Thursday, October 18, 2012

The Lance Thing

The Lance thing has come up in conversation.    I really don't care about the BORAF, TDF to those who don't read Grant, and the records.  I watch it because it's great entertainment, with Phil Leggett narrating and the beautiful views of the French countryside, the charge down the Champs Elysees, and the aerial views of the peloton.

My views of the Lance issue are similar to Fatty's.

I didn't ride the Livestrong challenge because I wanted to be like Lance.  I rode it to raise money for those who were going through cancer, because the organization does good work.  And, I rode it to honor Tony, as well as others who went through it, some who survived, and some who didn't.   I know too many people who are dealing with the termites.

That's the work that's important, and help for families, friends, loved ones, kids, parents, shirt-tail relatives, mishpucha, colleagues and community members, that's what counts.

Monday, October 15, 2012

The Rains Have Started

Travel over the past several weeks to warm places, Arizona and California, only to return last night to the Great Northwest and the beginning of the rains.  

The Bleriot is in the shop for tune-up, middle front sprocket replacement, fenders and general upkeep after a summer (and some 2400 miles) of good riding since the reset of the Cateye computer back when standard became daylight time.

There's been some wear and tear, including a gear shift cable that mercifully let me finish RSVP before the tear and fraying undid me, as well as new scratches, scars and marks that make the steed look like it's been ridden!   Acorn Bag a big plus over the summer, and now considering panniers if the urge for dark and wet commutes continues to surge.