Bike to Work Day 2009

Greetings Readers

The 2009 Bike to Work Day really did not "pan out" for me too well.

I feel, felt, that I got "jipped" on any of the freebies that were offered on Bike to Work Day.

In addition, I felt that a one-day rider caused me to have a rear bike flat.

Fuck me.

Right? I defense of the the rider I was slip streaming... Only kidding. As you know Readers there is no way that a one-day rider would be out riding me nor would I even give a thought of drafting that rider. Ok, back to the story... drafting I was in no hurry and I was on a sort of busy side street so I did not want to chance a passing of this rider on a fairly early morning traffic commute in the city of Centennial.

I will and do admit I was sort of following pretty close to this one-day rider and I knew, really knew that I should not have been following that close. Yet, I did and no particular reason that I can remember why. Well, somehow the rider avoided a fair large size rock on the street / gutter boundary and I did not. Man oh man, my tire went flat the instant I rode my rear wheel over that baby. What also made me squint was that I was riding on HED Jet C2 rim.

Unfortunately or fortunately, I was about 1/2 mile away from my humble abode so instead of messing with the flat tire on the side of the road and dealing with patches/glue/tire levers and getting black "gunk" on my hands I decided to walk home and get a new tire instead. And after inspecting the HED rim the rim was okay and no damage.

After my little bike flat incident I was heading back into the same direction I was going in and off to get my "free shit" of the day.

I stopped at Panera bread - three different stores, The CAC, Vitamin Cottage, REI, and a booth that was off in the Meridan area.

All in all, I got shitty free stuff. I got a free one day pass for the CAC. I got three bagels, I got a water bottle, I also got three full water bottles of free tea from Panera bread, A pin, and some literature. To me, in my humble opinion, I got nothing worth posting, bragging or even a second thought of mentioning. Well, perhaps the CAC one day pass.

And I did get to work an hour later. It sucked to be me this morning.

Oh yeah, apparently an apartment/condo complex in the Meridan was suppose to be a bike stop, but I did not see anything in front or open when I went by in the morning.

But the glimmer of a smile was the comments I did get on my Southpark bike jersey and the front HED H3 rim and the back HED Jet C2 rim got the looks of the everyday and one-day riders. Almost nothing is good as a deep passionate kiss from a sultry woman than a hard look from another rider at my HED rims. Oh baby!

And that was my day on Bike to Work Day 2009 in Denver, Colorado.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Ride the Rockies - Day 5

Greetings Readers

Ride the Rockies - Day Five - Coming Soon

Update 06/18/09 @ 1:56 P.M. - Independence Pass - I really banged her all morning long. Damn, that is something few can say that they have done on a bike. Us Ride the Rockies riders started out from Leadville, Colorado and then we headed South and then West over Independence Pass and then our finish spot was Aspen, Colorado.

I will have to tell you that the biking gods were watching out for me today. I do not pray to the biking gods, but I do respect and giving acknowledgement in the biking gods from time to time.

This morning in Leadville the weather could not have been perfect. Fucking to perfect. No wind and the air was warm. How can this fucking be?! I was expecting the town to be cold. I was expecting the tent that I was in to be covered in icicles. I was expecting the wind to chill my ass to the bone. Not to mention that I was expecting my knee not to be any better from yesterday. Go fucking figure. Just that little showing of respect and hope to the biking gods made everything right in the world.

Taking a shit in the port a potty was a treat. Again, I was not cold. I actually went back into my tent at about 5:30 A.M. and then put some Tiesto - Nyana Disc 2 on and decided that when that disc ends that was when I was going to start biking (start my day).

I have to say that the air got a bit nippy since the wind started to blow in the from the South. Again Readers, I was worried about my knee and that I have fucking 18 miles of pure climbing up Independence Pass this morning. Also, I did not have the Colorado weather behind me so if you are a Coloradoan you know that the afternoon storms come in from the East and you never know what you can get - weather wise. You can get rain. You can get Hail. You can get Snow. Hell, you can get blizzard conditions that could close down a Mountain Pass. I did not want to get caught in any of those conditions so that is why that I got my ass in gear and got biking as soon as I can.

I am going to skip parts of the story since I do have a limited time access once more on this Internet.

Can you FUCKING say that I fucking rock!? Well, I know that, but perhaps you Readers really do not know that. I would have to say that the climb up from the East side of Independence Pass was pretty steep, but not as nearly as Monarch Pass. Yet, Monarch was only 9 miles to the top of the Pass whereas Independence Pass was about 18 miles with just a percent grade or two less than what we... er I did this morning. I found my grind and I basically keep that pedaling stroke going. Since Independence Pass was a major Mountain Pass for me (my Opinion Only) to ride up on a bike I only had one fucking goal. And that was not to fucking stop on the climb up to the summit. No fucking way. If I did stop on this particular Mountain climb I would not forgive myself. Never.

Fuck yeah! I did not stop once. I did take alot of picture on my climb up and amazingly enough those pictures that I see on the camera came out perfect. I can not wait to upload this pictures my faithful Readers next week or perhaps over the weekend. I thought that taking pictures would be very dangerous for me to do on the bike, especially Independence Pass, but needless to say I actually did that. I did scare myself a few times when the crosswinds caught my deep dish HED. rims, but other than that I did pretty darn well.

When I got to the top of Independence Pass I took a lot of pictures and then I had someone take a few pictures of me at the Independence Pass Mountain Pass Sign and then that was that. Again, the biking gods were looking out for me, or perhaps listening to my silent request last night. Partly Sunny... hell Mostly Sunny, a bit of a breeze, but no Snow! No Rain! No Hail! The song that I heard coming up those final 400 feet or so was John Denver - Rocky Mountain High. yes Readers, I know that was corny, but I will forever associate that song when I did summit Independence Pass on Andrea and her HED. rims.

I guess my time is up Readers, so with that I have to bit you farewell

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Ride the Rockies 2009 - Day 1

Greetings Readers

Day One - Ride the Rockies -

I woke up at the same time I usually do everyday – about 5 AM. I was cold, but not that cold - really. It was cold, because I have not slept outside for a while.

Today was the first day of bike riding in the 2009 Ride the Rockies.

I decided not to leave early for my first day of riding. I wanted to see the opening announcements (ceremonies) and then I would start after the precession goes that morning. Also, I was cold and wanted the Sun to be out and shining in all her glory.

I spent some time in the school cafeteria since the morning festivities did not start until 7:30 A.M. or so. During that time I was able to just sit and enjoy the morning. Enjoy the time sitting in a chair and not on a bike seat for the next 6 days. Oh yes Readers, I have been on a bike seat for six days, but never required to be in the bike seat for a bike tour for six days. Three days, but not six days.

Late last night I looked at the elevation profile and I saw that we riders were going to climb our first Mountain Pass on the first day of the Ride the Rockies. At 37 miles we riders will peak McClure Pass and then basically it is all-downhill from the summit Pass. Today’s route will be Glenwood Springs to Hotchkiss, Colorado. Hotchkiss?! Where in the fuck is Hotchkiss, Colorado?

80 miles away, but technically only 43 miles away. Meaning, that I only had 37 miles of riding up to McClure Pass. The rest of the bike route would be cake, in a manner of speaking. My worry yet to be seen was coming off McClure Pass.

I had no idea which direction Hotchkiss was from Glenwood Springs, except South. Again Readers, I did not download the tour manual nor did I do any research on the day’s route of the Ride the Rockies at all. I was blind on the bike route and I was not worried. Not at all was I worried.

I sported the Southpark Bike Jersey with the word’s of Cartman of “Oh Man You Guys Suck” on the back of my bike jersey.

To me this first day of 80 miles was my training ride. Shit, I can do 60 miles in my sleep. An extra 20 miles is nothing on my regular training of years past.

I biked steadily and just enjoyed the first day of being on the Ride the Rockies. I was in no mood to bike fast. But, I was in the mood to take some pictures of the bike route. After all, this may be the last time I bike this particular route in the Colorado Rockies.

For the first 12 miles or so I tried to find my biking, but I could not. I tried following some bikers, but they were to slow or too inexperience. I had quite of few riders pass me, but I was no mood to try and keep up with them, nor was I that much of a hurry to bike to the finish.

I saw a mountain in the distance, but knew that we were not going to be climbing that beast. Although, I knew that was the direction that we riders had to bike in.

I reached the first official aid station and decided to stop. I leaned my bike up against a bush and then headed towards the table that held the Gatorade. On the way to the Gatorade table I saw my first vendor selling food. Peanut butter & Jelly sandwiches for $ x.xx amount of dollars. I filled up my water bottles with Limeade Gatorade and headed back to my bike. I did grab a “free” banana before going back to my bike.

On the way to my bike I decided to take a few pictures of my bike and that one Mountain I saw earlier in the morning from a distance.

“Excuse me?”

I was not listening to what was just said since I knew it was not I.

“Excuse me?” I felt a finger on my back

I turned around.

“Could I please take a picture of your bike jersey? My son loves Southpark and I know that he would love to see this”

“Sure.” And smiled internally, but on the outside I agreed politely acting as if this nothing to me.

I turned South meanwhile she took a couple pictures of the back of my bike jersey. And that was that. I decided to take the first official picture of Andrea in the Colorado Rockies. She looked fucking good.

About a half an hour later I saw that we riders were entering a channel of mountains. Not necessarily mountain mountains, but mountains. Now, the question was where was I going to climb a fucking Colorado Rocky Mountain today? Which direction was I going to be biking in?

Readers, I knew the elevation climb, but I did not know the bike route of the course.

I soon rode upon the second aid station of the Ride the Rockies.

That second aid station was no different from any other aid station from any bike tour in the United States. The aid station was crowded with riders and bikes. Not to mention causing some traffic issues either way. Riders not moving out of the road nor the personal support vehicles giving way to the right of way traffic on the road.

I am not going to say it was sad to see, but it did fuel my feelings of being pissed off at other Ride the Rockies riders not giving way to the right of way traffic on a Colorado Highway. I do understand this is an aid station, but this aid station is located on a Colorado Highway and all laws pertain to motorized vehicles having the right of way. Period.

Once more I saw a few vendors selling Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches and other assorted food items.

After 29 miles I finally at ease and started to get into biking the Colorado Rockies. Yet, I think the main reason I was finally at ease was that I had the first mountain pass to climb this morning. Well, within 8 miles and I needed to be in the mood to climb a fucking mountain.

As I rode further south I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a road going up the side of the mountain. Damn. There she is. The road appeared to go downhill a bit, but then she rose up and that was the beginning of the first Mountain climb on the Ride the Rockies.

At the beginning of the climb there was an unofficial aid station selling cookies and smoothies, I think.

As much as I wanted to stay in my big ring gear on my crank, I downshifted to the third gear ring. Dang, I have not been in the third gear ring for years. Years baby! Wow, I could not believe I was in the third gear ring.

I found my first bike climb was going okay. I was going my own pace and ignoring the few people passing and I was ignoring the many riders I was passing on my climb. I heard a lot of gasping, heavy breathing and saw quite of few riders on the side of the road sitting or standing.

Me, I did not want to stop on my first hill climb. So, I just kept a nice pedaling pace and just enjoyed the climb to the top of this Mountain. When I made my first turn in the first hairpin turn of the Ride the Rockies I could not help to think of Forrest Gump. Crazy, I know. But I somehow got to thinking of when Forrest started running for three years in the movie. Gump was running up a mountain and made a turn in a hairpin turn on the mountain. Somehow I saw that almost same exact scene in my mind. This has nothing to with nothing, except that I just thought of that moment from the movie.

I made the mistake of looking further ahead in the distance to see if I could a road further ahead. Meaning, if I could see where I had to bike to up this mountain. Silly to some, stupid to others, or bring it on to the elite few. Readers, guess which one I was thinking. I saw some pretty colors on the trees – yellow, green and light green. Not to mention pine green.

Soon, we riders came to the first photo shot station. I was ready, but not ready. I did not have on a jacket so I was more than 50% ready, but looking like I wanted in the picture I was not.

A few minutes later I reached the aid station, which was just station off the summit of the road. I decided to stop and see the world from the top of McClure Pass. I parked my bike against a guardrail across the highway and walked towards the aid station. I saw a lot more riders and people at this aid station. There was even a DJ, playing music and having trivia or games to win a limited edition Ride the Rockies T-shirt.

I walked around a bit and then saw that the shortest line at a vendor was a vendor called Tracy’s Tasties. I saw Cheeseburgers, pop, brats and chips for a price. The Peanut butter and & Jelly line was long as well as other vendors offering food for us Ride the Rockies riders. I stood in the short line and a few minutes later I had a nice hamburger and Coca-Cola for lunch. Hell why not, I climbed the mountain and technically the bike route was all-downhill from here. The food will be okay and no issue of any more mountain climbing with a full stomach of food.

Oh the Hamburger was delicious. As I was eating it was so ironic that of all songs to be playing was a song from the movie Forrest Gump when he was running up a mountain. I started to listen to the music and of all songs to be playing on McClure Mountain pass was Jackson Brown singing – “Running on Empty.”

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields…

Readers, I started to get a bit teary eyed behind my Oakley lens and a bit choked up (lump in my throat) listening to Jackson Brown singing. Granted, it was only for a moment, but that moment has forever been burned in my mind. I managed to get the rest of my hamburger down and then enjoy my icy Coca-Cola.

I took a few more pictures at the top and then headed off to get off this mountain. I then saw the summit sign and knew I had to get a picture of me at the sign. There were not a lot of riders, but I had to get someone to take my picture. A few minutes later I got my picture taken and then I took a group of rider’s picture together. With that done it was time for the descent.

Readers, this was something that I was not looking forward to on my HED. rims. Not at all. At 8,700 feet going down the steeper side of McClure pass with my 90 rims I had to be very, I mean very careful, going down the mountain with no guardrails and with the winds blow every direction perhaps. I held on tightly to my handlebars and kept two fingers on each brake lever. I was not scared of speed, but scared of the wind, particularly the crosswinds.

I descended about 21 to 28 mph while others blew right passed me. Sure, I wanted to go fast, but I could not risk the wind blowing me and perhaps not reacting to a sudden wind gust and me riding off the road. I could not. There was a headwind, but the wind was also blowing across the road every now and then. So, I was right in a manner of speaking by just keeping my speed under 30 mph most of the time. I managed a speed of 32 mph for probably a few seconds, but braked to get my speed back down to the mid 20’s

Pretty soon I was at the next aid station 20 miles from McClure Pass. I did have a hard time coming off the summit mountain pass road, but once the steep part was over I was able to ride fast again.

According to the elevation map I looked at last night the bike route was all-downhill to our next stop. Well, it may be all-downhill, but as you know Readers there are always hills regardless of a map. And that was true. Overall, the route was a gradual downhill, with the occasional hill thrown in for good measure.

80 Miles was the destination, but topographically I had no fucking clue which direction our destination was in this part of the state of Colorado. As we Ride the Rockies riders biked through this part of the state I could not help to see two coalmines, which actually loaded up those freight trains with coal that I see every now and then. Kind of neat seeing an actually coal train being loaded up.

With my odometer finally getting into the seventy miles range we riders were directed to a side road. This side road was terrible and soon got worse. As we headed into a 180 curve there was a sign indicating wine tasting. I did not know what to make of it, but continued on.

As I continued on two other riders rode along me. We talked to each other and soon we were a trio heading onto our final destination. With the three of us together we kept a pretty good speed. No pace line, but a trio almost riding side by side. I had no desire to draft nor did they draft me. We passed rider after rider and soon I sped up.

I heard a train horn, but had no clue where that train was coming from. I rode over a set of railroad tracks and then thought to myself at least I made it across the train tracks without a train coming. Always a nice feeling. I do not know if the other two riders made it or not. I never looked back and did not know how far behind they were.

About three minutes later those two riders were on the side of me. We came across another set of train tracks and we noticed that there were about five to ten bike riders fixing their bike tires. What the fuck?! I immediately slowed down and analyzed the terrain of the train tracks and the ground. I picked a path across the middle of the road and braced myself. It was a hard crossing; I felt the tires hit the tracks hard. I think that these riders with the flat tires had improper tire inflation so when they rode / hit the train tracks the tubes got squeezed in between the tire and rim and causing the flat tires to happen to all those riders. Not enough air in the tube let the tube get a flat.

The trio rode slow and in the middle of the road across the train tracks and had no problem at all. We looked at each other and then behind us and back at each other and smiled. I smiled because I did not get a flat; who knows why the other two riders smiled.

I saw 79 miles on my odometer, but still could not see a point of stopping. I think we had a few more miles to ride, but to where. We soon exited onto a highway and headed what I thought was South once more.

81 miles and I saw the town of Hotchkiss. Finally, the stopping point. We followed the volunteer’s flags and then there was stopping point. The local high school. I saw the tents, the 18-wheeler’s and bikes.

I rode until I saw the bike corral, which was an enclosed tennis court by chain link fence. Perfect. I walked my bike in and locked up my HED. rims. I know my bike is safe, but not safe from any rider removing my HED. rims and replacing them with their cheap ass rims.

I was done. An easy 81-mile bike ride. A sprinkle of rain, but overall a warm afternoon. Warmer than Glenwood Springs. The Sherpa packer was there, but they were setting up the tents still. I found my bag and then waiting until my tent was set up.

About 40 minutes later my tent was up and time for me get settled. Once settled I got my fresh set of clothes and shower gear and headed for the shower truck. There was a line at the shower truck.

Readers, I never heard so much fucking complaining by men. We men say that women complain a lot, but what I heard waiting for the shower puts the complaining by women to shame. Yes, I too could have complained, but it is a line for the shower and any complaining is basically a waste of breath. Of course this is my humble opinion, but really Readers any vocal complaining made by me would not have any effect of making the line move faster. I waited for about 30 minutes or so. I was not mad, nor impatient. When my turn came around then so be it. I was here in Hotchkiss and I had no immediate plans or dates to abide by. After the shower, who in the fuck knew what I was going to do next.

I soon met up with Nick, the guy who gave me a ride up to Glenwood Springs about an hour later. We headed over to the Beer Garden, which was being held at the local fairgrounds. We both ordered a hamburger from a vendor at the beer garden and found a place near the music stage. I told Nick that this hamburger was nothing compared to the hamburger I had on McClure Pass. He said he didn’t know about that. I told him that hamburger I had was so delicious and worth it.

We ate then we headed to the beer tent and I bought us two beers apiece. My treat since Nick did not take my gas money. We were once more in from of the stage and the local band was trying to tune up. Tried? Well, it took over 30 minutes – Prima donnas. My monitor is not working. My microphone is too loud. Not enough bass. Blah blah blah.

The band then started to play and they were just okay. No covers, but songs with a beat.

An hour later I was ready to leave and told Nick I was leaving.

I headed back to my tent and then got my biking gear ready for tomorrow. At about 9 PM I heard the freight train horn and thought to myself I hope that does not sound off at 1 AM in the morning. I fucking hope not. I looked at my Ride the Rockies map for Day 2 and saw that was another 80-mile day ahead of us riders. The elevation gain looked a bit tougher and the route a bit tougher even after we hit the highest point of bike route. Between Mile 25 and Mile 35 there appeared to be a steep climb for us riders. Yet, I noticed at the end of the bike route there was about 25 miles of flat terrain. Hmmm, that may a point where I will be able to ride like I do when at Cherry Creek Reservoir going all out. Although that will depend on how much energy I will deplete on the climb. According to the elevation map at Mile 35 was when the day’s mountain climbing was going to be over. There are a few steep angles on the route map, but nothing to worry about, in my humble opinion.

I was not tired, so I pulled out my PSP and played some more Lemmings to pass the time.

It was close to 10 PM and I knew I better call it a night. I put in my earphones from the CD player with Tiesto and pushed play. It was light’s out for me until the morning. I was not awaken by either a freight train horn or a rider snoring too loudly.

Quick Update: 06/14/09 at 7:30 PM - I have internet access and I have a limited time. Today was a pretty good day. 81.?? miles today. Starting from Glenwood Springs and riding to Hotchkiss. There was some headwinds after 10 AM and then crosswinds. Overall, I did good. I did not go out to race and try to be the best hill climber. Although McClure Pass - Fucking Climb on my bike and now able to stick a pin on my map at my humble abode on another mountain pass fucking conquered on my bike.

People loved the Southpark jersey and the HED. rims. I even got a few people wanting a picture of the back of my bike jersey. I did take a lot of pictures and even had some thoughts of particular moments on this Day One

By the way Readers - Who in the Fuck won the Stanley Cup?!?! I still do not know nor have looked or asked to see which team one. I hope Pittsburgh.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Ride the Rockies 2009 - Check In Day

Greetings Readers

Registration Day - No riding, just check in at the Ride the Rockies. I will be busy all day and on the road so I doubt I will be able to post something at all. I did a scheduled posting just in case

Update 6/22/09 @ 12.20 P.M. Here is the full re-cap (below) of the first day of the Ride the Rockies Event (Registration Day - No ride day) -

Greetings Readers

Dream crusher

I am a Dream crusher. I crushed a lot of Ride the Rockies lottery applications that perhaps wanted to ride the 24th Ride the Rockies this year since the route was going over Independence Pass. Selfish of me. I never made it a secret to you Readers why I put in my application to Ride the Rockies.

What was that reason? Really Readers? You cannot remember what that reason was?

To show off my HED. rims. That’s all. I got my rims late last year; well late last biking season so I had no events to enter to show off my rims. Then it was either my friend or myself brought up the Ride the Rockies earlier this year and the rest is history.

How many riders’ dreams did I crush by getting picked for the sakes of showing off my rims? It only happens every once in a great while that the Ride the Rockies will take the route over Independence Pass. Now, I am not saying that is every biker’s dream to bike up and over Independence Pass, but riding over Independence Pass on a bike was one yearning of mine. Yet, that was secondary to just showing off my rims.

Flashback 6 hours or so – This was Andrea at the RTD bus stops on my way to the Light rail Station and then meet up with Nick, the person who was giving me a ride up to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Present - I was sitting on the luscious green grass of Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs having a Sunshine bee from Fat Tire, listening the to the live music of a band on the park’s only stage and coping with the wind that was blowing pretty hard in the evening when it hit me I probably crushed someone’s dream to bike over Independence Pass. What if that dream was a dream that one rider was waiting for the opportunity to present itself. Now, that rider will have to wait years before another time the Ride the Rockies route will cross over Independence Pass.

I got a bit sad thinking about that. I know I am selfish, but not all the time. Unfortunately, this time I really was. It is not a reason to list, but to me showing off those HED. rims was something I desired to do since obtaining the HED. rims last year.

I glanced at my left wrist / arm and within three hours of arriving in Glenwood Springs I had three different wrist bands – The Ride the Rockies band, The Sherpa Packer Band and the Beer drinking band.

Up until this week I had not done any research on the route of the Ride the Rockies. I did not know the towns that the route was standing on. I did not know the mileage of each day or the total mileage of the Ride the Rockies. I did not train for Ride the Rockies. I did not make travel arrangements. I did not make lodging arrangements. I had not even downloaded the Ride the Rockies Bike Tour manual. Hell, up until this week I was not even excited to go.

Only until this past Tuesday was when I had to get my ass in gear and start to make travel arrangements. I called a vendor, Sherpa Packer, mentioned in the Ride the Rockies to see if they had tents available to rent. I also posted on the Ride the Rockies website that I needed to catch a ride to Glenwood Springs and then back to Denver after the Ride the Rockies was over. I did not pack nor even think about what to bring to the Ride the Rockies until this past week.

Does that sound like someone looking forward to the Ride the Rockies? Does it sound like I was even excited for the Ride the Rockies? I did not even train for the Ride the Rockies – not that I needed to.

By the time Friday came around I was able to secure a ride to and back from Glenwood Springs. I was also able to talk to the Sherpa packer about securing a tent for the ride. And then I was able to pack my biking / camping gear on Thursday night. Everything I needed to do was done within days before the Ride the Rockies 2009.

Talking to my friends they seemed more excited for me about to ride in the Ride the Rockies than I was. Hell, I know they were, but just more excited than I thought they should be. I was not excited – meaning bragging, cheering, joking, talking smack, etc. as if I was I was going to better than my friends after this event. I just was not feeling that sort of emotion.

I was not having the same attitude I have had for the Ride the Rockies for the past 23 years or so. I was actually being non-bias and was going to give the Ride the Rockies event a chance. It is a week of being on the bike and I know from personal experience if I go into the event with a bad attitude I was going to have that bad attitude throughout the event and I also knew that I was going to affect other riders about how I feel – whether directly or indirectly.

After having my Sunshine I then headed back to the High School where the Sherpa packer tent site was located. Before that I made a slight detour. I saw and headed towards a strip mall Italian shop – Spagrolo’s. I could smell pizza and at that moment that is what I wanted to eat. I wanted a piece of pizza regardless of eating something more that would benefit me – meaning carbo-loading.

50 minutes later after ordering my two slices of pizza I was stilling waiting. I was inpatient, but I knew that I was not the only person in the store that was eating. The store was packed and I knew that accounted for my order probably being delayed.

I then saw the lady that took my order and asked where my piece of pizza was. She asked me – “You still have not gotten yet? I will be right back.”

About five minutes later she came back with my meal and then cookies and a piece of pie for my inconvenience. Sort of a sorry we forgot you gift. I was not mad, but I did keep any emotion(s) in check. I woofed down my pizza and cookie and then left.

By that time it was getting dark and I needed to get ready for sleeping out under the stars in the Rocky Mountains and try to get some sleep before the first day of riding. And you know what Readers I still did not know what the name of the town where our stopping point was for tomorrow.

I knew that there was going to be our first Mountain Pass and that there was going to be an 80-mile day, but other than that I did not know what to expect.

Inside my tent that I was going to call home for next seven days I started to lie out my biking gear for tomorrow’s ride. I was going to wear the first South park bike jersey and I was also going to where my Nautica pull over underneath my bike jersey. I knew that the morning was going to be cold in the shade, until the sun made an appearance. I did take my purple windbreaker and got that out to put in my bike bag I was going to attach to my handlebars.

After I arranged my gear I pulled out the PSP since I was not tired and needed to something for a bit to ease my uneasiness I was feeling. On Friday evening I bought a used PSP game Lemmings since it is strategic thinking game. These types of games put me at ease and relaxes me. As oppose to other people who get frustrated or worked up with these types of games. Granted, I too get fed up, but it takes a much high threshold for a game to start making me say cuss words and getting pissed off.

The Sherpa Packer – Theo was the person I called up from the Ride the Rockies Tour manual that I downloaded and actually read for the first time on Tuesday. The Sherpa Packer is a tent service run by him and I think is daughter or sister in law – I cannot recall. Here is Theo's website - http://www.sherpapacker.com/

Theo provides full tent service –meaning a 7x7 or 9x9 tent with an air mattress, sleeping bag, a fleece liner and a chair to relax in after a day of riding. He also provides early morning coffee, hot water, oatmeal, breakfast burritos and towels.

Ashley provides a bare minimum service – basically the tent. I do not know if the air mattress and sleeping bag are provided.

I chose the full service tent and Theo did give the full tent service at a price that was a bit lower than advertised.

What I wanted to avoid by choosing this tent service was being inside a gymnasium were there would be other people in the same place. Not to mention that the gym could echo with sound. There could be a light or two on even when the lights are turned off for the night. What if I was sleeping under that one light that was one? What if there is more than one person who snores – will that snore echo loudly? What if other riders are taking a short cut through the gymnasium and not being quiet? How much soundless sleep will I actually get?

With all those questions that formulated in my head, I decided to go with the Sherpa Packer.

P.S. I saw Susie Wargin (Channel 9) at the same place Italian place I dined at and I have to say what a "bitchy attitude" I witnessed while she was on the cell phone outside the establishment while the guy she was with was in line waiting their turn to order. She is no fucking Ed Sardella (retired from Channel 9) I can tell you Readers that.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - My Day

Greetings Readers

The Green Festival - Denver Urban bike show was alright. Well, perhaps better than alright, but I guess I was expecting a bit more.

Though, I am ever so grateful for being chosen (whether or not there were a lot of bike rider to choose from or not – I do not know) to be in the Denver Bike Show.

Earlier that day I went to REI to get some new Bandannas for Andrea. I thought about using the current Bandannas on the handlebars, but I figured that the lights that may be used for the runway would not reflect the “whiteness” of the white bandannas.

I looked around REI looking for anything and nothing.

Several hours later I saw that time was getting away from me and I needed to leave for the Colorado Convention Center. I knew that I had to be at the Convention Center by 2:15, but I also knew that the Light Rail Station from Arapahoe Road takes about 40 minutes to get down to 16th street Mall. Point being I was going to be late.

I grabbed my street clothes, my helmet, my running shoes and backpack and I ran out the door. I rode to the Light Rail Station and waited about 10 minutes and then it dawned on me that I forgot my digital Camera. It was too fucking late to bike home and get it since I was already running late. I could not even go to Target (for a disposable camera) since I was afraid the next Light Rail train might not come by for another 20 minutes since it was the weekend schedule as opposed to the weekday schedule, which I am sure that Light Rail Train operates more frequently.

“Fuck Me” I said, “Fuck” And over and over I cussed out loud and silently. How in the fuck could I leave my camera on the couch? I knew that I should not have taken the camera out of my backpack.

2:15 PM - I was at the 10th and Osage Light Rail Station waiting for another Light Rail Train to take me into Denver as opposed to Union Station. While waiting there a group to three young “Sista’s” showed up. The youngest one came up to my bike and touched the HED, Jet C2 90 mm rim and asked me a question. I could not hear her due to my ipod playing some pretty loud tunes in my ears. I said, “Please do not touch,” but I could not hear myself say that to her. She stopped and then ran back to her sisters.

2:30 I was at the Convention Center and asked the person manning the bike Denver tent where I need to go. He said follow him and that I had to carry my bike into the Convention Center.

“No problem” I responded politely.

I have to say I thought I looked pretty cool carrying my bike into the Colorado Convention Center. I got some good looks; some whispering, some finger pointing and some comments on the way to the room where I was suppose to go. In that moment of time – I loved it. I enjoyed being the center of attention.

Eventually I got to the room and the meeting that was being held prior to the show was just about over. Damn – I missed the whole thing. Well, better late than never.

I saw a lot of bikes and a lot of people in that small room. I saw old bikes, I saw huge bikes and then I saw what are bikes, but was custom made bikes. I did not see any other road bikes, specifically road racing bikes, or in the words of my ex-co-worker “just so awesome” racing road bikes.

I did not view that as a good thing or bad thing. People were dressed up, and I do not think that 1/3 of third actually dressed up that way in real life while riding their bike. Though I do not have a clue. Nor am I one to judge one’s wardrobe. Readers! I take that back and I will mention this later in this post.

Minutes later a woman was lining us up on the showing order of our runway walk.

I got sandwiched between Donna a woman who admitted to me that she had a P.O.S. bike. For you Readers P.O.S. is “Piece of Shit” mountain bike. She was “forced” to apply and that was the reason why she was showing her mountain bike. Donna was bullied into applying that she did not have the guts to apply.

Donna asked me how I got in – I told her that I just applied for the sakes of hopefully being picked to show off my rims. Donna nodded and told me that my bike was so much better than what I actually told her. Little did she know that I highly respect my bike, Andrea, and would do almost anything for her. Yet, I hardly knew her so no need to give her too much information (TMI).

The woman behind me was a pretty nice looking blonde, sort of up my alley. A nice looking woman, but something about her said “stuck up” and would not give me the time of the day. Yeah, me being judgmental, but I made the first move said “hi”

Long story short – an old Bianchi bike from 60’s, restored by her friends and cost over 2k. She is from San Francisco and that was about it. A nice blouse, tight jeans and boots that cling to her calves almost to her knees. I have to say she looked desirable – hot in a sexy sort of way to me. It must have been those heels on her black boots that made me look twice.

Almost starting time and we bike models were being kicked out of the room we were in and told to go into the hall. I soon saw the other room on where we bike models, excuse me HOT Urban bike models, were going to model.

Time passed and soon the Urban Bike Denver show started. I was near the tail end of the line – thankfully. I did not want to be the first one on the runway.

At this moment I soon saw that there was no runway. There was a raised platform in front of the room and each Hot urban bike rider had to get their bike up on that platform and stand with their bike while the MC presents each rider and their bike. On the stage was a woman with her bike, but in my humble opinion she was showing off herself. A nice black dress. Showing some serious cleavage and leg and she was getting the catcalls and wolf whistles. Not to mention the camera flashes. Fuck me – how I the hell am I going to top cleavage on the stage. I was fucked, not to mention that cleavage shot with her bike would have a better chance of being posted as opposed to me and my bike with the nice rims. After all, cleavage would win over rims.

I was okay, but as I got near the front of the line and closer to the stage I started to get nervous. I was starting to sweat in places that I normally do not sweat in. I saw the people in the room look at us, me, my bike, at the stage and then back to me. My smile I had started to fade and I started to worry.

The one thing that was mentioned that the MC might ask us a question or two on the spot.

I immediately thought of Miss California and the question that eventually made her lose the competition. I knew that there was not going to be a question as difficult as that, but Fuck me I was worried never the less.

If I stumble and fuck up I am going down in flames. Otherwise, I wanted to shine.

Donna finished up and then it was “Daryl Charley” and I started walking to the platform. I wheeled my bike to the platform and soon got some flashes from cameras, which I am assuming was because of the HED rims. I lifted my bike onto the stage and then climbed up afterwards.

Flashback – there was no way in hell I was going to wear my biking shoes down in the runway. I do slip on tile with my cleats and I did not want to risk the possibility of me falling down on stage. So, I made a point to change to my running shoes so I have traction on the runway.

Present - I wish I could remember word for word and what I saw, but I really cannot recall what went down while I was on stage.

I remember the MC saying into the mike about what I typed on my application form to participate in the Bike show, but I really do not remember exactly what was said.

I looked out into the audience and felt my eyes grow bigger and I started locking onto some pair of eyes in the audience. I was not staring at them, but I felt I was locking onto each person’s eyes I happen to look at. I do not know how long I did that – perhaps 10 seconds, perhaps 30 seconds, but when I knew I was doing that I unfocused my eyes and just looked out in the audience, but not looking.

Then, the MC asked me a question – where did I get the rims?

“HEDcycling.com”

And then something was commented on and the audience was laughing.

“You pick up any hot chicks with those rims?” the MC said something like that to me.

“Not yet.” And then I turned the bike 180 around the stage and then struck a pose.

The pose was like a body builder pose showing off his biceps and calves at the same. I was not embarrassed and it was on the spur of the moment. Oh yes, thank goodness I shaved my calves before the show. Hell yes Readers, I am that guy that does shave his calves. Not my legs since my legs do not have visible hair.

That pose I did, what ever the MC was saying and the crowd responding made everything right in my world. The buying of new bandannas, the outfit, the cleaning of the bike, and the applying for the bike show was all worth it when everyone in that room laughed and clapped for me. Or perhaps at me. Fuck it – I enjoyed my 2 minutes of fame and that is what matters for me.

I walked down the middle of the aisle and out the room and that was that. I watched the remaining part of the show, the riders that were presenting after me and I enjoyed watching.

Soon, the show was over and the room emptied. Unfortunately, I think everyone who does not know a thing about road bikes saw just another road bike when looking at my bike. What the people were interested in, to me that is, was the bikes that were custom made. The bike that had neon lights installed on the bike as well as a sound system. That tall bike with a wheel the size of four of my bikes. The Dutch bike. The bike that carries three kids.

I stood by my bike and I got a few looks, but not as many I thought I should have. After all, I too would be looking at the bike with neon lights as opposed to just another road bike.

I let some people lift my bike and the HED. rim to feel the weight, or lack of weight.

One guy came by and I think he was trying to recruit me for naked bike riding ride that is done once a year. A couple came by and was hinting towards my own enterprising project I could do on my own time. A few people asked how much the rims cost me.

And that was that – I soon left the Green Festival since I did not want to leave my bike unattended. I so wanted to see the show, but I had the HED. rims and did not want to risk them getting stolen. My pass was comped since I was participant. I know there was a bike corral, but I just did not want to take that risk of leaving my bike in the care of the bike corral attendant(s).

P.S. Readers – I really do not remember what the MC (and I just found out that the MC was apparently a DJ (I think) from the FM radio station Alice 105.9) exactly said. I heard some sentences and some words, but I was literally transfixed on myself up on that stage. Yet, after my pose, I was at ease, but then 10 seconds later my time was over.

P.S.S. And in the words of my former boss - "Sucks to be you" when I forgot my camera. Although - I am happy to see myself caught in a moment at the Green Festival Bike show by one of the many blog authors on the blog site - A yearofbikecommuting.blogspot.com or click here to see pictures that I did not get to take. I do wish I could copy and paste the picture to my blog, but alas I will not unless I ask for permission. Also posted pictures are of the many bikes that were at the show.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

May Day - 2nd Annual May Day

Greetings Readers

May Day. May Day – Blogger in trouble. Well, in not trouble per se, but getting ready for trouble.

I am actually not worried about the Bike fashion show, but I would like to show off my bike this weekend. So far I have decided to wear the green Southpark Bike jersey and then buy four new white bandannas to replace the four old white bandannas on my handlebars.

Next subject. I really do hate sacrificing the money I just spent for that one wheel I bought a couple of weeks ago. I cannot go out with friends in a manner of speaking. Well, I can with the promise that they would buy me a drink, but I am really not wanting to go out and have someone (people) buy me drinks, whatnot.

Being single I have gotten used to doing and paying for things that I need, want or desire. I feel that should someone get me something I feel indebted to him or her. Not indebted like if they save my life they are responsible for it, but I do believe in tit for tat.

When I saved the money up for the wheel this was not a spur of the moment buy. I actually planned the month, the food and my income I will allow myself for about 5 weeks. After all I too have bills to pay, food to buy, and to spend a bit for myself. Though, I had to cut out going to the grocery store every other day, buying beer, going out for lunch, riding Light Rail and buying Coca-Cola.

Now, I stay home since I cannot afford to go out. I have allowed myself $ 30.00 every Friday.

I pulled out the Playstation 2 and started playing the games I got in the past. Let me tell you Readers – that first Need for Speed – Underground game that is over five years old is so brand to me again. I am cursing, throwing that controller around and my thumb is hurting from pressing down the “gas” button on the controller trying to make my car go faster and faster. Seems like old times.

I have started making Sun Tea again. First of all I need to cut back on buying Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper and two I like fresh brewed Sun Tea with Sugar and Lemon. Yet, with drinking Sun Tea I was finding myself wide-awake for the first two weeks at about 10 PM.

Well, I finally was able to figure out how to solve that problem. I have once more started running again. Matter of fact, I was able to use one stone to solve two issues. I started running at lunch. Doing that I was able to solve not going out to eat for lunch (meaning not spending basically 10 dollars for lunch) and two I am really tired and sore from running and by the time 9:30 PM comes – I am ready for bed and still can go to sleep even after having a cup of Sun Tea.

I only mention a few of the things I have to learn to live with (adapt) to, but I do not regret spending that money for that one rim. The sad thing is I will have to do this again for the other rim. I cannot go around with just one rim.

As Lamont said, I am going to be like that one driver he saw at a stoplight. The driver only had one spinner on the front left side of his car. The driver got out of his vehicle and then spun the spinner and got back into his vehicle. Lamont laughed as he recalled that story to me, which I too laughed and then after our good laugh I decided at that point I am not going to be that one spinner guy.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The "Insect" Incident

Greetings Readers

Amazingly enough I was able to get off work before 5:00 PM yesterday. That is truly amazing.

I changed from bike work clothes into my bike riding gear and soon left the parking garage. Wow I thought to myself, so that is what the sun looks and feels like when I get off at 4:30 PM. Although, there were some rain clouds in the sky on where I needed to go – home.

I started out slow and just enjoyed the evening weather and gusty winds, which affected my riding since I was riding with Andrea and the HED rims. A gusty or strong wind is felt so much more with a 90 mm deep rim – as opposed to no 0 mm rim. I have to have both hands gripped a bit tighter on the bandanna wrapped handlebars to make sure that I have better control in case a sudden gust of wind threatens to blow me over or into the curb.

On the way home I did stop off at my local bank that opened in a new location earlier this month. First time I have been in the new location since they moved early April. I did my business inside and then got two comments on my Southpark bike jersey by a couple of new employees. They loved it. Who doesn’t right?! Well, besides the people against curse words and foul mouth cartoon fourth graders. Or people who just don’t like Southpark.

15 minutes or so later I was getting close to home. I did encounter and feel some raindrops, but just a raindrop here and there. Matter of fact, I was ready to be rained on even though I did not want to. I think, that I was happy from getting off before 5:00 PM and getting rained on was nothing “grand” to get “bent” out of shape for.

The homestretch – I was cruising down a hill and going about 25 to 30 mph. I tapped the brakes a bit since I was turning into a corner that I was practically going in blind. Also, with the recent snowstorm there is a lot of gravel on the roads so I have to make sure that I do not slide on the sand, gravel or salt that was dumped by the snow plows on Friday. I could not see who or what might be around that corner I was turning into. Due to my speed I was going to be leaning sharp into the turn and even try to cut into the corner, but leaving me an out (alternate path of trajectory) in case I see a vehicle at the last possible microsecond and need to avoid a collision.

I approached the corner I estimate about 23 mph since the last speed readout I saw was at 27 mph and I did tap the brakes a few times quickly after that reading.

I turned left fast and at an angle.

In that turn I felt an insect hit my nose and then go up into my nose. Fucking sucks to be me. Since there was gusty winds I was holding onto the bandanna wrapped handlebars pretty good. I was also traveling pretty fast so that was the other reason I was holding on tight to the handlebars. During that moment the insect hit my face and then preceded to go up into my nose I wanted to put my hand up to my face immediately. I couldn’t. I dared not to for the thought of a gust of wind or perhaps riding into some gravel making me have an accident.

That insect was tickling/touching my inner nose hairs and immediately affected me. I did not feel I wanted to sneeze, but I wanted to close (pinch) my left nostril with one of my fingers, close my mouth and exhale through my right nostril as hard as I could to get that insect out.

I want to say that this was about 10 seconds or so of discomfort, but in reality it was about 5 seconds or so. As soon as I cleared the corner I immediately pulled to the right side of the road, slowed down (no locking the brakes since these are new tires as of Monday) and then put my right hand up to my nose, closed my mouth and blew as hard as I could out my right nostril.

I did not feel when the insect was out of my nose, but I blew like that over and over for about ten seconds or so. And yes Readers, I had to do a bit of finger penetration in the right nostril to make sure that the insect was not on the outside of the nostril perhaps hanging on for dear life to the insides of my nostril.

So, that marks the first insect up my nose for this year. I never go out without a season with an insect going into my mouth, up my nose, into my eyes, down my bike jersey or into one or both of my ears. Perhaps you daily commuters this does not happen to you, but to us hardcore riders it happens more often than you think.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

Runnin of the Green 7k - 2009

Greetings Readers

I woke up this morning and I was still unsure that if I wanted to run the 2009 Runnin' of the Green (a.k.a. 2009 Running of the Green) today. For the past week, I have been working late and wanted some down time for myself. No Readers, playing my new video game was not the reason why, but yes it had a part of not wanting to run on Sunday.

Anyway for the past week, I have been able to ride Andrea and show off the HED rims all this week. This was great - since I got the HED rims last year and now it the beginning of the new year and now I can show the HED rims all I want. Well, depending on the weather though.

Four of the five past business days I have been leaving work well after 7 PM. I would get home drained and not wanting to cook. So, I would heat up a can of Chicken Noodle soup, eat ,watch a bit of TV, then call it a evening.

By Friday, I was saying no to running of the Runnin of the Green. Yet, then I saw the forecast weather and they all agreed 60's and a bit of wind.

Excellent really. No rain or snow is always good, since I do like be outside after the Runnin' of the Green and drink. Nothing says Runnin' of the Green like drinking afterwards and meeting new people and listening to live music.

Saturday I was still unsure, but I did stop by the bank to withdraw the registration fee and a bit of drinking money just in case I wanted to run.

I relaxed Saturday and thought perhaps I might do the run, but again not sure.

Now, back to the beginning of Sunday morning. I woke up early and was still unsure. I saw the weather Sunday Morning and they promised sun with a bit of a wind blowing from the West.

Alright. Alright. I decided get ready and I was going leave early this morning. Unlike last year when I had to ride like a madman to the Light Rail Station since the Local bus was not coming.

I decided to ride the bus, so I started walking and jogging to the Arapahoe Light Station. A nice morning and a slight breeze. I stayed out of the shadows since the morning air was a bit cool.

Eventually, I made it to the Light Rail Station and looked at my watch. How could have time went by that quickly. I waited for the next Light Rail and sure enough it was going to Union Station.

About 30 Minutes or so later I was looking at my watch and seeing that 10:15 was nearly here. It appears that it was going to be another foot race to the start line to register, sign up, pay and get the number pinned to my Southpark Jersey I wore today.

Sure enough by the time I got the bib pinned the back of the pack was starting to move. I had arrived just in time for the back of the pack to get moving to the starting line.

I took a few pictures of the start line. It was sunny, it was a beautiful morning in Downtown Denver, and I have to say that I was excited that I changed my mind to run the Runnin' of the Green.

I knew that I was not going to be running for time - at all. I only have done one official running race to date and I have not been running at all on my own time. Whether it be after work, during my lunch break, during the weekend or any official running event. I did get a bit sick the past month and that did change my mind on running on some other official running events. Just let the body rest and get better.

So, I had no problem worrying about time. This time around it was about the T-shirt and the beer afterwards. I knew that the time was not going to be last. Little did I know that morning I would be having a time I care not to see - ever.

I saw a lot of runners and they too saw me. Well, let me say that they saw my Southpark Bike Jersey. Many nice comments and smiles.

Not much else I can say about the Runnin' of the Green. I did okay, never felt winded and I did not sprint to the finish line this year. Kind of crowded this time around - meaning it was crowded with runners throughout the course. Apparently, I found out later that this Runnin' of the Green was the largest amount of runners to date in this event. That was nice to hear.

The finish line came and then I was on my own. I knew a few friends that were doing the Runnin of the Green, and I knew where they were going to be meeting. However, I did not know how long they were going to wait. Since I started in back of the pack and I knew that my friends started at the front of the pack there might a big time difference between the time they cross the finish line and the time that I cross the finish line.

I walked around the area and even stood up on a platform to take in the view of seeing any of my friends in the crowd of spectators and runners alike in the streets of Downtown Denver.

Needless to say, I spent about 15 minutes walking here and there, but no such luck. Oh well, time to head over to the area with music and beer. And just enjoy the morning drinking beer in the sun. After about 15 minutes or so I decided to make one last sweep of the area that my friends were going to meet and I saw Julio.

Julio was with another person I did not recognize. And this time Julio was able to run the 2009 Runnin' of the Green this year as opposed to last year when he was sidelined with a foot injury and decided against running in order for his foot to get better later that year.

"Julio?" I asked

"Hey!"

Well, Julio also looked for others and did not see any of our mutual friends. He did introduce me to his friend... let me give her an alias - Katherine.

Julio, Katherine and I hung out for about 15 minutes together. We talked about our running and a bit of this and that and then we all parted ways. I was no mood to leave myself so I said goodbye to Julio and Katherine and that was the official start of my day.

I did get a few post pictures in the same place I get my picture taken every year at the Runnin' of the Green (Running of the Green) in Downtown Denver.

Overall, I was happy that I did run and get out and enjoy another beautiful day in Denver, Colorado.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

24 Hours of Boulder - Last Lap

Greetings Readers

“You can run on for a long time
run on for a long time
run on for a long time…”
God’s Gonna Cut You Down

I started the last lap, my last lap, basically at midnight. No fanfare and no cheering from anyone. I was alone and I was more alone that I have ever been. No “pacer” and no friend(s) to cheer or help me along. I was alone.

I could not even run. I was power walking and jogging when I could, which was going to be very, very rare. Once I had started the 7th lap I was not cold. I knew that mentally, but my body refused to listen to reason, or my head.

That propane heater is “The Bitch”, but also an angel. She was both to me that night. I loved her and I hated her.

When the witching hour was approaching I had to dig deep in my soul to get going and to see into the future. I saw myself sitting there for the next nine hours, which would be okay, but not okay. Not okay in my mind.

The 7th lap started for me and I had just rounded the small loop at the starting line. This was the final point to determine whether or not I was ready to run and complete another lap. After all, if there was any reason to say “no more” then this was the point to give up. I saw the tent at the starting line and then I saw myself shuffling by. And I did. I shuffled by and saw the first faint glow stick in the distance.

I reached the point of no return and I knew that this was going to be a lap that determined my outcome of the 24 hours of Boulder. As I saw and passed the tent with “The Bitch” I really got choked up. There were no tears, but a huge lump in my throat. This lap meant a lot to me. Meaning, I was going to run 50 miles officially and that meant a lot to me to look forward to.

I ignored every runner who was running towards me. I had neither the strength to respond nor the will to acknowledge the other fellow runners in the middle of the night. I had to concentrate on my lap and ignore all other “things” while doing that last lap. The most important thing was not to stop. If I fucking stop on the course I knew that was going to be the end of me.

I can see myself saying “Oh let me rest for a few minutes,” but that would turn into a quarter of an hour and me still taking a break. I did not want that to happen nor did I want to see any other runners see me do that. Yes, to me that is shameful, but I did not want to be that guy with the Southpark Jersey “taking a break” on the racecourse. No. Not ever.

Oh Readers, It was tough. I struggled, but I made sure to keep moving to the halfway point. The moon was out in her full glory and the night was warm. What a nice gesture by the biking gods. A lot of runners passed me by in the opposite direction, but only a few passed me by while going in the same direction. Thank goodness.

There were some cold pockets of air around the reservoir, but nothing to be worried about. At this point in the 24 hours of Boulder I had been over the racecourse 12 times. I knew the course and I knew terrain. So, when I neared the halfway point I started to get choked up. I think my eyes got a little teary eyed. I was just happy to make the halfway point alone and in with my mind intact.

There was a new volunteer manning the halfway point and he was a very nice guy. I checked in and then I asked if there was a local bus running on Sunday outside the Boulder Reservoir. He said he did not know. He then asked me what could he do for me. At this point I got really choked up. This was not from him saying that, but I knew in my heart that this was my last lap. I asked for more coke and to fill my water bottle with Coke, while I use the potty-a-potty. He was literally an angel in the night.

The volunteer asked me for a picture of me and I said not a problem. I think I smile as much as I could. I hope he remembers me and the kindness I thought he gave to me. I had some pretzels and chips before leaving the half way point. I needed some salt to get me going. I knew the return trip was going to test my soul. I grabbed another handful of pretzels and stuck them in my windbreaker jacket pocket for eating on my return trip to the starting line.

3.57 miles I had left to the start line. Basically, three and a half miles to go. However, I was a fucking mess and I was in no fucking condition to continue. Yet, the mental side of me had to continue since I wanted to say I did 50 miles come after the event. Well, not to say, but to brag to every one. I mean, come on, how many times can you say that you ran 50 miles within 24 hours. Especially 24 hours in boulder, more than a mile high sea level.

To me that is an awesome accomplishment. Out of 20 males that ran solo I was one of those 20 solo males. I have to say that I was not the last solo male to run a last place finish time, which to me was great. Well, more than great. As my ex-co-worker would say just “Awesome.”

I am happy to say that I did not stop once during that return trip to the starting line. Though, I was reduced to a shuffling sort of walking. I was sort of walking like the “Terminator” in the first Terminator movie. Left foot and then right foot, left foot then right foot. One foot in front of the other. You know when the Terminator got blown up in the Gas tanker and then the Terminator was chasing Kyle and Sarah to and in the factory.

In my mind I knew this was the last lap of the 24 hours of Boulder, but I wanted to push myself to the limit.

When I was on that last lap of mine I looked around me. I really looked. I looked at other runners doing the 24 hours of Boulder. I saw for the first time the best of the best of ultra-runners. And here I am in the middle of all of them.

I crossed the first of last two dams and I was hurting. Yet, not hurting enough to keep going.

Readers, at this point I was not walking / shuffling in a straight line. I was walking crooked. And yes, it fucking sucked. I was reduced to walking. And on top of that I was feeling pain in my feet and legs. And to top that off mentality, I was beginning to crack.

What I did not want to think about I started to think about. I started to estimate how far I had to run/walk to the start/finish line. Every step closer I thought about how far I had to go. I saw in the distance where I knew the start/finish line was but could not actually see. To me that is the most dangerous thing to think about when you know that you are at the end of your ropes.

I would have to estimate that I was about 2 miles away when a “fellow” runner asked if I was OK.

“No, I am not.” I whispered.

She looked at me and said something else, but I cannot remember for the life of me what was said.

“Should I get help?” she asks.

“You know better to ask, no help is available.” I whispered

“OK” and she quickly disappears into the darkness.

This was so close to the end and I started to worry about finishing this last lap. Many runners passed me coming in the opposite direction. And the few runners that passed me in the dark asked me if I was OK. Every time I heard that I would get choked up a bit. I mean how often is that someone asks if you are okay to keep running?

The last two miles I estimated were the worst. I was shuffling in a crooked step and I had a mission to finish this lap. I did not want to quit. I have quit before (in my past) and I did not want to quit again. I wanted to come and share with you Readers that I did something extraordinary to you.

I started to change my thinking when I really started to focus on distance. Mentality, I started to count my footsteps. I remembered what I do when I am biking and have to climb a hill. Just like the military “One, two, three, four, I love the marine core.” And I only do that when I need to get into a rhythm. I knew I could not use that exact same line, so I counted each step and I went as high as twenty and then started the count over. I have to say that helped me concentrate on each step taken as opposed to thinking how far I had to go with each step.

I struggled during that last mile of the loop. I knew that I had most likely ran my last loop on the dirt portion of the course and now the pavement greeted me for perhaps the very last time. What I did not know nor prepare for was the other runners knowing who I was at this point in the event and morning. Apparently, I was the guy that had a huge blister and continued to run on it. I was the guy that was struggling to complete another lap. I was the guy with the flashing glow stick.

“Hey, you have 200 yards to go” someone said to me.

With that I knew that people knew who I was trying to complete this last lap of mine. No one special, but someone who was struck down with an injury and was trying to complete another lap.

When I approached that last little loop a woman approached me. She offered water, food, and to accompany me on the small loop portion of the course. And she offered what I needed. Truth be told I did not know what I needed. I nodded no and whispered “no” while going forward.

“Are you sure that you do not need someone to accompany you around?”

Internally I cried. I was fucking beat tired. I did not want this woman to accompany me on the last loop, but I also did not want to really offend her. I was crying deeply inside, but not showing how I really felt. However, I wanted to stop and say thank you for the offer.

I whispered “No. I am okay. Thank you.” And again - I whispered this.

There were no tears shed on that small loop, but I cried a bit. I cried a bit since this was the last lap and I knew that I was not going to go any further.

Before approaching the start tent, the small loop, I heard “hey there is the guy with that blister.”

So, almost everyone heard of me is what I was thinking. With that there was a reason not to give up. I had less than a 100-yard to run; yet someone offered to run those last 100 yards with me.

Wow. I was impressed, but I said no and kept going. After all, I did fucking good up to this point in the race.

Turning the last corner was painful, but also I knew that this was the end. One – I was past the statistics of runners giving up and two I was fucking great for completing 50 miles within 24 hours (officially in 19 hours and 2 minutes).

I approached the table and signaled with my right hand across the throat “No mas” I whispered hoarsely No More. I knew that I should not have done that, but realistically I knew that I was not going to get to the position where I could fucking care for another lap to run with 5 hours left. After all, it was just an event. And I did fucking well.

4:02 A.M. – I was done. I hated to be done, but physically I had to call it. No More. No Mas. No More. Done.

“Done”

“The Bitch” was waiting for me to accompany her in the tent. She promised warmth and comfort from the cold and tired, which was me. I could not help myself. I walked to the tent and I saw “the Bitch.” She was giving out heat and I could feel that heat from the entrance of the tent. I felt a tear go down my right cheek. I did not realize how emotional I was at 4:02 A.M. but to know that I said “no more” was a relief. Mentally and physically, I was beat, but knowing that I did not have to do another lap was the best thing for me.

I dared not to go to sleep, since I was afraid of passing out so I kept awake and watched others come and go in the tent with “the Bitch” offering her warmth from the cool night.

I am going to write about the solo woman runner who eventually came the woman to run the most laps as a solo runner. She came into the tent after 4 A.M. I have no clue who she was and it is not important to me.

What is important that she showed signs of what I just showed up when I called “no mas.” Yet, in her case she had a pacer.

What I saw and heard in an hour’s worth was amazing. This runner had run her time. She was at the end of her running of her event, but not quite sure if she was done. And when I mean by not quite sure, I would say that she had 99 % given up. Yet, there was that 1 % left that was unsure. With her pacer she was there to change and urge her on for one more lap. Basically, not to give up. There was no yelling. There was “or else” speech. From her pacer she offered support. She offered drink. She offered food (soup). She offered the possibility of just on more lap. Just one more. The pacer told her not to get “too close” to the propane heater, the one I have come to reference as “the bitch.” Her pacer said it is only cold since the heater is giving out heat. Just start running again and the pacer promised to her that it would be okay out there on the course.

Me seeing and hearing this was pretty fantastic to see. I truly saw and heard how a pacer can help a runner in the middle of the night. If I had a pacer could I have run another lap? I do not know.

I am happy to say that with her pacer’s talking this solo female runner to run another lap got the runner the first place among the solo female runners. I witnessed that morning the will of a pacer and runner working together.

Overall, in those last hours I saw and heard the will of many runners trying to get another lap in before the deadline. I heard others trying to calculate in getting their 100 miles in before 9 A.M. I saw the other guy I saw that brought only a backpack like me snoring away across the tent in front of “the Bitch.”

When I saw the morning colors of dawn I was very, very happy even though I did not show it. I made it Readers. 24 hours in Boulder. I made it through the night. I ran 50 miles in 19 hours. Again, I made it through the night. I even took a picture of me sun burned and very, very tired in the last hours of the 24 Hours of Boulder, which is one of the pictures that I have posted on today’s blog post.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete