taste test my salsa. I grabbed a chip, dipped and ate. A hard crunch. I look at my mother and asked
"How old are these chips?"
"Those are the same chips you bought when you were here the last time." she said non-chalantly.
"Your kidding right?"
"Nope. Matter of fact the other chips in the cabinet are the same chips so you might as well throw those away too."
I shook my head, but oh well.
Sunday - Parents went to church and I stayed home. I cleaned up, read some more, then got lunch started about 12:30 PM, which consisted of Rice (Uncle Ben's), salad and Steak (Rib Eye this time) and some ribs (all grilled of course). Pretty darn good lunch.
More of this and that. Moved some irrigating pipes and then my favorite - shovelling shit. Horseshit and cow shit. This time around pretty dry droppings, but tons of it. My Mother and Father raked and shovel and I did the wheelbarrowing. I had to wheelbarrow about 50 yards out and then 50 yards back from a nearby arroyo that we are filling up with the leftover shit. By the way, I did not mention that the wind was blowing 20 to 30 miles an hour and boy oh boy that added that extra element of raking, shoveling and wheelbarrowing shit so much the better.I did not get to ride at all at the Ranch. I did not even get to see my baby, Motobecane.
Monday - get up eat, very windy outside so we could not really do anything else outside. I did cook the rest of the ribs, mmmmm.
By the afternoon I had to go home - to Denver. I also had to go home to emails, phones, computers, city, noise, smog, starless skies, and conveniences I take for granted.
Tuesday morning 6:24 AM I was back in Denver and the COLD. Oh so cold, compared to New Mexico the past four days.
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Pointing out the Obvious
Greetings Readers
Here I am with a picture of me on the Light Rail Train this morning. The temp was in the low 20's when I headed out the door. Not cold, per se, but I did not want to ride the bike today so I "hoofed it" to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Yes readers, there goes another 3 dollars for today.
I guess the day has been better. At least better than yesterday's start. Nothing has pissed me off, yet. I am like a ticking bomb just waiting to go off.
Sort of last night. There I was on the Light Rail Station. And you readers probably have heard a variation of this story told before. Then again, perhaps I did not tell you readers.
I was sitting on the train as well as another couple across the aisle from me. The lady, a woman perhaps in her 30's with her shoe on the opposite seat. Ooh. That just got the fire burning that was just went out when I left work.
One Light rail station stop, two stops, and still she still had her foot on the opposite seat. Readers, there are signs posted throughout the train (most are small) that state do not put (rest) your feet upon the seats.
Again readers, I do not discriminate on sex, race, or personality when I am on the Light Rail Train. I am an EOE. Everyone is fair game!
As I getting ready for my stop to get off, I prepared my words.
"Hey. Why don't you tell your partner to take her foot off the seat since there is a sign posted right next to her stating do not rest your feet on the seat. Don't be the stereotypical white trash." is what I said to the guy.
And I was out the door. I did not look back nor could I heard him and her since I had my earphones in and Tiesto playing in my ears. Cuss at me if you feel you need to. I am right and you are wrong. Otherwise, I will make it my business when I see something "out of place" on the light rail. Remember readers, I am sticking up for the "little people". Would you want to be the person who sits where ever she put her feet and only to discover later she had gum, throw up, or food to the bottom of her shoe and it got wiped off when she put her foot on the seat? Not me!
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Here I am with a picture of me on the Light Rail Train this morning. The temp was in the low 20's when I headed out the door. Not cold, per se, but I did not want to ride the bike today so I "hoofed it" to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Yes readers, there goes another 3 dollars for today.
I guess the day has been better. At least better than yesterday's start. Nothing has pissed me off, yet. I am like a ticking bomb just waiting to go off.
Sort of last night. There I was on the Light Rail Station. And you readers probably have heard a variation of this story told before. Then again, perhaps I did not tell you readers.
I was sitting on the train as well as another couple across the aisle from me. The lady, a woman perhaps in her 30's with her shoe on the opposite seat. Ooh. That just got the fire burning that was just went out when I left work.
One Light rail station stop, two stops, and still she still had her foot on the opposite seat. Readers, there are signs posted throughout the train (most are small) that state do not put (rest) your feet upon the seats.
Again readers, I do not discriminate on sex, race, or personality when I am on the Light Rail Train. I am an EOE. Everyone is fair game!
As I getting ready for my stop to get off, I prepared my words.
"Hey. Why don't you tell your partner to take her foot off the seat since there is a sign posted right next to her stating do not rest your feet on the seat. Don't be the stereotypical white trash." is what I said to the guy.
And I was out the door. I did not look back nor could I heard him and her since I had my earphones in and Tiesto playing in my ears. Cuss at me if you feel you need to. I am right and you are wrong. Otherwise, I will make it my business when I see something "out of place" on the light rail. Remember readers, I am sticking up for the "little people". Would you want to be the person who sits where ever she put her feet and only to discover later she had gum, throw up, or food to the bottom of her shoe and it got wiped off when she put her foot on the seat? Not me!
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The Motobecane, My First
Greetings Readers
I have just posted the first picture from the Digital Camera that I just recently acquired.
This is the creme de la creme of my collection. Forget the Carbon Fiber, the color schemes, the brands, etc. One word - Motobecane. This was the first racing bike that I acquired. Little did I know that this bike would be one of many bikes down the road. Not to mention that this Motobecane is what helped me with my "redemption" in life prior to acquiring the Motobecane. Sorry readers, I can not elaborate on that subject. Perhaps later, perhaps never.
This is the bike that started my "new life". I have had to replace some of the parts that got worn out through the 11 years that I have owned the bike. Granted, the Motobecane no longer gets the mileage that I used to put on that bike on a yearly basis. Probably, this bike has moved into second place in total mileage put on by me. I let no one ride this bike except me.
The Motobecane is now located at my parent's place, in New Mexico. I only ride the Motobecane when training on vacation or sometimes I will riding the Motobecane during the Santa Fe Century in New Mexico.
I am really not sure what else to say, to write about the Motobecane, my Motobecane. The seat, the front fork, the rear cassette, the cables, the rims have been replaced. The metal clips have not been replaced. I want to hold onto them since metal clips are no longer made. If you look closely I think that you can see the condition of the metal clips and the duct tape that is sort of holding the metal clips together. The Motobecane itself weights incredibly heavy and I am happy to say that I rode this bike in many of the Rocky Mountain passes.
The Colorado Rockies. You know readers I was wrong. Somehow the Rockies have managed to get into the World Series. Incredible. I did not give the Rockies the benefit of the doubt, but with their record the past years it was pretty well unchanging. I am not going to say lucky or unlucky, but overall I am happy that the Colorado Rockies have made the World Series. Yet - Two Sweeps and 21 game winning streak. Pretty amazing.
Yet, what gets me is that the reporter and others seem to somehow "forgot" that Todd Helton was not even suppose to be with the Colorado Rockies. He wanted to be traded to another team and then he had "to settle" and "work out" the outcome of him staying with the Rockies by really no choice. I can not remember is there where many trade deadlines for him, but I do remember something to that nature. Anyway, I see that the camera/TV/reporters/anchors/whatnots show Todd Helton and his happiness. Yet, no one mentions the very beginning of the season on his status with the Rockies and how he felt being with the Rockies. Go Fucking figure. No ill wills, but the true people know the truth behind Todd Helton.
And I almost forgot to mention... well hesitate to mention – with the Rockies winning this part of the division I lost two bets. So, another bottle of Crown Royal and a cup of Coffee (Latte) from the little shop that located in our office building. All in good fun though. Perhaps, I should start with… “ Hello, my name is Daryl and I have a gambling problem.” Get the fuck out of here with that shit!
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
I have just posted the first picture from the Digital Camera that I just recently acquired.
This is the creme de la creme of my collection. Forget the Carbon Fiber, the color schemes, the brands, etc. One word - Motobecane. This was the first racing bike that I acquired. Little did I know that this bike would be one of many bikes down the road. Not to mention that this Motobecane is what helped me with my "redemption" in life prior to acquiring the Motobecane. Sorry readers, I can not elaborate on that subject. Perhaps later, perhaps never.
This is the bike that started my "new life". I have had to replace some of the parts that got worn out through the 11 years that I have owned the bike. Granted, the Motobecane no longer gets the mileage that I used to put on that bike on a yearly basis. Probably, this bike has moved into second place in total mileage put on by me. I let no one ride this bike except me.
The Motobecane is now located at my parent's place, in New Mexico. I only ride the Motobecane when training on vacation or sometimes I will riding the Motobecane during the Santa Fe Century in New Mexico.
I am really not sure what else to say, to write about the Motobecane, my Motobecane. The seat, the front fork, the rear cassette, the cables, the rims have been replaced. The metal clips have not been replaced. I want to hold onto them since metal clips are no longer made. If you look closely I think that you can see the condition of the metal clips and the duct tape that is sort of holding the metal clips together. The Motobecane itself weights incredibly heavy and I am happy to say that I rode this bike in many of the Rocky Mountain passes.
The Colorado Rockies. You know readers I was wrong. Somehow the Rockies have managed to get into the World Series. Incredible. I did not give the Rockies the benefit of the doubt, but with their record the past years it was pretty well unchanging. I am not going to say lucky or unlucky, but overall I am happy that the Colorado Rockies have made the World Series. Yet - Two Sweeps and 21 game winning streak. Pretty amazing.
Yet, what gets me is that the reporter and others seem to somehow "forgot" that Todd Helton was not even suppose to be with the Colorado Rockies. He wanted to be traded to another team and then he had "to settle" and "work out" the outcome of him staying with the Rockies by really no choice. I can not remember is there where many trade deadlines for him, but I do remember something to that nature. Anyway, I see that the camera/TV/reporters/anchors/whatnots show Todd Helton and his happiness. Yet, no one mentions the very beginning of the season on his status with the Rockies and how he felt being with the Rockies. Go Fucking figure. No ill wills, but the true people know the truth behind Todd Helton.
And I almost forgot to mention... well hesitate to mention – with the Rockies winning this part of the division I lost two bets. So, another bottle of Crown Royal and a cup of Coffee (Latte) from the little shop that located in our office building. All in good fun though. Perhaps, I should start with… “ Hello, my name is Daryl and I have a gambling problem.” Get the fuck out of here with that shit!
Until the next time
Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete
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