The 1 Up - bar - Denver, CO

Yes, that is me

Greetings Readers

I found a couple of pictures from the 1 Up bar that I frequently go to now with the ex out of the picture.  One was taken by the ex and the other I took last month.  Both feature the pinball Machine Tron, which is actually my favorite pinball game there at the moment.  I am finally getting very good at the machine and now know the layout and scoring of the pinball game.

I do like the AC DC pinball game as well as the Getaway 2 pinball machine (especially with the ZZ Top La Grange).  The Wizard of OZ is visually awesome, but the play is kind of tricky due to the side exit lanes.  The Star Trek pinball is nice as well.  I do like the variety of modes when trying to complete the missions.

In addition to the pinball games there are a lot of video games.  A lot of games that I am sure that you will remember from your past.  There is also skee ball and Jenga outside on the patio.

I am trying to remember last year about this time.  I went to the Kong Off that was held at the 1 Up bar.  What I can not remember if the ex was with me.  I do not the ex was, but I am drawing a blank.  I know I was there for Day 1 or perhaps it was Day 2.  I know the ex went with me on other times, but I just can not remember that specific weekend.

This is kind of the reason why I am blogging about this-  Usually in November for the past three years the 1 Up bar has been the spot for the Donkey Kong World Championships.  The best in the world come to play.  There is an open play tournament for non-professionals, but the best of the best are in Denver for usually three days in November.  I just checked the Facebook site and I do not see any events for this year yet.  So, I guess I will have to check Facebook every week for the next week or so to see if there is another Kong Off, which would be Kong Off 4.

This bar is heaven for me.  A dive bar so to speak, but the ambiance is awesome.  The ex- was hesitant in the beginning and sure burned through my quarters when we first started going to the 1 Up, but towards the end of our relationship the ex actually got good.  Yes, I am damn proud I taught the ex to play pinball.  I even taught the ex how to tilt, so to speak.  The ex was banging and rocking a few of those pinball machines in the past year like we use to in bed.  LOL.  We played pinball most of the time, but did manage to play some of the video games here and there.

A couple of years ago the 1 Up had the Sopranos pinball machine and I loved playing that machine.  Especially the mode where every ball hit makes a character say "Fuck"  It was awesome.

Well, the 1 Up is still and will continue to be in my life.  Just a place I love going to.  In fact, when my brother was visiting in August I took him to the 1 Up club.  He enjoyed it.  We both enjoyed it.  We were only able to go once, but we had fun.  I think we went on a Saturday night, but maybe not.

And that is that.  I do have more pictures

, and may post some later, but I think the two are enough for now.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Pinball player

The Toy Crane Game Machine

Greetings Readers

That toy crane game.

It is the devil.

I am strangely drawn to this coin operated game when I do come across this in my travels, mostly vacation travels. Though, not in my everyday travels since I could have a problem if I did have toy crane game to play everyday.

Then again, in the part of town that I live in near Denver, I can not even think of a coin operated toy Crane game being at. Definitely at no local supermarkets – and that includes any video games of any sorts.

Well Readers, it has come to a sort of tradition… fuck it… let me be honest. It is fucking tradition that I play a certain toy Crane game at the local supermarket chain store – Smith’s – in Rio Rancho, N.M. I have to admit that whoever does stock the prizes in the machine does a pretty good job of stocking items that someone would want. Yet, with the, in my ex-co-worker’s infamous line, “awesome” prizes – there are the fucked up prizes that are not even worth the 50 cents that cost to play the game.

The many years of playing those toy crane games I can tell which toy crane machines you may actually have a chance to pick up / win a prize. What I mean is that there are some toy crane machines that the “claws” are “loose” when picking up the prize. Also, I have come across a couple of machines that the “claws” are greased. That further pushes the odds against getting any prizes. Yes – Greased – You can see the gleam in the lights when looking at the “claws” from a certain angle catching the lights in the supermarket. Furthermore, I estimate that 25 percent of the machines that I do play and actually get the crane to get a prize when the crane does retract the “claws” the machine will jerk to a stop and when it does that jerk is enough to release the prize I did get from the “claws” and drop back into the machine’s pile of prizes.

Oh, how that fucking pisses me off. But, as Paulie Walnuts would say – “What are you going to do?”

Now, I am not going to drop more than two dollars in one meeting. After all, if I try and try and get close I usually know it ain’t going to happen.

And this depends on the prizes themselves. You Readers may think that the prizes are just there in the machine ready to be won. Oh no. About 90% of the time the good prizes are strategically placed in the machine so that you / someone will have to actually get the piece of shit prize before getting the, in the words of my ex-co-worker “awesome” prize. Meaning that if you see that one prize you want and even try the “claw” will get the prize and start to reel in. Yet, when the “claw” retracts the prize, the prize soon gets hung up and gets released from the “claw” Whoever stocked the toy crane machine has purposely placed the prizes in the machine so that you can not get the “good” prize without getting the piece of shit prizes surrounding the “good” prize since the bad prizes have been carefully wedge around the “good” prize.

So, even when I see a prize I desire, I must go for the piece of prize since I am there to play – period.

I know it is a waste of money, but I can not resist. To me it is like a gorgeous blonde I meet and I can not resist not saying hi.

I would say that the game is game of skill, but it is a game of skill and luck – but more of luck than skill depending on some the factors I did mention above. The skill is looking at the crane and the possible drop point and contact of said prize you want. Of course, if the “claws” rotate during the descent of the “claws” then skill goes out the door and luck comes into play. Although, with my background of toy crane playing I have taken in that factor so skill comes back into play since I have taken in the account that most likely the “claws” will rotate during descent.

Anyway, coming to this blog post and why I decided to write about this. This time around on vacation I was able to win two prizes at the same machine on two different occasions on my vacation. The first time I wanted the Simpson’s Bart/Krusty the clown prize, but fucking knew that prize was unobtainable without spending a lot of money to get. So, I opted for a prize I knew I could get and lo and behold – I did. Basically, A rabbit in a purple hat – a soft top pop toy. I wanted to play the machine and I wanted to win so I chose the only prize I knew I had a chance to win.

Then, on New Year’s Eve, after dropping my brother off at Albuquerque, me and my Dad stopped off at Smith’s and saw that someone won the prize I wanted before, but I saw another Simpson’s plush toy. Again, I saw that was not going to be possible to get without spending money. Then, I saw a prize that was not too bad and obviously a prize I could get. 50 cents later and first try – I got the prize – a walrus – his/her name on the tag is “Blithe”.

And that Readers is another part of my life. No addiction, but I can not resist playing when I see that there are prizes that I want.

What? The Holy Grail? Currently, I have seen a few machines with South park plush toys. And I so fucking want. You know me – I am a die-hard South park fan and I want any South park collectible. So far, I have not gotten any. I would say I have gotten close, but in reality no. What it has always comes down to is spending the money in order to get that South park toy.

I do not play every toy crane machine. Only the ones I see with prizes I would want to have. Otherwise, if no toys look desirable I am not going to play.

What made this obsession funny this vacation was that I pulled out a roll of quarters and told my Mom that I was going to play until I won something.

LOL – I said this, but did not mean it. Consciously, subconsciously, I wanted my Mom to middle name call me.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

First Post of 2011

Greetings Readers

In order to move forward you have to put the past behind you.

I know this, but this is sometimes very difficult for me to actually to do from time to time. Yet, if it is difficult for me why did Forrest Gump never give it a second thought about putting the past behind him?

I just do not know.

Anyway Readers, I have taken some time off from work and my regular life for about 2 weeks. I said, or say, I think I needed it, but to be honest with myself I really did need the time away from my everyday life. With that said I headed off to the Ranch and sent some time with the family.

Very enjoyable and it took a few days get out of my everyday routine. Granted, I was sleeping on a mattress, in the farthest room from the pellet stove, but I was okay with that. I did bring my laptop and new portable dvd player so I had something to keep me busy/entertained.

With all that said I was able not to think about the things that have happened to me in the past month and started to question myself. And question others. Not second guess myself or others, but to think too much about something that should not be thought about that much in the first place.

I slept, cooked, worked a bit here and there, chopped ice for the animals, rode the four wheeler to name a few things that I did on my vacation. I also watched / listened to a few movies as well as played some Diablo II on my laptop. I realize that is an old computer game, but I was looking for some game that I wanted to load that was not too heavy on the RAM or the hard drive space on the laptop. Also, I borrowed a sub woofer from my brother so I wanted to hear a game an all new way. And let me tell you Readers there is a big fucking difference in the sound. Wow.

See. I was able to put the past behind me once more, but there are just a couple things that I will remember though, but know that I am able not to think about day after day, week after week.

In the next couple of weeks I will perhaps touch on some of the things that I did on my vacation. Like I swear that I saw the splitting image of Uncle Junior at Furr’s Buffet in Albuquerque, NM.!The icy cold weather that kept us in for a few days since it was too too cold to work outside on the Ranch. The three dogs that were shot since they went onto our Ranch property and killed one of Ranch Animals, my “Christmas Present”, my winnings at the toy crane game at the local supermarket – Smith’s, another award (as well as thank you letters) from the 4-H club to my parents for their yearly contribution, the blind calf’s progress, and how I spent my New Year’s Eve (not exciting though).

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Nip / Tuck - The Final Cuts

Greetings Readers

The Final Cuts. Readers, I knew that this was coming over a year ago. Unfortunately we faithful watchers are now down to the final cuts of Nip / Tuck. Nine episodes make up the Final Cuts. And Last night was the first of the final nine episodes.

I have blogged about Nip / Tuck and probably most of the characters on the show in the past.

Now, eight episodes to go. I am sadden to see Nip / Tuck ending.

Spoiler Alert - Last night episode - I am going to mention some parts so if you have not seen it then you may want to skip the rest of the blog entry.

I was sort of worried at the beginning of the show since it showed Dr. McNamara swinging a sledgehammer at a Marble wall and then shattering an award. I was worried that Nip / Tuck was going to borrow from Breaking Bad on how they did last season. By showing a bit of the end of the last episode of the season at the beginning of each episode during the season.

I want to be completely surprised and not be teased on what may or may not happened. Like the Soprano's - no hint given on the last episode and boy were we faithful watchers surprised and/or angry.

Back to Nip / Tuck - Last Night episode focuses on Sean and Christian getting an award, a prestigious award. Overall, very good and I think I like the flashback sequences to a young Sean and a young Christian when they were going to school. Those flashback scenes tied in together with the last scene of the episode played out last night. In addition to tieing in they have set up a story line that will I imagine go well, but will show the destruction of... well... I do not want to give you Readers what I think will be destroyed. What I am wondering about is Matt, Julia's mother, the loan Christian took out again the practice without Sean knowing. And I have a feeling that perhaps, just perhaps two characters from the past seasons, brother and sister, may make an appearance. And I am not talking about the Escobar (the drug dealer that was murdered 2 or 3 season ago) and now resides in Sean's memory and comes to light every now and then.

I laughed a bit in the episode last night, but mostly it was serious and I appreciate and glad that Nip / Tuck took that approach.

If there was a crowning moment in last night's episode it would be Christian meeting Sean in the Library and Pat Benatar singing "We Belong" in the background.

"...many times I tried to tell you
many times you cried alone
always I'm surprise on how well
you cut my feeling to the bones..."

and then there is one more line to the stanza, but the key part for me "...I've invested too much time..."

I have invested my time with Nip / Tuck and in a sense Nip / Tuck belongs with me - we belong.

I will go out on the line right now, due to the nature of the show and past season, I think, there is not going to be a happy ending. Meaning, that I think there will not be a final scene with the characters of Nip / Tuck laughing, talking and the camera shooting the table scene. I am not hoping for either, but I think there will be sad ending to Nip / Tuck. I will be content for both since I know either direction is very possible.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

All Good Things Come to an End

Greetings Readers

This past Sunday was the start of Season 6 Part 2 of the Soprano's on A&E.

I know that you faithful Readers know that I have bought the Complete Soprano's Boxed Edition late last year, but it has been routine for me to watch the Soprano's on A&E when I feel like watching. Granted, it has been audited for content, but sometimes I just want to have background noise or there is really nothing on TV Sunday Morning to watch.

So started the final eight episodes and yes Readers this is where it really, really got interesting. And I have to admit this was the time I actually knew how to pronounce Bobbi's last name.

I do have to admit this was the episode (Soprano Home Movies) that Tony got his AR-10 Automatic Machine Gun , which in one of these final episodes you get to see him and his AR-10 together in a dark bedroom with Tony clutching his AR-10. A powerful image of Tony and what is about to become... Sorry Readers, I can not give away the scene or why Tony is holding onto the AR-10 in bed for the Readers who have not seen the Soprano's.

As I saw once

"The Beginning of the End"

And we faithful Soprano's watchers still miss Tony, Carm, Sil and of course Paulie, to name a few to this day. Will we ever know what happened when Tony looked up in that last second of the Soprano's? I hope so. I sure do hope so Readers.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Nip Tuck - Season 5 Part II

Greetings Readers

Wow - The Nip / Tuck Premiere was excellent. I have been waiting and waiting since the end of the last episode last year. I yearned to know what was in store for new Nip / Tuck Episodes that were (and are now here) scheduled for January 2009.

Just as a recap - Nip / Tuck episode - "Ronnie Chase" - Colleen came back and stabbed many times Sean in the back. And we viewers were left with Sean laying on the floor, gasping, blood seeping from his mouth and spreading onto the floor of the operating room from the stab wounds in his back. Talk about another cliff hanger that was excellent for Nip / Tuck.

I know I have mentioned this in the past, but Nip / Tuck is a show that I follow faithfully. I have a glass (or more) of wine and curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch Nip / Tuck. Sean and Troy, as well as Julia, Liz and Eden (new for Season 5). Oh my oh my! Eden is fucking my type that I love. That body, the hair, the eyes and every now and then her sweet innocent look, but not the attitude.

Anyway, there was a bit of a recap in the new episode last night from where we viewers were left. Also, we were treated to see how Colleen got in and what happened throughout the incident from a different view.

And then, the show picked up where it left off. Sean gasping and looking up from the floor on his back. We hear some medical equipment beeping urgently and Sean making the attempt to save his daughter's life regardless of his own.

Fast forward - Right before the first commercial break I could not help really feeling for Sean as he laid in Christian's arms and then Christian screams "Liz!" and then the scene goes black while Christian's last word continues on getting softer and and softer and then silence. I know this is fictional show, but remember Readers I have invested my time with this show and I have come to know them just as the other fictional family "The Soprano's." I care was happens to them since I really treat them as people I would know if they were real and I knew them.

Spoiler Alert - Skip if you do not want to know what happened in the show.

I was shocked to learn about Christian's Stage 2 Breast cancer. This was shocking since it hits so close to home in my past with some people very close to me.

So, in my opinion the episode was very good and very sad. Though, I am glad that Sean is up, in a manner of speaking.

Yet, the other cliff hanger was Julia getting shot and has lost all her memory. She was not in last night's episode so we still are in the dark on what is going on. A reference was made, but that only she was, as still is, pissed off at Sean for lying. I know - what's new.

And that was that. I sort of knew something was going to happen since in between the last episode and this new episode. Nip / Tuck will be ending on the 100th episode. No more. And I think this was announced some time mid year last year so I think they need to start setting up the plot lines in order to get show ready for the finale on the 100th episode.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Down and Dirty, Baby!

Greetings Readers

At my current age I have noticed certain things through out the years. Just in the past year I am assuming I have come to notice things I never noticed before.

What I want to bring up and talk about is a few commercials I have seen on TV of various cleaning supplies. Squirting mops, pads that “click off” toilet cleaners, a shower cleaner that auto cleans your shower somehow, a carpet cleaner that you squirt, brush once (according to the commercial) and clean (yes that easy! – apparently) and a remote control vacuum cleaner.

Wow. What ever happened to getting down and dirty when cleaning, Baby?! Back in the day when I was growing up I learned to clean up the shower stall/tub with a hand brush, I learned to wash dishes by hand, I learned to get on my hands and knees and scrub the tiled floors with a hand brush also.

Matter of fact, I picked up dog shit without needing a sign to indicate to clean up after my pet back in the day. I also learned to wipe surfaces not standing on my two feet. Get a stepladder; stand on chair to reach those high out reach places. Get down on your knees and scrub the floor. How much is liquid going to so on a dirty floor going to do? What if the stain needs to be scrubbed clean? Are you going to let the liquid set and wait until the liquid penetrates the stain? Meanwhile, you could have been done by getting on your knees, apply pressure to a hand brush or a rag and wipe clean that stain in 7/8 the time for the liquid cleaner to work “its magic.”

Sure Readers, these new gadgets are apparently make cleaning easier, in my view, are helping America get lazier and perhaps contributing to the overweight Americans. Readers! By no way am I implying this is the cause, but perhaps the not getting yourself dirty may make others not get dirty from doing other things that you need to get down and dirty.

Such as changing a flat tire. I was watching the past Amazing Race season and on the show there was a black dating couple and they got a flat tire. Fuck me. The man just looked at the tire from different angles to see the flat tire as if he could not believe the tire was flat. Not once did he touch the flat tire with his hands, matter of fact, not one finger. Nor did he even open the trunk to get the jack (and perhaps spare tire.) He did yell out to his woman to flag down another vehicle while closely looking at the flat tire from different angles. Who knows how long he just looked at the flat tire, but the next scene shows that person they flagged down was changing the flat tire, while the black guy watched what he was doing. Readers. Come one. A man needs to know how to change a flat tire. What I mean, in my book if you cannot change a flat tire then you are not a man if you are a man that does not know how to change a tire.

Again I know that the Soprano’s was a fictional TV show, but when Tony and A.J. got a flat tire in Tony’s SUV A.J. immediately suggested that they call Triple A (AAA) to change the flat tire. Tony looks at A.J. and gives him the “what the fuck look” and gets angry and proceeds to tell A.J. he is going to change the tire, from what I remember in that one episode.

Getting back to the cleaning of the house. Get yourself a bucket of hot water, a bottle of Pine sol and dish gloves if you want and start cleaning for yourself. Get yourself on your knees and scrub. Don’t rely on a “squirting” mop. Or a disposable toilet cleaner. Damn. Get a rag. Get some paper towels and starting cleaning like Mr. Clean is looking over your shoulder. Use bleach for the toilet. Ajax the tub / shower. Windex the mirrors and windows – or a water and white vinegar mixture.

I know it is a dirty job, but what’s a little effort into cleaning? You will feel good about yourself for doing the job entirely yourself. You will smell the cleanliness of your job. After all, I feel good about cleaning once I see I did the job that I did not want to do, but had to do. After all the cleaning is done go take a shower and then you will come out as clean as you cleaned up and you will notice and smell the cleanliness of your cleaning job(s).

I have to say that seeing those commercials on TV I really wonder about us American and how much that is having an effect on the younger generation.

In closing Readers, not that you care, but if I am over a girl’s/woman’s house I will look under the sink in the kitchen and faucet to see if there are cleaning supplies. After all, if I notice a woman who does not have any cleaning products is something I should worry about since I do care about how clean I want and tend to get at my humble abode. I do not want someone who may be living in filth. Of course a little filth is okay, but if I see no signs of being clean then that is red flag in my book.

Oh another thing if any of you readers use a shower liner spend the extra 5 to 15 dollars for a new shower liner if you need a new shower liner.

Okay, okay, okay. I will stop now. I just wanted to talk about this subject since this was something that I noticed and wanted to blog about.

I could be unique on this subject Readers, but this is what I wanted to say on this subject.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Soprano's Box Complete Series

Greetings Readers

There was no question, no hesitation, and no expense that I had to purchase the complete Soprano’s series boxed set DVDs right away.

With me being a die-hard fan and still a faithful watcher to this day, I had to get this set as soon as possible.

And with the release of this set this past week I knew I had a chance before the week was up that the sale price would be a good price to buy the complete Soprano’s series at. Basically, Target had the lowest price at 249.99. That was that. I knew that once the week was over the opening week sale price was going to go to normal MSRP. And once after the first week was over I knew the complete series will be staying at normal price for a while.

Why? Well first it is an HBO set, which means any DVD sets hardly go on sale until four years later or so. And in between now and Christmas I highly doubt there is going to be a bigger sale price on the Complete Soprano’s seasons DVD set. Either buy the set now or wait, which the set will not get any cheaper. Or that much cheaper than what I paid.

Needless to say, I bought the set and I am so glad I did. The big reason that I decided to buy the set was that I have been waiting and waiting until the Season Six, Part II to come down in price. What I mean is that for the eight episodes HBO still wanted full price of a regular season (roughly $ 80.00). To me, that was a rip off. So ever since seeing the last episode I have not be able to see the second part of Season six.

When I got to Target and saw the Soprano’s I picked up the box and it was heavy. And I mean heavy. But the weight of the complete series I held in my hands I knew I was about to be reunited with my second family.

Tone, Carm, AJ and Med. A family not so much different than our families that we may know. I know that it is a fictional family, but it is pretty close to dysfunctional to a family that you may know of. Besides being dysfunctional, the Soprano’s are a family that you could relate to on another level.

I care about the family. I feel their heartaches, their anger and their issues. All in all they have secrets, have race issues, money issues, life issues and day-to-day relationship issues that are not much different from our issues in life. To say that is not true is not accepting that it is true.

Anyway, this past weekend I made it a Season Six – Part Two marathon. I had to catch up where I left the family last. Those last eight episodes are pretty remarkable. Written, directed and nicely put together those eight episodes gave us “the beginning of the end”

I could not help to reflect on the last commercial I saw for Season Six – Part Two being released on DVD. The woman crying because she saw two garbage men throwing a rolled carpet up in the trash dump truck in an alley, the black guy crying when he sees a heavy set guy walk past him by in a track suit. The man crying in the deli over deli meats he sees in the window counter display. And lastly, the guy crying outside a train store window that holds a model train set being run.

That commercial ranks up in my top 5 commercials of all time. Yes, it was sad to see those last eight episodes. Bobby, AJ, Christopher, Uncle Junior, Silvio, to name the “good guys.” And then a couple of the bad guys, Johnny (I have to admit I got choked up), Phil (oh yes!). Overall, I did mimic that commercial, I shed a tear and then some.

Readers, I want to tell you about my favorite scenes and episodes, but I am sure that some of you Readers have not seen the Soprano’s and perhaps are waiting to see the Soprano’s when the time is right.

Getting back to the box set. Beautifully put together. There is a black box made out of sturdy material as opposed to just cardboard. Inside the box is a black velvet-like bag that contains a “family” album. An album like you Readers might have for photos. The album is also black with red lettering of “the Soprano’s” on the front of the album. Inside the album contains album like pages made out of very sturdy material. Pretty thick pages so the pages will not get bent. Each page holds four discs (two on each side). At the back of the album there is are some pages that give a brief description of each of the season’s episode. Unlike the normal description, these brief descriptions are to the point and are pretty humorous to read. Funny, but to the point.

I just love my family Album. With my box Seasons of the Soprano’s I plan to give them to my parents.

Anyway, I am very, very proud to own and say that I have the complete series of the Soprano’s on DVD. I can see Paulie, Pie o Mine, Big Pussy, Dr. Melfi, Hesch, Vito, Agent Harris, “Ichabod Crane”, to name a few characters whenever I want. 86 Episodes, 33 DVD’s, over 3 ½ hours of extra stuff. Nice.

And in my opinion - the last scene of the Soprano’s that has the song playing “Don’t Stop Believing” is very good. To this day I still wonder. The Soprano’s getting together in a restaurant after all that has happened and Tony’s last look, supposedly, to the front door of the restaurant then the scene goes black. Wow.

Mad? Yes. Yet, after being mad it was a perfect ending to the Soprano’s. Granted, I wanted an ending to wrap up loose ends, but then again whatever happened to the Russian in the forest in the middle of winter?

I am still wondering about what ever happened to that Russian that “supposedly” got shot. So, with the series finale you Readers can see that David Chase is not unfamiliar to leaving loose ends open.

P.S. To be honest I miss Tony, Carmella, A.J. and Meadow as much as miss my parents and brother. The Soprano’s are as real as my family. I did care about the Soprano’s and always hoped the best for them.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Wrestling at the Olympics - oh well

Greetings Readers

Roman Grecko Wrestling - I hate to say this readers, but this event just did not do a thing for me. I did not get excited. I was bored. I did give one match up a viewing so I can say that I did watch one event. Anyway, I gave up and watched women's soccer.

I should not of given up watching since that was where it got interesting. I am not sure if I am cheering or booing, but the guy wrestler who won the bronze dropped his medal on the podium and walked away. Fucking wow! He has some balls to do that. Damn. I am not sure I could do that, but should I ever feel that way that is the way I would like to go out.

I am not supporting the wrestler, but I have to give kudos for him even doing something like that.

Onto the next subject

Alright, I have been eating out pretty regularly for the past two weeks. Oh yes, there is a reason, but nothing to share with you readers.

Anyway, I go into Chipotle’s for lunch. I probably arrived after the major rush of the noon lunch hour for most white and blue-collar workers. Which means that I was basically the last person in line.

I asked for a ground sirloin beef burrito. The employee looks at me saying nothing. I estimate about ten seconds later I repeat what I just said - I want a ground sirloin burrito with the word please at the end of my sentence this time. I immediately got crossed since I had to repeat myself. I think you readers may or may not know I hate repeating myself if I was clear the first time.

“Uh we do not have that here” is what I think the employee said to me. I look at the menu and shake my head. If the employee would of said that when I answered what I wanted to eat the first time, then there would not have been the start of a chip on my shoulder. “Oh that’s at the other place,” I said softly. The employee did not, would not, say that other place – Qdoba – but the employee and me connected. “OK – give me the steak burrito.” Readers – I know that this whole part of the story could have been avoided if I had looked at the menu on the far wall from the lunch line.

Then, I was out of that employee’s life and into another employee’s life doing the fixin’s of the burrito. “I want…” which I started to say and then the employee interrupted “What do you want in your burrito?”

What the Fuck !?!?!?

I did speak “I want….” before the employee asked the question the employee probably asks every customer that question. Though, this interruption further made the chip on my shoulder get bigger. In addition, this pissed me off since I was interrupted when I was giving what I wanted on my burrito.

I take a few seconds before saying anything. All this time I was basically looking the employee straight in the eye, without saying a word and a face that showed stone cold pissed off.

“I want tomatoes, cheese, and lettuce.” There was no “please” by me. Then, I am out of that employee’s life.

Now, the next employee. I immediately asked “I want chips and salsa – hot” Right after I said this sentence the employee asks what else I want. I stare at the employee. I am not to repeating myself since I made myself clear the first and only time. A couple seconds go by and then the employee reaches for the bag of chips that are prepared and sitting on a shelf on a wall behind the cashier. After that the employee goes and gets my hot salsa.
While that is being done I started taking out a 10-bone bill from my wallet.

About 10 seconds later the employee re-appears with my hot salsa and starts bagging my lunch. I then put out my right hand with the 10-bone bill and it is about 6 inches away from the cashier’s hands.

Readers, at this point I am pissed, since I basically had an “incident” with each employee on the lunch line. Fuck me. No fucking way. Fuck them. At least I know I watched them make my lunch so there is no way for anyone of them to have spit in my lunch.

The cashier asks “would you like a drink?”

Now. About 95 percent of the time the answer that I give is “no thank you.” Which means that perhaps 99 percent of you readers would answer the same way. But as I just outlined I was pissed off for the actions of each employee I encountered on the lunch line. I agree with all you readers that the right thing is to respond to the cashier was either a “no thank you” or “yes please.”

But I was pissed and the pissed off mood grew at every employee I visited on the way to the cashier. The cashier did nothing to get me in a pissed off mood. But! The cashier did add to it when the cashier asked “would you like a drink?”

The remaining 5 percent is what came into factor in this instance. I immediately replied “Did I ask for a drink?” A couple seconds later I added, “The answer to your question is the answer to my question.” The cashier looks at me, but no evil/stink eye. There was no - who the fuck is this customer - look. There was no reply to my question. The cashier simply pushed some keys on the register and then gave me my change.

This was not a victory, nor was I looking for a victory. I know what I wanted and that’s that. I clearly stated what I wanted and did so even before I was asked all the questions that were directed to me. Though, the last one was rude (in my opinion), but only because I had experienced the questions prior getting to the employee working the register.

I know there was a high road I could of taken, but due to all the questions that were asked for me I chose the other road.

I know that I am going to sound like a broken record, but at this point – this is where I decided to be like Tony. I am not happy until someone else is more miserable than I am.

The cashier did not deserve my question to their question, but this was the last employee before leaving Chipotle and I needed to get my pissed off mood on someone. I believe in I am not happy until someone is more miserable than I am when this sort of situation presents itself.

Wait. That was not the end of my experience. I was pissed off and to justify my response on how to get back at Chipotle I decided to take my change and not take my receipt. I grabbed the cash and did not grab the receipt. The cashier dropped the receipt and I made no move to pick up the receipt. A few seconds pass and the cashier picks up the receipt the cashier dropped to the counter and the receipt disappears behind the counter.

Child-ish?

Perhaps, but the cashier should of asked me if I wanted my receipt. Since the places I frequent often ask me if I want my receipt or not. I am under no obligation to take the receipt from the cashier. Is it written that I am responsible for a receipt (a piece of paper) that I paid for? No fucking way. I paid for my meal and that’s that. If I did not ask for receipt then I do not have to take the receipt.

Remember readers, this particular post is an every now and then thing and not something I do every time I go out and eat. If my experience did not piss me off by the time I got to the cashier then none of what I just wrote would have not of happened. I would of said yes or no and took my change and receipt without prejudice.

Yes, I was a prick. I do not apologize nor will I apologize for what I just described. Again, I have stated this before – I am the customer and the cardinal rule is “the customer is always right.” Or as in Burger King’s motto – Your way Right away.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Sticking it to the Woman

Greetings Readers

Damn, it has been hot the past 20 days and there does not seem to be an end in sight to the hot weather. Though I think that I heard that there might an 89 degree day next Wednesday. Yes, Eighties. For the past 20 days Colorado, especially in the Denver area we have had 90 degree plus days in a row. We did break a record for most consecutive days above 90 degrees.

I do not think that the heat is really bothering me except for last night. I think that the day got very hot yesterday and with no wind blowing, from what I can remember, the heat was stationary and I slept restless.

I tried sleeping on the couch in the living room, but I could feel myself getting sweaty underneath me. So, I gave up trying to sleep on the couch. I decided to go the bedroom and sleep on the bed sheet as opposed to the bed covering. I also moved a small rotating fan next to the window and tried to get some of the night air into my bedroom. I did, but the air was still hot. I did manage to fall asleep, but I woke up two more times in the night. I was still getting sweaty underneath me, but not like I was at the couch.

Oh, did I mention that I have A/C, but in the immortal words of my friend – I am a cheap bastard. I am not sure if I totally agree with those words, but I do not really need the A/C on. I am suffering, but I can usually make it through the evening and the night by having the windows open and have the fans against the screens to blow in the evening and night air. I really do not see myself as a cheap bastard, but I am okay with the self inflicted suffering, because I can deal with not running the A/C.

I have gotten some bags of ice (10 pound bags) and put them in the freezer. I have some cold beer, Coca-Cola and fresh Sun Tea in the Fridge. With the bags of ice I have to say that I am doing okay. I can have the ice in my drink or even make a bag of ice and use that to cool myself down.

And now onto part of my day recap from yesterday.

I am and am not a morning person. I have my good days, my great days and then I have the wrong side of the bed days and worst yet –the fucking pissed off waking up mood.

Yesterday was the - I woke up on the wrong side of bed - day. I did not feel like riding to work, so I rode part of the way to work. I decided to take the RTD to work. Well, I saw the RTD bus go by the bus stop I usually catch the bus at and whispered “fuck me” and proceeded to ride up Arapahoe Road to the Light Rail Station at Arapahoe.

I rode slowly, but not this time for showing off my rims. I just did not want to ride. I was lazy. I was not mad for missing the bus, but mad that I had to bike all the way to the Light Rail Station since the next bus does not come for another 30 minutes and I did not feel like waiting another 30 minutes for the next bus to the Light Rail Station.

Fast Forward – When I went to the bank that evening two of the bank tellers saw me biking up Arapahoe Road. They noticed the bike jersey, the bike and knew it was me - and they loved the rims. They said they saw me going in the opposite direction and did not appear to be going anywhere fast. Anyway, it’s nice to know that I have a “base” of people who know me by sight. Ha ha. I wish that was bragging, but that is just a matter of fact.

Now, back to the morning. I apparently ignored my boss on one of the Shuttles to our work. I was focused on who was the shuttle driver – Either Mr. Cranky, since I was cranky or was it Mr. Crazy. It was Mr. Crazy, so I was the only one cranky on the route to work. Meanwhile, as I was trying to figure out the shuttle driver I just ignored who the passengers were. I saw some movement, but in my mood that morning I did not care who was in the back and I did not want to acknowledge anyone trying to get my attention.

Fast forward 30 minutes - So, it was my boss that was waving his arms and trying to get my attention. He noticed me as soon as I stepped off the Light Rail Train. He said he recognized the “loud” bike jersey and then he saw the HED rims on my bike for the first time and he said that they looked “Sharp”.

Back to the story - Here’s where the heart of the story that I wanted to share with you readers. I walk into the lobby of my work building since I did not see anyone driving into the underground parking garage. That’s the only way for me to get into the underground parking garage is wait and follow someone who has paid for the privilege to be parking in the underground parking garage.

When I walked into the lobby I saw another lady from the opposite side of the lobby walking towards the elevator. This scene gets played out every now and then where I work. The showers and bike rack are in the basement; therefore I am going to be going down. I have no obligation to push the button to go up for anyone, unless it is someone I know and I am feeling quite besides myself. Otherwise, do your own pushing of the elevator button.

I push the down elevator button and the lady, with sunglasses on, pushed no elevator buttons. At all.

Five seconds later the elevator dings with the light indicating that this elevator is going down. I roll my bike in the elevator and made no effort to make space for the lady to get in. Fuck no – I know that she was not going down, but I was not going to just tell her (or him should have it been a man) that this elevator and I was going down. I was cranky and as I wrote before I am not happy until someone else is unhappy – just like my favorite Soprano Character – Tony.

She’s says excuse me and wiggles herself into the elevator car that is going down. Then, she proceeds to take her security badge to the elevator scanner and pushes the button for the fourth floor. Meanwhile, 10 seconds before, I had push the “B” Basement light and the "B" has been lit ever since.

That’s when the fucking stupid question comes out. (yes, stupid fucking question in my opinion)

“Is the elevator going down?”

Readers, the answers I give to this question many times vary from each time this sort of scenario happens. Such as if I was in a pleasant cordial mood – “yes”. Or if I was in an un-pleasant mood – “No, it is going sideways.” “Did you not look at the elevator light in the lobby before getting in the elevator?” “Why don’t you take those sunglasses off so you take a second look at the elevator buttons.” “Did you push the button in the lobby to go up?” and there is more, but I better not give you readers any more quotes.

You see readers – it is not my fault… fucking fault, for you not paying attention before getting into an elevator car with me. You ask me a stupid question I am going to give you a sarcastic remark. Or sometimes I am just quiet – neither response nor acknowledgement to your question.

Well, this lady looks at me, hard, then gets out of the elevator car with a second long hard look at me as if how dare I. I raised my right hand made a “V” from my fingers which I pointed at my eyes and the pointed at her, and then the elevator door had closed by then.

That was me sticking it to the woman.

That incident made my day better, which in turn I was able to tell my friends and I eventually lost the Mr. Cranky attitude I woke up with.

P.S. – Since the weather has been hot and sunny the road surface has been extremely hot. I can literally feel and smell my bike tires burning and melting. I can smell the tires burning 30 minutes after parking my bike inside my humble abode. Thank goodness I have new tubes, otherwise any patches would come off since the heat would heat up the rubber cement and make the patch slide off the tube.

P.S.S. – I know the way I handled this elevator incident could have been handled the a nicer way, by taking the high ground, being Mr. Nice guy or just helping a brother out. Yet, I saw that scenario was going to be happening and there was no way that I was going to stop the unavoidable event I actually wanted to happen. Every now and then I believe in sharing and at that particular moment I decided I did not want to be the only one cranky this morning and the opportunity opened up for me.

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

Is My blog Interesting ?

Greetings Readers

Is my blog site reading material? I just do not know. When I first joined I did it for the sole reason to do the blogging for myself. Which I think I have kept true. I try to write correctly, but I do have mispellings, incorrect grammer from time to time. I sometimes forget to add a word - sorry it does happen. I might type write when I meant right. Or where when I mean wear. I said it before and I will say it again - I am not perfect.

Eye due h8 when peepull type FUNNY or really can not write, but what can I do? nothing. I have no right to call him/her a "bad word" For example - I have a blog site I visit and he/she spells "weakend", but he/she really means "weekend." Perhaps a joke? I do not know. Yet, I tolerate the mispelling and read away. Who am I to tell her that he/she mispelled a word.

I do have interesting stories to tell, which I have. Then, on the opposite end I have events that are probably make you readers say to yourself that I am an "asshole." I do not deny that nor can I confirm that. However, some of you readers better take a look in the mirror and you may see something that you may have not noticed at yourself. No, I am not calling anyone a "bad word," but before calling me a name you better take a long thoughtful look at yourself.

I am pretty honest upfront and also have certain things that are, let me say, are unique. I tell it as I see it. I buy something I expect service and more often than not the best. I tell people they need to look at other people differently, as opposed to the way they have been looking at from their point of view. I have my ups. I have my downs. I have written the good, the bad and the ugly.

I have no clear theme on my blog site. I make no promises. My blogging is just what ever I feel talking about. Cycling, the Ranch, shows, movies, other bloggers, my experiences. It is a journal basically.

I do like to visit other blog site, when I make time. Others, I do frequent on a daily basis. I do like reading some other people's blogs. But I guess what I shake my head is for other bloggers to make assumptions or being so one sided.

In closing readers, whoever you are and wherever you are thank you for visiting. If I got a reaction from you then I guess I have done a part of what I am accomplishing for having a blog site

P.S. As I posted earlier this year, I think, I am like Tony Soprano or he is like me, we are not happy until someone is not happy. Yes readers, I know that is a fictitious show, but some writer had to base that upon someone real. And no, that is not how "I roll." Sometimes I am just happy for nothing. Go figure.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

My Biking Caps

Greetings Readers

I think that most of you faithful readers know that I wear a bandanna on my head about 99 percent of the time.

I do not think that I have ever shared that I love bike caps. I think the reasoning is because that is what I grew up with and also that was what I saw the professional bike riders back in the day wear. A bike cap can be very beautiful with colors and logos. Of course, other bike caps could be dull and ugly, but nevertheless I would still buy the cap for the sake of having that cap and hanging up on my wall.

A collector I am.

I am sorry that I can not show my entire collection without making the picture regular size and showing the small view of the caps in its entirety. So with the angle of the picture I was able to show most of the caps I have hanging on my wall. Though you can only see about half my caps with the various logos on the caps. At least you can see the various colors that I have in my hat collection.

I collect bike caps. I have worn about half of the bike caps, but the other half I have not. And not because I do not want to. Wait - I guess there is only one bike cap that I would not wear out and bike in. That would be the Tour de France bike cap. That cap is at treasure of my collection.

Getting back to the caps. I guess it is safe to say that I just collect them for the sakes of what I do and care about very passionately. It is also nice to display them for everyone to see and comment on when I entertain guests from time to time.

During the spring and summer I do have about four bike caps that I will wear and rotate on a daily basis. I hate to say this, but I like to make sure that the bike cap goes with whatever bike jersey I might be wearing that day.

Anyway I thought to share this with you readers since I think I have only mentioned the bandanna's that I wear and love.

Changing topic - "The end is near." "All good things must come to an end."

A&E is going to start the final season the family that I love to watch - this Sunday. Tony. T. Yes, Tony Soprano. Along with Carmella, AJ and Meadow. With Paulie, Silvio, Christopher, Uncle Junior and the rest of the characters that are still living on the show - The Soprano's.

The next family I love to watch is also starting this coming Tuesday with its second season. The Riches. Well, we faithful watchers know that "the Riches" are not actually the Riches (Doug and Sherene), but pretending to be the Riches. And I am so looking forward to the second season. How is it going to start off with what happened on the last episode of the first season? I just don't know?

Tomorrow will be the day I reveal on what I got the other day - finally.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Changes for the New Year

Greetings Readers

I am going to have to go back to some of my old post (early ones) and see what I actually said I was going to do for you readers. I think I am pretty sure I said that I was going to tell you about some of my biking adventures.

Which I have - whether I did on this blog or created other blogs under this profile the majot stories for the most part have been uploaded onto blogger.

Now, I am a bit hazy on what else I did say that I was going to do. Did I say I was going to write about cycling everyday? Did I say I was going to log my miles? I do not know.

What I am getting at is that I am at a lost on what I actually wrote. I know that I have been telling you readers of my everyday life. Whether on a clerk at 7-11 or McDonald's pissed me off. Or how about Chik-fil-lay and Rafael. How about the Light Rail Incidents? Or about the Space Shuttles? Cycling in General. My major sports events I cover - Tennis, Cycling some Football.

I hope that my blog is not too boring. Or if you feel I have strayed from what I said perhaps I need to revisit on what I said and see if I need to alter my blogging for this year.

I do not know.

Cycling is very important in my life, yet I do not feel the need to write about it everyday. I think that is boring. What is not boring is my.... stops... yeah stops along the way to whereever. I get pissy or someone gets pissy with me. Perhaps I saw my future wife. Hah hah.

Running is number two and I did try a Sunday recurring blog that I tried. I liked that, but again there is only so much that I really post that will mean nothing to you.

I am going to experiment this week and see if something new might work in my blog. I am going to keep the picture a day on my blog.

Now, onto today's events. Nothing. A cold day once more, but at least it is warmer than yesterday. Mount Evans this morning is white, white with all the new snow that has fallen in the past two weeks.

I bought a gift for one of my friends that I have come to know in the past year. It is the one that I place bets with (small bottle of alcohol)- for fun. This time I bought a bottle of Crown Royal this past weekend as a thank you gift and holiday gift. It was under 20.00 so that basically is nothing. No, I am not buying the friendship, but just as thanks.

Now, onto a cycling topic. I read in another blog about being on the road as a cyclist.

I felt the same way as this person, but overall I have come to terms about being on the road.

The person mentioned about people yelling, things being thrown from a vehicle, people doing u turns in front of them, etc. I agree with all those and I have even more. A vehicle not stopping to turn into the flow off traffic while looking on way and not the other way, which is the way I normally bike. I have people honk their horns at me in anger, warning, for fun, what have you. Most things thrown at me are the take out cups/drinks from McDonalds or any fast food restaurant. I have people stop way into the pedestrian walk as opposed before it, per the law. I have had people yell/scream/talk/gester at me for whatever reasons. Sorry readers - those Damn earphones that I wear just help me so much to drown out what people are saying/yelling/etc!

About 90 percent of the time I just ignore and the other 10 percent I will often "get into it" with the driver/passenger just so I get a rise/get excited or let's be honest just to get my kicks.

I do obey the law - I stop at stop signs, I wait for signals just as a car would, I do hand signal, and I am sure there a few other things I do that I can not think of right now. And yes, even in the middle of nowhere I stop at the stop sign. There is no reason for me to ride through the stop sign. I am usually riding most of the time on a state road so the rules of operating a vehicle still apply to me. No exceptions.

Oops, I am starting to wander off topic - I have learned to live with the parts of biking that are "hazards". I complain every once in a great while otherwise I just keep going and not let whatever is happening bother me. Remember, I bike because I love biking and I love the feeling I feel while on a bike. I think about nothing and everything. I have no worries except pedalling the miles away. At the end of the year and I want to say I did over 8,000 miles in a year. I want to say I biked Mount Evans. I want to say I did 150 miles in one day. I want to say that I only rode 250 miles on my new bike - Rebecca - last year.

I do not think telling you readers of everyday dealings I have with drivers will keep you readers entertained. Though perhaps my dealings with Fast food joints in the past year may not be keeping you entertained. I do not know. But I do tell you readers about the crashes I had last year.

In closing, I think I am going to change my blog posting on cycling and see how I like it. Or how it is going to work. This too will apply for running.

Okay readers, I really miss the Soprano's - I heard "Woke up this Morning" and I almost felt the way that commerical I blogged about one or two months ago. I have not watched the Soprano's for over a month and I need a fix.

And today's picture is my birthday present to myself.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete