Can you name 5 racers who have raced in the semi-pro/pro pack in 2008? You can!? Well, then can you name 102? I can... Of course, I don't know all these people, but using the mashup I created for the VCC I've been able to learn all sorts of neat information.
For instance:
Bob Kiva is currently the oldest known competitor in the pack at 45 years of age?
-and-
Bruce Patten is the youngest known competitor at 17 years of age?
-and-
The median age of all semi-pro/pro competitors who have raced in the WP series is 32 years of age.
Are you interested in learning more about our local pros? I've created a web page listing all the pros who have raced in Colorado during the 2008 series.
VCC Start List (click here)
August 5, 2008
August 2, 2008
The Power of Nice
"The Power of Nice" by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval was the first in my recent spree of business topic books. I originally picked it up because I had been reading some pretty heavy books and I needed a light (quick) book to read - to cleans the pallet - before diving into other heavier books on my "I want to read" list. This book was sitting on my wife's nightstand and the cover alone - a bright yellow cover with a big smile on it resembling a happy face - made me think this would be the the quick, light read I needed.
While reading this book I found it to be in tune with the current culture of business. Coined as a book about "How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness.", it goes against the grain of thinking that business is a heartless cut-throat environment where decisions are based purely on the bottom line. Merit and integrity are now, more than ever, getting their fair shake in the business world. This book outlines the values of kindness and dives into case studies that supported the idea that kindness will get you further in the business world.
That being said, I feel many of the values of kindness shouldn't need to be written in a book. Personally, a book that tells you how to be nice is much like a book that tells you, "The sky is blue" and "fire is hot" it goes without saying. The reason it goes without saying is because it is a fundamental of life (a.k.a common sense).
When I finished reading I told her exactly that, I felt the book was about common sense. She looked at me as if I should know better and sarcastically said, "Yes, but how often do common sense and business work together?" She was being sarcastic, but it is a legitimate argument.
The principles outlined in the "Power of Nice" are not new, nor ground breaking; they are fundamentals. As a child, how often did your parents tell you to be nice, play fair, be gentle with the family pet? I don't know about you, but it was at least a hundred times... per day. Thanks to my parents I've been learning how to be nice since I was learning how to walk. Being nice is a cornerstone of my foundation because my parents realized that it is a fundamental of life.
As an adult how much experience do you have at your career? 5, 10, 20 years? Now, how long have you been being nice to people? I'm guessing at least 18 years longer than your career experience. That is a lot of experience at being nice! Wouldn't that be an incredible skill set to bring into your current job?
For those who are willing to embrace this way of thinking about business it is empowering. Empowering not only in the business world, but in all areas of life because if you practice being nice at work, you are in essence practicing a fundamental of life for at least eight hours a day. This does have it's rewards.
As Randy Pausch wrote in The Last Lecture, "You've got to get the fundamentals down, because otherwise the fancy stuff is not going to work."
In the case of work, the "fancy stuff" could be the innovation, engineering, or promotions waiting to happen. In the case of personal life, the "fancy stuff" could be a thriving relationship, quality time with your kids, or whatever you want to accomplish. In any case, this book helped remind me of my own definitions of the "Power of Nice" and by relying on my fundamental value of kindness, I'm able to succeed at both work and life.
While reading this book I found it to be in tune with the current culture of business. Coined as a book about "How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness.", it goes against the grain of thinking that business is a heartless cut-throat environment where decisions are based purely on the bottom line. Merit and integrity are now, more than ever, getting their fair shake in the business world. This book outlines the values of kindness and dives into case studies that supported the idea that kindness will get you further in the business world.
That being said, I feel many of the values of kindness shouldn't need to be written in a book. Personally, a book that tells you how to be nice is much like a book that tells you, "The sky is blue" and "fire is hot" it goes without saying. The reason it goes without saying is because it is a fundamental of life (a.k.a common sense).
When I finished reading I told her exactly that, I felt the book was about common sense. She looked at me as if I should know better and sarcastically said, "Yes, but how often do common sense and business work together?" She was being sarcastic, but it is a legitimate argument.
The principles outlined in the "Power of Nice" are not new, nor ground breaking; they are fundamentals. As a child, how often did your parents tell you to be nice, play fair, be gentle with the family pet? I don't know about you, but it was at least a hundred times... per day. Thanks to my parents I've been learning how to be nice since I was learning how to walk. Being nice is a cornerstone of my foundation because my parents realized that it is a fundamental of life.
As an adult how much experience do you have at your career? 5, 10, 20 years? Now, how long have you been being nice to people? I'm guessing at least 18 years longer than your career experience. That is a lot of experience at being nice! Wouldn't that be an incredible skill set to bring into your current job?
For those who are willing to embrace this way of thinking about business it is empowering. Empowering not only in the business world, but in all areas of life because if you practice being nice at work, you are in essence practicing a fundamental of life for at least eight hours a day. This does have it's rewards.
As Randy Pausch wrote in The Last Lecture, "You've got to get the fundamentals down, because otherwise the fancy stuff is not going to work."
In the case of work, the "fancy stuff" could be the innovation, engineering, or promotions waiting to happen. In the case of personal life, the "fancy stuff" could be a thriving relationship, quality time with your kids, or whatever you want to accomplish. In any case, this book helped remind me of my own definitions of the "Power of Nice" and by relying on my fundamental value of kindness, I'm able to succeed at both work and life.
What I've Been Reading... (Catch Up Post)
I've been on a bit of a reading spree lately and I haven't taken the time to catalog what I've been reading in my blog. The latest topic of interest has been business. Like it or not I've reached a point in my career where I need these books to open my mind to new ways of thinking. What I'm trying to say is that I'm reading books that will teach me new tricks before this dog is too old (or stubborn) to learn new tricks.
Rather than trying to create a big blog post that encompasses all the books I've read; I'll have a post for each of them. That way, if I get bored or tired, I can stop and pick it up later and not have any unfinished projects left on my plate.
In my following posts I'll be writing about:
The Power of Nice
The One Minute Manager
The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey
The Leadership Pipeline
Rather than trying to create a big blog post that encompasses all the books I've read; I'll have a post for each of them. That way, if I get bored or tired, I can stop and pick it up later and not have any unfinished projects left on my plate.
In my following posts I'll be writing about:
The Power of Nice
The One Minute Manager
The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey
The Leadership Pipeline
July 22, 2008
Executive Decision by Sportif Dictator Regarding VCC
In Europe we refer to them as directeur sportif. In English that translates to sporting director. For the sake of the VCC I'm giving myself the title "sportif dictator." Properly defined the word dictator means, "a ruler who is unconstrained by law," which for the purpose of the VCC I am.
My first executive decision as the sportif dictator of the VCC was made today. Because I'm starting this tour mid season I had to think of a reasonable way to level the playing field between the MSC and WP. To accomplish this I decided that the same number of races from each event had to be accounted for in the overall series. This means I needed to modify the original tour schedule outlined in yesterdays post.
All six races from the WP series will be counted and only six of the MSC races will be counted in the VCC.
These races have been eliminated from the series:
April 12 -- Rabbit Valley Time Trial
May 3 -- Chalk Creek Short Track
May 26 -- Chile Challenge Cross Country
August 3 -- Sol Survivor
Leaving these races as the official races of the VCC:
April 13 -- Rabbit Valley Cross Country (MSC)
May 4 -- Chalk Creek Cross Country (MSC)
June 14 -- Hill Climb Kick-Off (WP)
June 22 -- Wildflower Rush Cross Country (MSC)
June 29 -- Cross-Country (WP)
July 13 -- Blast The Mass Cross Country (MSC)
July 19 -- Valley Point-to-Point (WP)
August 2 -- Crankworx Colorado Cross-country (WP)
August 16 -- Mountain Circuit (WP)
August 24 -- Eldora Escape (MSC)
August 30 -- King of the Mountain (WP)
September 7 -- Fall Classic (MSC)
I was a little disappointed I had to eliminate the TT from the schedule because what good tour doesn't start with a prologue? Well, maybe I'll find a way to add it in 2009, but for now it will have to be left out by order of the sportif dictator.
My first executive decision as the sportif dictator of the VCC was made today. Because I'm starting this tour mid season I had to think of a reasonable way to level the playing field between the MSC and WP. To accomplish this I decided that the same number of races from each event had to be accounted for in the overall series. This means I needed to modify the original tour schedule outlined in yesterdays post.
All six races from the WP series will be counted and only six of the MSC races will be counted in the VCC.
These races have been eliminated from the series:
April 12 -- Rabbit Valley Time Trial
May 3 -- Chalk Creek Short Track
May 26 -- Chile Challenge Cross Country
August 3 -- Sol Survivor
Leaving these races as the official races of the VCC:
April 13 -- Rabbit Valley Cross Country (MSC)
May 4 -- Chalk Creek Cross Country (MSC)
June 14 -- Hill Climb Kick-Off (WP)
June 22 -- Wildflower Rush Cross Country (MSC)
June 29 -- Cross-Country (WP)
July 13 -- Blast The Mass Cross Country (MSC)
July 19 -- Valley Point-to-Point (WP)
August 2 -- Crankworx Colorado Cross-country (WP)
August 16 -- Mountain Circuit (WP)
August 24 -- Eldora Escape (MSC)
August 30 -- King of the Mountain (WP)
September 7 -- Fall Classic (MSC)
I was a little disappointed I had to eliminate the TT from the schedule because what good tour doesn't start with a prologue? Well, maybe I'll find a way to add it in 2009, but for now it will have to be left out by order of the sportif dictator.
July 21, 2008
MSC & WP Results Mashup (a.k.a. VCC)
The two largest racing series in Colorado are going to be virtually mashed together to create a virtual Tour of Colorado. Real results from each of the races are going to be used to crown the VCC (Virtual Colorado Cup) champion.
Both series host some of the best riders from Colorado and both reward champions based on overall performance. But which champion is better? Which rider attended more races? Where am I going with this? That is why I created the VCC.
What is the VCC?
This series isn't to be taken seriously, but I thought it would be fun to mash the results from each of the races in the series to provide an overall leader in the state or a VCC champion.
I'm still working on the details of how I'm going to do this, but I'll have some preliminary results up in the next couple days. If you see ways to improve on what I'm doing, feel free to let me know. Otherwise, this is what is planned.
The VCC is based on 16 races from both Mountain States Cup and Winter Park. I plan to mash the results into a single Tour and see which pro is getting it done in Colorado.
Races in the 2008 VCC Tour:
April 12 -- Rabbit Valley Time Trial
April 13 -- Rabbit Valley Cross Country
May 3 -- Chalk Creek Short Track
May 4 -- Chalk Creek Cross Country
May 26 -- Chile Challenge Cross Country
June 14 -- Hill Climb Kick-Off
June 22 -- Wildflower Rush Cross Country
June 29 -- Cross-Country
July 13 -- Blast The Mass Cross Country
July 19 -- Valley Point-to-Point
August 2 -- Crankworx Colorado Cross-country
August 3 -- SolVista Basin Ski Resort
August 16 -- Mountain Circuit
August 24 -- Eldora Escape
August 30 -- King of the Mountain
September 7 -- Fall Classic
Both series host some of the best riders from Colorado and both reward champions based on overall performance. But which champion is better? Which rider attended more races? Where am I going with this? That is why I created the VCC.
What is the VCC?
This series isn't to be taken seriously, but I thought it would be fun to mash the results from each of the races in the series to provide an overall leader in the state or a VCC champion.
I'm still working on the details of how I'm going to do this, but I'll have some preliminary results up in the next couple days. If you see ways to improve on what I'm doing, feel free to let me know. Otherwise, this is what is planned.
The VCC is based on 16 races from both Mountain States Cup and Winter Park. I plan to mash the results into a single Tour and see which pro is getting it done in Colorado.
Races in the 2008 VCC Tour:
April 12 -- Rabbit Valley Time Trial
April 13 -- Rabbit Valley Cross Country
May 3 -- Chalk Creek Short Track
May 4 -- Chalk Creek Cross Country
May 26 -- Chile Challenge Cross Country
June 14 -- Hill Climb Kick-Off
June 22 -- Wildflower Rush Cross Country
June 29 -- Cross-Country
July 13 -- Blast The Mass Cross Country
July 19 -- Valley Point-to-Point
August 2 -- Crankworx Colorado Cross-country
August 3 -- SolVista Basin Ski Resort
August 16 -- Mountain Circuit
August 24 -- Eldora Escape
August 30 -- King of the Mountain
September 7 -- Fall Classic
July 8, 2008
Show Some Respect...
As I progress in years I learn more and more about myself. During a ride yesterday I realized that as a social being I tend to reflect my surroundings. Meaning, if I meet a person who is social and outgoing, I too, try to be social and outgoing. If I meet someone who treats people with a lack of respect, I too, treat that dis-respecting person with a lack of respect. It isn't something I do consciously. It just kinda happens.
The reason I bring this up is because I experienced the latter of the two scenarios as I rode my bike yesterday. I was riding my single speed on a paved road towards a trail when a fellow mountain biker passed me. We looked at each other and I smiled and said, "hello." He in turn stared at me as if I was a few cards short of a deck, proceeded to ignore me, and then passed without a word. My first thought was, "What a tool."
As he rode away I did not feel compelled to challenge the rider as I was on a single speed and couldn't if I wanted to. However, about 5 minutes later I turned onto the trail I planned to ride and I noticed that the rider was slowly pedaling ahead of me.
In no time at all I caught up with him. I wasn't interested in trying to challenge him so I just took a back seat on his wheel and paced behind him. As we started to ascend a hill I couldn't help but start passing the guy due to my gearing. He was in a low gear and I needed to keep up my momentum with my single gear. As I started to pass he realized I was there and quickly stepped it up a notch. Again, content to follow behind him I hopped on his back wheel and zoned out as I stared at his rear wheel.
As I zoned out I didn't realize I was following his rear wheel really close. As he stood up his bike slowed just a bit. Unprepared for the change in momentum I couldn't help but bump tread with the stranger. As I snapped out of my zone I heard a "brrrrraaaap" as his rear tread and my front tread rubbed.
Now, this is where I realized that I'm a mirror of my surroundings. Earlier, I had tried to be nice and was given a reflection of pure disrespect. When this happened I returned the same reflection back.
The guy looked back at me as if I had committed a sin. If he had treated me with a bit of respect earlier I know I would have been nothing but apologies when he looked back. But due to his previous nature I didn't say a word. Instead I looked at him and my expression said, "hurry up you slow sack of shit. I'm fat and slow and I can still kick your ass up a mountain."
Yesterday's interaction was a bit eye opening for me. As I said, I'm not usually conscious of my reflection towards others from others, but yesterday in that moment I was fully aware. I'm not saying I'm proud of it, but I do it none the less.
The reason I bring this up is because I experienced the latter of the two scenarios as I rode my bike yesterday. I was riding my single speed on a paved road towards a trail when a fellow mountain biker passed me. We looked at each other and I smiled and said, "hello." He in turn stared at me as if I was a few cards short of a deck, proceeded to ignore me, and then passed without a word. My first thought was, "What a tool."
As he rode away I did not feel compelled to challenge the rider as I was on a single speed and couldn't if I wanted to. However, about 5 minutes later I turned onto the trail I planned to ride and I noticed that the rider was slowly pedaling ahead of me.
In no time at all I caught up with him. I wasn't interested in trying to challenge him so I just took a back seat on his wheel and paced behind him. As we started to ascend a hill I couldn't help but start passing the guy due to my gearing. He was in a low gear and I needed to keep up my momentum with my single gear. As I started to pass he realized I was there and quickly stepped it up a notch. Again, content to follow behind him I hopped on his back wheel and zoned out as I stared at his rear wheel.
As I zoned out I didn't realize I was following his rear wheel really close. As he stood up his bike slowed just a bit. Unprepared for the change in momentum I couldn't help but bump tread with the stranger. As I snapped out of my zone I heard a "brrrrraaaap" as his rear tread and my front tread rubbed.
Now, this is where I realized that I'm a mirror of my surroundings. Earlier, I had tried to be nice and was given a reflection of pure disrespect. When this happened I returned the same reflection back.
The guy looked back at me as if I had committed a sin. If he had treated me with a bit of respect earlier I know I would have been nothing but apologies when he looked back. But due to his previous nature I didn't say a word. Instead I looked at him and my expression said, "hurry up you slow sack of shit. I'm fat and slow and I can still kick your ass up a mountain."
Yesterday's interaction was a bit eye opening for me. As I said, I'm not usually conscious of my reflection towards others from others, but yesterday in that moment I was fully aware. I'm not saying I'm proud of it, but I do it none the less.
July 7, 2008
TdFR Commercial on Versus
I absolutely love this commercial! From the moment I saw it I had to watch it again.
The music, the images, it nails it on the head! It was wonderful to see all these athletes who have been busted for drugs going backwards; as if their highlights never existed. My favorite part is when Floyd Landis appears to step out of his yellow jersey.
I don't know who made this commercial, but well done!
The music, the images, it nails it on the head! It was wonderful to see all these athletes who have been busted for drugs going backwards; as if their highlights never existed. My favorite part is when Floyd Landis appears to step out of his yellow jersey.
I don't know who made this commercial, but well done!
July 6, 2008
Investing In My Commuter...
These past couple weeks I've made a push to revive my commuter. As many of you know I've been riding my bike to work this past month. I justified the expense of the project because of the money I was able to save from not purchasing gas for my car.
I'm glad to say this past weekend I finished the rejuvenation of my Surly 1x1. The most exciting part of the project was building the new wheels. This will be the first set of wheels I've hand built for my bike.
During this rejuvenation project I made a lot of little changes and I did it on a budget, which I'll try to post about later, but today I just wanted to highlight what I'll be riding to work on in the morning.
Work I did on my Surly 1x1:
1. New Brake Levers
2. Converted my brakes from cantilever to side-pull
3. New egg beater pedals so I can wear the same shoes on both my commuter and XC bike
4. New chain and single speed freewheel
5. Hand built front wheel. XTR hub on Mavic XC 717 rim
6. Hand built rear wheel. Surly hub on Mavic XC 717 rim
A fine looking rear wheel. Not that I'm bias because
I built it, or anything...
Surly (New Hub) on a Mavic XC 717 rim. You don't buy
a Surly hub to save weight. It is heavy, but it is durable.
Plus, it looks great on a Surly 1x1 frame...
An equally fine looking front wheel.
Shimano XTR hub, Mavic XC 717 rim.
July 2, 2008
Dangerous Roads For Commuters
For the last month I've been commuting to work by bicycle. I am like many others who have drawn the line in the dirt and now refuse to spend my hard earned money on fuel. In general I really enjoy my morning commute. It is a chance to wake up and energize myself for the day ahead. However, there is a section of road I need to ride on every day that makes me wish I was in a car; simply because the road is dangerous for cyclists.
For anyone who has gotten on their bike to commute; I'm sure one of the first lessons you learned was that not all roads are equal. In fact, some roads are darn right dangerous for cyclists.
In an attempt to better the situation I've created a Google map. A map which anyone can contribute. The purpose of the map is to highlight those sections of road that are dangerous for cyclists. My hope is that other commuters who will one day be looking for a route will be able to use this map to safely navigate to their destination.
I've started the map by placing my mark. Please, take the time to mark a section of road which you feel is dangerous and then pass this link around to all your commuter friends who can in turn mark sections they feel are dangerous. Together we aren't able to make the roads safe, but we are able to choose the safest roads to ride on.
Link to the map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114290139151454608817.0004510d06af27f328ad5&ll=39.928431,-105.139503&spn=0.088987,0.149689&z=13
View of the map:
View Larger Map
For anyone who has gotten on their bike to commute; I'm sure one of the first lessons you learned was that not all roads are equal. In fact, some roads are darn right dangerous for cyclists.
In an attempt to better the situation I've created a Google map. A map which anyone can contribute. The purpose of the map is to highlight those sections of road that are dangerous for cyclists. My hope is that other commuters who will one day be looking for a route will be able to use this map to safely navigate to their destination.
I've started the map by placing my mark. Please, take the time to mark a section of road which you feel is dangerous and then pass this link around to all your commuter friends who can in turn mark sections they feel are dangerous. Together we aren't able to make the roads safe, but we are able to choose the safest roads to ride on.
Link to the map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=114290139151454608817.0004510d06af27f328ad5&ll=39.928431,-105.139503&spn=0.088987,0.149689&z=13
View of the map:
View Larger Map
June 17, 2008
The Benefits of Short Track Racing...
Short track racing is nothing like cross-country racing, but I feel it can add value to your cross-country training. I will be so bold as to say that you will rarely (if ever) have a XC situtation in a short track race, but you will have a short track situtation in a cross-country race. In fact, you may have a dozen short track situations in a single cross-country race.
So, if you are willing to take your mind off the fact that a typical short track race is only 25 - 45 minutes in length, I feel you can really fine tune some technical aspects of cross-country racing that may help you get on the podium after your next cross-country race.
Starting Line: It is a good place to learn to jump off the line. There are times in cross-country racing when you want to be the first rider off the line in order to avoid a potential bottle-neck as the trail goes from dirt road to single-track. In short track your starting position is essential and it will force you to learn to click in and get the bike moving, fast!
Cornering: Short track races should have loads of corners. Some will be banked, others off-camber; some will have tacky dirt, while others may be sandy and loose. Some corners will be located at the base of a hill and others will be at the apex. Nowhere are you better able to hone your cornering skills than on a short track course. Not only are you forced to take a lot of corners, but you are required to do them at high speed.
Riding in a Pack: Most cross-country races start in a pack and then once you leave the line you don't have to worry about bumping elbows or tires with a fellow racer. Short track packs will string out a bit, but you will likely bump elbows in a corner with another racer, which brings me to the next thing you can learn from short track.
Passing: Learning when the best opportunity to pass a fellow rider will help big time on the cross-country course. I've been in dozens of situations where I had to figure out the best time to pass someone in front of me while doing cross-country. In short track you have short sprint areas that force you to find the quickest way to pass. Otherwise, you learn to take the proper lines into a corner to try to get around a rider in front of you.
Physical Limits: You can put your heart rate monitor on and force yourself to get in the anaerobic zone during your weekday workout or you can jump into a short track race and effortlessly push your heart to the limit. One of the biggest complaints I hear about short track is from people who say they are just starting to warm-up as the race completes. Plan your race with this knowledge. If it takes you 25 minutes to warm-up; plan on being at the race course 25 minutes before the race. Warm-up for the full 25 minutes and show up to the start line with a good sweat.
I truly feel that any serious mountain biker will find time to focus on these aspects of their training with the same zest as they do their cardio training. And what better place to hone these skills than at your local short track race series; Where you can race both friends and strangers as you train for the technical challenges you'll see on the cross-country race course.
So, if you are willing to take your mind off the fact that a typical short track race is only 25 - 45 minutes in length, I feel you can really fine tune some technical aspects of cross-country racing that may help you get on the podium after your next cross-country race.
Starting Line: It is a good place to learn to jump off the line. There are times in cross-country racing when you want to be the first rider off the line in order to avoid a potential bottle-neck as the trail goes from dirt road to single-track. In short track your starting position is essential and it will force you to learn to click in and get the bike moving, fast!
Cornering: Short track races should have loads of corners. Some will be banked, others off-camber; some will have tacky dirt, while others may be sandy and loose. Some corners will be located at the base of a hill and others will be at the apex. Nowhere are you better able to hone your cornering skills than on a short track course. Not only are you forced to take a lot of corners, but you are required to do them at high speed.
Riding in a Pack: Most cross-country races start in a pack and then once you leave the line you don't have to worry about bumping elbows or tires with a fellow racer. Short track packs will string out a bit, but you will likely bump elbows in a corner with another racer, which brings me to the next thing you can learn from short track.
Passing: Learning when the best opportunity to pass a fellow rider will help big time on the cross-country course. I've been in dozens of situations where I had to figure out the best time to pass someone in front of me while doing cross-country. In short track you have short sprint areas that force you to find the quickest way to pass. Otherwise, you learn to take the proper lines into a corner to try to get around a rider in front of you.
Physical Limits: You can put your heart rate monitor on and force yourself to get in the anaerobic zone during your weekday workout or you can jump into a short track race and effortlessly push your heart to the limit. One of the biggest complaints I hear about short track is from people who say they are just starting to warm-up as the race completes. Plan your race with this knowledge. If it takes you 25 minutes to warm-up; plan on being at the race course 25 minutes before the race. Warm-up for the full 25 minutes and show up to the start line with a good sweat.
I truly feel that any serious mountain biker will find time to focus on these aspects of their training with the same zest as they do their cardio training. And what better place to hone these skills than at your local short track race series; Where you can race both friends and strangers as you train for the technical challenges you'll see on the cross-country race course.
June 16, 2008
Fathers Day...
Yesterday was Fathers Day and when I went downstairs to make coffee I was suprised to find three new books next to the coffee maker and a full pot of coffee already made. As I stood there and read the cover of one of the books my son quietly walked up next to me and stood there silently. When I broke my attention away from the book and looked down at him he captured my attention with his big blue eyes and in his most endearing tone said, "Happy Fathers Day and I love you, Daddy."
I don't know if you have ever had the opportunity to have every heart string pulled at the same time by unconditional love, but that tug on your heart is what will make a grown man cry for apparently no reason and will create a bond stronger than anything which can be imagined.
I scooped him into my arms and gave him a great big hug. While I hugged him I cataloged the moment and hoped when the time comes that I need to leave this life this moment will flash before my eyes once again.
I don't know if you have ever had the opportunity to have every heart string pulled at the same time by unconditional love, but that tug on your heart is what will make a grown man cry for apparently no reason and will create a bond stronger than anything which can be imagined.
I scooped him into my arms and gave him a great big hug. While I hugged him I cataloged the moment and hoped when the time comes that I need to leave this life this moment will flash before my eyes once again.
June 11, 2008
June 9, 2008
Another Study About Teenagers...
Extra! Extra! This just in! Teen drivers ignore cell phone restrictions!
During the past five years many states have been passing laws restricting teenagers from using cell phones while driving. A recent study shows that although a majority of adults and teenagers agree with the new driving laws, the recent restrictions have little effect, while in some areas the cell phone use rate among teenagers while driving has actually increased since passing the new driving laws...
I mean, come on! Was this study really necessary? Put together a combination of a typical teenager's inexperience and a need to challenge the rules with an inability to enforce a law and what do you think is going to happen?
And you know someone needs to be blamed for the increase in that particular area. Do we blame the teenagers? Of course not. They can do no wrong. How about the law enforcement? No, they have more important things to think about. I know! Let's blame the parents.
My big question in all of this is why are we focusing on teenagers? Yes, according to a different study they are found to be the most likely to have major accidents while cell phones are being used, but does it not increase the chance of major accidents if adults use cell phones while driving too?
Maybe we adults should be the role model (No, not just parents. All adults). Teenagers are seeing adults using the phone while they drive. What message is that sending to them?
In any case, it doesn't seem that creating laws restricting cell phone use among teenagers while driving has made a bit of difference. Maybe we can create a law that requires teenagers to follow the laws. Then we can do a study to see if that has a higher success rate among teenagers.
You can read the article about the study here:
Teen drivers ignore cell phone restrictions
During the past five years many states have been passing laws restricting teenagers from using cell phones while driving. A recent study shows that although a majority of adults and teenagers agree with the new driving laws, the recent restrictions have little effect, while in some areas the cell phone use rate among teenagers while driving has actually increased since passing the new driving laws...
I mean, come on! Was this study really necessary? Put together a combination of a typical teenager's inexperience and a need to challenge the rules with an inability to enforce a law and what do you think is going to happen?
And you know someone needs to be blamed for the increase in that particular area. Do we blame the teenagers? Of course not. They can do no wrong. How about the law enforcement? No, they have more important things to think about. I know! Let's blame the parents.
My big question in all of this is why are we focusing on teenagers? Yes, according to a different study they are found to be the most likely to have major accidents while cell phones are being used, but does it not increase the chance of major accidents if adults use cell phones while driving too?
Maybe we adults should be the role model (No, not just parents. All adults). Teenagers are seeing adults using the phone while they drive. What message is that sending to them?
In any case, it doesn't seem that creating laws restricting cell phone use among teenagers while driving has made a bit of difference. Maybe we can create a law that requires teenagers to follow the laws. Then we can do a study to see if that has a higher success rate among teenagers.
You can read the article about the study here:
Teen drivers ignore cell phone restrictions
June 8, 2008
Jeffco Air Show...
Yesterday the family and I were treated to the sights, sounds, and feeling of an F-16 fighter jet flying as low as 300 feet over our head.
If you didn't know about the Jeffco Air Show and you live in the Denver metro area, you probably figured it out; 28,000 lbs or thrust creates a lot of noise. We watched as the F-16 fighter jet did laps from Denver to Boulder in under a minute. It was amazing!
As I watched this machine and the power it harnessed I couldn't help but think, "I'm glad it's on my side."
A stunt plane doing the best corkscrew I've ever seen.
F-16 takes to the air 
June 7, 2008
Climate Confusion
I'll be honest with you, I not sure what I think about global warming. When I first saw An Inconvenient Truth about a year ago I was ready to go plant a tree the moment the movie ended. Honestly, since then I've been nervous to run my lawn mower out of fear that it will cause the temperature to raise a quarter of a degree, which will in turn cause an ice shelf to break off, causing the ocean to rise, and then bye-bye coastal city.
That is a lot of guilt to live with.
What I needed to alleviate the guilt was a new perspective. It isn't fair to any subject to base an opinion on only one point of view. For this reason, I've started reading a book called Climate Confusion by Roy W. Spencer. A book about, "How global warming hysteria leads to bad science, pandering politicians and misguided policies that hurt the poor."
Unlike Al Gore's fear tactics, Roy Spencer uses humor in his writing to connect the reader with the subject. He connected with me the moment he made the following quote, "Warmer winters? Evidence of global warming. Colder winters? Also evidence of global warming. The theory of man made global warming has been elevated to physical law, proven beyond any doubt, and it supposedly now gives us a unified way to explain any change we see in nature."
In all honestly I believe that having watched Al Gore, and reading Roy Spencer I'm seeing both the head and the tail of the global warming coin. I don't think it will make my stand on the global warming issue any more concrete, but it doesn't hurt to try to understand both sides of the argument.
That is a lot of guilt to live with.
What I needed to alleviate the guilt was a new perspective. It isn't fair to any subject to base an opinion on only one point of view. For this reason, I've started reading a book called Climate Confusion by Roy W. Spencer. A book about, "How global warming hysteria leads to bad science, pandering politicians and misguided policies that hurt the poor."
Unlike Al Gore's fear tactics, Roy Spencer uses humor in his writing to connect the reader with the subject. He connected with me the moment he made the following quote, "Warmer winters? Evidence of global warming. Colder winters? Also evidence of global warming. The theory of man made global warming has been elevated to physical law, proven beyond any doubt, and it supposedly now gives us a unified way to explain any change we see in nature."
In all honestly I believe that having watched Al Gore, and reading Roy Spencer I'm seeing both the head and the tail of the global warming coin. I don't think it will make my stand on the global warming issue any more concrete, but it doesn't hurt to try to understand both sides of the argument.
June 4, 2008
Experimental Photographs...
Today was the first race of the ten race CU short track series in Boulder. My son and I used it as a bonding experience. We packed a picnic lunch and two cameras and headed to the race venue after work.
My Photos:
Today I experimented with shutter speed and apeture. I can't say I was successfull in the least. One day I hope to learn how to use my camera.
My Son's Photos:
It is safe to say that my three year old son is a better photographer than I am. He is getting a lot better at following the action in the view finder, but the big lesson we worked on today is trying to keep his figers away from the lens.
My Photos:
Today I experimented with shutter speed and apeture. I can't say I was successfull in the least. One day I hope to learn how to use my camera.
My Son's Photos:
It is safe to say that my three year old son is a better photographer than I am. He is getting a lot better at following the action in the view finder, but the big lesson we worked on today is trying to keep his figers away from the lens.
Moment of Happiness...
Do you know what the best moment is when building a new bicycle wheel?
It is the very moment when all four variables of the wheel (radial, lateral, tension, and dish) are calibrated and you realize the wheel is ready to ride.
It is the very moment when all four variables of the wheel (radial, lateral, tension, and dish) are calibrated and you realize the wheel is ready to ride.
It's been a week since vacation...
It's been a week since I've returned from my vacation in Hawaii and all I can say is, "I want to go back!"
I spent 14 days in Hawaii with my wife; 5 days on Maui and 9 days on Kauai. In that short time I was able to capture enough memories and photographs to fill a thousand posts, but I won't bore anyone by doing that. Although, I will likely post a couple highlights of the trip.
In the meantime, I'm going to watch this video I took of my feet on the beach in the surf and reminisce about how good it felt to be doing nothing but watching and feeling the ocean as I stood on the beach and watched the sun set on Maui...
I spent 14 days in Hawaii with my wife; 5 days on Maui and 9 days on Kauai. In that short time I was able to capture enough memories and photographs to fill a thousand posts, but I won't bore anyone by doing that. Although, I will likely post a couple highlights of the trip.
In the meantime, I'm going to watch this video I took of my feet on the beach in the surf and reminisce about how good it felt to be doing nothing but watching and feeling the ocean as I stood on the beach and watched the sun set on Maui...
June 3, 2008
Stoned for 20 years...
I found this article interesting and couldn't help but laugh at the study.
Apparently a study has been done in regards to long term, heavy use of marijuana. "Long term" identified as an average of 20 years among 15 participants and "heavy use" being at least five marijuana cigarettes a day.
It was stated in the article that given these conditions a user "may" be shrinking two parts of their brain; the hippocampus (memory and emotion) and the amygdala (fear and aggression).
After reading this article I had to laugh. The subjects of this study have been stoned for the past 20 years. I think they have lot more to worry about than forgetting a phone number or losing their competitive edge. I'm thinking; what the hell kind of job do they have where they are able to be stoned? Secondly, who in the hell smokes that much in a day?
If the worst thing that can happen after 20 years of heavy smoking is a possibility that you "may" forget a few things and become less aggressive, it doesn't seem like it strengthened the argument to keep marijuana use illegal.
You can read the article here:
Heavy marijuana use shrinks brain parts: study
Apparently a study has been done in regards to long term, heavy use of marijuana. "Long term" identified as an average of 20 years among 15 participants and "heavy use" being at least five marijuana cigarettes a day.
It was stated in the article that given these conditions a user "may" be shrinking two parts of their brain; the hippocampus (memory and emotion) and the amygdala (fear and aggression).
After reading this article I had to laugh. The subjects of this study have been stoned for the past 20 years. I think they have lot more to worry about than forgetting a phone number or losing their competitive edge. I'm thinking; what the hell kind of job do they have where they are able to be stoned? Secondly, who in the hell smokes that much in a day?
If the worst thing that can happen after 20 years of heavy smoking is a possibility that you "may" forget a few things and become less aggressive, it doesn't seem like it strengthened the argument to keep marijuana use illegal.
You can read the article here:
Heavy marijuana use shrinks brain parts: study
Burned in my memory forever...
I use to race road bikes and I use to volunteer my time to marshal at road races. While participating in those activities I always had a legitimate fear of the possibility of what is seen in this image.This image is of a horrible accident that recently happened on June 2nd down in Matamoros, Mexico as a 28 year old, drunk driver, fell asleep at the wheel and plowed through the front of a race pack.
One rider died in the accident and 10 others were injured. Looking at the picture I am amazed that only one rider died.
As I said in my title, this is one of those images that will stay with me for a while.
You can read more by reading this article in the Washington Post:
Car plows into bike race in Mexico, 1 dead
*(AP Photo/Jose Fidelino Vera Hernandez)
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