On the Way to Work...

I saw the coolest thing this morning on the way to work...kids riding their bikes to school. When I was growing up, I rode my bike everywhere (and especially to school). I don't know if it is because the routes are more dangerous in Tulsa, the threats to our children are greater, or general laziness; but I just don't see kids ride to school anymore. And I feel sorry for them. But today was different. I am not sure what Lee Elementary School was trying to accomplish, but I am all for it. I saw kids of all ages and sizes riding tricycles, cruisers, BMX, and mountain bikes to school (with their parents walking/running alongside them). I also enjoyed the police escort crossing the streets, which was obviously arranged for this event. My only regret is that I didn't get a picture of this event, but I didn't want anyone to think I was doing something inappropriate.

Sick

UrbanDictionary.com defines "sick" as "crazy, cool, insane".  That might be a good way to describe this video.  Of course, the more traditional definition of sick would better describe the nausea I felt by the end of watching the video.  Don't let my weak stomach fool you...this is definitely worth watching.

Cycle Fandango 2009

Last weekend Glenn and Bryan participated in the "Cycle Fandango" ride.  Glenn was nice enough to put together this write-up and send me some pictures for the blog.

The Broken Arrow Chamber put on one heck of a T-shirt ride this last weekend. I had no intentions of going, but was coerced into the journey with some “crazy talk” by Bryan. I didn’t give it much thought, I was a little worried about having to camp, and if there would be food. It turned out to be one of the best supported rides I have been on. All of the volunteers really wanted to be there and were happy that we were there. I talked with several of the riders and found out that most of them were from out of state, some from Texas, Missouri, one from Chicago, even a guy that flew down from New York. Who knew? For those of you familiar with the “old MS 150” the route was very similar using many of the same roads, but camping at Greenleaf State Park was an unexpected pleasure. Our gear was trucked to the site and was waiting for us to set up camp. The camp had dorms for rent, bathrooms with several showers -each with privacy stalls, a large ranch house with dance hall, and the food was provided by a chuck wagon crew that was ready to feed a small army. All of this with scenery added in for ambiance; the back of the ranch house opened up with a down-the-valley view of Greenleaf Lake. Wait there’s more… Eric and the Adams, a local Tulsa band, came out and put on a great show. Did I mention beer? I’m sure I did in here somewhere. This was the first year for Cycle Fandango, and if they have it again next year be sure and put it on the calendar of things you MUST do.

Fenders

I was talking to Marty yesterday at Tom's and he mentioned that he recently purchased some SKS Race Blade Fenders. He seems to be genuinely impressed with this product. After 2 weeks of riding in the rain, I think I am ready to invest in some fenders. Not only will fenders prevent my back side from getting sprayed with cold water and road grime, but anyone riding behind me can do so without being sprayed in the face. You might be thinking to yourself, "if it is raining...I am just going to ride indoors". But often times, winter rides will occur after the snow (more likely ice) has melted. The resulting combination of water on the road, cold temperatures, and salt/sand from road crews can make group rides pretty miserable. The right attitude, good clothing decisions, and some fenders can make winter training rides that much better.

Team Picnic

Team Tom's Bicycles recently had a picnic to celebrate the end of the 2009 racing season and kick-off the 2010 season.  New members were introduced, awards were distributed, new officers were elected, and food was consumed.

Tom Brown and Jonah Panther of Tom's Bicycles were on hand and spoke to the team.  These guys have been a top notch sponsor and we are lucky to have them.  In 2009, sponsoring a race team was as new to them as operating one was new to us.  But I think it was a successful year for all parties involved.  I just wanted to take the time to publicly thank these guys for their generosity, guidance, and support.  We look forward to a successful 2010.

Thankfully, some pictures of this festive event were provided by Robbin and Mike.

Scott reminds us that he used to compete in rodeos.

The legend of El Jeffe was told and an appearance was made.

Some hooligans tried to steal Liz's mountain bike and child carrier.

Mud, Sweat, and Tears

On October 4, Dee and Julie participated in the Mud, Sweat, and Tears Adventure Race.  This race looked like a lot of fun.  Julie and Dee had to do a 4.25 mile trail run, a 17.5 mile bike ride, a 2.5 mile canoe ride, and other games.  There is a great write up (and picture of Julie and Dee at the start) available here.  Not only did they have a lot of fun, but they were the 1st Placed Female Team.  Congratulations!  

Some other pictures from this event are available here.

Bus Driver is Putting Kids on Wheels

I read this article in today's edition of the Tulsa World.  A Tulsa Transit bus driver is collecting used bikes to donate to children in need for Christmas.  Asbury United Methodist church is helping to raise money for helmets and locks and Tom's Bicycles and  G. Oscar Bicycles is helping with parts.

If you have a used bike to donate can call 582-2100 or deliver them to one of these locations: Denver Avenue Station, 319 S. Denver Ave.; Memorial Midtown Station, 7952 E. 33rd St.; Tulsa Transit Administrative Offices, 510 S. Rockford Ave.

If you don't have a used bike, I am sure you can contact Asbury United Methodist, Tulsa Transit, or even Tom to find a way to make a cash donation.

I am usually skeptical of big foundations/organizations that raise money for causes.  It just seems like there is so much overhead involved that very little of my donation will actually benefit another person.  But I am touched when I read about an individual who is trying to make a difference in our own city.  Not to mention that I think all children should experience the joy of receiving a bike for Christmas.

Setting Goals

In an earlier post I talked about the importance of using the knowledge gained from last year to develop an effective training plan for next year. By now you should have downloaded the Annual Training plan worksheet. The first thing you need to do with this worksheet is identify your season goals. Your goals could be to upgrade to a higher category or podium at an important race. A good goal will stretch you to the limits, and may require you to take some risks, but can be accomplished within the next season. According to Joe Friel, your racing-oriented goals should follow four principles:

1. Your goal must be measurable.
2. Your goal must be under your control.
3. Your goal must stretch you.
4. Whatever your goals, state them in the positive.

Once you have identified 1-3 goals for the next year, write them at the top of your Annual Training Plan. Everything you do from here on out should be deliberately done to achieve these goals.

Race Across the Sky

What: Watch "Race Across the Sky"

When: Thursday, October 22 @ 7:00 PM CST

Where: Cinemark Tulsa @ 71st and HWY 169 (and select theaters)

EVENT DETAILS
Race Across the Sky – Leadville Trail 100, featuring Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and other elite and amateur cyclists on October 22nd at 8:00pm ET/ 7:00pm CT/ 6:00pm MT/ with tape delay to 8:00pm PT in select theaters.

EVENT OVERVIEW
At 10,000+ feet, against the misty backdrop of a former mining town, Leadville, Colorado, 1282 cyclists line the starting line. For many, it will be the most difficult race of their lives. For some, a bragging right to say they raced alongside the best in the world. Some imagine victory. Most hope only to finish. But everyone will count.

The race that started 25 years ago as a running race to drive tourism in Leadville has now grown to a lottery cap of 1000+ competitors, many of them the world’s most elite cyclists. But the Leadville Trail 100 "Race Across the Sky" Mountain Bike Race is not just a race of man against man: it’s man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. elements, man vs. time. A clock set for 12 grueling hours slugs through 100 miles, over 14,000 vertical feet of climbing, some two miles above sea level, through extreme climate changes ranging from heat to hail, from rain to snow. To the racers, the risks of injury, fatigue and mechanical failure pale next to the chance that they will fall behind the 12 hour cut off mark and be eliminated.

Rivalries include six-time defending champion Dave Wiens vs. international star / seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Inspirational stories of human triumph include a Leadville woman rider who was critically injured by a car while training for last year’s race, another who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and 45+ rider who has raced all 15 years.

Whether they’re international stars of the sport or everyday folks with the will to finish a race whose difficulty is on par with the Ironman, the grit to push to their own physical and emotional limits strikes an elegant symmetry between racer and environment and a struggling former mining town whose very existence now relies on the tourism generated by this race.

Dickens of a Ride

Dickens of a Ride is this Saturday in Claremore, OK. More information when you click here.