The Reason Why...

Here is my reason to ride, my inspiration to care, and my reason to love greater! I had not been to the hospital in a long time, and have never been diagnosed with cancer, but when I got sick a few years back, I was determined to stay healthy, and try to help as many people as I could.

Zone Perfect got back with me concerning my ride in the Trek 100, and I am more than grateful. I was hoping to partner with them in Waterloo, and I received the email that I was eagerly awaiting. Now I am patiently waiting for the others to get on board. Then on June 9th I will put the body to work and tackle the 100 miles. I am more than ready to ride!

Aerial view of the battlefield. Battlefield - Waterloo, WI. The Enemy - Cancer. Weapon of choice - 2011 Trek Madone 5.2. Fellow Combatants -Tthousands of other cyclists as well armed as myself.

 

The strategic layout. I am praying for good weather, and for the mind and body to stay on point and focused.100 miles of rolling hills and lots of cows... Yes, cows! Like the Chick-fil-A ones.

 

Prince sang about partying like it was 1999. Sivart Pooknyw is singing about his ride, the Little Black Trekvette. The onyx, platinum and ivory Madone will be bookin' it to the tune of 1998 in the dairy air!

If you'd like to, and are able to donate, you can do so anonymously, and donate as little as $5. Your donations are also tax deductible. Thanks in advance.

http://2012trek100.kintera.org/gotravvy

"My Trek 100" Are U Willing 2 Help Find The Cure?

I have been blessed to have a body healthy enough to take on the challenge of a 100 mile bicycle ride. I will take on that challenge June 9th, in beautiful Waterloo, Wisconsin, at the Trek 100. Riders of all ages participate, in teams, groups, or like myself, as an individual. The Trek 100 works with the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer or also know as the MACC Foundation. In 1976 former Milwaukee Buck Jon McGlocklin helped organize the MACC Fund. He is also the non-profit organizations current President. One thing I admire about him most is that he is also on the Athletic Board for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has been since 1980. The MACC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding childhood cancer and related blood disorder research like sickle cell disease. Their goal is to be "cured out of existence."

I have a seven year old daughter, and every morning that I wake up, and hear her healthy, happy sweet little voice say, "I love you Daddy," I thank God. Not every father is blessed to wake up at home and hear those words from his child. Some parents wake up at the hospital, or awaken at home missing their child until they can get to the hospital and visit with their child. I am hoping to help eliminate any childhood disease that I can. Therefore, I ride.

My page is set up now, and ready to accept donations of any amount, and will be greatly appreciated. The link below is my personal link for the MACC Fund. I will not touch or see one penny of the funds. The donations are also tax deductible as well (hot link above for tax form). Here is my personal link:
http://2012Trek100.kintera.org/gotravvy

God bless you all. Thanks in advance.

Observe & Learn

Over time you can develop a great deal of discernment for life matters. You can learn through observation, & see trends take place, and in some cases make likely predictions. Albeit, nothing is ever guaranteed, with the exception of God being Almighty God all by Himself, you can still see the end result through observation and developing trends.

Some individuals, teams, or groups just have the oppositions number. No matter how hard a person or group tries, there is that one team or individual that they just cannot get past, no matter what! In those times you can see a defeated team, or individual. You can see it in there eyes, or in their mannerisms, and on the other side of the spectrum, you can see the winner claiming what's theirs before the competition ever gets started.

Alexis Arguello was a tough, tough fighter. He fought hard, and stopped some great fighters in his day, then along came Aaron Pryor. Pryor beaming with confidence had Arguello's number. I remember watching them fight when I was a kid, and thinking even then, "Pryor has Arguello on lockdown!" Watching the ref give the pre fight instructions, you could see that the fight was over before it got started. Rocky Balboa (a fictional character) wouldn't always stare down his opponent, and in one of the Rocky movies, even admitted to being nervous before the fight. However, in most cases the Rock came out ready to do battle. Ready that is with the exception of the James "Clubber" Lang (Lang being the main antagonistic in Rocky III) fight. Rock just wasn't ready for that fight, and couldn't get ready for it. The rematch was a different story. For Arguello, unfortunately it was not. The shorter, more confident, and aggressive Pryor stopped Arguello early in both fights.

Tonight I watched Kobe Bryant take on the roll of Alexis Arguello. He had 'an' attitude, and 'a' want, just not the desire. Bryant was caught in a pick while guarding Kevin Durant, and Kobe gave up on the play.  On that play Kobe didn't even try to box out Russell Westbrook (I believe it was, a smaller point guard) who crashed the board hard, only to botch the put back attempt on the missed layup by Durant. The sad thing is, although Westbrook missed the put back, his teammate Kendrick Perkins was there to retrieve his miss, and score. Kobe not only failed to box out his man on the pick, but allowed his big men to be placed at a disadvantage and allow the opposition to out number his front court bigs, and score on his team. He is relentless on getting free on offense so he can get a touch and a shot, but didn't even try on defense. He failed because he did not even try! Arguello at least put on the gloves. Kobe wants to be mentioned with the names Johnson, and Jordan, but doesn't put forth the effort to be deserving of that mention. When did you ever see Magic, or Air Jordan give up? You didn't! They played til the end. Kobe sees his squad down by three with 13 seconds left, and he immediately starts to pout. His attitude doesn't change either. He has to be given the opportunity to be the hero, and hit the game tying three, or be able to cast the blame on someone else. Well he had several opportunities tonight to be the hero, and he blew it. He missed a long forced 3, and wouldn't have needed it, if he had played a little team defense. I love the Lakers, but this is one era that I will be glad to see come to an end. Kobe needs to go. How about Iguodala and two first round picks Mr. Stern? Will the league approve that? Kobe goes back to his old stomping ground in Philly, and the Lakers get to remain competitive, and hopefully pick up a first round player that puts them back on top in a few years.

Onto bigger observations... The Preakness saw the same results as the Derby, today. I'll Have Another, had Bodemeister's number. I'll Have Another ran down Bodemeister, and beat him again, only this time by a nose! On June 9th could he be the first horse in 34 years (and 1 of 12 in the 138 year history) to win the coveted triple crown? I'm going to say yes. I say yes for two reasons. Even though he's a horse, you can still see his swagger, and also because I feel that Bodemeister, and his jockey are going to be thinking, "I have run my heart out, and that joker always shows up in the last 110, and runs past me!" That does something even to a horses morale. I feel that if I'll Have Another stays close enough that he will take a late charge again, and win the Belmont. The only way to beat him in my opinion is if Bodemeister can discourage him with a larger than life mid race lead, one that is seemingly unsurpassable. If not, then I see big brown running them down for the triple crown.

And in life, let this be a lesson. Just because you are midpack during the race, doesn't mean that you need to give up, or throw in the towel. It simply means that it's time to make your stand, by making a charge, and know that every true champion makes a run! If the other guy(s) can take lead, then know that you can make a run, to not only challenge, but go ahead! Be inspired, be successful... Observe and learn.

Saying Goobbye...

George Lindsey portrayed the character "Goober Pyle" on the Andy Griffith show. His character was a big hearted auto mechanic that knew little about much, other than working on cars, and caring for people. He passed away today at the age of 83. A West African Congo word "Nguba" is where the slang term goober comes from. Mr. Lindsey made the word a Southern household name, and a Southerners favorite nickname, for a friend that has done something a little off beat. It is a name that is not easily forgotten and once used often. Goober as in goober peas, peanuts, and a term that I have been called a few times myself is a name that lives on. Goober Pyle (George Lindsey), God rest his soul, he will be missed.

Speaking of great names, the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby had some great names this year as well. This years line up featured the winner, "I'll Have Another," and he may do just that with a Preakness victory! Second place finisher, Bodemeister. Fifth place finisher Creative Cause, followed by Liason, and race favorite Union Rags. My favorite name goes to the eight spot, "Rousing Sermon." However Daddy Nose Best was a very close second on my favs list! Done Talking, Prospective, and Daddy Long Legs round out my Top Ten. I would love to see "I'll Have Another win the Triple Crown. That is the perfect name for the trifecta!

Nothing to do with names in this group, other than Mayweather remaining undefeated winning by unanimous decision over Miguel Cotto, in the squared circle. The name missing here? Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao. This should set up the fight that every boxing fan wants, but it's not happening! Mayweather said Cotto accepted the blood and urine tests, and they fought. Pacquiao has said previously, that the blood test is not necessary, and weakens a fighter before a fight. So the only thing note worthy name wise here, is the nasty ones that can't be mentioned in front of women and children. Therefore, I will move on the MMA. Diaz submitted Miller in the octagon, and Josh "Kos" Koscheck lost in a very close decision to Johny Hendricks.

Some familiar names in cycling finished strong today in Italy. It is the first big bicycle race of the year, being one of three Grand Tour events. The Giro (Italy's biggest race) started Saturday, and young American Taylor Phinney won the Time Trial Stage. The second stage was clean and smooth up until the last 500 meters of the second stage, and it was there that the races first nasty crash took place. What was even nastier, was watching Brit and Team Sky hopeful, Mark Cavendish leg his way to another stage victory. Like him or not that man has some killer finishing skills!

A NASCAR name that many are loving to hate "Keselowski," wins at Talledega, and a name unfamiliar to many in hockey (LA Kings), went on to sweep the St. Louis Blues today, and earned a spot in the NHL Western Finals. Nicely done Kings, nicely done!

Last but not least, and to conclude the Lakers should put away another seldom heard of name in the NBA (Denver Nuggets), or seldom in the sense that haven't been mentioned much as true contenders since the names Issel, Vandeweghe and English were mentioned in the same sentence. Go Lakers!

Goobnight everyone!

The Fight of Your Life!

With every new day comes a new struggle. Aluta continua... The struggle continues! If there is struggle, there is a will to survive! Adam Yauch struggled with cancer, like many people do or have done. Unfortunately Adam (MCA) Yauch succumb to the dreaded disease today. He seemed aged, but remained cheerful from what recent photos revealed.

The MCA that I will remember was part of a rebellious young group of New York rappers that pioneered the mixing of two worlds. The Beastie Boys combined a steady flow of hip-hop tunes with some dirty rock guitar, and made the collaboration work like no one had ever dreamed. I can still hear the heavy distorted guitar riff and MCA following up on AdRocks line (Ya pop caught you smoking' & he says no way!) and boldly calling out the hypocritical father in Fight For Your Right with, "That hypocrite smokes two packs a day!"

MCA will be missed, the Beastie Boys have been missed. Should the Beastie Boys find someone to honor the third mic for MCA I am certain that the Beastie following will give that fella a warm New York critique. So to whomever you may be, you had better come correct! Contrary to what Prince once said in a song, all the critics do not love you in New York. To the family and fans of Mr. Yauch, my heart is saddened, and my thoughts and prayers go out for you tonight... God rest the soul of Adam "MCA" Yauch.

Our First & Last Day

To someone (most likely mama) it will be hard to forget the day you were born. I pray that the dash between the dates on your stone is the biggest number on the stone. I pray that all represented in that dash tells the greatest story about your life, and leaves a legacy, that not many could ever forget. I pray that we all live that kind of life. Especially for our loved ones. May the last day be used to cover all of that which I just said above.

So here is a tribute to those celebrating their first day today:

First off, the man who holds the spot light, and that I will not soon forget, my cousin MJ! Mike I love you, and I am proud of you!!! I hope I can show you a glimpse of the good times that your father, my uncle shared with me.

Next up the man who brought you, "The People's Eyebrow," and asked if you could smell what he was cooking! Happy Birthday to Dewayne Johnson, "The Rock."

The last birthday trib is to the man who had his name mentioned in the same sentence on a positive note mind you with the phrase, "Bend it like..."
I chose the first pic for the numbers sake, and the second goes without saying. Happy Birthday Davey B.

Lastly, to a big hitter, and a So. Cal kid that will be missed. He was one of the last Californian's to have a major impact on me, before I made the transition from CA to NC. Three of these guys are around the same age, and sadly the last has left us. A pastor once told me that we manifest our true identity when we are alone. When we sit and examine our hearts, and our minds with no one else around, that is when we see what and who we truly are, and are capable of being. I have had a lot of time to examine the true me here lately, and I wish that someone could have been there for Junior when he was going through this trial. I wish that someone would have been there to remind him, that even when we feel alone, that we don't have to be alone. Physically we may not have another body present, but there is a Spirit to lead your lonely soul. A Spirit that can gently remind, and sooth the weary soul. I've felt Him (The Holy Spirit) a lot here lately, and the conviction is great, but I pray that no matter how great the trial may be, that I see Him that is greater in me than a devil that wants us all to be or think that we are only of this world, and possibly so arrogant that we feel that we are the only soul that matters in this world. When we get to that point, the loneliness can strike full force, and get the best of us. Remember you are not alone. My heart goes out to #55 and his family. A So Cal tribute, and a tribute pic for the good friend and leader that made me aware of Juniors last day... 

Ride 2 Mt. Mitchell

Today was a beautiful day! Got a later start than anticipated, and it was a tad chilly, but still a gorgeous day for riding! I felt pretty good starting out, I'm usually a bit nervous with the longer, farther away from home rides, but still felt compelled to give it a go.

My first encounter was when I caught up with two ladies riding. One was a Trek rider, therefore I felt obligated to compliment her for riding such a fine machine. Couldn't tell what her partner (a more mature lady) was riding, but she didn't seem as thrilled to receive my greeting (hi how are you?), and my not giving her machine props, like I did her younger Trek riding friend,  hahaha! But she wasn't rude by any means.

Listing pics in reverse order, the second pic is from the Three Knobs Overlook. This overlook is not quite the halfway point to Mt. Mitchell, but a pretty view nonetheless. The big arch cloud was the eyebrow of the "Eye in the Sky" that watched over me today. I couldn't resist stopping just long enough to take this picture.

My second encounter came when I passed a couple of Harley riders at an overlook just below Rough Ridge that waved at me, and said, "Aren't you ready for one of these?" pointing at their Harley Davidson motorcycles, and I said in reply, "I had to go with the Wisconsin (Waterloo) carbon, but yeah that Milwaukee steel would be nice on the uphill right about now!" They laughed and gave me a thumbs up and waved as I rode past the overlook. They passed me a few miles later, and waved again as they rode passed me on the way up the mountain.

My third encounter was from another group of riders. One of my favorite people from one of my least favorite place. A place that I have some of my worst memories from! The bright spot in that place was the man in the group that I know as a spiritual brother! Lord let it be far from me to ever have to work in another factory, but if I do, let me work with another man like the one I passed today. He is a great cyclist, husband, and Christian man that I learned a lot about compassion, and Gods' grace and mercy from while I was going through a very difficult time. Love ya Joe!

The fourth encounter was a humbling one! Just because a guy appears to have a little more white hair than the average Joe, and seems a bit more mature, doesn't mean that he can't kick your butt at something! My cousin will appreciate this. The big red S-Works machine and it's tall, slim, very fit rider eased passed me as he greeted me, and we very briefly talked about the weather. Then an oncoming car drove up to us, and I told him that he was clear of my wheel, and he took the line and lead, and steadily climbed the mountain. I stayed with him for a few hundred yards, and then understood, that he was wearing that polka dotted King of the Mountain Jersey for a reason! He was boogying!

The first picture is from my stop at the entrance of the State Park. I paused long enough to think about the four mile climb to the top, get a word in with my family, and have my grandmother (affectionately known as "Grandmama") see me ride to the big mountain, and not see me suffer as badly as I did the last time I made the attempt to ride up. My legs didn't cramp today like my last trip, instead this time I was a bit sick at my stomach, but I made the climb! All in all, a great day for a great ride, and hopefully this mountain will be a stepping stone, albeit a large one, for my training for the Trek 100. Tomorrow I will look to do Grandfather Mountain, or the three county loop to Point Lookout and back home. Until the next time... happy cycling!