Finally!

I'm ashamed that I've not put many miles on this past year.  Last summer I started out strong with good training, a metric century, several 75 mile rides and an intended full century, which was thwarted by too much beer and sushi mid-way through the ride.  Priorities. 

This summer has been a season of nothing.  I've done a few quick 25 mile loops but nothing more and I've felt guilty about it all summer long.  What happened to me taking off work for the sole purpose of doing a good strong, long ride?  What happened to getting up early on a weekend day and taking off for a few hours of mom time?  I have the support of my boss (who, by the way, just qualified for her second go in the World Championships of X-Terra Tri's next year in China. Go Chief!) And I have the support of my family....but I've been nothing but lazy.

On Sunday I finally got off my butt and did 40 miles.  It was nice and I felt good enough when I returned to do a few hours of gardening.  Of course I was exhausted after that, but it was Sunday night and all I needed to do was hang low.  It was good to know I had the energy to go and could have gone longer.  I'll do a bump to 60 in a couple of weeks after I return from yet another trip to the heartland this week.  And then keep bumping up.  Maybe look to do a Thanksgiving Century with my brother?  We could take off early in the morning, leaving my mother and the Baker to cook, and return to a traditional turkey day spread after a long day of biking.  Hmmmm.....

Anyway, here are a couple of shots from my little ride.

Ran into an unpaved detour along the Cherry Creek Trail.  Most of it was fine but there was a treacherous little spot winding up a tiny bank where the ground was beyond loose.  I had to walk although many were riding it just fine.

After circling Cherry Creek Res, about 25 miles into my ride, I stopped at a shady little spot for a snack.

It was pretty peaceful, save the dozens of bikes whizzing by.  Several others took my lead and stopped as well in this spot, which is pretty common.  It's shady, quiet and has an acceptable view.

Don't You Hate it When

You arrive at the office and find that someone has stolen your parking spot. 

Just another day at the office......

Is that you Joan?

Straight from my mother's cedar chest where it had been sitting in moth balls since the late 50's. 

A gorgeous, very soft wool, made in Italy.

Super fine strips of leather accent the neck and two front pockets.

A brooch from Grandma's jewelry box.

Ta Da!

Nom!

It began with some newly dug fingerling potatoes from our garden, asparagus and a couple of rockin' steaks.

Then there was some of this....

And then there was this.  Nom!

It's Raining....Does that Mean Fall is Finally Here?

I had a meeting at Invesco Field yesterday and I knew it was likely to be raining in the afternoon but generally in Denver that means a quick storm that blows in fast and blows out fast.  The meeting was on the west side of the stadium complex and I could see the grey skies start to dump soon after I arrived.  Several hours later when I left, it was still raining, albeit lightly.  I always keep a couple of plastic bags in Vivian's bike bag in case of rain since she's equipped with Wald folding baskets.  I'd also brought along my rain slicker. 
It was a nice, wet ride home.  I enjoyed it because light rain for extended periods is so rare here.

Something that I took note of the whole way back was that folks in Denver rarely dress for the rain.  Lot of bikers, runners and folks just generally walking around but only a few wearing rain gear.  You just don't need it because the rains come and go fast and you dry off so quickly in the desert climate.  Love this place!

Derby!

 

Crash 'em up, baby!

B2 and her friend were totally enthralled.  

As it should be.

Mrs. Gale at the Mixte Gallery

 

Read her story here - The Mixte Gallery