its not a race, its a ride

Bucket List Item #1

2010-09-23T11:54:00.003-05:00

Who's with me?

First item on my bucket list this year is doing the Jingle Bell Run/Walk (heavy emphasis on the walk) in November - I talked my boys into doing it with me - who else will join me?

Lincoln Half-Marathon

2010-04-05T08:54:00.002-05:00

My 1st half!!! Yes there was some Pain!!! But glad i can say i did it!!

Guidelines for Enjoying Alcoholic Beverages

2010-03-16T14:17:00.004-05:00

If you’re following a healthy eating plan, what you drink is just as important as what you eat. Certain high-calorie beverages (like sugary sodas and fruit juices) can be diet busters. But what about alcoholic beverages like wine and beer? It’s recommended that women limit their intake to one alcoholic beverage a day, and men to one or two a day. More than that not only adds calories but can also sabotage your willpower. Before grabbing a drink, check out our brief guide:

Don’t drink too early in the evening because you may be tempted to have several drinks, and the calories start to add up.

Do alternate with seltzer and water to stay properly hydrated. You can also add seltzer to your wine for a refreshing spritzer.

Do eat a nutritious meal or snack containing lean protein before you start drinking. The protein helps to stabilize blood sugar and prevent cravings.

continue reading here

Secret Superfood: Tomatoes

2010-03-11T11:15:00.005-06:00

If this doesn't make you long for the farmers market - nothing will! Hurry up spring! :)

In his expert series on affordable, accessible superfoods, author Dave Lieberman reveals the power of tomatoes, dispels tomato myths and shares simple preparation tips for deliciously nutritious meals.

Why Tomatoes?

This incredible fruit (yes, it's a fruit!) is chock-full of micronutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that work together in a way that can ward off cancer, heart disease and other ailments. Scientific studies have shown that the more tomatoes you eat, the better. Cooking tomatoes is best of all because simmering them along with some heart-healthy oil, like olive oil, makes it even easier for the body to absorb all of the beneficial properties.

Click here to read the entire article.

Google Maps now features bike lanes...

2010-03-11T08:34:00.000-06:00

Google Inc. is adding a bike lane with its latest online mapping option.

The new bicycling directions available on Google Maps starting Wednesday supplement the guidance already provided to motorists and pedestrians. The biking directions initially will be available only for the United States.

Click here to read the entire article.

1st Team ride

2010-03-08T08:36:00.004-06:00

Were off to a great start !! The chilly weather did not slow this group down as we crushed 15 miles!! Well done team.

just wanted to share...

2010-03-03T14:24:00.003-06:00

Here is a really good article worth reading... its called Easy Ways to Healthy Living... here is an excerpt and a link to the rest - enjoy :)

"As Americans, we sure are busy. Juggling work, family and jam-packed schedules makes many of us vulnerable to what I call the "double whammy" -- little exercise and poor diet. Our daily obligations push visits to the gym to the wayside and we find ourselves forced to eat foods that are prepared by someone else -- whether they are packaged by a food company, made at a restaurant, or prepared for a lunch buffet at a local deli -- in the name of saving time. "

continue reading here

2010 Race's

2010-01-20T08:44:00.002-06:00

Hello Team,

Here's a list of Race's Team Copaxone will be attending.

Fight for Air 2/20
MS day @ Jr Blues 3/14
Lincoln Memorial 1/2 Marathon 4/3
Abe's Mini Tri 4/18
Illini 1/2 Marathon 5/1
MS walk 5/2
Fat Ass 5K 5/
Capital City Biathlon 5/29
Tour de Farms 6/11-13
Dew Kids Tri 7/24
Stoneman Tri 7/25
Benton Harbor 70.3 7/31 (Yep doing my 1st 1/2 ironman whose in??)
Stovepipe Tri 8/16
Chicago Tri 8/29
Parade run 8/12
Abe's Amble 8/22
C.C.C 9/
Chicago Marathon 10/10
Jingle Bell run 5/k 11/
Frostbite 10m 12/10

A look Back.

2009-12-28T08:06:00.040-06:00

Lake Geneva Christmas.
Really it's not cold
Birthday ride
Frostbite 10 miler
Thanksgiving day hike
Hannah and lucy on a fall hike.
Bear tearing up westwood Trail
Hannah State Golf Tourney
We need more wood???
Can you say Teenager OMG
Chicago Tri
Bass River Resort a must for the team this year.
Day after the Tour :(
Y.M.C.A at ther tour.
Its Miller Time....
I know how to rock the tent just wait!!
Team Tent.
Tour de farms 175
mmmmmm yummy burgoo.
Burgoo fest.
Kids Tri. the boys rocked it
Rhino at the monster trucks
Thur nite Bar ride.
Capitol City Biathlon
Hannah's 8th grade grad.
Whopper of fun.

Fat Ass 5k
R.I.P
Carpenter Park Deer on Blackberry trail
Kids 1st cubs game.
Manatee Champs.

Ski fun.

Winter Fun.

The Early Bird...

2009-11-05T09:19:00.008-06:00

...well you know the rest... sure we're 8 monhts out - but we all now how fast time flies! Yesterday Team Copaxone 2010 was formed and we already have 6 members - SWEET! In celebration of the new team - I thought the blog deserved to be dusted off and a given a bit of a new look - hope you like it :)

I'm posting new links at the right for this year's team - so PLEASE do not delay - jump on board! This year will be the best yet! Accept the Challange!! RAMP IT UP!! Let's GO!

MOVIE NIGHT

2009-10-22T13:49:00.001-05:00

Playing tonight @ Showplace 12 @ 7:00pm - one night only:

mileage

2009-09-22T08:20:00.003-05:00

This is what it looks like when you ride your bike from Sherman to Springfield - fresh as a daisy!

Bike Leg

2009-09-22T07:59:00.007-05:00

After exiting the water it was a 500 yrd run to T-1. I was feeling good running towards the bike the last 75 yrds was on grass which was getting very muddy and slippery. But the crowd was great - people cheering you on the whole time!! With that said, I feel bad I have yet to volunteer to help at a race, but I plan to in 2010!! Running into T-1, I was looking for the tree where I had my bike. I was surprised to see there were lot of bikes around mine so that made me feel good that I beat some guys out of the water!

Once I reached my bike, I pulled off the wet suit, slipped my bike shoes on, grabbed my helmet and glasses and was headed towards the exit. I was doing a fast walk/run to get my legs for the bike.

Once you mounted the bike you needed to be in a easy gear because you climbed a ramp to make it onto Lake Shore Drive (LSD). As you head north on LSD, you were riding right into a 20-30 head wind - OUCH!!

The only thing I was happy about was it was 2 loops on LSD and I would have the wind at my back on the way in to T-2. I was going about 15-18 on the way out, and once I made the turn around, and the wind was at my back, I was rolling about 24-26 mph heading south feeling like a rock star - I was flying!!!! Then I was passed by a Pro (Matty Reed: US Pro Triathlete) that ended winning the race. He went by me like I was standing still! My guess he was going 35 - 38 moh on the bike - wowowowow!!

I hit the south turn around and headed back into the wind. I was thinking wow Ray you got 12 miles left then you're on the run - hammer down!! Going north into the wind I was able to chat with the riders. I was having a great time. On the bike I drank full bottle of water and 4-5 gu blocks in orange that seem to give me the energy I needed to have a great bike time!

I was almost at the turn around and I heard sirens. Then we got slowed down...I saw a male laying on his back, bloody and not moving. I was thinking o boy it was not looking good!!
Andy Potts in Chicago Triathlon Accident.

Here we go! Wind at my back, I am rocking and happy - thinking almost done with the bike Ray, take a second look at the building the lake - the people which make this a great event - it was truly amazing!!!! I was exiting LSD and people again everywhere cheering you back to T-2...what way to feel to hear all the cheering!! I was looking for Beth but with no luck she was with 200,000 of her new friends. I figure she was waiting some where on the run course??

Next up the run????

CHOW!!!

Save the date!!

2009-09-15T17:18:00.002-05:00

June 11 & 12 Tour de Farms 2010!!! Bethere

Captial City Century

2009-09-13T16:05:00.004-05:00

This ride is ALMOST as old as me - this year was their 37th year. The weather was perfect this morning - if you made it out and logged some miles - GREAT job!! My assistant photographer (Wyatt) and I were having a hard time finding any familiar red, white, and blue jerseys... but we did find a lot of these guys when we went out to wait on the patio at the beach house!

Saw a lot of cool cars and accessories while scanning the parking lot for familiar vehicles also - like this:

Hope everyone is enjoying your Sunday! See you all soon!

Swim Time

2009-09-11T07:00:00.015-05:00

Upon arriving at the swim start there were people everywhere. We headed over to his area which was Team in Training - that was his group and the reason he was doing the race. Okay at this point the BUTTERFLIES were rolling in my stomach. Now it was Hammer time!! I mean Hammer gel time!! The best gel on the market!! Raspberry gel is the flavor for me. Washed down with my spark energy water.

Its 8 am - Harry said it was time to zip up!!! The air temp was 55 and everyone was saying water feels great - its 62!! I was like WTF!!!! This whole time I had the top of my wet suit rolled down because not a pretty picture with it rolling over my belly - o well - zip time!! Harry zipped me and said lets walk over. I was thinking zipping up and peeing had something in common because as soon as I got zipped I had to pee!! I told this to Harry he was like just go in the suit. Not sure I was going that route.

They line us up in a shoot about 20 feet wide and it was 200 feet long. You line up in your flight with your swim cap color. He was flight 32 I was 33 so he was 4 min before me. When your standing in line, you're right on the sea wall so you see all the swimmers. You head south for about 400 yards, then hit a turn around buoy and head north 1400 + or - yards.

I was able to get a good look at the swimmers - omg the look on some of their faces was pure horror!! Some were treading water, some were looking for lifeboats, some doing the back stroke, some looking for the rope ties to the seawall!! I was thinking mmmmm - a great way to spend a Sunday morning!!

Here we go - I am next! Swim cap on, goggles on, the guy over the loud speaker is trying to relax us - he says, "40 seconds yellow caps, 10 seconds yellow caps" till we get in the water. Once we're in the water, we tread water for a min till we hear the horn go off! I JUMP IN! OMG IT WAS LIKE JUMPING INTO AN ICE BATH!! I am treading water with a 150 of my new best friends. Deep breaths Ray you're fine, your fine...just swim Forrest swim!!

HORN blasts!!!! Head down face hits water - omg - water fills my left eye goggle!! I pop back up, re-tighten my goggles - no luck! Water still fills lens I was like -WTF - o well keep going!!

I hit the turn around buoy, feel pretty good, just by now I really could not see and then when I tried to see ahead, one goggle was full of water and my right goggle was fogged up! I guess cold water and my body temp created the fog???

So on I went. I had a guy on my right and we were about the same pace, so I used him as my guide. Well, somewhere along the way, I lost him. To be honest with you, I was maybe 10-15 min into the race, feeling good, I thought to myself - swim over by the seawall and swim next to it, in case i get tired, there is a rope.

Well, little did I know, I was so off-base...I was 30-40 yrds from the seawall! I almost ran into a recovery boat or is it a rescue boat? Or is it a life line??? Who knows - but I was not where I thought I was!!! So at this point, I tried to angle over towards the wall. I was feeling good knowing I wasn't going to stop to rest I think I had about 500 yrds left! I could somewhat see the swim exit. Well, I thought it was the swim exit?? I was feeling like Mr Magoo!!!!

ROAD HOG GET OUT OF MY WAY!!!!!!
I finally am next to the seawall and I know this for sure because WHACK my left arm struck the seawall! I can see the exit! YAHOOOOO I AM GOING TO DO IT!!! My feet are numb my hands are tingly and I cant see but there was a positive the water - even though cold it was like a breath of fresh air compared to Lake Springfield!! Water had a clean fresh taste to it.

I reach the swim scaffolding. I made it! Stand up Ray...I couldn't for a second. 31 mins in the water and my legs weren't working - were they froze??? 2 girls grab my arms and I was up and running! Goggles off - cap off - I was all smiles because in the prerace meeting they said there's a camera guy right there as you exit, so I want to look fresh as a daisy! Actually, I was feeling pretty good!! I was looking for Beth as I was heading to T-1 and I saw her, yep - she was laughing and chatting with a new friend and I stopped, she snapped a picture and off I went 500 yards to T-1. I had to run barefoot! You got to be kidding me! At least they had some rugs down but when you hit the grass area it was wet slippery and muddy. I made it to T-1 and I hit the timing mat - 35 min. Now I was with, ahh, I don't know, 100k of my closest friends looking for their bikes??

UP next my trip on LSD!!!!

Cheers

(please pause the music on the music player at the bottom of the screen to hear this video)

Race Morning

2009-09-10T08:26:00.005-05:00

Woke up at 4 am - not sure I ever went to sleep??? I was to meet Harry at 4:15 am to head to the transition area - it was a mile or so from the hotel. Upon arriving at bike check in, I saw it was packed already. I was row 33 and harry was row 32. We set up our space. Then Harry said we need to walk the way we come in from the swim - so we walked our route in. He said with 9000 some bikes it will look way different when the sun comes up.

We were set so we headed back to the hotel we got back at 5:30 am. We sat and had coffee and a bagel and just talked about the race. There were people laying all over the hotel sleeping, resting, reading the paper, waiting for their swim start. The crazy thing was they were closing the transition area at 5:45 am and there were racers leaving the hotel at 5:30 am! There was no way they could make it to the bike check in time!!!

While sitting in the lobby Harry said his girlfriend Tracy, who he been dating since February has M.S. also - I was like wow!!!?? The old standby - blond hair, light eyes, she fits the bill to a T.

Well he suggested we head over about 7:15 am for our swim Start at 8:24 am. The funny thing was, do we wear our wetsuits over or carry them??? About 6:45 am I saw Harry in the lobby again he laughed and said we better carry our suits nobody is wearing them!! I was like okay really don't want look like a TRUE Newbie!!!! :)

Its GO time 7:15 am - time to go find the BIG WATER!!!!

Stay tuned - unless you're done hearing about my TRI experience...

CHOW

Chicago Tri

2009-09-03T07:44:00.022-05:00

Saturday morning we headed north to Chicago - we got to the Hilton by 10:30 - it was the host hotel. Got checked in - brought all the gear up to the room then it was time for packet pick-up and the expo.

I headed down to get my number and chip. I needed to go to the trouble desk because I signed up as a Clydesdale but wanted to go as an age grouper. The only reason I wanted to move to my age group was I was thinking I might have an earlier wave. I was right! I was 37 and got moved to wave 33...saved 12 min YAHOOOOO. While I was at the trouble desk I overheard a guy saying he couldn't get his race packet??? The guy at the trouble desk said there was a problem!!! Sir your race was this morning and it is over!! You should've seen the look he gave his wife who signed him up for the race!

After getting all my swag I walked around the expo, then I had a pre-race meeting, which was not mandatory but should be. While in the expo I missed a call from Harry - my old classmate that I was doing the Tri with. Harry was going to the cubs game and we were to meet up around 7pm.

After the course talk, I went to the room and got Beth and we decided to go find the course. After we walked out of the hotel, I said there are some tents - let's head that way. Wrong it was the Latin music festival!! So we kept walking, then we found the bike transition - which was huge!

We decided we would go grab a bite to eat and have a couple of cocktails. We must of walked 5 miles - probably not a great plan the day before the race, but we did make our way to Oak Street beach where the pro Volleyball tour was in town - which was sort of cool to watch.

After getting back to the hotel we decided it was time for dinner! You guessed right - Deep Dish pizza is a great pre-race meal!!!

Harry called - he was back at the hotel and was coming to the lobby to say hi - after a short meeting he wanted to have dinner and I walked to Lou Malnati's to pick up the pizza. We decided we would meet after dinner and go walk the swim-to-bike transition.

More walking - all I needed - but I did want to walk with Harry and see the course since he had done the race a couple of times. After the walk, we headed back to the hotel - 4 am was coming soon, so it was off to bed!! I was to meet Harry at 4:15 am to get the bike's into transition. Okay okay I did sneak down to the gift shop and grabbed a candy bar, or as I used to say to my Grandmother - can I get some N-O-P-W? Yes that's how I spelled candy was I was little!! As you can see my grammar never really got much better!!!! LOL

Sleep!! Not so much - I looked at the clock every hour!!

More later CHOW!

Chicago Triathlon

2009-08-31T06:38:00.004-05:00

This crazy race all started because i was in touch with an old friend i went to school with.
My Fundraising Page I seen that harry was doing the race so i said . Hey Harry i will come up and join you for the race. his reply was that would be great. I usually run into Harry once a year at the cubs opener. other than that we dont see each other. So all you non Facebook people there is a good reason to have a facebook site.

Weeks leading up to the race i will tell you i was a little nervous about the swim!! I mean there are at least 8000 people doing this race. this year there were 9300 people and they send you off in swim waves of a 150. More on the swim later. So in getting ready for the race i tried to ramp up my running in which i did by doing the Peterburg Triathlon.

Abraham Lincoln Triathlon Series This was a good tune up for Chicago the swim was 600 yrds bike 18 m and run 4.4. Wow i did it 3rd in my age group 1st time ever ok ok there might have only been 10 guys in my age group but i was still happy - overall i was 37 out of about a 100 entries so rock on. After that i did a training run 2m State Fair parade run Followed byAbe's Amble 10k. so i had my share of running.

Getting back to the swim i was looking into the swim portion of the race - i was checking on water temp and trying to get hints on the swim and all i could find out is the water will be cold and i will need a wetsuit. I am starting think - what the hell did i get myself into?? i just wanted to see an old friend and enjoy a race. Now i need to go find a wetsuit!! I really dont want to spend money on a suit that maybe be a one time deal but i didnt want to backout either so i did it i found one marked down at USAT website and there you have it!! 1760 yards!!! in the water .9 mile swim what am i thinking??? the farthest i ever swim was 600 yrds at Peterburg -Yes i was Nervous!

I knew i needed to get a swim with the wetsuit before the race so i headed to to Anchor boat club to do a trial run with the suit. I need someone to zip me up so beth meet me at ABC to zip me. Walking thru the campground a guy yells over at me while i was wearing the suit Hey Ray That looks pretty kinky!!
Stayed tuned more of the story later!
CHOW.

Good Luck!

2009-08-28T16:43:00.003-05:00

On behalf of the team - Good Luck in the Chicago Tri this weekend Ray! Were you aware you didnt have to do the Olympic Distance? They have a sprint distance??? I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'... but we all know how hard you've been training - you will do great...hope you can find someone to snap a pic up there - and just for you - the 10 Commandments of the Chicago Triathlon (written by Nancy Fudacz of the Chicago Endurance Training Examiner):

1. Thou shalt not get body marked on Friday. This is probably not even possible, but if you carry your own marker with you, don't even think about it. When you're walking around downtown Chicago, no one wants to know your race number, your age, or your wave.

2. Thou shalt not wear tri shorts until Sunday. We know you're a triathlete. Your legs are shaved, you're eating healthy carbs and lean protein, and you're body marked. We need to know no more.

3. Thou shall arrive at transition well before 5:45. We suggest before 5am. If you can't get yourself out of bed early enough, and then can't find the perfect space for your transition area, you can't complain.

4. Thou shalt not move anyone's things in transition. Unless your neighbor brought a baby pool with them to rinse off their feet, you don't get to move stuff over. Arrive early enough to secure your space and be aware that many, many other triathletes need to share that space.

5. Thou shall wait patiently with everyone else waiting patiently. You cannot start with another wave just to start earlier. Think we can't tell? You're the only guy in a green cap with the 20-24 year old women. If that's not enough, we forgot to mention your chip time is shot. The waiting is part of the race. Embrace it.

6. Thou shall follow this rule: Number 1 is ok in your wetsuit. Number 2 is not. Trust us, we know more than a few people who have broken this rule. Really not good.

7. Thou shall play nice! There are many, many newbies at Chicago. It is just downright mean to intimidate new triathletes while waiting for the swim start. We don't care that you won your last 10 triathlons and have run 4,000 miles this year. If you're standing next to someone who looks terrified, give them a word of encouragement - not a lecture about how great you are or how tough the swim will be.

8. Thou shall pay attention to those around you. Some folks are really racing out there. If you're just out for some fun, stay out of those athletes way. If you are a serious racer, remember you chose a race with 5,000 people in it - so there will be folks ahead of you and around you. Communicate when you want to pass, and be considerate. Too many newbies have stories of athletes yelling at them to get out of there way for no reason.

9. Thou shalt use the equipment of each sport: goggles and cap for the swim only. Helmet on the bike please. You think this is obvious? We've seen runners with bike helmets and swim caps. There's a lot going on and transition can be tricky, but spend 30 extra seconds to make sure your finish picture doesn't have your goggles around your neck.

10. Thou shall celebrate! You are super fit! You are a triathlete! That alone is cool. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the folks around you (Chicago is a great place for people watching - perhaps one of the only places you'll see someone do the entire race in cut-off jeans), and enjoy the volunteers and spectators. Have a great, great day!

(this list was grabbed here)

Good Luck and look forward to reading your post after its over!

Parade Run

2009-08-17T17:42:00.003-05:00

Yep your looking at a 9 min mile

A GREAT weekend for Team Copaxone!! Good Work Team!!

2009-07-27T10:15:00.024-05:00

What perfect weather!! CONGRATULATIONS on two great days for Team Copaxone! This weekend was the Springfield TriFest - which kicked off with Dew the Tri for Kids - congrats to Nick, Ryan and Brendan!

After Dew the Tri, Burgoofest '09 kicked off at the Anchor Boat club - i never knew how great rabbit, squirrel and opossum could taste!!

Sunday was Iron Abe and the Stoneman - congratulations Ray Larson and Jake Brandon! You guys were amazing!

THANK YOU to the photographer from the hardy breed blog. Check out more pics and information there!

Tour de Corn

2009-07-21T10:46:00.004-05:00

Great ride for Team Copaxone at the Tour de Corn! 30 miles for most - good headwind out and good tailwind back. John Coombe FINALLY got his wind order submitted correctly after more than a year of attempts! LOL.

We were greatly rewarded with yummy sweet corn. Jake Brandon thoroughly enjoyed it - I can testify to that!

New City time trial Wednesday evening! Be there!

This is really cool...

2009-07-16T09:51:00.002-05:00

You have to check this out:

Le Tour de France

Tour de France 2009: Lance Armstrong Chats With Robin Williams

2009-07-13T16:43:00.000-05:00

Tour+de+France+2009%3A+Lance+Armstrong+Chats+With+Robin+Williams -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-07T08:20:00.004-05:00

Since when do we ever let a little rain slow us down?

What a weekend!

2009-06-15T16:25:00.007-05:00

Despite the cloudy and rainy start, and the four hour start time delay - Team Copaxone (a.k.a. The Presidential Peddlers) was quite successful this weekend! We made a lot of new friends, and saw a few old ones from last year's ride :)

Due to the rain, we were unable to get many team photos on the bike - but we did try to make up for it when the clouds lifted and the sun came out - just a few pics for your enjoyment :)

Has our team gone to the dogs?

2009-06-03T08:32:00.006-05:00

Even Goldie is ready to step up... are you??

Capital City Biathlon 2009

2009-06-02T08:29:00.012-05:00

TEAM PICTURE
JOHN TELLING TERRY HOW FAST HE WAS TODAY.
OMG THIS IS FUN
ARE WE ABOUT DONE WITH THE RUN.

WOW I FEEL FRESH.

HOW MANY TEAM COPAXONE RUNNERS IN THIS PICTURE?
LAST LEG ,BOY ITS HARD TO STOP 185 GOING DOWN HILL

PRERACE JITTERS

I GOT A STONE IN MY SHOE.

CHASING THE SUN.

POST RACE. WELL DONE TEAM, JAKE JUST THINK IF I WAS 14 I WOULD OF GOT 2ND PL 10SECONDS AHEAD OF YOU!!! KEEP WORKING!

Capital Biathlon Pics and more pics

2009-05-31T11:48:00.001-05:00

Capital City Biathlon 2009

2009-05-31T11:38:00.004-05:00

MMM Can i bait my own hook?? Take a look

2009-05-27T08:23:00.005-05:00

A true whopper!!

Boys 1st trip of the year!

2009-05-26T06:50:00.004-05:00

Dylan with the big one!!!

The boys with a double!!

MMMM who caught this one???

Fat Ass 5k

2009-05-23T08:14:00.004-05:00

What a great race!! Bands,beer,rum runner's, beads and a killer street party afterwards! Put the Fat Ass in your plans next year.

WILL THE RAIN EVER STOP?

2009-05-08T10:03:00.000-05:00

MS Walk Springfield 2009

2009-05-03T19:03:00.012-05:00

Team Copaxone met in Springfield's Washington Park to participate in a family walk to raise awareness for MS. We enjoyed the walk, had a great cookout in the park, watched major league wiffle ball, and checked out the brand new bike (rightfully named Margarita) of our newest cyclist, Kris Brandon. Overall there was no better place to spend a nice Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Team Captain Ray for organizing and bringing the yummy food!!

We were also so glad that Tim Healy, aka Maverick, could come by for a quick visit! It was great to see you out buddy!!

AND the special guest star...

Family Ride

2009-04-26T12:57:00.002-05:00

Dodie, Brendan, Ray, Ryno, Terry and I did a quick and windy 15 miles this a.m. It was beautiful. The younger ones got a good taste of the wind. I tried my best to emulate Tim Healy, aka Maverick, and block the wind for Brendan as much as possible. Tim is the windmaster though.

The boys loved it when we turned back and the wind hit them on a back and they did a slingshot! Great ride all!

Triathlon - it's a family thing!

2009-04-19T08:02:00.003-05:00

The Heisler family represented yesterday in the Abe's Mini Triathlon in Petersburg. Nick and I both did the whole event and Meghan and Terry did a relay. It was so much fun to do it together. Terry and Nick stuck together on their bike and run.

Thanks to the Millers for coming out and cheering us on - it was so great to see you at the finish line!

More photos - Manatee Tourney

2009-03-23T10:59:00.004-05:00

Manatee Champs

2009-03-23T10:05:00.002-05:00

Rhino stepped up!

2009-03-15T15:24:00.003-05:00

With most of the team out of town Rhino said he wanted to ride. So on sat i wanted a early start so we could make it back for the parade.We started at Panera for a bagel and then it was to the trail.Wow it was chilly about 29 out so i really wanted a fast start so Rhino wouldnt be cold.The Wabash trails needs some maintence glass twigs you name it there is stuff everywhere. I worry about if Terry rides the trail he will have many of flats.!!!
So we ended up with just a nice 10 m ride then it was home to make the parade.
Sunday we were suppose to meet at 10am to ride but Shannon sent a text that she was out and she didnt hear John so i thought maybe a ride to the club and a swim workout was in order.
So thats what we did hour swim workout and a 26 m bike yes i am feeling a little bit. Still riding my 29er i yet to pull rd bike down yet maybe soon????

2009 RACE'S

2009-03-10T18:12:00.006-05:00

4-4 LINCOLN MEMORIAL 1/2 (SPI)
4-18 ABE'S MINI TRI KIDS (PBURG)
5-2 FIGHTING ILLINI TRI (CHAMP)
5-3 MS WALK (WASHINGTON PARK)
5-9 FAT ASS 5K PROCEEDS TO MS (SPI)
5-30 CAPITAL CITY BIATHLON (SPI)
6-12-14 TOUR DE FARMS (DEKALB)
7-25 DEW TRI FOR KIDS (SPI)
7-26 STONEMAN TRI (SPI)
8-23 ABE'S AMBLE (STATE FAIR)
8-29 MOONLIGHT RAMBLE (STL)
9-7 C.C.C (SPI)
9-13 WOMENS SPORTSCARE BIANTHLON (SPI)
9-26 FAT TIRE MEMORIAL (LAKE GENEVA)

HAVE I FORGOT ANYTHING WE LIKE TO DO?? PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD IMPUT!

Winter Ride

2009-03-09T19:55:00.009-05:00

Just wanted to post some pics of a ride I did. Funny thing about this ride the day before I cross country skied this same loop. Damn Sun!!!

Here's a backwater slough I rode up and yes I freaked out when my tires popped through the ice a couple of times.

A view looking down the river.

Here's the tree I said the opening was about 6ft tall - you can see its closer to about 12ft.

Crazy to think this was all snow yesterday.

I said in my ski post it was a 4 mile loop - actually it was a 5 mile loop.

Peace.

Are we ready?

2009-03-07T07:07:00.002-06:00

Just a few hours away from our first group ride of the season. I may have been a touch overserved at the self-service bar last night at our karaoke party. But I'm climbing on the saddle and hoping for a good ride. Woohoo let's go PH Peddlers!

White Lightening

2009-02-26T17:12:00.002-06:00

Let's Go Parrot Head Peddlers ! I am sooooooo ready for a ride. Shannon you are going to blow us all away with all the working out you've been doing. You don't need no stinking clips !

White Lightening also needs a tune up. Need to take er in tomorrow so she'll be ready.

Love the name Big Red !

It's time!

2009-02-23T10:38:00.002-06:00

I am so ready for our rides to start - I cannot even tell you. I've been doing all sorts of working out lately - kickboxing, elliptical, aerobic DVDs, sprints on the treadmill, and the stationary bike. But I'm missing our group and am ready for our rides! I'm so ready I was even watching the California race on Vs last week.

Big Red (I figured my bike needed a name to prove to Ray that I'm attached to it) is at R&M for a spring tune-up and new pedals. I'm still not brave enough to go clipless (why are they called 'clipless' if you clip into them?). But getting some pedals with cages that might give me a little momentum on the upswing. Right?

My neighbor got a bike over the winter and she wants to join our group when we get started. Nick got a bike for Christmas and he wants to join on some of the shorter rides as well. Kyle might have some company this year!

I'm really sad that Terry and I won't be able to make the MS Ride Dekalb this year due to the Heisler Family Reunion/wedding in Clemson, SC this year. But we plan to be there for all the group rides and pre-MS Ride events such as the Capital City Biathlon.

Same Course but on bike

2009-02-01T17:07:00.002-06:00

X - Country ski today

2009-01-31T14:21:00.007-06:00

Rhino snapped a picture when i got back this morning. After about a 4 m ski. Feel tired but its a good kind of tired!!

Going thur the woods @ Carpenter park on the Riverview Trail.

True meaning of a tree house the opening is over 6ft tall
As i was coming up to the river i was thinking about taking my skis off and get on the bridge to take a picture down the river. What are the odds a train shows up???

Backwater slough where the water ran out and dropped the ice about 5ft

This week i loogged about 13 miles on skis and about 6 miles on the bike. I am so ready for a long ride!!!

Fever!!!

2009-01-25T15:37:00.003-06:00

Wow!!!! its been a long time since i been here. Cabin fever i say yes.I been busy with hockey and the usally winter activities. But i am ready for the bike. This past weeked i was at the rink for 6 hockey games. I know what your thinking WHY???? Well unless your a hockey puck you really wouldnt understand why.... But i love it

Today we had snow so everything is bright and clean!! To bad it wouldnt snow inside Nelsom Center it could use a good cleaning on the inside. Me rhino just got done plowing snow at the office building and when i got home i checked my Facebook. Yea thats right Facebook i was curious about it and really the only way you can see how it works you need to join so i did.
Not sure what to think about Facebook book but i am messing around and posting some stuff on there...... So if your a member look me up???

With the new so snow i decided to go x-country skiing i guess i did about 2 miles what a great workout. Last week i was at Kolbe window factory for some Training and how cool is that right in Wausau is Rib mtn ski resort on mon they have free ski rental so night sking it was to bad it was 25 below!! at the end of the week i meet the boys for a day of snowmobiling then it was off to Chicago for a hockey tourney all in all i was gone 9 days feels good to be home and i welcomed the snow reminds me of the northwoods!!!

I would like to get a meeting together for the bike group soon so keep a eye out for a email!!

Out for now
Peace!!!

Year End Review

2009-01-06T09:29:00.003-06:00

The boys with Tim Wilkerson

In getting ready for the new year i thought i post some pictures from last year!

Summer Fun

2008-09-22T06:57:00.008-05:00

Dodie all smiles after killing 40 miles at the CCC. White lighting and Dodie you come a long way since our 1st ride in the park!!

Rhino getting ready for his 1st CCC ride would he still be smiling after the ride??? Stay tuned for details!!!

I guess since today is the 1st day of fall. I thought i would post some pictures of some our past fun

Yes ,Terry all smiles but on the way back to Panera it was ride a mile air tire a mile not so much fun!!! but thats terry and the trail.

Shannon killing the trail!!!John honking his own horn!!!!

Summer brought so much summer riding fun.Whose ready for some fall rides???

CORN DOGS AND 64

2008-08-21T07:31:00.002-05:00

YES That's where i been!!! State Fair time
I thought if i drank Miller 64 i could slam down more corn dogs!!! Whose know's?? Sunday the last day of the fair is Abe's Amble a 10 k run.What a great event!! You start and finsh at the granstand. The course is very hilly and after mile 5 my knee was shot o well!! The Miller 64 still went down good after the race!!
I would like to congralate the Pearce's on 3 generations of running the Abe's how cool is that??? And our very own Bill Murry win's his age group!!!! YAHOOOO FOR Bill. Also a shout out to Angie Ryan killin the 10 k in less then 60 min well done Angie!!! Somebody email Angie and get her on the bike with us.
Peace out

July 27, 2008

2008-07-29T23:42:00.005-05:00

Pictures from the Stoneman - you guys rock!!

We're So Proud of You Guys!!!

2008-07-29T23:12:00.004-05:00

The Next Generation

2008-07-29T08:16:00.005-05:00

There will be more pictures coming, but I had to post these few right now till I can get the rest of them up. The highlight of the summer so far is watching the proud faces of our boys when they finished their first triathlon for kids called "Dew the Tri" at the Nelson Center this past Saturday. We met up with another member of our cycling team and hockey family, Bob Brandon and his boys Jake and Ian were doing it also - I believe Jake was the veteran of the group as this was his third time, if I heard correctly? But Ian was in the same boat as our boys, a newbie! I think everyone had a blast - it was so much fun watching all the kids - I am glad we opened our kids up to this new experience! More pics coming soon! I invite all the boys to write up something if they want to and their parents can post it for them? GREAT JOB BOYS!!

Stoneman Tri

2008-07-25T15:07:00.008-05:00

This Sunday is the Stoneman - this i think is my 4th time doing this tri i think?? Parrothead peddlers will get a kick out of this - last year the night before the race was Jimmy Buffet nite at the Elks club and you guessed it. I was over served and the race was a tuff one...well the swim was tuff!!! I told myself last yr if i make it out of the water alive i will train harder next year!!

So with that being said, as you know, we had great bike training so i feel good about that! I did run on and off the last couple of months but nothing major and the swim well i just haven't been swimming!

So a week ago Sunday i started my push: my day started with a bike ride to the fit club which was 20 miles round trip. Then Monday I did a 30 min nonstop swim followed by a 30 min run then a ride back home. Tuesday I did the same; biked to club, did 40 min swim and a 40 min run then ride home. Then Wednesday biked to the club (feel like micheal phelps!) then swam for 50 min, then 45 min run, then a bike ride home. On Thursday I had a nice surprise - when I was going to leave Rhino was there dressed and ready to bike ride with me to the club...wow!!! Loved having him tag along. Well when we got there I was like ouch! Shoulder is killing me!! Maybe just a 30 min swim!!! But i did a 75 min run then we bike home!! It was a personal best for Rhino of a 25 mile trip. On Friday, shoulder was still sore - I did a mixed swim workout followed by a 45 min run, then a bike home.

I think I took Saturday off to rest but on Sunday I rode my bike to the Nelson Center and joined Mary and omg, the rest of the people in master swim club - omg!! What a workout!!! I swam for an hour and twenty min - I was dead!!! In fact on the way home on the bike I fell over and bloodied my knee but at least I didn't break the dozen eggs i had in my backpack!! You're right I stopped and bought eggs, bacon and the paper and was on my way.

Then this last Monday Beth asked me to start her car for her so I did - boy was she surprised seeing me sit in the passenger seat - she was like whats up??? I asked can you drop me off 5 miles from the house I am going to run home!!! A personal best for me - I made it home in 50 min!!

Then on Tuesday I needed to get my expedition from the marina so I jumped on my bike and rode to get it. It was like 25 miles there - it was a great route - I hit the interurban trail to chatham but since I had my mtn bike I jump off the trail did a little single track off road by the lake it was pretty cool.

Wednesday I found myself back in the pool for a 30 min swim. Thursday I took off. Today Rhino wanted to get a swim in since he's been gearing up for kids tri, so we rode bikes to the Nelson center for a swim. Then we headed to R&M to get his biked tweaked on the way home we zipped through the fairgrounds had lunch and then headed home!!

YES ITS BEEN A GREAT 2 HARD WEEKS OF TRAINING BUT I FEEL GREAT AND ALL MY RIDING WAS DONE ON MY MTN BIKE SO WATCH OUT I AM GOING TO BE FLAT ASS FAST ON THE BIKE SUNDAY!!!!

ALMOST FORGOT WE HAD A GROUP TRAINING RIDE TUES NITE ALSO!!

SORRY THIS GOT SO WINDY BUT I FEEL LIKE I BEEN NEGLECTING THE BLOG JUST WANT TO FILL EVERYONE IN ON WHATS BEEN GOING ON!!

OKAY YOUR ASKING WHY ALL CAPS I DON'T KNOW I GUESS MY A.D.D. WAS KICKING IN AND I WAS GETTING BORED!!

PEACE OUT

TRI

2008-07-23T08:38:00.008-05:00

HOW COOL IS IT??? Some of the Team Copaxone kids will be doing the kids tri this Saturday!! I think its great kids watched us train as a team and they want to push themselves to step out of the box and try something different.

Last nite we had a great training nite with John, Terry and Shannon riding in to join us on the ride in the park! We had Chris running 5 miles in the park also we had Dodie and Beth doing a run and bike in the park. Speaking of kids Rhino killed 10 miles in the park nice work pal!!

Cavan, Brendan, Dylan and the bear got a great football workout thanks to Coach Mike!! And I cant forget Hannah as she tickle the twine for a hour!! Great job to all!!

This Sunday some of the team will be doing the Stoneman Tri. Beth, Dodie and myself are set to do the tri. So come out and cheer them to the finish!! Lets go Trudy Skip the swim join the girls on the bike/run part???

Tour de Corn

2008-07-20T10:09:00.002-05:00

Terry and I decided to do a quick run of the 31 mile Tour de Corn loop before heading to the service for Jack Healy. It was probably the fastest I've done 30+ miles. We finished the ride in 2 hours 15 minutes. It was pretty overcast and we had a on and off drizzle. But all in all it was a nice ride. Very casual.

Our thoughts and prayers continues to go to the Healy family. We'll miss Jack.

Trails and Flats???

2008-07-15T20:52:00.001-05:00

Sat morning we skipped Panera and left from Trudy's house. We were going leave by 7:30 but you guessed it we didnt leave till 7:37 !! Yes i guess it was my fault just ask Dodie.Anyway we decide we would just ride through town so we could get back to Trudy's for breakfast. How fitting was it we Stop at the Farmers market!! Wow the produce really looked good.I think i will have to add that to list of things to do. So as we rolled back to Trudy's.... Doug Was in the kitchen working away.We had Bloody Marys,cold beer and a pool that really gives you the WOW FACTOR!!! Breakfast was called and We were served the most AWESOME apple and banana pancakes and bacon!!! It really hit the spot!!! I have to admit i am sort of a plain pancake guy But wow i have been missing out!!! Doug can you share your secrets??? I know the team really enjoyed your hospitality THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! YES THE PARROTHEAD PEDDLERS WOULD LOVE TO COME BACK!!!!
THANKS AGAIN
Almost forgot the trail ate another tube from John what gives????

My 4th at Lake Geneva

2008-07-09T18:30:00.014-05:00

Beer can chicken, country ribs my brother Steve and bro in law Tim.... sort of but that's a another story!! DOES IT GET ANY BETTER????? NO!!!!!

Beth and Patty cruzin Lake Geneva.

I woke up @ 6:30, looked out the window seen 3 wild turkeys and 1 deer. That was good enough for me to decide it was time to ride!! Since i have not logged a lot of miles on my new 29er, I thought today was perfect with the house still quiet i slipped out. This was the 1st deer i seen when i left the house.

I decided i would try to ride up Majestic Ski hill! I rolled out the driveway - it was down hill for about 3 miles easy fast fun ride. On the last rd before the ski hill i hit 34.2 mph on a fat tire bike wow was that fast!! I got to the base of the ski hill and headed up. I only made it about 1/2 way up legs, lungs was burning!! I was done had no legs !! Feeling bummed out, I rolled down and headed towards the town of Fontana.

All was not lost!! i found this little country store open. So i grabbed a coffee and Chicago Sun Times...aHH perfect morning! If they only had B&G!!

Here's the city pier in Fontana. In the background you can just start to see Majestic Ski hill. It was a great morning got my heart rate up so i thought i would try to climb the hill again.

You're right here's the picture i took when i fell over 20 ft from top of the hill!!!!! I layed on my back for 1 whole song on my ipod so glad it was champaign super nova which is a 7 plus min song i was dead!!!!

Like the view so much i had to post it twice!!!!

What a view??????? It felt so good to reach the top so glad i went back for more!!

Yes i was chicken going down 19.2 was top speed on the way down.

Country Tour

2008-07-06T07:14:00.002-05:00

It was a gorgeous day for a ride. Beautiful. Six of us headed out for the country ride John has been trying to lead for weeks and weeks. It was awesome. Some nice hills. Little breeze. Quick straightaways. But who thought it would be a great idea to put down fresh gravel on a lot of those roads?

We toured Loami, New Berlin, Farmingdale and many, many farms in between. All and all we finished a bit over 40 miles as a group. Some rode to work off the 4th of July indulges, some (aka Kyle) rode for the promise of a chocolate pastry back at Panera. Personal bests for some - great Saturday ride for all.

Jack Healy and the entire Healy family - you all were in our thoughts and prayers throughout the whole ride.

Same Ole Same Ole

2008-06-29T06:06:00.004-05:00

I felt like i wanted to post about our sat ride.Knowing i still need to report on the tour which i will do as time allows! Sat morning we gathered @ Panera and decieded we just ride the trail for a out and back 20 m. Seems easy right??? 8 riders and 3 flats later. We rode 20 m!! How is it a team of 15 riders the week before ride in the

MS Bike Tour: and log over a 1000 miles as a team with no flats and we get on our home trail and we cant go 20 m??? Anyone else ever have this problem????

We had a new rider join us this week Michael Higgins a friend of John's and owner of Maldner's downtown....MMMMM i wonder at this pace if he will join us again??? Hey Scott if John wasnt so busy pulling weeds or ordering me to pull weeds maybe he would of seen your keys fall out of your bike???? All in All it felt great to be back on the bike!!! Now Terry butter up and get back out here!!!!!!

I did learn one thing on the ride today!!!! Michael had a co2 air pump... Thinking i need one of those??????Hint Hint team if you want me to change your tire's maybe buy your captain a little gift????

Okay if your wondering the picture has nothing to do with my story!!! Just wanted you to see how cool our tent looked from last week!!! Thanks to Ann Coombe!!!

# 955

2008-06-24T14:16:00.013-05:00

My first number. My first event. I know this technically isn't a race, really it was just a ride. No one was competing against anyone else. Except ourselves maybe? Yes I was really nervous about this and I know, no one I told that probably knew what the fuss was about. The fact is I've always admired athletic people. So I was nervous to be stepping outside (COMPLETELY outside) my comfort zone into the company of all these people. Nothing like shouting for a spotlight when you're a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. That's what it felt like, in my mind. Something else I learned this weekend - I'm not the only one that acknowledges a portion of completing some harder physical goals you may set for yourself is mental. You must have some mental toughness to go the distance.

In the days leading up to this - I was completely nervous. Although I had laundry all washed and packed and ready to go two days before I left (which for those of you who know me is a sure sign something is wrong!), the morning we were leaving I was at the grocery store at 5:30am - asking what time they started selling alcohol (needed to get rum for the tent - its 7:00am in Illinois, by the way - I'm sure the folks at Shop and Save were wondering what the heck?!) then baking brownies for the tent at 6:00am, I couldn't find my ipod or my camera charger and left without them. I felt completely out of it - like I literally would have forgotten my head if it weren't attached. Yes I was very nervous!

This weekend was really - phenomenal - it was amazing in so many ways. Our team was assembled with every kind of person - from the novice to the seasoned cyclist. Some of us knew about things to bring like sport beans and cliff bars - some of us knew the pockets in the jerseys were a perfect place to hold lip gloss. We had ages represented from 3 different decades. We were every kind of person - a receptionist, a lawyer, a carpenter, a teacher. We were business owners, computer programmers, investors, engineers. We were mothers, fathers, husbands and wives. We were friends and we became closer friends. There are 14 different versions of how this weekend played out - and I'm looking forward to reading what everyone else's take is - but this is my version :)

I was looking forward to it being an adventure - and I was not disappointed! There was limbo! There was a pirate flag! There were pirate tattoos and Jimmy Buffet music and singing! (Also Sweet Caroline 3 times in a row - papow papow papow!!!) There were also miles. Lots of miles. For me - there were 50 the first day and 40 the second. I really wanted to continue with my teammates and go the last 25 miles Saturday and finish the 75 mile loop. The last leg before the lunch stop that day just killed me. I ended up separated from my team, then it seemed also like I was separated from many of the riders period. There was wind - at times it seemed to be blowing me backwards and I struggled to keep moving forward at a mere 9 mph, then dropping to 8 - I really struggled. My mind was playing tricks on me - did I miss a turn or something? I wished so much at that point I had my ipod. But I didn't so I put my head down and kept going as much as I could. There were two points like this for me over the weekend. This was the first. I started thinking about all my friends that had supported me and my kids and how they always were cheering me on - those thoughts made those last miles possible. I never stopped. Finally the lunch stop came into view that Saturday - I couldn't speak much when I finished that last 50th mile...think it rolled over to 51 then I heard cheering and cowbells and saw the volunteers in the purple shirts smiling and shouting words of encouragement. I rode through a little of the crowd and my eyes finally fell on the sweet sight of about 11 red, white and blue team copaxone jerseys sitting under a nice big shade tree. I'm not even sure if I smiled, but I wanted to when I saw my friend Dodie jogging up to me to get my bike for me - she said let me take your bike - go get something to eat and drink. Not even sure if I managed to say thank you but I hope my eyes conveyed it to her! WOW that was a tough leg. All in all Saturday went well. There was some rain early - but the temperature was nice and cool at the start. There were stops every 10 or 15 miles and they were great! When we trained, we didn't really stop much so it really helped and we all stayed together pretty much till that last leg for me and the wind hit. Whew.

I took advantage of our dear friend and tent captain Ann Coombe, who came to the lunch stop to pick up anyone that felt they had to stop. This included me and two other teammates. We very gratefully piled into her van with our bikes and were about 10 minutes back on our way when her phone rang and we went to the next stop to pick up a fourth who had had their fill of the day.

I went back to the hotel and wanted to shower and just rest a little, but couldn't make it past the bed. Once I opened the hotel room door and the air conditioning hit me - well that was it. I set the alarm on my phone because I wanted to join my team for dinner later - and flipped on the tv and layed down. Next thing I knew and hour and a half went by and the alarm was shrieking at me to get rolling and get in the shower. Never in my life has a shower felt so great. As I was drying my hair, some of my teammates came in and the queue for the shower began.

After we were all fresh again we went back to tent village to get some dinner and see what the barn party they advertised was all about. They served us all chicken, pasta and broccoli casserole, corn and rolls. It was really good - not sure who the caterer was but they did a good job feeding 1600 riders! We all ate at our tent and waited (and yes ok, socialized some more) for our tent to win (we thought) best decorated tent. Not sure how Citgo pulled it off - but they beat us :( But we didn't let it dampen our spirits! Other riders stopped by our tent to socialize with us (we were at LEAST the most fun tent!!!). In fact when I was at some of the rest stops during the ride and chatting a few times with other riders - they said they would stop by our tent later...at least twice I said - just look for the tent with the flag - both times they said - oh yea - I know right where that is! :) LOL

Saturday night was a blast - we had so much fun - getting to know each other more, singing and dancing and making our own party - because frankly - we couldn't find the barn party. Maybe it was the big screen showing the Disney movie Brother Bear? Who knows? We made our own and it was perfect. OMG I had no idea Tim Healy was such a good dancer! And Ann!!! You shared your birthday with us! You are so awesome - I didn't even know it was your birthday till the presentation of the cake began :) Shannon - as ALWAYS helped make the party complete with her awesome music collection. The details we all bring to the table made it a complete success. John Flahive and Bob Brandon - I was so happy to see you guys join us Friday night - and so happy you rode with us Saturday. John and Bob both went on for the whole 75 mile loop Saturday. You guys are awesome!! Trudy - no matter what anyone says - maybe you didn't get to 75 (you surpassed me and kept trying after 50!!) you did win the limbo contest!! :)

Speaking of ROCK STARS - Mary, Ann, John Coombe and Terry all went on to ride 100 miles Saturday - you guys are truly incredible and inspirational!!!

Sunday morning came pretty early but the weather was sunny and perfect again. We left as a team at 7:30am and headed out on a new route - this one was a 40 mile route. Again we had rest stops and that helped. The first stop was at 15 miles and it was in a clearing of trees just off the road. I'm so impressed with the number of volunteers that were there - serving us water, bagels, fruit (the best watermelon ever!!) peanuts, chips, pretzels - whatever we needed they had for us. They were always there with smiles on and something supportive to say. They were awesome!

Our team was incredible - thank you to you all for all the words of encouragement - Ann and Mary - always telling me "good job!" or "awesome!" - you guys always lifted my spirits. Ray - thank you also - even when you're flying by at 26 mph and flashing the uniquely Ray "rock on" hand signs - you always made us smile.

During the last leg again I about came to my breaking point. Again thoughts of friends and my kids sustained me. There was wind and pain. There were tears and fatigue. Then Shannon and Terry came up to me and we rode the last mile or so towards town together - just before town we came up to a turn and there was the rest of the team - waiting for us so that we could all finish together. And we did. As we rounded the last corner, we came up to the finish line and there was Ann Coombe and Beth yelling and cheering us in! Beth - we love you and you brought us all together!! Thank you!!

Can't believe its over. I also got my first medal this weekend. Our house has lots of them from hockey, soccer, baseball - even ribbons from swimming. But finally - this weekend - a girl brought one home :)

All I have left to say is..... what's next??

More pics from the Tour

2008-06-23T07:13:00.013-05:00

Yes Dodie you're really going to do this!!! Right???

Who is this guy????

Did John ever find the Booty???

Is Terry grabbing my ass???

Are the girls ready to call it a day???

Are they in Pardise??

Did we really find the check in???

Who Knows??

Stay tuned...the answer to these questions will be coming in the days to follow.

Is there more to biking then biking?????

MS 175 TOUR DE FARMS

2008-06-22T19:41:00.002-05:00

WOW GREAT JOB TO ALL!!!!

Way to go Team Copaxone

2008-06-22T19:21:00.004-05:00

There's so much to say about our weekend...but for now I'll just post a photo.

Thank You

2008-06-18T05:55:00.002-05:00

Wow!!!! Was last nite our last tues nite ride in the park??? Not sure where to start?? But i thank everyone for there support!!! I wasnt sure when i thought about putting this ride together who what where would be doing this!! What a great group this has become!!!

Last nite show's us how far we have come. We killed 10-15 miles like it was nothing!! Laugh if you want!!!But you all learned how to KILL THE HILL!!!!

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THE RIDES AS MUCH AS I DID!!! Beth and I Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to join in our fight againest MS!!

PEACE OUT!!!!!

The Flag Day Ride

2008-06-16T20:14:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe we didn't mention our Saturday ride. I showed up at Panera with a small flag on my handlebars in honor of Flag Day. Just a small group this week to represent - Ray, John, Ann, Brenda and I headed out for our last team long ride!

It was a perfect day for a ride. The Saturday we've been hoping to have for weeks.

We did a quick ride up the Wabash and Interurban trails. So far, so good the ride was uneventful. Then we headed through Chatham into the country. But not so fast, a car didn't see Ann and Brenda behind me and papow....they came so close to being hit. We had the light and the right of way but that lady did not see more riders after the first 3 crossed. I am so glad you guys are ok! Way to be on your toes and peddles ladies!

Then still, heading out into the country, a doe jumps out from the fields and crosses right in front of Ray. She was gorgeous to watch once she passed - but she scared us all as she got so close.

We looped back around to Panera, Brenda and Ray peeled off to go head to their Saturday happenings. Ann, John and I wanted a few more miles and thought it was best to just do the trail again to get away from cars and deers; and that allowed Ann and John to go as fast or slow (back with me) as they needed to. Ann might have had another mishap while on the trail and John might have needed a quick pitstop - but that's not important now. ;)

In the end we hit a team high with 40+ miles. It was a perfect way to close out our Saturday training. Our team is MORE than ready for a weekend full of great miles and friendship. It's been a pleasure training with you all.

Now let's head to Dekalb Parrothead Peddlers.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T10:58:00.004-05:00

WOW, i got the best fathers day gift!!! Cannondale 29 er!! Had to hit a little single track this am!! This bike is fast!!Thanks,Beth,Hannah and Rhino!! Now off to the boat and the Elks for a little family fun!!

Cheeseburger in Paradise Party - post 15 mile Sherman ride

2008-06-11T08:55:00.007-05:00

It may seem by the pictures on this blog that we do some fair amount of socializing in addition to training, but as our captain has said, there is more to biking than biking!

We had a really nice ride Tuesday night - a change of scenery - 7 1/2 miles out, then back starting from the Larson's home in Sherman. Nice to have the Healys join us - we've missed seeing you guys! THANK YOU to Ray and Beth for hosting a GREAT PARTY! EVERYONE had a blast! If only I hadn't forgotten my camera - I only got a few pics on my camera phone - so I apologize for the quality...

Chilling on the back patio...

Here Ray is grilling for us (or was this when he was GETTING grilled? Next time try the Flowbee Ray)

The food was great!

Sunday June 8 - Lincoln's Home Recovery Ride

2008-06-11T08:10:00.004-05:00

We couldn't complain a bit about the weather on Sunday - a beautiful day. We started at Panera - headed down the Wabash Trail, up over the Stanford overpass, past Four Seasons, and down 11th street. We looped around downdown past St. John's, then went down 5th street, turned down Capital, went up 2nd street and looped back around for a break at Lincoln's Home on 7th street. After a water break and a short picture session, we headed back out towards Washington Park, went through the park and continued on to our planned stop of day at Illini Country Club where our teammate Mary was just finishing her swim. We sat on the patio for some recovery refreshments - but no one knows for sure - were we recovering from the battle of elements from Saturday's ride? Or from the fish fry Saturday night at Dodie's? (where's my rum?) Either way it was a beautiful morning and a nice 16 miles.

Not rain, thunder, flat tires or bulldozers can slow us down!

2008-06-10T08:40:00.007-05:00

Saturday's ride - all 33 miles of it - was quite an adventure! From carrying our bikes through pastures, being chased by dogs, bleeding into our socks, washed out roads, surviving flat tires, rain storms - taking shelter at Sonic, random duplex garage overhangs.... you name it and we survived it Saturday! Even more impressive as you see by the photos - all with a smile on our faces :)

ROLLING

2008-06-06T08:10:00.002-05:00

THAT'S RIGHT!!! Our team is clipping off miles almost as easy as i cliped off my shoes! Last night was my 1st ride with shoes and clips.Wow what a difference!! What seem to be a choppy sloppy pedal stroke is now a smooth and fast powerful rotation.I LOVE THEM!!!

I cant belive i waited this long. I guess it came down to money how could a guy spend 200 bucks on shoes and clips and only paid 300 for the bike?? Just made no sense!! stop laughing Heals i know what your thinking!!!
Bike Nashbar.com - Sunglasses

Click on the link: I got shoes and clips for 75 bucks. What a great deal!! Ditch the gym shoes and get those goofy looking elf shoes.

Last night we meet at Corner Pub for a thur ride.We killed 22 miles and headed into the teeth of a 30 mph wind. But on the turn around how sweet it was to have that wind at your back FAST FAST FAST!!! WAS IT THE SHOES WAS IT THE WIND ???Who Knows it was just flat ass fast!!
At the post ride meeting Ann Showed up with a sign up sheet for our tent.If you have not signed up for something please get with Ann and see what you can bring.

Sat morning note new ride time we will meet at Panera Bread by 7 am wheels rolling by 7:30!!
Our tripmaster has a 40 mile loop planned for us.With a nice rest stop at the 20 mile mark.Dont forget your sport beans and water!!!

Green tip of the day:
Biking is Pollution -Free
For every Gallon of gas burned it creates 20 lbs of climate changing CO2!!
I guess you get burned twice!! @ 4 bucks a gal!!
RIDE YOUR BIKE TO WORK!!!
PEACE OUT!!!!

yea - i'm a city girl

2008-06-01T21:19:00.016-05:00

Another perfect morning - what a great weekend! I was happy to be back on the bike today - since I was all rested up from my rough day of photography yesterday - LOL. Today was a recovery ride just through town - 22 + miles. Perfect weather - sunny and warm. What I learned today is that I really am a city girl. 22 miles through town feels a whole lot different than 22 through the country! I enjoy them both - but have an easier time of it in town, that's for sure! :)

consider it ramped

2008-05-31T21:26:00.017-05:00

How about a little biathlon to get warmed up for the main event in 20 days? How awesome it was this morning - perfect weather - clear and sunny - time to break in the jerseys. Seven of them got broken in pretty well today! Our team captain was two slots away from bringing home hardware even! I couldn't have been prouder of everyone - you guys did so great!!!

Oh - and just in case things weren't ramped up enough - Ray and Terry thought they might as well get in a little more fun and play some hockey against some guys from Canada - no big deal - they only won 9 - 3. AWESOME!!!!!

YOU ASKED SO HERE YOU GO!!

2008-05-28T23:41:00.002-05:00

Ray's Green tip of the day (okay maybe it's a Eco Tip)
Get better mileage by driving the speed limit or by coasting up to the red lights!!
Okay better yet park the car and bike to work!!!
See ya @ the Corner

Memorial Day Weekend Ride

2008-05-26T09:46:00.015-05:00

After last week's 32 miles - I figured that I was peaking. Honestly last weekend's ride exceeded any expectations I had for myself. Never a cyclist before, I couldn't imagine mnoths ago when this plan was born, to ride in Dekalb, in June, that I would ever be able to ride that many miles on a bike. To those who may be reading this and are experienced cyclists, I understand you might not see that I would even be remarking about it, but as a complete novice and (I know you might be shocked) non-athlete all my life, the fact that I spent three consecutive hours on a bike is nothing short of amazing.

What is even more amazing is that I got back on the bike the following weekend and made it, again. This weekend, thanks to our tripmaster John, we made another great trip. John has a gift for blazing our trails. What's great about them, well to me, as a novice, is the scenery is beautiful (like seeing the bricks on Old Route 66, or a baby colt along the way), and the stretches we ride are never too long is one direction. It seems like just when I feel like I can't push ahead into the wind for another second, we turn and suddenly the wind is at our backs again, just when I was ready to give up. Or we tuck into a trail that has enough tress to block out whatever elements we are facing, just long enough to give us a break - so that we can continue on. And believe me - there are moments when I feel like I am going to break. Moments when I am barely crawling along. But its those moments that I stay determined not to quit. Sometimes my will alone isn't enough, and somehow my friends know when that is because its just then that Shannon will say "good job Brenda! you killed the hill!" or Terry will hang back just long enough to distract me from my thoughts of "what the hell am i doing out here?" to ask me how i'm doing - how is work, something random but very welcome when my mind is questioning me "what makes you think you can ride with this group? you can't do it." These moments are serendipitously broken up by my friends. John circling back to see if I'm holding up ok, Ray circling back and zipping by yelling something - anything to make me smile for a moment - kill the hill, or keep working, or I'm bonking! - Dodie constantly telling me I can do it.

Wow - looking back here - I didn't intend for this whole post to be about me! This ride for Beth is turning out to be a gift for me, as well. I guess what I'm to say is - I'm thankful for my friends that help my push myself to do more than I thought I could. Because let me assure anyone reading this - there is no greater feeling than pushing yourself farther than you thought you could; and surviving it!

We rode 33 miles this Saturday - just slightly farther than last Saturday. I haven't talked as much lately about the miles we've gone - although I did meet (finally) meet a personal goal of 10 miles without a stop - what's more interesting to me at the moment is - what is going to happen next? What is waiting for us next week? I'm more excited at this point to see where we're going!

Preakness or Peaking

2008-05-18T09:46:00.005-05:00

Well there was no Big Brown in the group!! But we did have Greg Pinto join us yesterday!! Glad you joined us!! Where do i start??? I cant be more proud of our group!!!! We killed it yesterday logging 33 miles on the ride wowowowowowow!! Yes, Terry, Shannon and John killed another 3 miles on there ride home, well done!

Wind was a factor as were the hills but after a couple of sport beans we just keep killing it!!! We left Panera on Wabash and headed towards the Rochester trl then thur the country passing all the oil wells. Dodie was yelling take a picture by the oil wells!! No body was stopping so she click the chain off White Lighting so we had to stop!!!

All in all I say our team is peaking at the right time since were only 30 day out to the big ride!! Trudy you out there??? Was it something I said???

The talk for next week is the team wants 40 m???? Is it possible our rides might start being 50 miles every sat??? How cool would that be?? Think about the sites we could see in a 50 m radius???? Here's a thought - we could ride to the Panera in Lincoln???? Okay I know what your thinking when will I bring up the chill's and spill's sorry to disappoint you!! Weather was awesome infact I think I seen John topless at one point??? Who know's?? Spill's well I guess we did have one John forgot to clip out and PAPOW!! Down he went!! But all was good with our trip master!!
Here's a update on our teams election!!
John - Trip Master
Shannon -Asst Trip Master
Terry- Web Master
Brenda- Photographer
Beth-Event Coordinator
Dodie- Post ride Coordinator
Tim Healy- Treasurer (healy put whole name in since he yet to show up)
We still have opening on the board so step up !!! or you will be elected!!
How's it go SOME PEOPLE STEP UP!! OR SOME PEOPLE SHOW UP Which i am neither!!

Green Tip of the day: Please stop taking all the plastic bags from Walmart.Find a nice Bag and reuse!! When you shop!! Okay I am rambling I will stop now but think about it??

Peace Ray

National Bike to Work Day

2008-05-14T16:03:00.004-05:00

May 16 is National Bike to work day! Check it out here and also here.

Medic ?

2008-05-11T18:46:00.005-05:00

Do we need to have medical personnel follow us on our rides ? So glad to hear Shannon is okay after two spills. Sorry I missed the ride. Mother's Day in Chicago at a Cubs game, great fun and Cubbies win !!!!

What's Going On???

2008-05-11T08:38:00.017-05:00

Let's me recap the week:

- Thursday nite ride 11m and brenda get flat tire

- Saturday morning John, Terry, Shannon and myself leave Panera for a 30 m ride but at 14 m mark Terry broke a spoke! So after a road-side repair we removed Terry's spoke and brake pads so the tire would turn freely.

We started to limp back to Panera and all of a sudden PAPOW ®*
!! Shannon was down!!! Looking Back to see if Terry was up and running, she turned around and she was down just a little blood from her left knee. As we continue riding back, we all take turns riding and talking to Terry. I keep telling him he had a pair of Zipp wheels in his future. All he could say was I paid alot for this Trek Postal bike!! Hello? Terry its got 5000 miles on it, why do you think he sold it?!! It's nickel and dime time!!

As we come up to Bogey Hill's, John and Shannon are behind us about a 1/2 m. So Shannon didn't know where the turn was - but John did and as he turned Shannon was going straight!! You guessed it PAPOW ® ! Shannon down again this time she got the right knee bloody and got some road rash on her helmet!! But all in all she was fine and vowed still to get 30 m in that day!! Great job Shannon on getting 30 yesterday!! Okay Brenda do you see the importance of a helmet?? While Beth decided on a Zumba class, Dodie decided on a Cubs game in Chi!!

Let me remind all you non-riders there are only 40 days left till the ride!!!!! Let's ramp up and get some miles this week!!!!

Lastly I spoke to the Tour De Farms folks and ask if they would have sag wagon follow Team Copaxone because right now we cant go 10 miles without a breakdown!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

*PAPOW is a registered trademark of Ray Larson

2008-05-05T13:24:00.011-05:00

Sort of a last minute plan - we decided to do the MS Walk in Washington Park Sunday. It turned out to be a beautiful day!! Most of the time I was thinking - why didn't we have this weather YESTERDAY?? It was sunny and warm - a perfect day for their event. Just wanted to post some pictures I took. Walkers included Ray, Hannah and Ryan Larson, Dodie Stannard, Brenda, Dylan and Wyatt Miller.... along with a couple hundred other people from the area - I think their event was a big success! Some of the wildlife photos were taken by my son Wyatt - enjoy :)

The Reason for the Season

2008-05-03T18:42:00.005-05:00

Beth, how fitting you having the yellow jersey on for 25 miles today you lead most of the way!! With John on your tail or was he watching your tail??? Who knows??? John sorry to disappoint ...this was John 1st time for a sat ride and Panera breakfast!!Sitting with Dodie,Beth and Brenda John thought M.S stood Multible Sex!! Dekalb watch out Team Copaxone coming to your town!!

OKAY!!! I have to get this off my Chest the F-in Weather sucks!!!! OMG!!! We left @ 8am it was 61 out when we got back it was 47. Lets see Rain, Wind, Hail, Sleet, Wind, Snow - who knows ??? We had it all!! Did i mention wind???? O yea we also had 2 flats today!!! And it was quite WINDY also!!! When will the weather get better??? When the Healy's show up???

Trudy, I know you enjoy riding in this weather GET BACK HERE!!! I know May Day was 3 days ago....But i found myself saying MAY DAY, MAY DAY a lot today!!!

Tomorrow the Larson's will be in Washington Park for a M.S walk feel free to join us!!!

Trail Open and Rideable?

2008-05-02T16:58:00.004-05:00

Brenda and I left the Corner last night and headed towards the Wabash Trail. Wind right in your face it was so strong it seemed easy to ride clipping along about 7 mph! I wanted to see if the trail was open to Chatham and it was, around bridge work everthing is patch back. There are some rocks and sticks on the trail to watch out for!!

We made out about 7.5 miles thought be a good turn around! On the way back... I was feeling like Lance with the wind at my back!..Yes i was very fast!!.. Did i tell you I took off last nite and forgot my bike helmet?? I said ahhh it be okay to ride without it ... it will be just an easy ride!

Well with Lance like speed i was dodging some rocks and sticks in const area. Then PAPOW!!!! my bike went to a 30 foot Skidding Stop!!! OMG so happy the stick was in the back tire!!Because if it was front tire PAPOW I WOULD BEEN OVER THE TOP!!!

Here comes Brenda and her new friend she meet on the trail - a guy riding from Stl to Chi! Keep working Brenda a love connection has to be close you're 2 for 2 this week!!

Anyway bent 4 spokes on to the other spokes and limped back to the Corner!!!

See ya Sat

Lovely

2008-04-30T16:34:00.008-05:00

Last night was a lovely night for a ride - i took a couple of pics in the park:

P.S.
Regarding "Lonely Rider's" previous post - there was actually only one guy with a dog and no I was not looking for a love connection... LOL

LOST

2008-04-30T06:32:00.003-05:00

HELLOOOOO,
Where is everybody??? MMMMM!!! Is everybody sandbaging miles???Dont worry i will still post even if no one show's up!!!Tues nite ride: Started with me and Dodie put she peeled out and went home after 4m!! Brenda decided to walk in the park!!Everytime i passed her she was talking to a guy with a dog!! Thinking maybe she was looking for a love conection??
At the end of the ride i logged 10 m and felt good to be on the bike!
Thur i will log miles leaving from Corner Pub,Then inside to watch some playoff hockey!
Whose in!!!!!

Lonely Rider
Ray

Jersey Handout - April 23 2008

2008-04-28T10:15:00.007-05:00

Just a few pics from our Jersey Handout :)

John and Trudy
Trudy modeling

Terry tries his on...
Dodie gets her jersey :)

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T08:52:00.007-05:00

"In 1963, former Senator Gaylord Nelson began to worry about our planet. Senator Nelson knew that our world was getting dirty and that many of our plants and animals were dying.

He wondered why more people weren't trying to solve these problems. He talked to other lawmakers and to the President. They decided that the President would go around the country and tell people about these concerns. He did, but still not enough people were working on the problem.

Then, in 1969, Senator Nelson had another idea. He decided to have a special day to teach everyone about the things that needed changing in our environment. He wrote letters to all of the colleges and put a special article in Scholastic Magazine to tell them about the special day he had planned. (Most of the schools got this magazine and he knew that kids would help him.)

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held. People all over the country made promises to help the environment. Everyone got involved and since then, Earth Day has spread all over the planet."

For this complete article - click here.

10 Things You Can Do

Learn more about Earth Day.

Check the quality of the tap water where you live here.

2008-04-20T21:55:00.002-05:00

Great pictures Brenda !

Guilt

2008-04-20T18:17:00.009-05:00

Not sure but think it might have been guilt that drove us the distance today? Sorry that we missed yesterday's ride, Dodie, Ray and myself met at Panera this morning and headed out. Wound around back behind Best Buy and I thought we might be headed for the Wabash Trail (we were undecided when we left Panera) but we turned back on Koke Mill and headed North. Turned west on Iles and never looked back. No - literally. Here is what Dodie and I saw most of the day:

Sure he wore an orange jersey so we could see him - but the black jacket didn't help! We actually lost him once - thankfully our fearless leader did circle back for us.

The weather wasn't as sunny or as nice out as we'd hoped. In fact, the 12.5 miles out felt pretty much all against the wind. There were a couple of twists and turns as we headed out West Iles and followed it past Farmingdale Road - and it was misting a little on us in the beginning but it was a pretty ride nonetheless - I enjoyed seeing the grassy fields really starting to get green at the eve of spring. As we lost sight of Ray over a hill - when we reached the bottom we had to roll the dice to see which way he went, we decided he must have gone west. So we rolled on.

We climbed the hill and followed the road as it turned north again and saw our Captain again waiting for us. We thought maybe he finally turned back and realized we weren't with him! Yes he did and turned out he was worried about our safety as well because this was what was waiting for us at the top of the hill:

While Ray saw this:

Apparently Ray thought the dog was seeing this:

Ray started to explain to me something about the weakest of the heard and singling out - but he trailed off and said we should just get going. Huh.

ANYhoo - on we rode. At a point where I was sure we'd hit 12 miles already - Ray said - we just hit 8 miles! I knew it was going to be a looong day.

When we hit 12.5 we turned around and headed back with the wind at our backs - and it was a much easier ride back. Well - maybe not MUCH easier - but felt better knowing we'd hit the halfway mark anyway.

To lift our spirits - Ray even shot a little video. After nearly falling out his chair at Panera, post-ride, reviewing the movie - I figured I'd better post it as well - enjoy!

See you at the park Tuesday!!

Big ride Saturday.... Mitch leads, Ray sleeps

2008-04-20T08:49:00.003-05:00

Saturday was a personal best for Trudy and me with a ride just under 23 miles! We started at Stuart Park and rode north up through the country to Salisbury. It was a little chilly and had a few drops of rain on us but NO wind so that was something to be happy about. It cleared up as we approached the half way point and the route was great.... very scenic and not much traffic. Trudy got to meet some St Bernards at one house as they chased her and after that we had an encounter with some wild turkeys!

The team was noticable smaller (just Mitch, Trudy and me). Shannon was pumped up and ready to go but unfortunately her tire wasn't. She had a flat and was out (those darn Presta valves). Ray had been talkin up the ride the night before and said he was looking forward to a nice long ride. I guess he was so excited about the ride it made him drink more! Anyway, Mitch stepped up and led the troops through the country, up and down some nice hills.... and there were some good hills, right Trudy?

As Mitch mentioned the key when starting to ride longer rides is to go at a reasonable pace and get comfortable with doing the distance and then you can worry about picking up the pace. Also, you need to plan breaks and keep drinking water and eat something even if you don't feel thirsty or hungry.

Great ride, great route.... definitely a route that can be added to for more miles. Thanks and great job to Mitch and Trudy.

Power Shift

2008-04-18T08:27:00.008-05:00

Most of us girls are new and maybe the boys have had to stop and wait for some of us to catch up on our rides thus far. But what some of you may have thought was an earthquake last night - was actually a power shift in our team.

For those of you who missed the ride last night (12 miles in the wind, no less), it was a sight to behold. Trudy's friend Ann (welcome Ann!) came to ride with us. I knew I was in trouble when she rode up to the meeting spot on her bike (reminiscent of Mitch Johnson - riding his way in from Chatham) while I was sitting in my car reading Good Housekeeping waiting for the rest of the group. I got out of the car to introduce myself and thinking - oh boy I'm in trouble - she probably knew I was thinking that because she laughed when I asked her how long she'd been biking - she said "A little over a year - the only reason I have all the gear is because of a trip Trudy and I went on..." - but the fact is - she didn't just look like a pro - she was! We went down Koke mill, crossed Monroe and headed around the curve and down the hill to Washington - no problem right? Didn't feel too bad considering it had been a week and a half since I'd been on the bike. Oh wait - that was downhill and the wind was at our backs. Time to grind it out and turn around. We were thinking we might loop back and maybe pick up Shannon - so we turned around. Grinding up the hill the distance between Ray, Ann and myself began to lengthen. But it did make me smile to see one of the girls half standing and pedaling up the hill and pass Ray. Yes, I said PASS Ray (sorry coach but it was a great moment). Yay Ann!! For the girls that weren't able to make it, let me illustrate the difference.

Here was me:

Here was Ann:

RINGER

2008-04-17T21:47:00.002-05:00

We meet at corner pub@ 6pm for a ride!! Or was it to fight the wind??? Shannon was calling saying to wait for her.... she spent the day @ the cards game did she really want to ride or was she tipsy??
Anyway Trudy,Brenda and Ann Robert showed up for the ride. Or should i say... Ringer showed up.... Yes talking about you!!! Ann..you got out of the saddle and killed the hill and left me gasping for air nice work!! We rolled to a stop light and she looks back at me and sez ..i love hills!!! Really couldnt tell you left the pack and made your own path..... Nice work!! Heals your going to have your hands full she the real deal!!!!
At the end of the day we killed 12 m on a great nite!!! feel free to come join us!!!

Copaxone

2008-04-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

Tues nite ride in the park was awesome felt so good to be back on the bike!! The ride started with just Dodie and me but we were soon joined by Terry& Shannon. As a group we rode 12-16 miles. Yes it was a small group please come feel the pain with us!! Thur we will meet @ the Corner pub @ 6pm. Please try to join us!!!!??

O yes did beth do great or what??? Our jerseys are in!!!!

BLUES!!!!!!!!

2008-04-12T11:49:00.004-05:00

YES, I have the blues 1st sat in awhile without a group ride. I guess were lucky in one way! No local flooding or spring tornado's!! But can we get some sun please it's time to ride!!
Looking at the week ahead weather looks okay.
Tues lets ride in park,Thur we will leave from Corner pub and sat plan on a long ride!!We will meet at Panera on Wabash plan on a 25 mile ride with a break at the 1/2 mark.
Also energy bar might be something you might want to bring!!

Speaking of Blue's our JR BLUES won opening round playoff's and will head to Minn for round 2 this coming weekend!!! GO BLUE'S
So that means we have more hockey coming up at the Nelson Center in a couple of weeks. Mark your calendar!!!

Challenge???

2008-04-07T20:57:00.020-05:00

I left after Saturday's ride for Lake of the Ozarks. I kept the bike on the truck for a Sunday morning ride. I woke Sunday to a great morning thinking Tim and Ann got a great day for a run. I put my bike gear on and headed for Panera Bread on highway 54 in Osage Beach. Yes it was lonely with out my friends, but at this Panera they are a hell of a lot faster then in Springfield who would thought that??
I had a 1/2 bagel and coffee read St. Louis Post, which I say is as bad as SJR! Growing up in Chicago, I love the Sun Times.

My thoughts for the ride was not miles but log some seat time! I want to be ready in June when I ride the GDR!!!

Got on the bike and headed north on highway 54 towards the Bagnell Dam. Not knowing how far it was I set out to stand on the Dam. The wind was calm, legs felt good - I was feeling good!! I saw a sign for New City Park so I turn off 54 to check it out. OMG what a downhill!! Road was all gravel and I was standing on my brakes all way down. once at the bottom I saw an awesome ball field! 1st thought FIELD OF DREAMS. The boys would love to play there.

As I roll towards Lake Ozark and Bagnell dam I see a deer jump right in front of me and down into a valley. Was a neat site. As I ride I see something out of the corner of my eye run towards me - I was like dammit a dog. No a beaver - o boy - good!! Did i just say run about a beaver?? Was he going fast or was i going that slow???

Coming into Dog Patch or the strip as people call it! Its filled with shops that you remember back when you were a kid on vacation, running into each one looking for that perfect TOM-TOM or homemade fudge.

I made it to the dam. There is a narrow walkway about 30" wide to ride on so it was tight. I wanted to snap a picture or two, but I have to tell you the way the water was pouring out so fast I was little freaked out!! Sounds weird but it was spooky!!

As I make my way back I realize I made a mistake!! The wind hit me!! I was thinking great i got 7.5 miles to ride, and all the hills!! Give you a idea about the ride - I went 15 total miles - avg 10 mph and about 1:45 on the saddle!!

Yes, this morning I thought Ray go get the paper and have a greasy breakfast!! As I rode past all the greasy spoons in dog patch the smell was wonderful. But I was glad I challenged myself and went for a ride. Sure eggs and bacon would been better then a bagel - or is it just in your mind???

The Healys challenge themselves to a 1/2 that morning, were they thinking no kids - a sit down breakfast might me nice?? I am sure they were smelling some greasy spoons also!! But after they were done I am sure they were as happy as I was in making the right choice. John Coombe challenged himself with a 1/2 Saturday and I could see he was happy he made the right choice!!

If your still reading at this point. I challenge you next time you think about going for a solo ride, but say "I don't have time I need to make breakfast, clean the house or do yard, or I need to go shopping!!" - take the hour and get on your bike - I challenge you!! I promise when you get back you will feel great about yourself. You will get more done!! Lets face it - you will walk around the house dreading which task to tackle 1st!! And at the end of the day more will get done because you took time for yourself!!

let's just keep going

2008-04-07T09:34:00.006-05:00

Cannot believe I rode 20 miles Saturday. Still surprised by it. My thought when we signed up for this ride/race in June was - maybe I can do 20? Can't believe I actually did that the 7th ride out. So crazy! Who knows what June is going to bring? Can't wait to find out.

So we met at Panera to do the ride we had mapped out - we ended up at Four Season's but instead of going the rest of our route - Shannon suggests going to see the finish of the half-marathon - we were all feeling pretty good - so we went for it. It was very inspiring to watch (awesome job John Coombe) - and as I usually do when I watch that type of thing - I feel inspired to do something more, and also how great they must feel in accomplishing that. Can't wait till we meet our goal in June - can only imagine how it's going to feel.

And yes, we did end up carrying our bikes over some tracks once we hit a dead end on fourth street (we are, after all, rock stars) but the real story was making it up the ultimate (so far) hill on the Stanton over-pass. Which, yes - we made it! Ray had some special instructions pre-hill, something about three of us, hill and Trudy's bike (which was awesome by the way and she was supersonic on it) but I never caught exactly what he was saying - so just put my head down and went. Thank you to Shannon for being my cheerleader when I almost wanted to give up on the hill!

03/20/08 = 6 miles
03/22/08 = 10.5 miles
03/25/08 = 8 miles
03/29/08 = 14.56 miles
04/01/08 = 10 miles
04/03/08 = 10 miles
04/05/08 = 20.22 miles
total miles biked = 79.28
total distance walking and biking = 121.88 miles

AROUND THE TOWN

2008-04-05T12:52:00.005-05:00

WOW is SPRING here?? Our team left Panera bread on Wabash to Koke Mill rd made our way to Old Jack. We did a turn around there and headed to Wabash Trail. We stopped at the end of trail and the girls were wanting more !!!!! So we headed dn MacArthur yes we killed the big hill!!

We came to a stop at Four Season's rec center. We passed water bottle's around shared songs on our ipod. Shannon determined to get 20 m today said let head to finish line of the 1/2 that was going on! We rallied and hit 11th st to Jefferson past library to finish line at Prairie Heart!

Upon landing... YES, TAMMY SHURES YOU COULD NOT HIDE BEHIND YOUR SIGN!! Are we following you??????

Standing at the finish we were looking for Ann Coombe. We found her and she said John would be done by 9:38 we waited!! We did see our very own Greg Pinto followed by Scott Pearce, and yes Scott your son BEAT YOU!!

Like clock work John launched across the line, grabbing his shiny new ABE penny nice work John! In fact great work to all the HalfWits!!

After saying our congrats to John, then Ray and his Angels headed down 7th st to hit the Wabash Trail. Really i didn't come up with the name!! Please guys run is over grab your bike. I need more votes right now there thinking of pink training shirts!! Yes i know real men wear pink but???

Trudy and her new puppy!! Whats this have to do with the ride?? Puppy dog sales approach!! The boys from R&M gave her a new TREK pilot to tryout!! Can she give it back??? Thinking no?? But there maybe a color issues??

Well we made it around the town don't you think?? YES our 1st 20 miles!!!
GREAT JOB ANGELS!!!! Beth, Brenda, Dodie, Shannon and Trudy AWESOME!!!!!!

not quite speedy =)

2008-04-04T08:59:00.005-05:00

Its time I admit it - there is a good reason my mother calls me Grace. I'm not really so graceful. Our Team Captain was putting it nicely when he said I laid the bike down. LOL - truth be told - I panicked for a second - thought I was going to fall down a muddy revine (ok maybe only a ditch - but from where i was it was like a canyon!) anyway - I panicked and wiped out. Felt like I was falling for about 5 minutes! All I could think of was - OMG don't let the bike get hurt. Second thing I was thinking was - OMG why didn't this happen when I was at the BACK of the pack. LOL. Stinging elbows and knees aside - last night was great. I met a goal of getting to 100 miles of training (course 30 miles or so of that was walking) but I was pretty happy about that and wasn't letting anything like a wreck make me unhappy. THANK YOU to Ray and Trudy for fixing my chain so I didn't have to walk back in the rain. And also for not giving me too hard a time about it. Yea - third thing to cross my mind - was OMG I'm gonna pay for this on the blog tomorrow. LOL. You know what else makes it all worth it? Check out the signs my son made for me when we got home. Forgot about the rainsoaked clothes and the bloody sock (which - yea the boys thought was cool) in about a millisecond after I saw these =)

03/20/08 = 6 miles
03/22/08 = 10.5 miles
03/25/08 = 8 miles
03/29/08 = 14.56 miles
04/01/08 = 10 miles
04/03/08 = 10 miles
total miles biked = 59.06
total distance walking and biking = 101.66 miles

CHILL'S AND SPILL'S

2008-04-03T21:35:00.006-05:00

6 PM I pull into Corner Pub i see Mr Green whiz thru parking lot i think?? Light rain 49 degree's out. Brenda, Trudy and myself head out! Down Koke Mill drive to Wabash Trl ...even with the wind in our face i think the girl's enjoyed flat trail???? We made it out to the turn around and there were smiles all around!!! Were they happy cuz we rode in the rain?? Happy we made it to the turn around?? Happy we found out Walker would make hockey practice on time?? WHO KNOWS.... bottom line - rain, wind, or not, felt great to log some miles!!

O Chill's and Spill's...yes SPEEDY i mean Brenda was either cold or wanted to get back to the Corner and have a beer with Dodie!!! Going around a construction sign she laid dn the bike rather then ride thru the green slime of the ditch!! As we pulled up all was well!! We put the chain on and we were dn the trail!!! Don't worry Mary your ride is fine!! Now get out here and join us!!!

Mitch i thought we run into u on are way back????

Bottom line we made it back after our 1st rain ride!!! And had a nice dinner with Micheal and the boys!!

Saturday - lets ride 20 - WHOSE GOT A ROUTE?????