Monthly Archives: January 2014

Cycling is my Sport

This entry was posted in Comments about Cycling on by .

I officially did my first real ride for the year yesterday. It wasn’t optimal weather. It was in the mid 20’s, but worse than that, the wind was blowing 20 something mph. I didn’t really feel that bad. I wasn’t good by any means, but it could have been a ton worse.

I thought I was going to take a bunch of time off. I guess I sort of did. But I think I “need” to ride every once in a while for mental stability. I don’t think a little bike riding ruins a rest type situation. I hope not.

I didn’t realize how much I need to ride. Right when I initially clipped in, I loved the feel. I love the position. I love the movement. Even with sloppy, salty spray coming off my tires, I was nearly in heaven.

I was a little worried that I was not missing my bike enough. That wasn’t the case. The case was I had forgotten, in such a short period, how great the feeling is.

When I got home, I relished the glow I had from riding in the cold. I don’t get the same feeling from running or nordic skiing. Cycling is the only sport that makes me feel that way. I’m not sure if it is the endorphins or what, but it feels great.

Cycling is my sport. I chose it way back. Now it is engrained in my soul. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

soul

ollie

This entry was posted in Just Life on by .

Our cat, Ollie, was killed yesterday evening. He was hit by a car in front of our house. Kris heard it and rushed him to an emergency vet, but she said that there wasn’t anything to be done about it. Kris took him home, to let the other pets see, then buried him in his favorite place.

I try to not get too emotional when pets pass. I think that we take pretty good care of our pets/friends. And it is sometimes a choice between quality of life and quantity of life. We all try to balance it as well as we can. But, life is harsh sometimes.

Ollie was a great cat. He was a very good boy. We still have two of his siblings, Fran and Kukla. I’m sure they will miss him too. The closest I get to religion is when a pet dies. I’d like to think that there is a heaven for all pets. And if there is a heaven, then I think all pets go there. There can’t be a hell for pets. Their souls are too pure.

I’m sad.

Anyway, I wasn’t in Topeka when it happened. I was driving out to Colorado for Cross Nationals. I have a few “important” things to do out here. First and foremost is watching Sunday’s racing. This morning I’m going to drive over to Boulder with Vincent to pre-ride the course. He’s racing tomorrow. I’m going to meet my friend, Andy Hampsten, on Pearl St., for a cup of coffee first. He told me that he is bar tending tonight at the Rocky Mount Party*. That should be fun.

Okay, kind of a yin-yang post, but that is how I feel today.

Ollie.

Ollie.

This is a photo from right before I left.  He liked to sleep in weird positions.

This is a photo from right before I left. He liked to sleep in weird positions.

*JANUARY 10th – Rocky Mounts Valmont Bike Park Fundraiser
Where: Rocky Mounts, 2055 26th St, 6:30pm
What; Rocky Mounts official product launch and Valmont Bike Park fundraiser party with special guest bartenders including Andy Hampsten Winner of the 1988 Giro d’Italia
See more at: http://www.bouldercyclesport.com/2014-cyclocross-nationals-social-event-calendar/#sthash.QuMgF7NF.dpuf