Whole Foods Opens

Even though I only live a couple miles from Whole Foods of Town and Country, I wish the new complex, that has taken the place of the old Lucent (ATT) building a the corner of Woods Mill and Clayton Roads, was a tad closer. That way, when my dreads grow out, I can hike myself up to the new food court wearing my Jesus sandals without much effort. I will fill my handmade hemp rope bag with grains, super foods, tofu and, get this, Cherry mint infused water. Yes, the Cherry mint infused water is what my kid bought yesterday, and it sits open on the kitchen table, only a few sips out of it, this morning. "It tastes like crap", she says.

I say this in jest, the store is an absolute playground for nutri-culinepicureans a new term that I have coined for the health conscious indulgent. I am one of them. I love the merchandising, the style of the employees, just about everything it resonates to the culture, a lifestyle of sustainability and wellness. There is authenticity with the staff: tats, dreads, metal-in-the-face. Toss in the occasional "no worries" and a nodding "right on" and I am knee deep in "loving the one I am with" while perusing crack wheat biscuits.

Oh, and don't discount the people watching factor while there. As I implied in an earlier blog entry, the place to get cheap entertainment is where the people go. Whole Foods is no exception. Here you'll find a an interesting combination of free spirit fashion with upscale suburbia--yes, there are wannabees. So lets discuss.

For me, I am a little hyper sensitive about being authentic, so I work hard at simply being who I am and without much planning, this is the only rule in the rule book for me, a one page manual on authenticity. I must admit, I did recently start shaving on the weekends for selfish reasons. And I can explain, the damn hair is white and I don't think it does much for my "vibrancy appeal". In fact, the neck hair has become white too and I am sick about it. So if my least authentic natural exposure is the fact that I am not ready to Jerry Garcia myself, so be it, I am not quite ready for the farm. But I can say without fear of reproach that I have entered Whole Foods twice now, sweaty and grimy from two and a half hour mountain bike rides in vintage T-shirts and cargo shorts, smelling like the brine of some of those marinated olives at the anti pasta bar.

So it is that which actually purveys authenticity that sends us across the street from Schnucks to the new Whole Foods in Town and Country. There is more to see, more too look at. And that is just the customers and employees. Don't forget this either: more to pay.

There is power in this, such power in their (Whole Foods) ability to come within 100 yards of their competition and shove new culture, new innovation that molds the lives of their patrons, right in the face of traditional marketing. In fact, they are changing the culture to that of a more environmental political influence while doing so. This is interesting stuff and it takes a bit of a deep thinker to truly dig deep into the how the innovation and culture effect the mechanics of everyday life.

I have a cool website to ante up. It is called the tinderbox. As much as I hate to share some of my resources, it would hardly be authentic if I were not to give this one up.

Enjoy Whole foods all you crunchy poseurs. What will be next?

Velo Force Short Track #1

Dude, raise your hand!

I had to shoot a DVD this week. I am telling you that was one of the hardest things to do, if you have ever done one. There was a director, Peter Carlos, Assistant Professor of Communication at Lindenwood University. There was a producer, Dr. Rau Ayagari the head of Biology and a staff of production people. I was the talking head. We discussed nutrition and how our dining service at Lindenwood has the challenge of providing meals that are healthy, really healthy, serving over 4500 meals per day. It ain't easy.

Now, I am not usually short on words, especially when it comes to subjects that I am familiar with. I had no script, no teleprompter. I was to talk about Wild Thyme's, Pfoodman's new wellness program influenced by our international student population.

Pfoodman certifies certain products as "reduced", "vegan", "organic" and "kosher". Wellness menu items reflect an appropriate "certified" icon. The Wild Thyme's station menu offers cool super foods such as Quinoa, Cous Cous, Barley, lots of neat authentic herbs and spices.

It is our best effort, Wild Thyme's, I am really proud of it. We have t-shirts too, shouting "Get Wild". We are sure it will be award winning and look to set ourselves apart from the competition with type of innovation. So I got to thinking.

We created this program for several reasons. The most obvious is the fact that our students palate is changing and they are thinking healthier, much more than before. But what's interesting it the fact that this generation of students has had influences in their lives that other generations before them have not. For example, they have always had the influence of recycling in their lives. I haven't, nor did my folks, it still seems like a new thing to me, kind of an option. This generation seeks out the appropriate refuse container. This generation is seeing oil and gasoline prices go higher than ever. They saw an attack on our homeland and the resulting knee jerk reaction of an administration. They can actually intellectualize the health care crisis by understanding what the lack of insurance means, because often they too don't have it. They have seen a woman and a black man battle for the democratic nomination for the office of the President of the United States, like it was status quo--all of this while the baby boomer population drifts into retirement.

There is much before them and ironically, little time to be thinking of themselves. And yes, there are students who think this way, more of them than before, concerned students who listen a little more closely to what lies ahead. They are aware of their community responsibility as it relates to living, sustainability and that which is a better path to quality of life. More of them understand and expect certain things this way, certain standards that fuel their ambition. Not all of them, but more than before.

The changing economy, inflation and a slue of other issues will pose challenges for these students and I can see a little reality setting in, there is momentum brewing, urgency, a good thing. Not like with the typical generation X and Y whose sense of entitlement was a huge turnoff to employers in the late 90's and early 2000. The "not wanting to pay the dues" attitude labeled the entire generation lazy, indulgent, an inflated sense of worth. I still struggle creating false hopes when talking to these kids. I don't want to patronize them. It is hard finding your way, even after a bachelor's degree, a masters degree. There should be a reality show on the reality of not finding the job that generation X and Y thinks they should be entitled to. But I am sure that it has already been covered on MTV, the billboard image of generation entitlement.

I took the Johnny-On-The-Spot route when it came to the future. I think everyone should, college degree or not. I tell these kids to pick and industry, a product or a service that nobody else wants to do and go for it. That is what the food service business is. (That is what the crap extrusion business is). Nobody really wants to be a hamburger flipper, right? Hell, Pfoodman flips around 400,000 hamburgers a year. I started as a dishwasher, bus boy etc. Nobody was fighting for my job, but they missed me if I didn't show up. Later in life I simply raised my hand and said I would do what the others bailed on. Eventually getting that spatula to flip the burgers, which eventually led to our business, Pfoodman. I can't help but raise my hand when an opportunity arises.

Yep, it was hard being an expert talking head of a DVD on HACCP, Nutrition, Wellness, Active Living and Fulfillment. Hard being the center of information; opinion on that which students might actually listen, their parents too. What is it that sets me a part from the rest of the community, how did I get my own DVD and an audience to boot? I am thinking it is because each time I raise my hand (and I still do) I take a risk and gain a little more momentum on a path to knowledge--that which creates a relationship to something else, a connection to something, whether it be a business opportunity or, in this case, a chance to change the world a bit.

Don't discount the upcoming generation, they are in a stage of change like no other. It is a great time to watch them raise their hands.

Hipping it up a bit

I was sitting in the car at Walgreen's waiting for my wife to get her patch. Not sure what the hell is in the patch but it keeps her from waking me up in the middle of the night asking me to feel her sweaty head. That patch is cool with me, I sleep better because of it. I didn't mind sitting in front of Walgreen's either. I love to watch people.

Kind of reminds me of a story my father used to tell me. "We were poor when I was a kid. We used to go down to the hardware store with a batch of popcorn that my mother (your grandmother) would make up, and sit and watch the people go in and out of the store". I would say: "Damn dad, you sure lived the life, huh?" And he would nod his head and say "yep, those were simpler times".

Now its me at Walgreen's, catching a glimpse of Suburban America going in and out, buying their patches, candy, makeup, Advil, standing in line at the corner commissary, not too far removed from yesteryear. It occurred to me that I buy a lot of tennis balls at Walgreen's, that I actually knew the first name of the guy at the counter, that when anyone enters that store, you are greeted with him saying out of nowhere, "Thank you for coming to Walgreen's!", that he was a retired teacher. I am not sure what that means but knowing this stuff puts me in some paradoxical form of Saturday Evening Post Pop Culture.

Damn I was enjoying myself sitting there watching the people, weables wobbling, lots of them, in and out of the store. I should make some of them walk home for their lack of fitness, steal their keys, disconnect a cable or a plug, or something. It was startling the effort that some put into their "gate". Every step a mile of accomplishment. Closer to their liter of Dew; an entire rant in itself; observing American fitness at Walgreen's. I was quickly becoming bored.

I looked in the rear view mirror and checked out my face. It had been a while since I had a one-on-one in a rear view mirror. There aren't many times when you can sit and look at yourself anymore. I mean, I am a blur in the morning, quickly shaving, getting the hell out the door with seconds to spare. In the car at Walgreen's, I had time on my hands. A long overdo inventory was to be taken and what I came up with didn't make me happy. I was looking at my sideburns, deciding that they weren't long enough. I needed some lamb chops, quick. Why can't I have lamb chops? After all, I am old enough to say screw it, far along enough in life to be able to pull it off. I like El Cavano's lamb chops. How does he pull it off at work? He must be revered for his look. His wife and kids might not be comfortable without him sporting the look.

In addition to the sideburn extensions, I'll need a soul patch too. Yes, a soul patch and lamb chop sideburns. That will do the trick. Then, when I wear the Black Flag T-shirt that my sister purchased for me in LA, I will have achieved the image that I am looking for--that which is a little "I don't care what you think", with a smattering of "you know what I'm talkin bout". And you do..."know what I'm talkin bout" don't you?

That is what I have decided to do at...0ver 45. I will aspire to some form of personal change in regard to facial hair. I need to compensate for the loss of the hair on top of my head anyway. My grandfather, the one who had his wife making the popcorn before Saturday nights entertainment left me with an inherited void on my skull. Therefore, I find it perfectly acceptable to attribute this new attitude to the good old days, the simpler times, to family and tradition, to living the life. I will start immediately since I hadn't shaved in a few days. It will be a cinch to pull this off. All is good, cool, the future is bright.

My wife returned to the car with her patches and a box of junior mints. She shut the door and said--and I am not kidding--"don't even think about growing that soul patch again". I fired up the X5 and we made our way to the house in the subdivision, like the others.

I was so riding a tri-fecta in the morning.

Most Awesome Beer Commercial

Thanks Jim Sheetz for sending this.

Team Seagal Chubb non-race#3

Last Sunday was Team Seagal's non-race #3 where 20-30 of the areas top threadmasters gathered for a trials competition. The object was to clean (I think there were 12) areas on the Chubb. Getting a blue slash on your ultra cool Seagal card meant you cleaned it on your first pass, a black slash meant you did it on your second. I left without finding out exactly what the score was, but I heard Little Buddy got 10. It was a little harder knowing you have a bunch of people watching you, all the time in you want to get it done. Nerves played a role in being able to do this stuff. Below, Teiber Looking confident on stage two.

Apparently Corey's (above left) last mountain bike ride in Missouri before moving to Ohio.

Above, Matt Hoffman and his guns. Holy cow he can climb that SS. Strongman award goes out to him (and he brought the PBR).

That's Christine in the VeloForce kit. The only girl to show, she threaded things quite magnificently. Twister (right) showed us that he has skills of a pan galactic magnitude as well.

Team Seagal attempts to whittle a small boat out of a stick from the underbrush, as Casey Ryback looks to see if anyone is on to them.

Ah yes, the group photo, just after watching (forget name, blue and white stripe) the blue and white stripe guy climb the stairs. Yes, we all saw it, even Furby, who joined us for the day. It can be done folks, first time documented here in St. Louis and look at all those who saw it. This was indeed an occasion to remember. I am glad I was there to witness such awesomeness.

Teiber on his little bike.
Christine and Thrasher. She holding a PBR T-shirt that she earned for superior threadedness, he snapping the wrist of his fatigue by enjoying a deliciuos can of PBR, the blood nectar of our friends, Team Seagal.

Cluckin Good Chicken

Anyone who saw Saturday night lives Cluckin Chicken Commercial knows what I am talkin bout. This was one of the funniest spoofs ever, on a chicken place or on any quick service restaurant period. I did a little searching and found this gem. Please enjoy. I couldn't embed the file.

Click here

Then out of nowhere surfaces this tragic pic. This is just wrong.

Click here

Conversion underway

I picked up one of the Pfoodman van's the other day and I couldn't believe the condition. Note to self, let hourly wage employees drive the vehicles and watch the asset get reduced to a pile of scrap. I had to move some couches for some friends whose kids are going down to Mizzou to study and party for a couple years. The back of the van smelled like roasted meat. Now the couches do too as well as my hair and satchel. It is like that episode of Seinfeld when the valet parked Jerry's car and he couldn't get the smell out. Only worse. I remember dropping a pan of raw shrimp in my wife's trunk one time. That was pretty bad come August.

So I got to looking at the old steed, we have had it for quite a while and frankly it drives pretty well. I have to buy a couple newer vans this fall anyway, so my thought is to paint it and make a team van out of it. Anything would be better than the way it looks now. The Pfoodman graphics have faded, they need to be ceremonially put to rest. So today I am off to Maaco to get an estimate on a cheap paint job. Bauer said he would help me figure out the rest and has started on a design. I need to add some seats, replace some stuff here and there. The main thing is to get the smell out. I am going to make this puppy the outdoor vehicle of the century, a real Wapiti traveling billboard of fun. So I can transport a bunch of Kayaks and bikes and we can carpool to the races across the state, really look like Alpine shop people. This will be a lot of fun. Above is a prototype that Bauer came up with. I am thinking 1500 bucks will make it look like that. Unless Keister wants to donate his primo mobile, that is all I got to work with. More soon.

Redeamed

Pete: Well I'll be a sonofabitch. Delmar's been saved.

Delmar O'Donnell: Well that's it, boys. I've been redeemed. The preacher's done warshed away all my sins and transgressions. It's the straight and narrow from here on out, and heaven everlasting's my reward.

Ulysses Everett McGill: Delmar, what are you talking about? We've got bigger fish to fry.

Delmar O'Donnell: The preacher says all my sins is warshed away, including that Piggly Wiggly I knocked over in Yazoo.

Ulysses Everett McGill: I thought you said you was innocent of those charges?

Delmar O'Donnell: Well I was lyin'. And the preacher says that that sin's been warshed away too. Neither God nor man's got nothin' on me now. C'mon in boys, the water is fine.

Farley at the Mall

Iron Barley

I should have reviewed this restaurant a long time ago, because it was a few weeks back that the lady and I, with the Blau's dined together down there in South, South City. I won't bore you with too much but get there now! An absolute hoot of a place with kick-A food.

An outdoor back alley with live music held a hundred or so music lovers. I know I heard Gram Parsons, whomever the band was had impeccable taste in country rock. Who is Gram Parsons you ask? I recommend the compilation "Return of the Grievous Angel" for a wonderful tribute to the founder of Country Rock music.

The smoked Prime Rib cut was e-splendid, and eclectic switch up from the norm. Our server had just the right attitude for the joint as did the interior entertainment of acoustic Dillon stuff. We sipped beverages from the bar while commenting on the unique combination of experiences. You wouldn't know the place was one of St. Louis's most original designation spots on tap this summer. Go there and be cool. Right away.

Thrasher Love

This is so funny I could not pass up posting. A little off color for some.

Thrasher wrote:

So last night I was mounting up the Schwab Little Albert (no sealant) that Ralph gave me via Stan Crocker. I was having some difficulty with the compressor so I thought "ok, go ahead and use CO2 but put the Stan's in first to save another cartridge". So, in went two full scoops of Stan's. Sure enough, the CO2 seated the bead nicely on my Bontrager SS rim, probably only about 20 PSI though. So, I use the floor pump to take it up to 50 PSI momentarily to be sure the bead is seated, and also to get the Stan's to fill any gaps in the tire or on the rim while doing the Stan's dance with the rim held horizontally.The thing had been at 50 PSI for about 5 seconds and I was leaning over to remove it from the inverted bike frame I was using to hold it during inflation when KABOOM!!!! I was right in the grass by my pool doing this while my whole family was out swimming. Everyone screamed and I am totally covered in spooge. Head to toe (wearing swim trunks only) and even in my mouth. Yummy.The tire did say only to go to 45 psi, but that has never happened to me before. Just blew it clear off the rim. I know Jeremie had a similar experience a few weeks back, just w/o the Stan's. My ears have finally stopped ringing. Luckily I was outdoors. It's all mounted now, just with 40 PSI for seating it. Keep that in mind unless you want to look like a victim of John Holmes or Ron Jeremy.PS: I would've taken/sent a picture of the whole thing, but I know it would've been used against me in some g@y pr0n blog entry.

Precious Craig. Say, not that I am a direction reader, but 50 lbs with no tube is a key indicator of disaster...no?

The Art of Passertive Aggression

I was telling my kid the other day not to worry about this years tennis season coming up. It is a few months off yet, but I am preparing both she, her mother and I for what lies ahead. There is a reason for this; the anger filled world of girls tennis will bring out the worst in everyone. It is not enough that there are only 12 spots to earn on varsity. There are singles, the top four spots that will be fought over, kicked over, scratched, punched and berated over, stabbed, mashed, spit on. And that is just the parents.

As a parent I would love for my kid to understand the concept of being strategically passive, or, Passertive Aggressive--that there are times when it is perfectly fine to allow yourself to be pushed around a bit. (Good luck trying to explain this at the dinner table). I figure it's an educational process, a homework lesson in identifying patterns of behavior--the Art of Passertive Aggression. It may be perfectly fine to be the proverbial whipping boy/girl. It's OK to subscribe to unconditional high road when competing or communicating with others, for a bit. The more your opponent thinks they have you in control, the less they'll seek to learn more about you. They'll fall short of recognizing what you do particularly well, or where there might be a weaknesses, but most importantly, whether or not there is gradual improvement.

Therefore, it is strategic to be taken for granted--that which is of huge benefit to the passive aggressor, in a bigger picture sort of way. The strategic process requires patience; you are an opportunist who works behind the scenes, calmly evaluating your opponent, processing information for later recall. This is assertive behavior. Seek to identify your opponents patterns of success and failure and intuition will provide for all you to you win. Out of nowhere, you'll emerge a winner, authentic and respected by your opponents.

Karma will always keep things in check.

Be authentic and karma becomes your partner.

Fun in the Dirt

For all race series information and race flyer go here.

6-27-08

Wow, great turn out for the first race. Lots of people coming out to shake it up in the dirt. It was reminiscent of the old days, people talking up their bikes, gearing, things have changed a bit, nothings changed too much.

We had 21 in the A's. Almost perfect for the course. We ran in in the front of the park on the old(Foo) 2002 AMBC course. So it was a little nostalgic from that perspective. We went out hard at first, Wes and Chris and the dude from 360 got the gap and the geezers kind of floated to the back. We came through the bridge like a bunched up accordion. Those getting through first gaped the field and it split up pretty good from there. I buried myself at this point, staying with Kankles and Albert until we hit the creek. Again, accordion, I ran up the back of somebody and flipped over the bars in the water. No wrist snaps to speak of. I got back up and carried on. I didn't feel good at all. The sun had been on me most of the day getting the course set up and moving the stuff back and forth from the office. I was dehydrated and had a headache from the start. I still do. I did a couple more laps with Casey Ryback, knowing that at anytime he was going to kick me in the the ditch on his retro bike. I don't think he was feeling it either so we kind of played slinky for a while until I bailed to talk to Twister. I couldn't really get the heart rate down. I figured they would need my help to get the scoring down. So shoot me. I jumped in after a short rest and couldn't even hold Albert's wheel to the finish.

Thasher, Bauer, Shuck, Boz, Rich Pierce, others were there for a grinding and grueling race. I don't think anyone left any in the tank. It was hot and humid, no wind to speak of. We had a great time out there.

The B's put Carrie Cash up to the front with Jeff Powell right behind. This was a tough race for all. Robert Oelerman, LC (his year), Bob Crow! I really enjoyed handing the score cards to the C racers as they came across the line. First timers finishing their first race is quite a thrill, what it is all about.

6-23-08

You know, that damn bunker is wet 10 months out of the year. We will just skip it for the time being. It flooded last week and will take a while to dry out unless somebody gets in there with a pump and cleans it out, and that is pretty stupid. Too bad, it was clean and fast for a couple days. We will get it back on line soon for all to enjoy. The only thing we didn't do is pave the trail for the roadies. I predict a couple will show on their 97-2000 stumpjumpers, cross bikes and other. Thrasher's running a big ring SS so he can explain why he was in the second group.

I reckon there will be some talk about which group to go in. A,B or C. Super fast and fast in A, fast and fast beginner in B, 1st timer and novice in C. We will help you figure it out.

We finished the doe-see-doe, pretty cool stuff, will make for good spectating and pics. The course will be fast, the sand is cleared away from the center of the trail on the River loop. Grey Eagle (BLM) stepped up with a truckload of 180, as did a local Country Clubber for the brew. We got food, racing, pony rides for the kids (not). Let's do this.

6-18-08

The course is complete, the Bunkers will be in full use if it doesn't flood. But it is real close. The river is supposed to crest on Saturday, another 4 feet, hard to tell if it will come up to the paved bike path and spill into the low area just before the bunker. We will adapt where needed.

We are more than optimistic so get out there and ride the course. It is fast and groomed, all logs removed, sand will be cleared today. First race will be clockwise using the crossing. 5-7 minute hot laps.

Coming out in the field from the river loop follow the trail and turn left at the tree line. Go up to the entrance of the woods and make a hard right returning back through the woods in the newer trail. We will not use the crossing where there is a yellow barrier. We will come back in to the field and make an immediate left for 100 yards and then dump back in the woods for the Doe-See-Doe.

6-12-08

Thrasher and I went down and tried to make sense out of the Bob and Weave, we will have to improvise a bit, because the usual dump in to the bunker has a large downed tree in the middle and it is not quite dry enough to ride. It stinks too, but that may have been Thrasher jersey.

We ended up using the second dump in and will shore up the entry when we do some preparation next week. We also were able to re-route the decline off the bunker, in order to come back on to the bike path after threading the Bob and Weave. There is too much sand on the flats heading to the field so work will be done to make a channel in order to keep speed. There are a couple holes that are still drying, particularly a right hand turn where the river has edged its way almost on to the river trail. I am thinking major fun for this.

This just in: Lewis Greenberg will be on hand to keep things real. If you don't know Lewis, read about him here. Come and visit with West Counties most colorful artists/activist.

Getting Pfunked: We were at Baurs last night, sipping Chamey after a good ride, and I looked over at he and Thrasher and asked if they thought any roadies were going to show up. Baur said, who you talking bout, specifically? So I rattled off a couple people whom I would like to try and shred. If you know of any roadies who might not normally want to give it a shot, send them my way, to the blog. I have a couple extra bikes we can rig up if all they have are 14 pound carbonicities. And in order to encourage a couple people hear or there, if you see your pic on the site or the pic of a friend of yours, tell them that they have been pfunked, and that they are expected to friggin race. Like Luke here.

06-10-08

If you have found yo bad selfs here, it means you are looking for some serious fun in the dirt. The Velo Force Short Track Dirt Crit Series is for any and all types of riders and it is indeed a training series for the purpose of building fitness. We encourage anyone who wants to give it a shot to show up and try your hand at Dirt Crit racing.

Short Track Dirt Crit racing is a great way to build and test skills in a competitive atmosphere. We will have food, drink and good times each Thursday beginning June 26th.


Any (off road type) bikes are welcome: Old POS's, Cross bikes, SS, 5.5's, Uni's, Tandems, 29ers (and the little 26er ones).

If you are new to the racing thing, don't worry, we will be there to help you out and steer you in the right direction. If you want to try and bring it back, tell your friends and family to come and root you on.

Anybody is welcome: Old, Young, Geezer Old, Girls, Guys, Women, Men, Roadies, BMXers, ...and you too Thrasher!




We have the park "go ahead" and things are a go as today, 6-10-08. We will run the course on both sides of the road, there will be bunkerage, there will be the use of the field and now introducing: The Doe-see-Doe. There will be changes each week.

Winghaven Shots

While the MTB faction was playing int he dirt in KC, the Tour of Winghaven was taking place, a crit of huge proportions, I hear. This must be quite the race. Lots of people showing up and many people talking about it. Vince Sutton looks to be working hard in these photos. I kind of miss training with ole Vince, we did circles one winter with Kaspar down in the Valley. I figure Kaspar still holds court down there on Saturdays and Sundays. I should go down and try and chase him again, I was never thinner as evidenced below.

Affirmative Quotes for Later Use (Boz)

The good news is I got the deck done. Bad news is that I haven't been on a bike since last Saturday. I am going to start getting ready for the second half of the mtb season and cx season.

CB

Heartland Kansas City Cup

Sunday certainly provided for a busy day. A 6:00 AM start at the parking lot of the Cheesecake factory put the Notorious B.I.G. and Teib in my car for the 3 hour journey to Landahl, in Blue Springs. (highway 70 to highway 7 turn right to Truman road, turn right, 2 miles up on right).

It has been a while since spending a day with a couple teenagers full of piss and vinegar (other than my perfectly behaved kid), but they handled themselves quite nicely, adult like, refraining from giving each other noogies and throwing stuff in the car, playing the pull-my-finger game. We were there to race bikes, and it was some serious intellectual conversation that they were in store for. I had an audience and they were to listen to my "isms". I was going to put a learn on these kids.

I was delighted to stop at Stuckey's, by the way. Highway dining is most interesting and you can always find a clean head at Stuckey's. Just ordering a fried egg sandwich sends you B-lining to the commode, returning to the counter for the piping-hot, wax paper, wrapped, lard bundle. We ordered three of them and got on our way.

I got a little pissed at the cashier. While there, we found it necessary to peruse the merchandise, stopping and checking out a couple things here and there. I stopped and picked up a small puzzle, a couple nails bent together. It was a game to try and figure out how to unhook them. It would either take a pair of pliers or a rulebook and I wasn't interested in either. I tossed it back in the pile and moved on to the bathroom. When I returned there was this old man, the cashier, counting the 20 or so nail puzzles and comparing them to an inventory sheet or register report or something. Who am I a 46 year old shoplifter? The old man was miffing me and I was, for a moment, his subject of an investigation. I should have opened up a six pack of belligerence on him, but refrained because of the children. I am not sure what B.I.G. and Tieb did while my "window was open". But it certainly wasn't try and lift a two dollar friggin nail puzzle on the way to a race at Landahl. The old man eyeballed us all the way to the X5 with 7 grand worth of bikes on top. What an ass?

We eventually arrived at one of the most kick ass trails in Missouri. Landahl Reserve. The place is an oasis of fast single track with many options for trail use. This particular race was a little less technical from years before, but very fast and fun. We did a warm up lap when we got there and got ready for the race. Tom Albert, Dave Breslin, Wes Bierman, Matt Keevan, Matt Grottoff, several others from St. Louis made the trip.

I think we all thought we would come up there and do a little ass kickin on the natives. The week prior was Rhett's Run in Columbia and most of us podiumed. We had kind of a rude awakening. These guys were tough as nails in all categories and you can tell that they train in that park quite a bit. Their are two race series in the area, the Midwest Fat Tire and Heartland. There region is filled with a lot of really good races and racers. They were not going to have us coming in and taking over.

The race started at noon and I suppose my goal was to stay as close to Albert as much as possible. I have been doing a bunch of endurance races so my shorter race speed recover might have been a little off. The last two weeks I have been trying to do more intervals, but by default, I still have a slow grinding pattern going. This was my first traditional Expert class race in a year and it showed. I took sixth with a 1:45. Should have been 8 minutes faster. My recovery was a little slow. I need more interval training in order to get the heart rate down. All in all I was pleased considering the talent. Flat Albert did his thing on lap number one and caught me on the fourth lap. I figure he had a great race and he is as fit is he has ever been. He ended up winning the 50+ and beating me by a half a minute (with a flat). Nice job Tom.

Teiber broke his front break lever (right after telling me at the start that once you go hydraulic, you never go back). We hammered together for most the race until I eventually got away from him. He is in expert this year, for 17 years old, he is making it real. I look for him to really up his game in the next several races. He took 6th, 4th last week at Matson.

B.I.G took on the beginner course, separate from the Sport, Expert Course and finished well. We were proud of him and because of his efforts, he gets a one year suspension from all fast food purchases. He will thank me someday. B.I.G. is a new recruit for Lindenwood and going to be the new cycling team mechanic.

I think Keevan won his race, his twin bother Breslin (dude, from the back I can't tell who is who) and Wes seemed like they thought the same thing, that the competition required some respect from our St. Louis posse, especially the 30+. Keevan, Breslin and Wes are freaks, really fast and great competitors. We are lucky to have such talent in our midst. Team Seagal, were at it again snapping wrists, a joy bundle as usual, bringing buckets of PBR and stories of grass root success of all things cool in the mountain bike culture.

On lap three I got a push up from Cameron Chambers, the Kansas freak who just won the Dirty Kanza 200, what has to be one of the the toughest races in the country. He was cramping and couldn't continue. Dudes a freak, but ain't all of us? I mean, we did drive 7 hours to ride bikes for 30 bucks.

I was home by 6:00 in order to take the lady out for Mexican.

Inspiration

I was reading Furby's blog the other day. By far my favorite blogger when he lets it spew. His talent lies within his ability to stay consistent, a perspective that captures the day to day tribulations of a person who might as well be invisible. He moves in an out of daily encounters with workers, employees of bike shops, Quick Trip experiences, boring stuff really, but he has a quirky personality, and it comes through in his writing consistently, every time. His knowledge of malt beverages is impeccable and useful. So that gives this story creedence enough.

His writing perspective comes from that of (not quite cliche yet) single and lonely Walmart employee, working third shift in pet supplies, squeaking out a living doing what he does, living alone in South City. He is a resurrected bicycle racer, again (meant to be redundant).

He has had his ups and downs of baddass in the past few years and that is what makes the story interesting. Around 03 I knew of him as the quiet guy riding alone in the woods with a SLCC kit, seeing him on the road moving along pretty good. He was always by himself and you had to friggin scream at him to say hello or get a nod, which pisses most people off. It's that friggin elite bullshit that one often comes across, usually on road encounters. It used to really chap me. It was more prevalent in my early riding career, I was probably inappropriately styled, had toe straps, boots, too big of a helmet, or something. As a dejected trail or road snub subject, our growing training group had the policy that pretty much stuck to the rule that we mofo any jerk who fails to acknowledge the presence of another rider. Retrospectively, with Shoemaker (his real name), it was likely his brinkmanship that didn't let us control the situation by getting him to say hi, or he was just shy. I think it also had something to do with me wearing a sleeveless Sunset Jersey that I got from Klepfer in 2000.

As things rolled around and I came into my understanding of the way things are in the world of amateur cycling, I noticed who would show up at races, and who would not. Furby showed at all sorts of races, MTB, Road Races, I think he did cross through the years too. According to his blog he is a freaking cat 2 now and there is a picture with him leading out Brad Huff and Kurt on the front page. Tell me the boy doesnt take it serious. I suppose I should yield, kneel and pray when encountering him now. He was always there for the past 7 or 8 years, quiet in his demeanor, little said to anyone whom he encountered rising throughout the ranks of Euber Roadie prestige.

It is a little odd that I know this stuff about the dude. After all, I keep coming back for more, reading his blog, checking back for updates. I think I have a softspot for people like him. Occasionally I was worried that he would drink himself onto his bike and in to the path of a car. He shares the occasional story of self destruction, that which makes one worry if he is actually getting "low" or simply pressing the buttons of his readers of which I would guess that he has many.

Two things have happened to Furby that have changed his demeanor in the past couple years. The first had to be with his emergence as wing boy with Dick and the Destroyers. Dick aka Richard Rickey, a fellow Geezer (40ish+ baddass on the bike) whom we don't often see that much anymore. There was also Johnny Underpants, another MTB badass who's integrity was challenged when a picture surfaced of him in a boat trying to get across the lake at 2006 Burnin at the Bluff. Furby was the third sidekick and it was like a light went off upon his inclusion into the group. They drank a bunch of beer one night and lore has it that they pee'd on the bar at Schlafly. This was likely the top cycling story of my entire career. Not a hero story, a funny unfolding of he said, she said. Look it up on Stlbiking.com if you choose.

At one time, they were the ones to beat on a three man team 12 hour. I am pretty sure that they drank all night before the gun went off. Then fights would break out after the race, a car was ripped apart and the backseat used for street skiing off the back of a car. These both happened at the two Burnin's that I attended. Never a dull moment.

The Destroyers are no more. Just an occasional blurb from Rickey about some race that he says he will show up for and doesn't. Johnny Underpants, the one who allegedly dripped on he bar, is nowhere to be seen, at least not in my areas of exposure. Furby has been cast out of the underbelly and is on his own now. For a while he went self destructive, drank too much, didn't train. Then, all of the sudden he is talking about 115 mile rides and putting pictures of he and Huff on the blog. Hell, he has a job now.

So there is life after the Destroyers, Fingerbangers or whomever they called themselves. I kind of miss those guys a bit, and like Furby, I have found the spirit to come back in to form to experience the likes of people like them, have the influence from some interesting folks who push things to the limits, unconventionally, humor.

Keep writing Brian.

Cross Pics

It is early to start talking about cross. But I am still reeling from last years dysfunctional go at re-emergence. I did a couple races and gave it up for the season. A three month hiatus followed, in which I gained about 10 pounds. I have just gotten the jelly off me and will not have it when the 09 Cross season begins this year. Each year it gets a little bit harder to commit and see through the first of 7-10 races each season. We are lucky here in St. Louis to have such a solid race series for cross. But as I get older, it seems the competition gets just that much better.

I am still re-emerging the MTB season right now, having a decent finish last week because nobody was there, is hardly an achievement. Maybe I need blood doping to make my mark.

This week is Landahl and I think I have gotten a couple sLouisons to come up and help me (as Team Seagal would say) snap the wrists of the Kansas City folks.

Lost in Florida

It was Thursday of last week that I stumbled to the coffee pot in the office. My usual salutations to the girls in accounting seemed a bit different than other mornings. Darlene (not her real name) had a big smile on her face, a bewildered smile, one that makes you stop and say "OK, what the hell is going on?"

She said, Ralph, I will tell you right now that I will not be getting anything done today". Again, big smile, bewilderment. I said something obnoxious like, "oh, rough night eh? Shouldn't do that." She said no, nothing like that, let me show you something. On her desk was a picture of a young man, around 25 years old, kind of a preppy looking guy, maybe a pharmaceutical salesman. (I was right). "It's my son" she said and I never knew where he was".

Only Darlene could come up with a story like this. I was intrigued to say the least. She went on to explain how she had become pregnant with a child when she was fifteen, given him up for adoption at 16 and never knew what happened. A couple months ago she started working the websites, putting it out there that, if the child were interested, she could be contacted. She got a hit from her sons adopted sister. In about an hour, Darlene was to speak with him for the first time.

I couldn't help but get a little choked up as did the rest of the office. This was real, friggin really real stuff that you hear about on TV and it was unfolding right in the accounting office of Pfoodman! Needless to say, we all gave her a little privacy, our offices are somewhat segregated anyway and that is the way we like it. When I returned for more java there were pictures of her new family everywhere, her grandchildren, two of them, a better picture of her long lost son, a framed picture this time. It was pretty cool.

She had made plans to visit, he will come see her, then vice versa. What a story huh? I asked Darlene, why now? Why did you decide after all these years to track him down at this point in your life? She said it was just the right time. She was settled, mature, balanced, could handle it. I think she could tell somehow by his picture that he could handle it too, a mothers intuition was that it would be OK, because when he found out that Darlene was willing to make contact, he jumped at the chance.

So I suppose this is a story of finding the courage to accept life for what it is or what it has become, taking ownership and getting closure. Regardless of how it may appear to others and with respect to all involved, Darlene embarked on a journey to look at herself at a time when she knew she was ready, after a lot of living, learning and persevearance. I am proud of Darlene to have embarked on such a courageous mission. I would have never guessed that she, when a teenager, was one who found putting a child up for adoption the only option. It is truly a garden of forking paths, our lives. Consider the fact that, if the path is always in the garden, there are certain to be flowers found along the way.

Castlewood Race Photo's

Who's wet?

This Sunday certainly paved the way for some fitness for all involved in the sport of Mountain Bike Racing in Missouri. Matson hill, the hated up and downer course was on the block, as well as Rhett's Run in Columbia. Since Shuck is so dandily in the contention for second place in the NORBA series, it was I who chose to take on the Midwest Fat Tire race in Columbia. I was the only Velo Forcer there, ahem, and glad I went. I took 2nd in the marathon class with six laps of pain. I will take it. And the 50 bucks! Though I don't think I performed all that well. I am still not used to this class yet and am in the process of shifting up the training to include more climbing and longer "speed" rides. The hydration and nutrition seem to be an issue as well. Soon to change. There were times when I was cramping (or near cramping) starting on the 4th lap and could barely climb, being passed by a bunch of sport riders. This really slows me down, the cramping. So much climbing on that freaking course. I finally limped in to the finish after holding on to 2nd place the entire race. Nathen Means friggin lapped me, but he is Da-Wayne caliber, and, as of this writing, about 90 pounds lighter. I still have a decent way to go but starting to feel the form. Should be good to go for the Binder Lake 6 hour event in a couple weeks.

Looks like Becky Cato took 1st at Matson, Mike Teiber took 4th in Expert, way to go Becky and Mike! Also, Zak Haffner, took 1st in Sport, Lindenwoods newest recruit and ICCC.

It is Landahl this weekend for a power fest. Really looking forward to this race, as it is one of the best courses in the midwest. Who is going? This is a must do race. Kanssas City.

The Rain

What is going on? I have begun gathering deadwood in order to build a freaking raft so I can at least get to work. This rain is of proportions unknown. I know this comes as a big suprise, but I have washed my bike like four times this week.

I am sitting here with the topic of racing. On one hand, I get in my car and head to Columbia (MO) to do the Rhetts run gig, the other, Matson, my least favorite course in the universe. Even the skinny guys are secretly hoping it was going to be rained out. They are likely getting their act on right now, because it will be just a short time when Matt sends those crazy dudes up the friggin hill. Hafner wants the King of the Hill bad, so I expect him to take the crown.

I like how the DRJ does it. They pre-pay for the races, and then have to show up. That way they show up unless there is a really creative excuse, I am thinking. Like, "dude, my house flooded", or "I would have been there, except a river kept me from getting off the front porch", or "my bike rusted into a frozen piece of frailrot".

You see, there are all sorts of things you can do to bail, during torrential times like these.