My week of frustration is coming to a close. The DOW is +10,000 and jobless is still at 9.8%. I am not retiring soon and have a job, so these are pointless factors to me.
I am looking forward to seeing my two nieces and one nephew this weekend. I love children. It's their state of mind that I adore so much. They have yet to be polluted with opinions that are irrelevant to their day to day life. The best part is that there is little, if any, ego. Just a sweet loving personality.
I wonder at what point in life that disappears? Seems as some people age they like to be seen, heard and held to a higher standard than their peers. It's just like the bags you find on a woman's shoulder. Some wear a purse that compliments their attire, others have large logos defining their ability to fork over $$$. Funny thing is that for every upper class woman sporting the real bag, there are 10x as many poorer ones donning the faux. In the end they all are fake unless proven otherwise. There $500 spent only purchased them a slight chance of being seen as wealthy. Poor investment if you ask me.

What about the person that runs there mouth dropping names? Lets not forget the possibility of children evolving into that person. These types are not as common but when one is around you will definitely hear them. When I hear them , I take a moment to pray that for whatever void they have in life it gets filled and soon, as well as take the sinner route and JUDGE them. How fun it is to sin. Makes the times you don't sin even more precious.

Ultimately for our future generations the best bet is that experience prevails as a lesson to them, not an excuse, for they type of person they become. Too many acknowledge their faults only to follow up with as to why they are like that. If I know something of a negative fashion is occurring due to a sequence of events, I go back and fix it. If i cant fix it, I find a new path.

As for the bike.
I am in a rut when it comes to cycling, not just cycling, but road racing. I had a less complicated life, void of excess drama, decisions that never had a good outcome and the ultimatums that always left a companion high and dry. Since the day I thought I needed more I have taken a huge step back and realized that I need less and less is what i will have. Less worries, obligations, wasted money and the not so good, less friends. Oh well, the good ol mountain bike will always open new doors to more down to earth people.

Today I pray for the OU fans, whose team sucks, that they can find peace and not excuse for the times their team fails. Amen.

Al Sharpton is not a racist

Here is some insight to "Change." This is a tidbit of the history of racism in the U.S. What most will find after reading this as an injustice is how our President is ignoring one race in favor of another and neither one involved is white.
The USDA delayed loans for farmers until so late in the season the farmers were not able to produce a crop worthy of creating enough money to repay the loan. After several years of this the government would foreclose on the farms. These farmers that received the appealed, then late loans were of the non- white race.
In 1997, then-Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman testified before Congress and conceded a long history of discrimination in the loan program. He talked about "good people who lost their family land, not because of a bad crop, not because of a flood, but because of the color of their skin."
"[Agriculture] Secretary [Tom] Vilsack often talks about how the department is known in some quarters as 'The Last Plantation.' That's a reputation that's unfortunate and one we intend to fix," says Justin Dejong, Vilsack's spokesman. "By empowering the Office of Civil Rights at the USDA, Secretary Vilsack is laying the foundation for people to be treated better in the future."
Soon after President Reagan took office in the early 1980s, the USDA's civil rights division was quietly dismantled. Nevertheless, the agency continued to tell farmers that if they felt they weren't getting loans because of their color or gender, they should file a complaint. But for the next 14 years, those complaints were put into an empty government office and never investigated. By the 1990s, black farmers filed a lawsuit — Pigford v. Glickman. Because the USDA failed to investigate years of discrimination complaints, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman certified the black farmers' case as a class action. And with that ruling, rather than risk a trial, the federal government settled with 15,000 black farmers for $1 billion.
The next year, Hispanic farmers filed their lawsuit. And although their discrimination complaints had been thrown into the same empty USDA office, the judge in their case decided the Hispanic farmers would not be allowed to sue as a class.
The federal government has opposed them in court for the past nine years. Matthew Miller, spokesman for the Justice Department, is forthright about the government's reasoning.
"Unlike in the Pigford case, the court has rejected the plaintiff's request for class certification," he says. "Which means their claims will all be litigated on an individual basis. Because of that, because of the judge's ruling, we will not be able to negotiate a class wide settlement."
It's the same response from the USDA. The government is open to settling individual claims on a case-by-case basis, but unlike the black farmers, there will be no settlement as a group for Hispanics. This response — that it's not the principle of the thing but the legal ruling that matters most — outrages the Hispanic farmers. What's made them even more furious is that within months after taking office, President Obama decided that the $1 billion the government has already given to the black farmers is insufficient, and he's requesting an additional $1.25 billion for them.
It's been a bitter disappointment to the Hispanic farmers who fought the Bush Justice Department for eight years. They thought it was going be different after Obama was elected.
"It makes no sense legally, morally or even politically to treat these farmers the way they have thus far been treated," says Stephen Hill, lead counsel for the Hispanic farmers. "The claims are exactly the same as the claims as the black farmers, and they're entitled to the same recompense for their injuries."
If the media is going to consider town hall participants that oppose the current administration as racists, then who would this indict?
I am not happy with most of what goes on in the world.
I am happy with my work, wife, family, home and the activites that I pursue in order to remain in a level state of conscience. Racism is all around and if you dont participate then you have done all you can do to stop it, everything else only throws gas on the oppositions fire.

I pray tonight for the people on The Biggest Loser as well as everyone that is battling the war over weight control. Amen.

SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT

2006, AL GORE IS SCARING THE HELL OUT OF CHILDREN WITH TALK OF DYING POLAR BEARS AND FLOODING OF THE COASTS FROM MELTING ICE CAPS. THE FOLLOWING YEAR HE RECEIVES THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. THAT IS WHEN I STARTED TO LISTEN TO MY INNER FEELINGS AND BRING MYSELF TO REMEMBER THAT MOST THINGS VALUED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE WEAK, JUST AS WEAK AS THE RECIPIENTS THAT FEEL PRIDE AS IF THEY HAVE ACHIEVED MORE THAN THERE FELLOW MAN. IF SOMEONE ACTUALLY DID DO SOMETHING WORTH WHILE, THEY SHOULD RECEIVE A NICE DIAMOND, FAMOUS PIECE OF ART, OR MAYBE AN ANCIENT ARTIFACT. JUST SOMETHING THAT IS GLOBALLY VALUED.

THE MEDIA DIDN'T REPORT ANYONE RECEIVING SUCH ITEMS TODAY, SO I GUESS THE WORLD IS STILL UP TO NOT DOING ANY THING SPECTACULAR, ESPECIALLY HERE AT HOME.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE 012 OLYMPICS. THERE WILL BE A LOT BETTER LOOKING PEOPLE IN RIO.

TONIGHT WE SHOULD PRAY FOR PEOPLE THAT DONT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT AND DO SO PUBLICLY. LIKE JIMMY CARTER.

Sorry if my blog makes you mad, but you read it so blame yourself

I am behind on my race reports. For starters I need to take care of this.
North West Arkansas Classic, last Sunday. Our first race as a team and we did good. Chad made the successful break to reel in a 7th spot of the field. Apparently Ryan almost caught the field, at least looking at the numbers seems to appear that way. I did what I could to get the 24th spot.
I burned a lot of matches in a break that went early on, only to get caught by a hungry peleton. Thus when the third loop came and the big hill was towering over me, I found my self in a world of pain. Next time I will just dismount and run up a hill that finds me begging for mercy like that again. In my defense I put up a good effort to time trial to catch up to another group of riders in hopes of finding some sort of redemption.

I like my team mates. They are a good group of guys, all two of them.

Tonight was my first criterium action for the season. I placed 5th in the 'A' race. I am happy with that since that is the last place you can get to receive any points towards the series. Someone in the pack behind me, of all places, was talking crap towards me during the race. I enjoyed hearing it, especially since it was from behind, as in not leading. I guess when you are not focusing on breathing and busy running your mouth you end up quitting the race. Like revving your engine too much and not having gasoline to run the 1/4 mile.

To those that take offense reading my blog (journal, diary, etc.) quit reading it. Simple solution. It's funny how my thoughts can affect people that do not know me.

Meet Zach

Hello, I am Zachary Perkins. I do not approve of the ideas of Liberals. Anyone that cannot understand facts or logic should not have a say in any issue.

I did not vote for the current administration. Change is not always good, especially when you work for a living.

I am against Socialism.

I am pro life. I also am very quick to forgive. That is a problem that generally affects the one holding the grudge, forgiveness is key to happiness. Think of the Minonites that had there children shot down in the school house, they forgave the truck driver that lost his cool. We could all take a lesson from them and find inner peace within ourselves just by forgiving those that cross us.

I am a nice person, love my wife to pieces, and enjoy practicing the Catholic faith.

With that in mind, God Bless all that read this and those that can't read.

RACE not a skin color

Well I had a nice start to my season in the town of Lago Vista. It renewed my passion to compete. The weather left a nice red tinge to my skin, needless to say, nice and warm. Along with the RDA dose of vitamin D, I also left with the sense of fellowship for my southern rivals. I love the fast, aggressive, racing that goes on south of the Red River. Hell, a wreck at 30mph hurts as bad as one at 50mph, so pick your poison.
Normally I would not be so cool with 2 top 20s in one weekend, but provided that I was not in the best form I can deal with it. I would like to blame my mechanical failure that impeded me for both days, but at the same time had I more race experience I could have used it to my advantage. The bottom line is that Ryan and I showed up to a race that we should have been shelled in and left with results.

EXCUSES

A friend of mine came in the shop today asking where are all of the trophies? I responded with the typical response a confused one would muster. He reminded me that I said 'I race to win.' What he didn't realize that I implied that I don't show up to races to quit, after all they are not test labs. Don't waste the number plate if you aren't there to compete.

Oklahoma City Thunder won a great game tonight. They saw this event as a competition that they wanted to win , not to test the waters of the NBA.

Thank you OKC Thunder for not wasting my evening by practicing.

Before I forget big shouts to Wooly Mammoth for showing up in such a fine kit and giving BAR the street cred it deserves, Specialized for admitting my derailleur braze-on is in the wrong place and sending me a new warranty frame, and Amon Armath for dead raising anthems while on the road.

My new favorite quote

Just going to church makes you as much of a Christian as standing in a garage makes you a car.

Well isn't that a slap in the face. I wanted to be a car too. Nevertheless we should stop and think this thought sometimes, you need to do more than just be present. Not just at church, but anything you have a passion for. This weekend I am not showing up to Austin to be a racer "testing the waters," I am there to win. Those that show to play just cause havoc to those that are there to contend. I feel pretty good this week anyways. Honestly, I understand that you can't always be in the top ten, but admitting that before going can't be very productive. Let's rewind to my first Cat III race. Denton, Texas downtown crit. Provided just a few races earlier I was rolling Cat V with not much experience at tactics, I entered to see what I was in for. I wrongly went into the situation wanting a top 20. Thanks to that attitude I got 8th. If I just would have shot for a more positive outcome (win) I would have been more concerned with my positioning at the final lap than I was.


This Lenten season I am once again going to try to omit foul language from my vocabulary. It's like cigarettes, hard to quit. If I ever plan on having kids in the near future this is a must. My wife and are reading 1/2 chapters from the book of John each night. It's a reminder that miracles do happen. Just like it's a miracle anyone still has a job, or that the market has not completely crashed under this administration.


If this season doesn't pan out to my liking look for me on the BMX track. I will have a black hat with the bill flattened out on.

Error 404 reminds me of 808 STATE

I sit here wondering if we offered enough to seal the deal on a new home. If we lose out to someone else, then so be it. The search will continue. Today I will take a few photos and explain them, hopefully it will provide some insight as to who the guy wearing the BA kit is when not on the bike.


For starters I love my wife dearly. Count them. Yesterday was not even a holiday, just a day to remind her that I love her. The beauty of a gift of flowers is that each of us can enjoy them when in the room. The sweet aroma reminds us that spring is upon us, as well as bike racing season (yeah!)

Speaking of things of nature, I happen to be a collector of unusual plants. Here lurking beneath the leaves of a double bloom hibiscus, lies my little X492 hybrid. He was only 2 centimeters when I had him shipped to me from Florida. I have about 9 rare hybrids. I found a grower that has been crossing them for several years and is now releasing them to collectors. Speaking of cross, I am not interested in cyclo-cross.

I collect pens. Actually I collect things of high precision. Pens fall into that category, although they also fall into another category of things I like, fine resins, which include cuff links. Similar to the Swiss mechanized watch, a fountain pen is more than just a vessel containing ink, it is a machine that draws in the ink, stores it, and then allows it to flow out at such a rate that the captain is able to make there mark with total control and precision. Tuesday was a good day, Cross finally returned my Townsend after making a repair for me. How could I ever leave out my favorite time piece, the Festina Tour de France Chrono?





Golf, it's a hell of a sport. Collecting the small spheres is another pastime. This one in particular is from the Ryder Cup. I have a good story about this watch, it cost me about 20x the retail. It was an engagement gift to me from Kelly. She knew I had longed for the timepiece for years and when it came time for me to buy her a ring it was obvious I did not save enough to get myself the watch as well. Again I would like to add, she is well worth it and more.

Frankie Knuckles has two wonderful releases from the early 90s. Jamie Principle (1986?) is actually the one to thank, but nevertheless give these two a chance; The Whistle Song as well as Your Love I love early Chicago House.

I would like to post a couple of photos of home, so that you can view the essence of where I live as well as what I may be doing at any time, drinking a Malbec, enjoying the warm glow of the embers in the chimenea, or sitting here staring at my Song of Jamica plant.

On to cycling, my coach emailed me in regards to my power numbers. He said they were high. I was even asked to reply with my current weight. The best part is that I have lost 7-10 pounds since my last weight report. I guess the prescribed workouts are working. Now if I can only just get away from work to try these legs out.










Last but not least, Mystery Babylon. TKK.

These links are for the music, not the video content.

Being an American is not biting off more than you can chew but biting off more anyway because the govt. will chew it for you

Yes. Another rant on our economy. As I happily put in an offer tonight on a foreclosed home I like to reflect back on a different time. It was a hot Dallas summer in 2007. I was doing my L.A. internship for a design group in Grapevine TX. We were busy, very busy. Who wasn't busy? It was one of the biggest housing booms in history and any designer, developer, construction company, lumber co. etc.. was working overtime to meet this demand.
" What demand?" Asks the imbecile.
The demand of irresponsible people. A snow ball effect that is now half way down the mountain and probably 2/3 the size of the mountain it rolls on. We will call this mountain 'Payday Loans,' I like to use this name since the whole payday loan store front is just that, a front for loan sharking. The mortgage companies and banks loan sharked people for homes they could not afford. They gambled. Lost real bad too.
Lets visit margin buying. I can buy securities with cash borrowed from a broker, using my other securities as collateral. The net value, i.e. the difference between the value of the securities and the loan, is initially equal to the amount of one's own cash used. This is to protect the broker against a fall in the value of the securities to the point that they no longer cover the loan. This is my point. The banks loaned money with no insurance. Now the government is spending our tax dollars, no wait, our great grandkids tax money (which they will be slaves to the chineese) to bail them out.
Lesson for the decade: Don't worry about your actions, someone will cover them for you.

Nevertheless, I am responsible and with that plan to capitalize on those that weren't by purchasing a home far below market value. What goes on around me with helping the homeless will continue despite my complaints and concerns. The best solution is to move on and find a way to place yourself on the top.

Cycling: I love to ride my bicycle because it keeps my mind off of the world around me. Funny thing is that most people vote and create opinions without knowing anything at all.

Paradox of Thrift

Yesterday was the annual Chili Bike. Basically it's what you make of it. For instance some people mix beans with some meat and tomato and call it chili, others may use tomatillo, green chili pepper and pork calling it chili too and then there are those that think chili is only found in a can. Personally I like to use well trimmed sirloin, venison, and hot sausage. Like wise, when offered 37 miles of mountain biking I made 45.

While riding I did some thinking about our economy. No longer should we shame the top executives for buying what they want. They are creating jobs by doing such. For example think of the private jet. These are not items sitting on a shelf waiting to be bought. They are to be produced to the consumers' liking. Production means jobs. Union jobs at the factory to build the plane, jobs in the private sector to design the interior, jobs to support the middle man that negotiates the deal, jobs at the landing strip cafe to serve the pilots that WORK to operate these machines. Look at all the jobs you can create, or sustain if you just let the people with money spend it.

I would like to place blame on others but who am I to judge? Let's take a verse from the book of Matthew "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye?" It's true. Kelly and I are into saving as much as possible. We are part of the problem because with our saving we are not contributing to consumption. We are not being consumers and without consumers we can't have capitalism. We need to invest in things through purchasing. Buy more insulation for your attic. That way you can keep the guy at Lowe's employed and help your self by saving money down the road over less energy costs. Already insulated? Great, buy some plants to landscape your yard to keep that grower busy as well as the guy at Lowe's. In the end up your home value by as much as 15%. Even if you don't own a home you can buy yourself a bicycle, save on gas and employ people globally!

The answer is usually so simple it is often overlooked.

Big shout out to our teams' good friend Andy for capturing the moment through more than just a lens.

The fuse is nearing the plastic

That plastic in question is C-4.

I just want to play with my fountain pens and spin the wheel on my bike while it rests upside down.
Another part of me wonders if I am an infidel and if so does that matter? Is my consumption of pork bad? Wine? Nobody really has the answer. Just opinions. We are only subject to mans interpretation of what is right and even that is heavily biased to there own opinions. Politics make me want to open fire, three-round burst, but on who? Nobody is to blame. Speculators that drive the market in to downward spirals need to swing from the gallows, I think, but then again without low prices how else can some afford to get aboard? For everything I perceive as bad someone may greatly benefit and with what they feel is horrible, may create me a job. In the end, I am happy for each situation I encounter. Whether it be beneficial for me or detrimental, somewhere some how it is good, I just may not see it.

Another good thought, self gratitude. Being happy for what you have and not the display of it. My volunteer services for others need not be gratified by the public.Not only favors for others, but even what I do for myself. I do not need or want the audience. I seek the sensation of completion when I do good unto another as well as serve myself. Self gratitude. If I want to destroy my inner self and its happiness I will advertise my efforts. I will post on social networks to let everyone know. Yes I am talking about you, the "Joe did 340 watts for 4 hours," guy. Nobody cares. It's February.

Lets all take a moment to reflect on there emotional state. If you are not in sorrow, rejoice and if in sorrow seek comfort in our Lord. We tend to take happiness for granted, as well as time.

Race as in skin color

Portraying our president as the modern Abe Lincoln is really making next week's Presidents day looking pretty grim. After all, Lincoln was assassinated.

As I grew up ( I am a white male for those that don't know) I never gave a second thought to the possibility of a black person becoming president. I knew that black people held many positions high on the executive ladder. To me a black person was nothing more than a human with a different skin color. Not only to me but to most of the people I knew. Maybe in my parents day this may have been a concern but not my generation. So why are children today of, several generations later, being interviewed on the topic, "What do you think now that 'we' voted a black president?," and their response, "Now I know I can become anyone I want." When was racism reinstated after my generation? Did Al Gore scare these kids into thinking the blacks were to amount to nothing here in America? Was it just the media? ARGHHHHH shit like this is what pisses me off!! If anything it is a woman, of any race, that would surprise the hell out of me to see in a presidential position.

Speaking of the President, this stimulus is the same shit the Republicans endorsed last year. It sucked too. Now the Dems want there turn to put out a shitty stimulus, the exact same one but with there name on it. Should I just move to China for the next 15 years and come back and indenture American citizens that owe me money? I would own a lot of people. I guess it's okay to not approve of Communism, but at the same time borrowing money from them is perfectly fine.
Hey drug dealer, quit making a living of not paying taxes and hurting people! You are the source of all evils! Oh yeah, can I borrow $100, my kid is good for it?

My thought is to make a deal with Hyundai, Kia, Toyota,and Honda to open plants here in the U.S. to continue making their fine automobiles. Let Ford, GM, and Chrysler fail. They have ripped us off long enough. Planned obsolescence works for companies as well as products.

Well aside from hoping for a ticket to heaven today, my wife and I went house shopping again. I was a little tired from my earlier ride, but being the good husband I strive to be I put on my patient helmet and kept it on, full power. Speaking of bike ride, I may be the only person around that can ride with one hand on the bars, the other putting on chap stick going about 18 mph through an intersection, turning left and manage to hit some invisible ripple in the asphalt causing my left foot to fly off its pedal into my front wheel, bending spokes, while my body heaves over the handle bars and pull it off with out falling wrecking. Let me know if you or someone you know can do this.

Tomorrow I have a wheel to fix.

One last thing, if you hate your job be glad you have one to hate. Most importantly thank God for your riches. You may not have more money than the guy down the street with the fancy house and fast car, but you still have more than most of the people in the world.

The grey cloud in the white sky

As Kelly and I go to look for homes today I have to admit that there will be a little grey cloud looming from above. Robert Gibbs is just one of the circus performers in the White House, but what better choice than to have an idiot speak for an idiot.
I miss Tony Snow (June 1, 1955 - July 12, 2008). President Bush lauded to what he felt was Snow's ability to bring "a certain civility to this very contentious job." As a fellow Catholic and conservative, I shared the same perspective on the country. After having lunch with my dad today I left feeling happy to know that I am growing into who he is. Back to the earlier point, as we ranted on the current administration I reflected in our conversation the doings of Mr. Snow, and with that missed him.

Work outs this week are coming along well. We start racing the last two weekends of this month in Austin. You should see a win or two with BAR, after all we are racing on the bikes that have more wins than any other this year in the pro ranks. If we don't win then its not our gear, it's just flat out our own fault.
God Bless our country.

4 hours in the saddle on Superbowl Sunday

I dont have much to say today. I am too tired. Although alongside of having a great wife I also have great friends. We should all take a moment and reflect on our fortunes, not of the financial set but of who we know and interact with. Some people are alone.

Big shout out to Chad for the nice ride today, BO-BOs, Specialized, CBS Sports, our sponsors, my good friends the Bair Family-Happy Birthday Jack, those in congress that put a stop to the bull shit stimulus package the Prez failed to read and all whose names I failed to mention.

TOday = 4 hours endurance, actually almost 4.5 hours. At the clip we rolled maybe 80+ miles. Nice work for a Sunday morning. I am ready for more.

AMEN

Poor Blagojevich 59-0 vote=no friends except the bleeding heart liberals that think what he did is okay.

Well, well, well, one of the most corrupt cities in the U.S. finally shows no mercy and at the same time an idiot like him still has supporters. That is what kills me, is that people still support him! These people are registered voters! That is how people like this end up in office in the first place.

Every time I cut my finger nails I think to myself. "Maybe I should just let them go and live in the woods, with guns, and let the nation destroy itself with sympathy." In 20 years I may resurface, with a 20 year old bike.

Lets look at Obama vs. Limbaugh. Never heard of free speech?? I'm surprised. It's OK for liberals to bag on Bush for the last 8 years and tout lies at him. Heaven forbid the Empty Suit Messiah is bad talked, and instead of talking about 1 trillion dollars of wasteful spending, he is complain about Rush? Great vote people. Really good use of your ballot.

This crap is why I like to race bikes, there is always the chance I could die in a wreck and be on my way to a life of eternal bliss. It will free me from my bounds to stupid people.

More Importantly, My Cycling Preparation

I am really feeling these workouts from the past month in my legs. Yesterday I was able to push 400+ watts on a 10% grade for 30 seconds. The highlight of this is less then 30 seconds later I was already recovered and back to pushing my current average of 230. This was just a little effort I factored in to my 2 hour endurance ride. For endurance I am keeping a steady flow of 230 watts. This is pretty easy to sustain without spiking my HR too much, provided the terrain is not too extreme. This also is with a cadence in the lower 90s. From watching my RPM my most efficient efforts are @ 90-95 rpm.

The day before I was on board with tempo. I love tempo workouts. They give me a realistic feel of what I am capable of executing. Speaking of, will Casey Anthony face capital punishment?

Perfect soil yields perfect tobaccos

This evening I am enjoying a nice Dunkel. Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dark. Wonderful. It pleases my palate just the same as a fine Rare Corojo wrapped Don Pepin Garcia, which if my wife would allow, would be burning along side me as I type this. Yum, a fine cigar. Like bike racing, what you invest defines the final product. Lets use the Perdomo Lot 23 as an example. Named after the lot of virgin land just north of Perdomo's Esteli factory. The soil is so rich that 70% of the farm does not need fertilizer. Take this wonderful tobacco, ferment it for one year, bale-age for 3 years and cap it in a creamy Connecticut wrapper and you have one of the finest medium to full strength cigars on the market. That brings me to myself. I am the 70% fertile soil. Subject me to intense training and give me two guys of the same caliber to work with and the end result will be a winning team.

A three-some. Guy on bike action, not guy on girl on donkey.

Let's take a look at humanity.
I called the police today on what I felt was a child welfare situation. As I was returning to my car in the parking lot of the local grocer, I came upon what seemed to be a 14 year old trying to lift the frozen hood of a Buick. I set down my bags and lent a hand by showing the young lady the latch that was defeating her effort. As I was assuming her problem as needing a jump start, I noticed that she was not with an adult but several other children, one of which was not much older than 18 months. I seem to think that I own reliable vehicles, think being the key word, and dont carry jumper cables with me. Thus I was no help, but since the circumstance was what is was, weird, I stuck around. Another car pulled up across from them with jumper cables, they proceeded to jump the vehicle with no avail. That is when I suggested that they go inside to get warm and call for help. During that short period of time I witnessed several acts of neglect towards the toddler as well as the simple fact some irresponsible parents let there children out in the icy roads to hit up the grocery store. After all, 17 degrees outside and 4 inches of sleet fell today. I should have not been out, but the cookie recipe my dear Kelly was making required brown sugar of which ours had been exposed to moisture leaving it hard as a rock, thus placing me at the store obtaining more.
I called the police to file a report of what I was wittnessing. I will not stand for the neglect of a child no matter what. Adults can fend for themselves, but not children. I did and will continue to pray for those that face this neglect.

Speaking of neglect our nation needs to defeat the presidents proposed approval of the Freedom of Choice Act. People say 9/11 was bad and at the same time think that killing an unborn child is okay. This will become the worst act of terroism this nation has ever seen. If you think you live a Christian life and have such values but still support this you are wrong. This little, miniscule, flash of eternity we call life is just that, momentary, just a short trip to the life of forever lasting life whether it be a life of damnation in hell, or salvation in heaven. God will not continue to protect us as a nation when we murder without conscience. Who would think, a baby, is the most frequently targeted to be murdered in this country, even before it is born?

If I were pinned in my car in a tragic wreck facing death, I would not be concerned about my escape. I would be concerned for those left behind and the decisions they are left to make, as well as the consequences they are yet to receive.

I have another pint of the ol' Weihenstephaner to consume and will sign off to do such. I pray for all I meet and those I have yet to encounter. Most of all I pray for our leaders.

God Bless

Maleable metal makes for smoother shifts

Ohh today is one of the colder ones we have been fortunate to experience. Add some precipitation and you have excitement for the insurance industry. As I sit here in front of the computer at home I am awaiting the arrival of my beautiful wife, Kelly. Hopefully the decisions she makes behind the wheel as well as some luck get her home soon and safe.

Cycling: Today is rest. I just wanted to post a picture of my wife, that is the only reason I blogged.

Another reason to hate the media, competitive cycling is great for me.

Today was another great day given to me by my savior the Lord, Jesus Christ. Thanks God.

Last night was great fun. My father celebrated his 64th birthday. Bowling, hibachi, great bourbon and good times. This brings me to reflect on how fortunate I am to have such great family. In this photo there is my lovely mother as well as father, inspecting the quality craftmanship that was presented before them. I made that flag display case out of knotty alderwood. 1/4" glass plate. The encased flag was from my grandfathers funeral. He served our country as a pilot, one of the many defenders of freedom we take for granted. We celebrate the first anniversary of his death this May. We are fortunate to live in a great country as well.

Now why cant the media reflect this? Oh, yeah, it's the liberal media. Named that for a reason. THe doomsdayers. Four years ago the headlines stated "Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops die in unarmored Humvees," today we get; "Historic Obama inauguration will cost only $120 million," an even better one, "Obama spends $120 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party." Enough said. I took an IQ test just now to prove a point. What is written here comes from someone that falls into a small percentile of the population, the highly gifted. I would love to see what the followers of the media test at, I doubt it breaks 100.

Free-IQTest.net - IQ Score

Insults aside, I hope that being around dumb ass people wont bring down what I am capable of processing. In the game of golf, it's proven you will play worse when competing in a group of a lessor skill, lets hope society doesnt follow that trend.

Well once again I have gone off on a rant of the political nature. I don't start my blog with this intention but then again it is to speak what is on my mind and most of the time anymore it is politics. Now on to Bicycle Alley Racing....
today was 3 hour endurance ride. 30 degrees outside and hanging out in Payne county at the in-laws house. So I chose the obvious, ride home. That I did. Hwy 177 south to hwy 33 west to hwy 77 south to sooner road to home. I smoked my front derailleur while shifting from my 39 to get into my 53. A dog came out of nowhere and tried to form a peleton with me. I paced him, watching the cars beside me as well as keeping an eye on this cow dog (heeler of some sorts,) wondering when he was going to go for the kill. If I had a gun in my lobster claws I would have not shot at this dog, for I did not see his running aside me as a threat, but then I was thinking as soon as he gets just a bit further up he may make the cut and cause me to wreck. Game over, I thought, as I threw my gear up to the 53 and launched into a sprint, which at this point in time the traffic in the lane next to me subsided. Suddenly my legs halted. The chain bound up in my front derailleur almost catapulting me into the highway. With a quick back pedal the chain freed up and I was safely in my 53 and rapidly leaving the dog behind. Well, I looked down and my baby Sram Red derailleur was octagnal in shape as opposed to the rectangular shape it holds when normal. I leaned over and hit it with my lobster claw covered hand, which made it functional again. It still rubs my chain.

Tomorrow a day of rest and tune ups. God bless.

Romeo y Julieta

Yesterday's funeral was hard. I knew it would be, but it was a comfort to see all the old friends and familiar faces. I would like to share the quote Mindy wrote for her funeral's card: "Don't be sad that I am gone. I'm so excited right now in heaven wishing you were here with me! Just don't ever forget when you think of me, also think of this:" 'I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.' Phillipians 4:13. Being aware of her untimely death she had time to orchastrate the whole funeral, her personality was reflected through out the ceremony. It's true and we all need to remember this every hour- your time is closer than you think.

Well, I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of people. Yeah complain about the Morgan Stanely CEO that has a commode worth $15k. No, its not a toilet, its a piece of antique furniture popular with the French in the 1700s. A $15,000 toilet is the line of port a pottys lining the capital lawn for the inaguration. Our government is stupid.

Cycling today is zero. Rest day. I need it.

Today is in memory of Mindy Renee Waren July 9, 1980 - January 19, 2009. We will always miss you.

Finished Wood Project

Why is font confused with typeface? Is our culture so lazy that instead of correcting ourselves we just change the meaning of things? Max Miedinger in 1957 invented Helvetica while seeking to develop a new sans-serif typeface. His aim was to develop a new typeface with great clarity that could be used on any form of signage. Fifty two years later this is the typeface you see on just about everything you read. Thanks Max, heres to you.

I am bothered by what our new President thinks is appropriate to do with detainees at Guantanamo. These people are not subject to constitutional rights, they are prisoners of war which fall under the Geneva Convention not American citizens with Constitutional rights, get it straight. Whats funny is that for the terrorists that were captured not in uniform lose the rights of which are stated in the Convention.
The best story the liberal media loves to share with all of those addicted to the coverage is that of a 15 year old Canadian. Well, 15 at the time of capture. He was so poorly mistreated at Guantanamo, told he cant contact his family, abused, scared, etc. He just wanted to go home to mommy and daddy. Fuck him. That piece of shit killed some of our American soldiers when he threw a grenade. He is a terrorist. Oh yeah, in the battle the took place after his move he was badly wounded. With that he was taken prisoner of war and nursed back to health. Personally I would have liked to hear that he died, but that is my flesh speaking. In reality it is good that he was saved, not only to pay for his crimes, but to give him the chance to seek eternal salvation. Back to the topic, Obama is pretty damn stupid to let these people go. Hell, let them free here in the U.S. so that they can continue terrorist operations here in our home. It's always easier to beat the shit out of your enemy when they are within arms reach.

This only shows how the devil is everywhere. He attempted to instill hate in me as I wrote the last paragraph. I dont hate, I just wish people would pull there heads out of there asses and educate thereselves so that they arent just part of the flock led into the fire.

Oooh, another good thought, global warming. We are on a cooling trend and have been since the late 90s. Al Gore can find another way to scare the hell out of people.

CYCLING FINALLY I WILL BLOG CYCLING

Yesterday was 3 hours endurance. It was nice riding into the NW, which was also into the wind, because that part of the county is mostly republican.
Apparently it wore me out pretty good because this morning while doing anaerobic intervals I was really digging deep to get them done. I am feeling sore now. Maybe I should blame someone and expect a better cyclist to do my workouts for me from now on. I wont though. That is not how I work.

Friday morning mountain bike ride is 8 hours away so I need to wrap this up. Ryan Lenhart is a great partner to ride with. He is actually the only person I can ride dirt trails with, everyone else sucks too much for it to be fun.

God Bless our troops.

3 hours in the saddle

I have a lovely wife. I would never trade her or what we have for anything, not even a pro deal or world championship (easy to say since I am highly aware that is not an option :) ). After losing a dear friend to us this week, I have had a renewed perspective of what really is important in life and it has nothing to do with what I like, but what I have, and that is her. Our friend left behind her husband as well as many friends and family. It is a good reminder that our time here can be cut off at any moment and so can the life of someone we love.
Any second spent in anger is a second wasted.
Honestly as Americans in a developed country, despite how little one may make, we are truly blessed. We just become spoiled to what we have and as soon as one little thing does not go our way, we tend to blow up, which in turn does not solve anything, just creates an environment of discomfort for those around us. My good friend Deacon Dunbar said it best, We need to take note of each day we live that we are not in sorrow, for days of sorrow are always around the corner.

I am glad our friend Mindy is back home with the Lord again. She touched the lives of so many people in a positive way. Best of all her passing has made me once again appreciate the friends and family I have around me and her love for others has made me a better person. I am now cool with our new president.

On to a new more bicycle related paragraph.

If you think you are going to be the fastest person on a bike in Oklahoma, you are not. It's a good goal, but just mentioning it cost you that title. My goal is to not let those that have these expectations achieve them. In these photos I kept it to myself, but I thought, " I may be rolling Sora 8 speed, but that is all I need." With this quiet though I rolled away from the pack on day 3 at Tulsa tough to an easy victory.



The bottom picture, only my wife and I knew that I wanted a State Championship. I delivered too. These were my early days (actually only last summer, since that is when I started racing on the road.) I was rolling Bicycle Alley solo. One man team with a hot cheerleader at every race (Kelly.)

Today I am rolling a 3 hour endurance ride. Yesterday 2 hour tempo workout, Monday worked on Anaerobic Threshold for 1.5 hours. As the season nears the hours in the saddle pick up.

Ryan and I will represent BAR at the 7th annual Lake McMurtry Challenge. We are a pretty fast duo on the mountain trail. We invite anyone to hang on to our wheel Friday mornings @ Lake Stanley Draper. We do endurance rides there most Fridays. Nevertheless come join us as James will have the Specialized Demo trailer there as well as many other great people with a good time in store for all. For more info call 405.372.2525


Here is a shot of me , once again BA, heading to a 2nd place in the short track competition at Hills of Hell. I wrecked my way out of first place.

Today I see the light

I am drug free. To be able to compete with those abusing drugs I have to make myself the strongest rider possible.

The proof is in the picture.

On another note, tonight I am playing host to a middle school team of wrestlers. Well not I, but we. I cant forget my lovely wife. She makes most of the stuff I get street cred for happen, nevertheless the house if full.

Is it wrong to say communism is bad and trade embargo with such countries is good as I take a pull from my lit Romeo y Julieta Desde 1878? You know the one, Habanos hecho en Cuba. A fine mild blend.

Monday, the day after recovery

Well another day has passed, almost. Tyler and I really have a great time together on Mondays at the shop (Bicycle Alley.) I always learn something new about him and most of the time it is something that I personally take interest myself, today it was guns.

Laughter is good medicine. I laughed today a fair amount plus obtained a book to read. What more could you ask for? A job interview? Sure and that is also what I got. Yes, I finally got an interview with a company that I have wanted to work for. So Wednesday at 1:30 my mustache and I are going to make an impression that will hopefully stick in a way that furthers my career.

I am so happy about my book that I only watched part of Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill.

Before I retire from today's blog I will revisit my mornings' workout: ATP#2

3 sets of 6x8 jumps. Last week I was only doing 5x8. I never went above 830 watts today during the intervals, I mostly did them in my 53x17. I have been doing this workout in a controlled environment on a computrainer. The course I designed for this consists of nothing more than a 5% climb (which comes right after I finish my last set, at least now it does. Prior to attempting jumps on a 5% climb, I found the adjustment necessary to not completely shred my legs) at the end of an average .9% gradient over 19 miles. At mile 19.1 the .8mile climb comes, then after that I have 10 miles at a 3% descent to cool down. Like I was saying I never exceeded 830 watts, but really didnt try to. Thursday, for my last ATP workout of the week, I will hit bigger numbers. Friday is just an endurance ride so it really doesnt matter how spent my legs are.

Most importantly, Brendon now has a Fox RL32 to add to his mix of XT on his Ala Carte.

Saturday, a day of rest.

Today is a rest day, not because I hit it heavy at McNellies last night, but because my coach said so. As I rest, I will continue to drink. by the way 88.1 the one.