Choke People

Thanks to a facebook ad, I saw this t-shirt and just HAD to order one.  A few years ago when I was having problems with my speech and frustrations from health problems I could not stand some of the groups I belong to.  Then I have had enough of them, I would disappear to ride my bike.  It has had a great calming effect.

I don't need it so much these days, but the base feeling is the same.

Life is an Adventure

For some time, I have been posting older photos for Throwback Thursday.  With my archive, I have a good selection of photos of me to select for posting.  One such Thursday I posted a photo of me in my fatigues with the farm/family dog.

On facebook, this is what I said about this photo:

“Almost forgot Throwback Thursday. Photo is of me during on leave between training and shipping to 'Nam. Farm dog/family pet "Trixie" with me.”

I have posted other photos of me during my service in Viet Nam.  This photo prompted this comment from a friend of mine, “You had to be very nervous.“  Nervous is not the state on mind that I remember having.  Let my try to explain.

Live has been one big adventure for me.  Like all farm kids in those days, I learned to drive a tractor as soon as I was big enough to read the pedals.  My dad and I did farm custom work.  At 16, I went off to Pittsburgh for the summer for a science/engineering session.  There were week-long trips for 4-H exchange, Student Council, and Boy's State.

College was in Cleveland, OH over 400 miles from home.  Senior year of college, I did not pay attention to studies and did not finish studies..  I did not protest the war, nor was a supporter.  Tried to beat the draft (moved to Cincinnati area for a “draft defered” job.  The company screwed up with the deferment and the post office mis-delivered my draft notice.  Once I had the notice, I felt it was my duty to serve.

I had one week to move from Cincinnati to Wisconsin for induction.  During that week a grandfather passed away.  I attended his funeral and the next day I was off to the induction center and the military.  That whole week was a blur.  My head was filled with confusing thoughts.

Off to Fort Campbell, KY for Basic Training.  The Drill Sergeant assigned me as a road guard. During Basic Training, one of our speakers was the Chaplain.  He was making the pitch for serving as a Chaplain Assistant.  Now I have never been particularly religious.  The job was to be the driver and “jack-of-all-trades” for the Chaplain – including his bodyguard.

Sounded pretty good.  I could help my fellow soldiers and not be out pounding the boonies.  It was one of the best jobs I volunteered for in the Army (Chaplain Assistant was yhe onlt MOS that you had to ask for and would not be assigned to without asking for it).

After Basic Training, it was off to Clerk School, Chaplain Assistant School and finally a week of Nam training before shipping out.  This was about Thanksgiving time.  I was home on 14 day leave before shipping out to my tour in Viet Nam.

I guess I was nervous, but I tried to not show it.  I was trained, and did not to add to my parents' stress.  I made the rounds of the family.  Dressed in my fatigues, and dressed in my Class A dress uniform.  Finally, off to war.

As it happens with most of us, I really grew up mentally during my service.  It wasn't any game.  One of my jobs was to visit the sick and wounded in our unit.  I did everything I could do to support the guys in my unit.  After 19 months (and with a rank of SP5E5), I got an “early out” and returned to college.

During my 30 years career at GM, I moved around the country and did my job.  Over the last 9 years, I have faced various health issues.  Always facing it head-on.  Yes, some concerns and some nervousness, but as the title of a book “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway”.

Life is a journey and an adventure.  And an interesting and exciting one, at that.

Happy New Year

I hope all of my friends have recovered from the festivities.  I spent a quiet evening at home processing some photo files. 

We received a dusting of snow and will be turning bitter cold once the clouds clear.  Looks like we are in the pattern of warming up to snow, then turn cold.

Hope you have a great year in 2014.  Keep on Pedaling!

"Thank You for Your Service"

This morning, Veteran's Day 2013, I drove to town for my free breakfast and pick up some groceries. Hy-Vee groceries stores have been holding Veteran's Day breakfasts for for several years. I am appreciative to the breakfast. When arriving, the staff greeted me with the regular "Thank you for your service.

On my way home, I had the satellite radio tuned in to listen the Michael Smerconish Program on POTUS SiriusXM channel 124. Micheal's topic was the greeting "Thank you for your service" given to those in uniform and veterans. Do those offering the greeting really mean it, or it is just as common as a simple "hello".

This really got me to thinking. "How do I feel when someone 'thanks' me for my service. As a Viet Nam veteran, I am a bit jaded and bitter.

I sure did not get any ""Thanks you for your service" when I got home. Armistice Day (forerunner of Veteran's Day) started as a celebration of the end of World War I. There were celebrations all around the country when Japan surrender, bringing World War II to close.

The Korean "War" I suggest is still being fought - under a "cease fire". It still is the "forgotten war".

This brings us to Viet Nam - my war. I did not want to to go to war. I tried to keep my deferment after college. I ended up being drafted. And, I served as my country ordered me.

The late 1960's were a troubled time. There were protests against the Viet Nam War (called a "conflict" by the politicians). Soldiers in uniform were often targets. When we had to travel in uniform, we were requested to stay out of sight as much as possible (for our own safety).

When we got home, we were ostracized. A friend of mine from high school was beaten only because he showed up in uniform to see his friends at a local beer bar. We were called "baby killers". When the US involvement in Viet Nam ended, there were no victory parades. No "thank you for your service".

Now we have an all-volunteer military. Much of the day-to-day work of the military is handled by contractors. Contractors that are getting rich over the system (but that's a whole other discussion).

Troops are welcomed home from Iraq and Afghanistan with celebrations. I think much of this is as a reaction to the events of 9/11/2001. We (Viet Nam vets) were expected to return to civilian life as if nothing happened - it was all just a bad dream.

I am afraid the country will forget the lessons of Viet Nam. Those under the age of 40, don't remember the troubled times war fraught. The daughter of a cousin had been volunteering with an "honor flight" group bringing World War II veterans to Washington, DC to the memorial. Will there be "honor flights" for Korea and Viet Nam vets?

Unfortunately, to me, "thank you for your service" has a little hollow ring.

Tom Winfield, SP5

HHC 199th Light Infantry Brigade, HHB IIFFV Artillery

Four Wleels or Two

Last weekend, I received the June issue of Bicycling magazine. I took issue with the Bike Snob's column "Four Wheels or Two". Basically, he claims that if you are a recreational rider, "there's no reason you shouldn't be able to step outside, clip in and stay clipped in until you get home".

I sent the following letter to "Bicycling" magazine:

Four Wheels or Two

The Bike Snob is true to his name in his column. I am not a racer. but a recreational cyclist. In this area, there are a lot of us. Many of us are older and riding for our health. For safety, we prefer riding bicycle paths.

In my case, I live out in the country. It is 2 hilly miles on gravel to get to pavement. Then, the paved 2-lane highway is dangerous with just gravel shoulders and heavy traffic. Not a place for a 65 year old recreational rider with a mechanical heart valve.

I would like to ride to my ride, but it is just not feasible. We want to get out for some exercise and fresh air for a relaxing 10-20 mile bike ride. The only "training" we are doing is training for life. Get over yourself and enjoy the ride.

Tom Winfield

Dealing with Finances, Getting Screwed

Just have to vent dealing with finances, mostly with insurance changeover from my GM policy to MediCare and a Medigap policy.

A couple weeks ago I met with a Rep/Salesman from Physician's Mutual. After his pitch, I asked some questions. There were some things he told me just did not sound right. I was told that choosing a MediGap plan is a "one-time" decision. Very difficult to change. Anyway, I filed his brochures to look at after my trip (to MidWest Mountain Bike Fest).

Then I co back, called my home/auto insurance rep at TS Bank.Insurance. She could sell me MediGap policy including drug plan as long as I ask to review the offering. They have a play by Blue Cross/Blue Shield Wellmark. It was becoming obviously I will need to create a spreadsheet to evaluate the various plans. And that I I had been given incorrect info about the "one-time" selection of MediGap carrier.

I am in the information gathering phase at this time, because my MediCare does not kick in until 10/01. I called GM about my pension and lump-sum payment offer. While on the phone with them, I verified the day my insurance coverage ends with GM.

From there, on to GM Benefits and eventually Blue Cross-Blue Shield. My issue is regarding deductibles and out-of-pockets. Basically, I get screwed. I have already hit my out-of-pocket for 2012. But, since I go one MediCare for the last 3 months of the year, I will be in a new insurance year, and have to start all over on deductible!

Really down after the phone conversations. Too hot for (and already did) my bike ride.

Tuesday, after coffee at Panera Bread, I met my tax adviser. Most was about the tax implications of taking a lump-sum pension payment. Also discussing tax issues with turning 65. He refered me to a company he uses that deals with MediCare, MediGap, and all.

Called Helping Hands for Senior Plans. Kurt offered to meet me the same day. We med at his office on N 30th in Omaha. Gave him my drug list over the phone. My the time I could drive to his office, he had plans outlined for me. As an independent broker, he and his wife search the offering and can select the best plans for me. We even discussed how to lessen the impact of the double deductible for the year.

Each year, the look as the plans to see if there is a better plan fitting individual needs. He verified that the Physician Mutual rep was either giving me bogus information, or their play is unique in the its difficult to change carriers.

Ended up with a much better feeling about turning 65 and my finances. Next, second meeting with my financial adviser to set up plans for my pension. Once the pension finances are settle, I will select my MediGap carrier.

My Take on the Affordable Care Act

When we are in our 20s, we don't think about health care. Our focus was getting ahead in our jobs, developing meaningful relationships (finding a partner). Great if we had an employer that offered health care insurance was a bonus.

A couple times I entertained thoughts of leaving GM for another company. It was after about 10 years, I started realizing it would be more difficult to change employers as I age – invested stock (401k) benefits, vacation time, etc. I was still healthy, so a change of employer was mostly “can you pay me enough to match my benefits”.

Then in 1990, about 19 years into my career (43 years old) I was diagnosed with 2 “predetermined conditions” - hypertension and incurable (but treatable) viral infection.

From that time until I was able to retired with benefits, I was walking a fine line. There was a chance that our division of GM could be sold – what would that do to me health care? We went through down-sizing – was I going to be cut? I was concerned that disputes with supervision could put me on the chopping block.

Finally, I got to the magic 30 years and the year of my 55th birthday. I could retire with benefits. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Three years into my retirement I suffered a stroke cause by a failed heart valve. Thankfully, I still had my good GM insurance coverage. As a cost cutting move, GM changed retiree health care plans – now at age 65, we would lose GM insurance and go onto Medicare. There was a promise that we would get $300 a month more in our pension to help offset our cost of Medicare and MediGap. At this time I am NOT holding my breath that I will ever see this money.

Then came the GM bankruptcy.

At this same time, I was going through surgeries, radiation, and chemo for cancer. Did not know if I would have my GM health care insurance. Didn't even know if I would retain my pension! Just what I did not need while trying to battle cancer.

What would I do? I was facing pleading for the VA for health care (as a Viet Nam vet) and losing all of my savings. Thankfully, President Obama saved the auto industry, and perhaps – my life.

I am still undergoing routine CT scans for my cancers. In a couple months I turn 65 and will be covered under Medicare. Now, if the Republican's don't cut my Medicare and Social Security, I may be able to continue a reasonable comfortable lifestyle riding my bicycles and shooting photos.

Why I Prefer to Ride Alone

Yesterday I got my road bike back from the shop and planning to take it with me to Minnesota. Today was my chance to make sure everything was ready for the trip. Told D that I was planning to ride pavement about 9am, from the Wabash Trace Trailhead.

On the way to the trailhead, I stopped in to get the car serviced. Was at the trailhead about 8:50. J was already there (did not know he was riding too), Before I got my shoes changed, the other 2 were ready to ride (still not 9am). I like to take my time getting going, so feeling rushed, I was already not happy.

I was told to head out. Stopped quickly to reset the computer and headed down the trail at about 10 mph (into the wind). Over the last couple weeks, D has been saying he was not in shape, and to take it easy on him. Withing 1 1/2 mile, he was passing me and picked up the pace.

We used to stop at Indian Creek Bridge for hydration. I stopped, we had to flag down D. I rode most of the rest of the way to the Trails Center by myself. At the Western Historic Trails Center, I had to re-adjust my saddle - it had slide nose down on the ride. Used my multi-tool. D had a allen set, which allowed me more torque. Drank my G2, refilled water, and a quick visit with Dewey.

Once again, I brought up the rear. After all, I was not in a hurry. Wanted to enjoy the weather. After the hydration stop at the bridge, D wanted me to lead out so he could draft off me. Then complained that my speed was changing too much. So, I made it even more difficult for him to draft (by this time I was steaming inside). For info, I have problems keeping constant speed on the road bike because the bike wants to go faster than my body can keep up pedaling. So, not thinking, I speed up, and coast to bring back down to speed. Rode the rest of the way to the trailhead in silence.

I'll say that last summer when J and I rode Sunday mornings, I never had those issues. We just enjoyed the ride and the morning. Exhausted and depressed when I got home. Held mail for the trip and crashed to bed. Now trying to finish up my packing.

Home, Lost Week, Back on the Bike

Last Thursday evening I got home. Felt pretty good on the long driving day. Made some time to attend my fraternity alumni luncheon and THOR annual meeting over the weekend.

Did lots of nothing most of the week - wasted time playing "Locomotion". Checking at at Xtreme Wheels, visiting with Blaine. Back to normal coffee schedule. Today I was heading for another lost day when Zack (Xtreme Wheels) called me.

He was calling to welcome me back home, wondered when I would be in the shop, and was I riding today. It was a nice day, no (or at light) breeze, and bright sunshine. OK, kitted up for a ride abd grabbed the hybrid.

Rear tire valve was plugged (with dirt & slime?). Stopped at the bike shop to clear the valve and check the tires. While Zack had the bike on the stand, asked him to tighten up the pedal cleats - has been slipping out too easily. Thanks, Zack - I owe you.

Wanted to check the trail on the North end of Council Bluffs. Parked at Big Lake and headed South on the Riverfront Trail. Took it easy, checking out the scenery. Noticed my heart rate was slow (must be all the air from the lower altitude).

As I neared the curve before the Bob Bridge, the trail was blocked (see photo). Looks like they the city/Corp reworking something at a pumping station. There is not any convenient route or bypass. There if a work-road down the street level, but that has a gate and cable across the access. Can't walk the bike over the construction area as it is blocked with chain-link fence.

i had planned to ride down to the Western Historic Trails Center -- but with the closed trail, I just headed back to the car. Stopped at the bike shop again - short visits with Joe and Zack.

Thanks, Zack, for getting me back on the bike!

Welcome Home

Welcome Home Iraq Vets! Finally, the war in Iraq is over. No big “Mission Accomplished” banner (thankfully). But at least a heart-felt thanks and “Welcome Home” from the President.

What a waste of resources. Over 4000 Us troops killed, over 30,000 wounded. Estimated over 800 BILLION dollars. And that does not count the cost to the Iraqi people. All for naught.

It is 40 years since I served in Viet Nam. The bitter/sweet memories are still with me.
In addition of memories there is anger, frustration, hopelessness, and envy. I had hoped that the country had learned its lesson of Viet Nam, but did not.

Lets look at my feelings...

Memories: Most of us block out or bad memories of the time in “Nam”. We talk about the good times, the friends (brothers) we met in country. The bad memories are relegated to a distance memory. When we returned to “The World” we were not allowed to remember. We were to just get on with our life. Those that could not cope were outcasts.

Anger: I am still angry the way we were treated when we came home. When I was discharged at Ft Dix, I had to make a bee line to the airport, and then home because I was in uniform. No side trips. I had a friend that was beaten up by his “friends” because he stopped by in a local watering hole wearing his uniform. We were greeted with shouts of “baby killer”.

Frustration: I am frustrated because it was all for naught. Over 58.000 US service women and me were killed – for what? Viet Nam fell to the communists, anyway. And there was not any great wave of communism threatening to region and the world. Like with Viet Nam, the politicians sold the country a bill of goods to justify the invasion of Iraq.

Hopelessness: How soon we forget the lessons of war. The war machine (“Military-Industrial Complex”) is alive a well. As long as politicians and corporations are allowed to make such exorbitant profits from war, our youth and society will continue to pay the price in dollars, limbs, and bodies. While the war in Iraq is over, and Afghanistan is (hopefully) winding down, the war hawks are rattling sabers about Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and other countries. Will it ever end?

Envy: This is the one that is roughest for me to face. I envy the Iraq and Afghanistan vets. They are getting a proper “Welcome Home”. A couple years after I was home from Viet Nam, I was at a party with a cousin in Denmark. I casually mentioned that I wad been in “Nam. They did not believe it, since I “seemed to be normal”. I had no missing limbs and did not seem to suffer a mental illness. That was also the attitude in the US – Nam vets were messed up in some way or the other.. So I suppressed it. Stopped talking about Viet Nam. Did not tell people that I had server there. There were no parades and celebrations when we came home.

So, to the Iraq vets – Welcome Home. Sorry that I cannot give you a rousing cheer. I am just still too bitter.

Price Gouging - Kenosha

Thursday, I was in Kenosha, WI. Was planning to gas up the car for my drive home. Gas was running $3.499 to $3.559. Diesel fuel was in the $3.69 area.

I was out for my internet fix (getting e-mail, writing in this blog, checking facebook). During the 2 hours I was out, gas jumped 15 to 26 cents a gallon - up to $3.669/$3.759. At first I just figured a little bit heavy bump up on the price for the holiday weekend.

When I drove back home, I found that the gouging (because now it is clearly price gouging) was only in the Kenosha area. Once out towards Lake Geneva, the price was right where it had been Monday when I drove to Kenosha. All the way home - Beloit, Quad Cities, all across Iowa - price was about the same the week before. Diesel was also holding at the same price in the $3.6xx price.

The only think I can figure out is that one or two gasoline distributors in Kenosha are gouging the public. Gas supplies are high. Price of oil has been dropping. There is no other explanation.

The Death of Pro Cyclist Wouter Weylandt

One cyclist's thoughts...

It was a tragedy on the Giro d'Italia when pro cyclist Wouter Weylandt crashed on a fast descent about 25km from the finish line. My condolences to his teammates, friends and family. I admit, that I am not an avid road race fan. Yet, as a cyclist, I feel a loss.

On the other hand, we lose cyclist ever day - killed or injured on the roads and trails. It brings me back to first time I saw a "ghost bike" along a trail in Albuquerque, NM. That day's blog post was entitled "RIP David Anderson". I learned that an out-of-control car "flew" off of the Paseo del Norte onto the bicycle path. The driver has crossed 3 lanes of traffic, through/over a barrier and landed up an embankment where the path is.

I have ridden that bicycle trail. When I saw the ghost bike, I wondered how a rider could possibly be killed this far from the highway. I would bet that David Anderson thought he was safe from cars on the bike path.

Wouter Weylandt died on a closed race course. David Anderson was killed on a bicycle/pedestrian path. The Chicago Tribune reported that in 2009 6 cyclist were killed and 165 severely injured in collisions with cars in the city.

Facebook light up with the news of the crash during the Giro. I understand that the "cycling community" is in mourning. I do not mean to diminish the loss. Yet almost every day my facebook news feed includes a notice of the death of a cyclist when crashing with a car.

Lets use the loss of Wouter Weylendt remind us of the other cyclists that have died on their bikes. Wouter Weylandt died as David Anderson died - riding his bike.

RIDE ON...

Speed Bumps on the Road of Life

After retirement, I was just living my life without any direction. Just enjoy my retirement.

Then came along a 6 month illness that ended with a stroke caused by a failed heart valve. My doctors tell me they almost lost me. I don't even remember preparation for open heart surgery. But the ticking of the valve in my chest is a constant reminder. The first time I had to decide if I really wanted to live, and what quality of life.

Through that experience and cardiac rehab, I realized I have something to live for. I took up riding a bicycle for exercise. A year after onset of health problems, I was pedaling a bicycle. Soon, cycling was my life.

During this time, I was diagnosed with PTSD, believed to be from my service in Viet Nam. I was put on an anti-depressant.

My life refocused. With cycling, photography, and computers as the focal points, I started racking up the miles pedaling my bicycles. I started carrying a camera in the pocket of my cycling jersey. Soon, I was a fixture in the local cycling community.

Folks comment that I am an inspiration. I just want to be a better cyclist. My love for riding my bikes, brought me to giving back to the cycling community. As I found myself immersed into volunteering for the local trail groups. Started a cycling blog and added a cycling section of my web site. My cycling allowed me to kick the depression. Even started a photography business.

That brings us to 2010. At the end of 2009 I was diagnosed with cancer - Extraskelatal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma. 2010 started with a lung biopsy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I believe the miles I spend on the bicycles last year made me stronger and better able to fight the cancer. My greatest achievement of 2010 was riding over 2000 miles, it was the 340 miles ridden during cancer treatments.

My doctors have been giving me good reports. The cancer is still there, but I can't let it drive my life. At the end of 2010, I believe I have given another lease on life. What do I do with it in 2011?

I think there are larger contributions that I can make for the cycling community and the area in general. It is in my photography arts? Spreading the word of cycling as a life style? Getting involved with wellness programs?

Since the stroke, I have been apprehensive about my public speaking. And at times, my writing can get difficult (the right words just don't pop up). This morning I caught the Charlie Rose show on PBS. He was interviewing Harvard Business School professor Clay Christensen. He is battling cancer and recovering from a stroke – in the same year! Gave me the incentive to carry on, and do more.

Bring it on 2011...

End of theYear

Well, I will have to settle with 2028 miles on the bikes for the year. I should have braved the wind today, but just did not have the drive. Yes, it was in the 50s here. I know others were out riding, but I called it a year.

No chance to ride tomorrow (New Year's Eve) as the weather is heading South as I am writing this (sleet and snow on the way). Forecast is for bitter cold on New Year Day.

Don't get me wrong, I am pleased with my efforts this year. After the worst winter weather in decades, a week in the hospital for biopsy, 7 1/2 weeks of radiation treatments, and 11 weeks of chemotherapy, I was able to ride 340 miles during the period.

To celebrate getting though the treatments, I treated myself with a new bike - my first road bike. Ended up with logging over 1000 miles on the new bike this year. Not much dirt riding at home, Lake Manawa trails were under water most of the year. Enjoyed some awesome dirt riding in Wisconsin and S. Carolina.

So, I am ready to close the book on 2010...

2011, bring it on!

RAGBRAI Starts Today

As I write this, some 20,000 bicycle riders and support vehicles are taking to the road for the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. I wish them safe travels, and "rubber side down".

A couple of years ago, when RAGBRAI started in Onawa, I thought about riding a day. Since then, my interest has changed, I look for sweet singletrack. I enjoy a ride with a few friends. The longest day I have ridden is just over 40 miles.

This morning, I am somewhat disappointed then I did not train and plan to ride for a day with my friends. Too late now - and not sure that I will have a better opportunity, specially if I get serious about moving to New Mexico.

On the other side, I had an awesome trip to Arizona. Rode lots of singletrack. And I am not a "crowd" kind of guy. Give me ride with a couple of friends or a peaceful ride in the woods any day.

Beautiful Fall type day here. The last 3 days have been the same. Rode pavement Friday (28 miles), and the Wabash Trace (20 miles) yesterday. Word is that the dirt is in good shape. I can hear the trail at Lake Manawa calling me.

The Election of '08

Now I have tried to keep my politics off of my blog. Today, (and the quick one last night) I felt that I have to write about my feelings regarding the election of Barack Obama.

First, some history. I grew up on a Wisconsin farm. High school, I was a supporter of Goldwater. In the late 60s, I wanted a draft-deferred job out of college. That went by the wayside when I was drafted and served a tour in Viet Nam.

I was a Reagan-Republican. While not happy with the social issue view of Reagan, I thought it was easier to work for social change than it is to change fiscal change. The first big change for me was during the Clinton campaign and presidency – I sat out by voting for Perot.

When the Evangelical Right took over the Republican Party, I started looking for a political party home. I was looking at McCain (back in the 2000 campaign). Bush’s invasion of Iraq was the last straw. I started working for Democrats and changed my registration.

I wanted to work to defeat George W. Bush. Not that I want a Gore or Kerry Presidency – I wanted to defeat Bush.

Over the last 4 years, I have watched John Edwards and decided to support his candidacy. I had heard of Obama, but liked Edwards’ platform (did not know much about Obama). And, I thought enough of the Clintons. But, my basic motivation for working with the campaign was to defeat the Republicans and ideals of Bush.
I was an Us v. Them person. Bush and the Republicans were the enemy.

When Edwards dropped out of the race – I changed to supporting Obama. By now, I could see that he is where I wanted our country to go from here. As I heard more and worked more for the Obama candidacy, I felt a transformation.

His acceptance speech at the Convention was inspiring. The first time in many years that a political speech brought tears to my eyes.

Contemplating last night on my way home from the local Obama Victory Party, I realized that I, too, have changed. My view of the political landscape has changed. I was not working to defeat the policies of Bush – I was working for the “change we need”.

I hope those that try to divide us, learned their lessons – the vicious attacks did not work. The Rovian tactics do not work. Enough of blue states and red states.

Yes, there is lots of work to heal our country. But, as the chant started at the Grant Park Rally – YES WE CAN.

Awesome Day, Sweet Ride

What a beautiful day. When I decided to head out to ride, it was about 65 deg, sunny, and no wind. The 4300 needed to be checked out after derailleur repairs, so brought it to the bike shop, switch pedals to the full (no flat side) clipless. Rode out from the shop.

Was not sure how far I would ride, see how I felt. Stopped at the Trail Center (10 miles). Feeling great to went on to the pedestrian bridge, rode over to Omaha, and took several photos. Went up to Millers Landing (first time there) and down to Lewis & Clark Landing. Finally, headed back across the bridge.

I have to comment. When I was a kid, I learned to look to watch for others around me. These days, just walk on the sidewalk, go to the the store. People do NOT look were they are going, do not watch for others near. I have many times when people would walk right into me, had I not stopped and back up. Well, the same thing is happening on the pedestrian bridge. They walk like they own the bridge. Hell, they don't even pay attention to on-coming traffic (walking or cycling). When I come behind them and call out "On your left!" they keep on walking like they never heard me. Today, I was coming behind 2 on the right, and 4 abreast coming my way. I called out to try to get through. NO ONE stepped over to make room. They kept walking, passing 6 abreast. WAKE UP, PEOPLE. There are more folks out here than you and your group.

OK, I will get off my soapbox.

Great ride on the way back to the shop. Much of the way, I was riding at 15-17 mph. Sweet ride. Ridden 30+ miles, gone for 2 hours and 40 minutes, 20 minutes stopped. Logging, I calculated the ride at 12.9 mph over the length of the ride, pretty good with the traffic on the bridge!

3 Years and Counting

Three years ago, I was in the hospital. I had suffered a stroke. As my doctors planned tests, my health made a nose dive. Instead of tests, I found out they rushed me into surgery. I had a deteriorated heart valve.

A week in the hospital (including a mechanical heart valve), 5 weeks of home care (Thanks to VNA of Pottawattamie County), hours of speech therapy, and cardiac rehab put me on the road to recovery. It was time for me to find a way to continue improve my health. Thanks to Bill (Xtreme Wheels), I found cycling.

As they say, the rest is "history".

I have found places to ride - city bike trails, the Wabash Trace. Rode charity rides (local and regional). Started working with SWINT. Joined IMBA and T.H.O.R. Became very involved into the local cycling community.

You, my friends in the cycling community, are great. You give me the strength to keep pedaling through life. Mountain biking has made me feel younger and healthier.

Thank you all, for indulging me with my passion. Cycling, particularly singletrack, is my passion. See you on the trail and at the races. Bring on year 4.

RIDE TO LIVE

Me, My Bike, and the Trail

I was going to title this post "Back to Normal". But that is not really the case. Yes, my ride today was about the same as my ride Saturday. But since the awesome ride Sunday. there is no more "normal" for my riding. I headed back to Manawa this afternoon.

My first lap today was slow (picking up downed branches, getting back riding after 3 days off, etc). By the time I made my second full lap, I was back in the groove - just not "everything clicks" ride.

As I rode and was critiquing my ride, I felt that I am starting to be one with my bike. I lift up off of the saddle when riding through a dip - my legs becoming a part of the suspension. My mind registers roots, branches, and trail surface then just ride on. I do not look at the bike tire or the trail right in front of me - I see the trail but do not ponder it.

Now I like riding paved trails and limestone trails. For one thing, I need riding them so that I do not get bored with singletrack. But I do not feel one with the bike when riding pavement or limestone. Guess my mind has time to wander, my eyes watch other items around the trail.

But when I ride singletrack, it is just me, my bike and the trail. My mind finds such peace, comfort, and relaxation in the wooded singletrack. Nirvana!

Singletrack Mind

At breakfast this morning, a friend of mine described me as having a "singletrack mind". (Thanks Dave - I like the term.) Let my try to explain.

I tend to work to find the root of the problem and bring up with single, working solutions. No wandering or waffling. Lets get to the point and can the extra garbage. No "one track" mind, but a "singletrack" mind.

There's another way to look at things. At least here in our area, mountain bikers (that breed of cyclists that have a passion riding in the dirt - singletrack) seem to get things done. No long, protracted discussions. No endless tabling of issues. They/we seam to just "get it done". Maybe that's why I like working with T.H.O.R., Psycowpath, and others.

Please, folks, don't take this the wrong way. Some times it takes hitting up on the side of the head with a 2x4 to get attention. But damn it, once they/we realize something needs to done, it gets done at lightning speed.

On another subject, I rode at Manawa today. Great to be in the dirt. Rodes over 12 miles today. The trails are in awesome condition. The only problem is that lots of leaves have finally dropped. Now, I ride almost every week at Manawa, but today I missed one turn in the trail. From the photo, it looks that I am not the only one that missed that turn! (The trail turns to the right there).

Get out and ride!