Back In The Swing Of Things

First off two quick points of business. First off, as a point of cross promotion, I was featured for The Art Of Brew (my other blog) on Drink With The Wench. Both AMAZING blogs, if I may say so myself.

Also, my buddy rich is almost completely through Virginia on his 4500 mile cross country ride. He is raising money for LiveStrong, and is accepting donations for LiveStrong on his LiveStrong page. He is now officially more that 500 miles into the journey, and it's day 10. More to follow as I hear more

So it has been about ten days now since my last post, but at least it has been for a good reason. I've been managing to get out on the bike and log some miles, and have been putting myself into a world of hurt working out my core. It's one of those weird things that my body is hurting so much that it feels so good.

I've also been making a point to eat a lot better. Skipping wings with the guys from work, eating a lot more raw, and veggie, and even being suckered into my wife's vegan habit. I have to admit that I could likely be persuaded to go vegan if I didn't have to give up cheese... Or chocolate... Or bacon. OK, I could give up bacon, but it's SO good.

Anyway, I think this is going to call for a July ride in Cleveland. Likely the Towpath once again. So if you're in the area, or want to be, drop me a line and you can meet up with us.

Cheers, for now!

Possible Winds Of Change?!

If you missed yesterday, check out the post about my buddy Rich who is riding from VA to OR and raising money for LiveStrong. If you can, please consider donating a few buck (or more) to his LiveStrong page. I'll keep writing about his journey as I get info from him on his ride.

WHAT?! This is the third post in a week. I got two rides in, in that time. I've started a (minimal, but still...) amount of core building. All in all, I think this might just turn out OK. I have spent the last year feeling like my life has fallen apart, but suddenly I've seen a light at the end of the tunnel. NOTHING I has seemed to go the way I planned, but now it looks as though a ray of sun is breaking the clouds.

Let's take today as an example. I had a crappy day, turned good day, turned uh-mazing. I took the anger of the day and turned it into cranking out a hilly seven mile ride, like I've never killed it in the past. I think I ride much better when someone pisses me off. It's like I need an assistant to just piss me off before I ride so I can hammer that much harder. I am in HORRIBLE physical shape right now. I've decreased in fitness, increased in weight and am 180º opposite of where I was in 2008. But today was different. I threw on my iPod (I know, I DID write about how I hate people riding with iPods), gritted my teeth and just killed it. It felt so good.

So now I sit here eating a few peanuts and some watermelon, legs burning, with a GIANT smile on my face. Turning point? Dammit, I hope so!

Weekly Roundup August 27, 2009

You’ve been reading, so you know that things are not going the way I had planned on life going. However, have you ever noticed that things always happen to put things in perspective. I could seriously bitch about how things are going, how my job is in the can right now, etc, etc, etc… But the bottom line is this. We have to count our blessings, rather than dwell on the negative. So, while I count you enjoy a Weekly Roundup.

Cyclone Cross: Gary is back at it with the Cyclone Cross blog. Right now [He] Need[s] Your Help! A good friend of his is riding the inaugural Pelotonia and in need of donations for the ride to help fight cancer. I am passionate as hell about the fight against cancer, and this stays local to Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. You can find out more about the cause, and the young lady riding the event. OH! Bonus: Gary has agreed to match the single largest donation, up to $1000! Way to go Gary, you’re a class act!

Ray’s Racing Adventures: Ray, another great Cleveland blogger, has a Repost About Climbing Area Hills. Admittedly this is far more relevant if you live in the Cleveland area, but the advice is universal. A great way to keep yourself going in your summer fitness mode, and to get stronger on the hills.

Let’s Rock…: I feel like I’ve dropped the ball on the great blog that is Let’s Rock…. Further, Lisa has hit a point that is SO relevant in my life right now that I couldn’t resist. You see, she has started making her To Do list. It reminds me very much of mine, minus about 5,500 things. Heh heh, I love catching up with Let’s Rock…!

Fat Cyclist: Finally, Fat Cyclist has had a great week so far. Touching on the 2010 Fat Cyclist Jerseys (And Much More) On Pre-Order Now!, to his 2009 LiveStrong Philadelphia Report: Day 1 and 2009 LiveStrong Philadelphia Report: Day 2. These are all great stories, and are making me extremely bummed that I had to can the Philly trip. Fight Like Susan!

Well, that’s all I have for this week. Get the hell outside and ride while it’s still nice! Phun Cyclist, out like Seacrest.

A Message To Team Fat Cyclist Philly

Hey all! Sorry the posts have been sparse, but things have been CRAZY around here. I'll explain more about that next week, but for now I wanted to send some love to Fatty and the rest of Team Fatty Philly. As you've read I regretfully will not be making it out to Philadelphia for the Livestrong Challenge, but I wanted you to know that I am thinking about you guys and praying for a happy and safe Livestrong Challenge for all of you.

Some facts: Philly is now at 197 registered members raising a total of $267,150.66! That means that so far Philly raised more than second place Seattle at (112 members) $151,473.40, Austin at (162 members) $128,282.37 (still two months to go here, though), and San Jose (81 members) $69,440.90. Now the even more awesome news there is Elden (Fatty) and the rest of the team, all 552 members (holy cow!) have raised $616,347.33 to date. Double freakin' holy cow!!

Elden you have TOTALLY rocked the house with Team Fat Cyclist, you totally rule! I continue to pray for you and your family and wish all of the best for you. Same goes for everyone riding in Philly. Payers & Blessings to you all, and God speed!

Finally, Elden, can't wait to see the 2010 Fat Cyclist Gear! I'm still hoping this year will mean Fat Cyclist fishnet half shirts in bright pink!

When Life Gets In The Way

This post is going to suck. It's going to suck for so many reasons. I hate to be typing the words, I hate everything about it. I feel pain, disgust, rage, shame, and so much more. For those of you who don't know, I signed up for the LiveStrong Challenge to do it for my dad. I went into it full bore, I trained throughout the winter, I made it a part of me.

Since the time I signed on for that, I lost a handful of things in my life that played with my head. Among them were an untimely loss of a family member, and my grand mother, and a good deal of pay. It's amazing how much the US economy will take a crap on a position within a company that specializes in HR. The fact that I have not received a paycheck this year is actually a positve note when you look at the fact that I still have a job, and health benefits, etc.

With all of that said, I need to have work done to my car to make it safely drivable, I need money to get to Philly, stay in Philly, eat in Philly and still feed my family. the bottom line is this: Philly is totally out of the books. The LiveStrong Challenge is out for this boy. I cannot begin to express how I feel right now. I feel as though I let those of you who donated, myself, Fatty, and most of all my father down.

Thank you to those of you who donated to Lance Armstrong Foundation. I am so sorry if you feel let down by my not riding in the Challenge this year, and hope you might understand the predicament I am facing. If there is any redeeming quality to this story, you have helped a lot of people who are suffering through a horrible time, and have helped a great cause. Thank you. On behalf of myself, as I am sure on behalf of Team Fat Cyclist, and the memory of my father.

Weekly Roundup July 30, 2009

I had a meeting that went late after work on Tuesday, and generally write the posts the day before. Example, right now it’s Wednesday night and I’m writing the Thursday post. That’s how they go live at midnight every night. So, you can, kind of, gauge how busy I’ve been by when I miss a post. Just a weird bit of insight into the life of the guy known as “Phun”. Also, I am debating what to do. I have a GREAT beer review that I’m dying to get up, but I am riding to work, and then doing a ride after. So, Friday will be a surprise to you, and I may (pretty likely) have a Saturday post as well. Thank you all once again this week for stopping in and reading! It was fun to keep track of the Tour de France, even though some of the posts were a bit short, and I have been able to have some good discussion regarding the tour with both some readers, and some of my friends. With that in mind, I want to give you a Weekly Roundup.

Travels With A Tin Donkey: Speaking of the TdF, Sprocketboy shares a throwback to the Tour with a look at a real “weapon”, Fabian’s Time Trial Frame: The Shiv. It never ceases to amaze me how absolutely sick the new technology is getting. Seeing this Specialized frame reminds me why I am such a fan of Specialized. I have bought a few bikes in the last couple years, all of the Specialized, and for reasons like this SICK piece of weaponry.

50K Loop NS: I’m just going to throw out the suggestion that Bluenoser should change the name of his blog, right now, to “One Sick Sh__”. Hahaha, I’m only kidding BN. You see, he has set his mind to do the insane, and insanely cool, but it has him (and the rest of his readers I’m sure) asking What The Fork?. I’m going to hold back from getting too into it, as to not ruin the story. The bottom line is (1) EPIC freaking riding to take place, (2) Life changing events to occur, and (3) I am jealous. Best wishes to you , BN, keep us updated!

Miles And Madness: Ah yes, it is that time of year again. A time for everyone to start their training for the big races, and to start thinking about Iron Man races and Judi is no exception. Judi got out and took aPeak At Iron Man Louisville. Apparently the acupuncture that she has been undergoing has done wonders too! The crazy back pain that she was feeling? Gone! Just further proof that between acupuncture and (My favorite) chiropractic, holistic medicine is the way to go, and the wave of the future.

Competitive Cycling Groover, out in Oz, is also getting her training on, and she brings up a great point, Alberto Makes It Look SO Easy! I couldn’t agree more. I have a ride home from work that is a mere ten miles. It is ten miles long, but ends with (about) miles six through nine in 400 feet of climbing +/- and the hills are about 5-10% grades if I take one route, and 19% if I take the other route. This is assuming the calculator I was using holds true and map my ride are correct. Admittedly, I take the first. Regardless, the hills in my hood are pretty constant, and it leaves me feeling like a failure, after seeing the guys on the TdF looking like they’re going out for a Sunday ride. Great read, Groover, keep up the good work, and I’ll keep banging out the hills till I can clear ‘em like the pros.

Fat Cyclist: Finally, I wanted to drop a line to Elden and the Fat Cyclist community. Things have been rough for Fatty’s (Elden) wife Susan, and he’s been keeping the “extended family” of blog readers updated on how she has been doing. According to Elden, Susan is in an ugly place with her fight with cancer. Please, go check out his blog, and leave Elden, Susan, and family a word of encouragement in the comments section. Then get over to his Lance Armstrong Foundation page and donate to LAF. It’s linked in the sidebar of his blog. As always, sending Love and Prayers from Cleveland!

Well, that’s all I have for this week. Today, I ride in to work, so psyched! Remember to be thankful for all you have, and say a prayer for those struggling right now. Phun Cyclist, out.

Weekly Roundup July 23, 2009

A few days ago @Lazy Lowrydr sent me a comment to the effect, is the blog becoming a beer blog. To be honest, I don’t know. I think it’s still about cycling, but what the hell do I know right now? It’s always been a weird hybrid of cycling and fitness, and I have thrown a bit (OK a lot) of beer into it as well. I hope you are having Phun with it, as I am. I needed to have an outlet for some of the beer stuff I’ve been writing for a while now, and have been cracking into a couple beers in the cellar. Without boring the crap out of everyone, the blog has been a bit weird lately. This is mainly because I have been buried in three different jobs, one of which I might as well not have for as little as I am doing with it, the wife is working part time, and just the trials and tribulations of life. Many of the ‘regulars’ have stuck by my side, and I keep getting new reader. Thank you ALL so much for stopping in and reading, also please know that I’m peaking in at your writings daily and enjoying them! With that in mind, I want to give you a (long overdue – like a month and a week) Weekly Roundup.

Travels With A Tin Donkey: My brother in Muesli has an answer this week that I Have to admit I need! I’m not going to say I’ve got all kinds of great gear, because I don’t, but I do have my bikes (good bikes), family bikes, and all that I need to keep them in shape to the best of my ability. One thing I DON’T have that I need is this… The Bike Cave™. I am always shifting stuff all over the garage to make room for bikes, or other necessities, THIS might just be the answer.

Cozy Beehive: Ron, is keeping the engineering juices flowing with a look at ’Decommissioned Bicycles & Their Waste Stream. So what DO you do with that carbon fiber bike once you’ve wrecked and snapped it in half? What are your viable options? Check out Ron’s thoughts, and be intrigued.

Harp Rider Harp had one of those ‘imagine my surprise’ kinda moments. Apparently he found one heck of a Nice Advertisement. Why so nice? His mug is the first thing you see on it. Well, OK, his SHOES are the first thing, but… I think the photo was shot ‘cause of the shoes Harp! *wink Also, he’s recently posted a few of his race results and training posts.

Fat Cyclist: Finally, I want to end on a fairly serious note. I feel like I am not often serious, but Elden (Fatty) has had a handful of posts lately that, to be honest, I wish like hell I didn’t have to write about. As you may remember from past posts, I lost my father to cancer some years back. Sixteen years ago this past Fathers Day to be exact. Fatty’s wife is currently going through the hell that is the disease. The ballence of pain, medication, tolerance, praying for miracles, all of it. It’s all to familiar to me. I wish like hell I could wave a wand and cure all the woes of Susan, Elden, their four kids, and their entire family. I’m not going to post an article here, what I am going to ask is that you check out his blog, and donate to Lance Armstrong Foundation, Huntsman Cancer Institute, whatever you see as the best organization. Then, Pray, Pray for Susan and her family, and all of the families that have to deal with this despicable disease. Finally, leave Elden a word of encouragement in the comments section. Elden, I think I speak for SO many out there when I say we’re thinking about you guys, we love you, and you’ve truly made us feel like family. Sending Love and Prayers from Cleveand!

Well, that’s all I have for this week. Remember to be thankful for all you have, and Pray for those who don’t.

BIG Time Congratulations To Team Fatty On The Awesome Seattle Showing!

I want to take a minute today to congratulate Elden Nelson and all of Team Fatty on the awesome showing they had in Seattle this weekend. The team of 112 people raised $144,593.40 for the Lance Armstrong foundation. Team Co-Captain Steven Peterson brought in a whopping $41,000 of that himself BEATING OUT THE SECOND PLACE TEAM, MICROSOFT! You read that right. Steven's personal funds raised beat the entire Mirosoft TEAM! Way to go, man! I need to talk to you about how you do it.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. Team Fatty took team champion (Most money raised by a team), individual champion (most money raised by an individual-Steven Peterson), and best jersey for the Twin Six Team Fatty Ltd. Ed. jersey! It could not have happened to a better more deserving group! I am, admittedly partial as I am in Team Fatty Philly, but all of Team Fatty is working hard to make Susan proud, and raise a metric crap-ton of money for LAF!

You can read more about where Seattle wound up HERE, HERE, and HERE with more updates to come on Fat Cyclist and where the other individual teams Fatty are at the home ages for Seattle, San Jose, Philly, and Austin. After reaching more than a third of a million dollars for Lance Armstrong Foundation so far, with four months to go to Austin, I'm pretty convinced Elden's Team, Team Fatty, will not only break but shatter all previous records in the past LiveStrong Challenges.

Congratulations Fatty! God speed, Team Fatty, and above all WIN! Susan!!

Horrible Weekend? At Least When It Come To Diet

Ugh. I need to stop getting into funks, and learn how to get out of them. I had a great Father's Day, by the way... Happy Father's Day to all of my readers who are dads! Hope the weekend, especially Father's Day, was a great one! Anyway... I had a great Father's Day, and as usual my wife knows just how to make my day...Researching for work on Father's Day suck? Nah, check out the "office".
Yeah, by way of beer. Ahhhh, if you haven't had Torpedo yet, you need to. I'll review it in the coming days. That is a promise. Anyway, I had a few (too many, the Torpedo included) beers this weekend. Along with some (I'm thinking) Arby's treats, a foot long and Cheetos®, (what seemed like my weight in) homemade pizza, and (my son's) birthday cake. AGHHH! Craziness. OH! Almost forgot... I need to make an appetizer for July Fourth, so I was working on some gourmet deviled eggs.WHAT?! Cause you can perfect recipes without trying them?

Ugh, such an ugly weekend on my part in terms of fitness. I have now regressed, slightly but still regressed, back to about a year ago. I have not really gained or lost pounds, but my level of fitness is in the toilet. That is to say, I have lost muscle mass and tone, and maintained weight through fat. I SUCK! I need to find a happy place, get back on the wagon, and achieve some level of fitness. I cannot let depression suck me back into the life of a fat-ass. I look back at the plus fifty pound pictures, and let them serve as a reminder of what I have accomplished, and what I cannot go back to.

The Problem With My Fitness

OK, so I think I might have figured out the main problem with my fitness dilemma. I actually got a lot done this weekend. Of course, by a lot done I mean I did NO riding, and nothing (really) to further my level of fitness. In hindsight the weekend is the problem with my fitness. The following is an example of what I mean.

So I start with a party on Saturday. Pizza, and snacks galore! While totally yummy... Not good for the diet, or fitness. Then a rushed dinner, in this case burgers - homemade at least - and a couple brews. Get out and do some yard work, and that ends the extent of the physical activity.

Sunday was a waste. Shredded wheat for breakfast was the highlight of the healthful food for the day. Then a burger for lunch, nachos and a hot dog for dinner, and the remainder of a twelve pack for dinner. More work in the house, redoing the bathrooms still, was the only physical activity.

See, here in lies the problem. Weekends are my bane. I do fine losing weight all week, and I put it all back on the weekend. I haven't lost any weight in about six months, but I haven't gained any either. Furthermore, I have not worked out in forever. Since mid February I have been so backlogged with life in general and I have been working so much in three different jobs. It just sucks. my level of fitness has gone to pot! And I'm two months and change away from riding the Philly LiveStrong Challenge. At this rate I'll be lucky to ride the twenty-five mile leg successfully. Hell, I'll be luck to have the time, money and a car to get to Philly.

OK, that's it. I can't continue on this today. It's just going to get über negative, and far more boring than it already has been. Bottom line is I need to get back on track. I need to MAKE TIME to get back on the bike. I need to get out with some groups, whatever it takes at this point. I also still need to pick up the weight cage that I was supposed to pick up about six or eight months ago. Ugh, I hate growing up and losing metabolism, I hate watching your body go to hell, it's just irritating. Enough bitching for today. Come back tomorrow when I'll, hopefully, have a change of attitude.

Those Of You Who Really Know Me & 24

Those of you who truly know me, know that I am an "intricate" person. I say that because I, feel like I, am not always the easiest person to appreciate, let alone love. I had a good amount of time to look at what I am doing, what I want to do, and where I hope to be in the years to come. It was nice, really. I haven't stopped long enough in a while to reflect on where I am or want to be in a while, it was long overdue.

So, why do I bring it up here? I would like to share this with you, because you have been a part of my life. You have given me encouragement when I need it, criticism when I was way off when speaking my mind, and in general just encouraging. I ask that you please continue that as I go through, what is sure to be, a transition. I am still all about cycling. I am a bit more about brewing right now too. I will likely be splitting time between the two. I need to get my train on for Philly, and I need to be pushed toward that. I also need to get my brew on. It is a longtime dream of mine to brew on a semi-pro or professional level, ie: for competition or for a brewery, and I came to the conclusion that it's high time I put up or shut up.

I need to focus more on family and less on bullshit that is not moving me forward in family, life or career. This is hard, on account I have my hand in a few different things that I feel are very important, but I am beginning to question how important, and why. I feel like it comes down to this; I need to be more selfish. I need to focus on my God, my family, and myself. In that order. I need to stop appeasing those who "don't matter" and start focusing on those who do. I need to stop neglecting the important relationships in lieu of those that are only serving to lead to distraction.

With that said, please understand that the blog is going nowhere! I think this is medicinal to me. It keeps me grounded and you, it's readers, hold me accountable for all of the shit I try to get away with. That's where you come in. I ask that not only do you, please, keep reading. Also, please ride my ass like never before to keep me accountable as I go through this journey. Everyone needs encouragement and accountability, and I am no exception.

OK, I think that's a good place to stop for now. So, with that, I'm going to go for now. Crash out, wake up, get to work, come home to some friends and dinner, watch 24, and crash out again. Tomorrow is a new day, and that is how I need to take it. One day at a time. Thanks, in advance, and please help me to keep it real.

Monday Night, Time For Riding

Coming off of a hellacious weekend, but this is not the time or the place for that right now. The time has come. The weather has broke, and after a weekend in the mid eighties the weekly rides start tomorrow. That's not, of course, to say those are the only rides to be had, but I have been planning on getting friends together to ride now for some time, and its coming to fruition. We will start in the 15-17 MPH range at 15-20 miles. I actually decided to can the maps in lieu of just riding it. I know where we're going, and we'll just take it one pedal stroke at a time. It's not going to be a hammer-fest, just enough to get back into the swing of things.

The "hot Swedish Model", as my wife has loving dubbed my road bike, is all made-up and ready to go! I even got a quick test spin, my first spin on the sweet sassy lady this year. The mountain bike has served her purpose for the winter, now the "woman swapping" starts. I'm anxious to get out on a trail this year, now that the snow is gone, but it will be good to get back out on the road weapon after an eight month hiatus due to weather, salt, and the like.

Still interested in joining us for the ride? In the Cleveland area, or will be in the Cleveland area? drop me a line HERE and I'll get you all the info that you need.

Have A Great Weekend, The Hell Starts Monday

Cleveland weather has finally decided to cooperate. Monday the weather looks clear, and the temps in the seventies. What does this mean? The rides begin! Monday April 27, we will have a 5:30 pm start time in Lake County. If you want in, you're welcome to ride with us. This should be interesting. There are about seven of us right now, and it seems to be growing by the day. The ride will probably be just either side of 20 miles to start, ie: day one, and gaining in length and complexity over the summer. The first few will depend on things like temperature, weather, and light conditions. I don't plan on running lights, since I don't own any, so we'll be in before the sun sets.

If you're interested in joining in, please contact me HERE and I'll fill you in on all the details. I apologize for the lack of post yesterday, and the lame post today, but it has been hellacious around here over the last few weeks, and especially the past week. I'll have more for you on the first group ride of the year and much more next week. For now, have a great weekend, and check back Monday for more fun, er, phun.

LiveSTRONG: Pick A Fight & The Fat Cyclist

I have about seventy things going on right now, so please forgive me if I skip a day here and there like I did yesterday. I noticed a few new comments, and found a couple cool blogs that I want to add to the sidebar, I'll do it soon.

Now I know that I sound like a broken record, but I wanted to once again show love to The Fat Cyclist, and Lance Armstrong Foundation. As been trying to drill into anyones head who will listen, I will be riding in the Philadelphia leg of the LiveStrong Challenge. A bunch of people, some of whom I've never even met!, have already donated to the cause, and my ride. To you, thank you so much for donating to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts! I am, however, still a long way off of my $2500 goal, $2070 off to be exact. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. Anything that you are able or willing to donate will help, go to a great cause, fighting cancer, and be appreciated. I was thinking about things the other day and thought, "Hmmff, I have about 285 friends on facebook. At $5 a piece that's $1425." I'm sure almost all of the people I have as friends would pony up $5. Then I was thinking along similar lines with the blog. If I had only 10 unique viewers a day, and they were willing to donate $5 to my fundraising efforts that's $50 a day. Basically what I am saying is this; If you can spare anything at all, even a few bucks, you can be part of a rock star fundraising effort on behalf of my father, Fatty's wife, and so many more people. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. The next goal I have in mind is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again in advance, WIN!, and let's fight cancer. Let's kick it's ass!

On that note Fatty's wife is fighting as we speak. She is one of the two people I will be riding for, the other being my father. He was taken sixteen years ago, I promise I will write about him... soon. Serious. The point of todays story is that Lance Armstrong foundation posted a video recently. It was moving, touching, and brought back feelings that I hope my wife, children, friends, acquaintances, people who read this, and everyone never have to feel. The loss of someone to the bastard that is cancer.I watched this and it literally made me tear up. I thought of dad, Susan (Fatty's wife), grandparents, my friends five-year-old daughter, and so many more who have had this invade their bodies and their lives.

Fatty also posted a thought. Fatty posted his thoughts on What [He] Would Say To Cancer. It was, likewise, moving, touching, and brought back feelings I wouldn't wish on anyone. It's worth the read, the video is worth the watch, and the cause is worth your time. Whether you could donate, join Team Fatty, or help Lance Armstrong foundation in anyway. Please consider it, keep Susan and all those with cancer in your prayers, and fight cancer like the beast it is.

Team Fatty Update, Lean Look Challenge, And Some Cool T6 Stuff.

I feel as though I sound like a broken record, but I wanted to take a minute to throw some love to The Fat Cyclist, and Lance Armstrong Foundation. As You've no doubt read in the past, I will be riding in the Philadelphia leg of the LiveStrong Challenge. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts! I am still a long way off of my $2500 goal, $2070 off to be exact. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. Anything that you are able or willing to donate will help, go to a great cause, fighting cancer, and be appreciated. I was thinking about things the other day and thought, "Hmmff, I have about 285 friends on facebook. At $5 a piece that's $1425." I'm sure almost all of the people I have as friends would pony up $5. Then I was thinking along similar lines with the blog. If I had only 10 unique viewers a day, and they were willing to donate $5 to my fundraising efforts that's $50 a day. Basically what I am saying is this; If you can spare anything at all, even a few bucks, you can be part of a rock star fundraising effort on behalf of my father, Fatty's wife, and so many more people. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. The next goal I have in mind is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again in advance, WIN!, and let's fight cancer.

OK, the reason I am posting this for nine on Tuesday, and not midnight like usual is I am hoping I don't scoop Fatty. Today is an awesome day! Some time ago now, back in November, Fat Cyclist decided to start Team Fatty: Fighting For Susan. Now there are 368 people, and counting... daily that are joining in the fight. To the tune of nearly $130,000. There's still more than three months till the Seattle event, four until San Jose, five and change until Philly, and well over seven until Austin! Can you imagine the money that we can still raise!

Back to the point, Twin Six is an amazing cycling apparel and accessory company. They have been helping Fatty, Susan, Team Fatty, LAF and have been doing so much good for a couple of years now. Well, they're at it again. Now, starting today, you can get your official Team Fatty kits, and gear! So whether you're riding a leg of the LiveStrong Challenge, or just want to help a good cause get to their Fat Cyclist or Team Fatty pages and order some FC gear for your rides.

OK, now my numbers for the Lean Look! See, I didn't forget, I'm just doing Tuesday now... Remember?

Weight: 183.6
Waist: 36.5
Neck: 15.5
Body Fat % Calculation Estimate: 21

So long story short, I'm up three tenths of a pound for the week. I need to focus on doing intervals and core workouts again... I can't say the last time I did either. OK, it was Saturday, but I feel as though it's been forever. I can't wait till the weather breaks and I could get back out on the bike... OUT on the bike.

Weekly Roundup February 19, 2009

I want to take a quick minute to thank everyone who has donated to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts, and let new readers know that I will be participating in the Philadelphia LIVESTRONG Challenge this year. If you’re reading this and you able to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. My next goal is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again

The weather is great (sarcasm)! What makes me so sarcastic? The weatherman said “look out!” If you know anything about Cleveland you know this is not a good thing. They’re calling for a pounding! It’s with that bad news that I give you the Weekly Roundup.

50K Loop NS: Bluenoser is sort of stuck in neutral for the Lean Look challenge this week, as referenced by the Stress that he is currently feeling. Apparently he has been feeling less than stellar, and went to the doctor, turns out the stress has got him by the… Well, you get it. Stress sucks! I hope you feel better soon, Blue. His measurements are currently at:

Weight: 194lbs.
Neck measurement: 16"
Waist measurement: 38"
body fat %: 23%

Harp Rider: Harp, on the flip side, sucks! I’m just kidding Harp! I’m jealous of how far along Harp is. I do want to warn though, he started better, but soon I plan to be on his rear wheel, just waiting to overtake him! (wink) Week 2 is looking good so far. Harp is coming in at:

Weight: 162 lbs
Neck: 16 ”
Abdomen: 32 ”
Body Fat %: 14%

There have been a slew of updates on the Internet surrounding the MIA, er, stolen LIVESTRONG TT Bike. You can find great blog posts about the missing bike at:

Cozy Beehive: Ray had some BREAKING NEWS: Inspector Clouseau Finds Lance’s Bike. Apparently it wasn’t a Sacramento Officer after all… Silly me.

Travels With A Tin Donkey: Sprocketboy is also dropping a few posts on the once missing bike. Pointing out that Lance’s Bike Is Back. Also, big congratulations to Sprocketboy on post 250! It seems like there were so many more! Always an enjoyable read, keep up the great work.

Fat Cyclist: Finally, Fatty has been liveblogging the entire Tour of California so far! It’s been a rather enjoyable read so far, you can recap all five days of the race thus far, and read more about how Fat Cyclist readers have raised $6500 for Bob Roll shave (what’s left of) the hair on his head. It’s a riot, I recommend keeping up with it if you haven’t already.

Well, that’s it for this week. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.

Weekly Roundup February 04, 2009

I want to take a quick minute to thank everyone who has donated to my Livestrong Challenge fundraising efforts. As you know, my goal is to raise $2,500 for Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) through participation in the 2009 Philadelphia leg of the Lance Armstrong Challenge. While I didn’t hit 25% of my goal by the end of January, as I hoped I might, I managed to raise $430 (17%) of my goal so far. I owe a debt of gratitude to my family, to friends, to readers of this blog… people whom I’ve never met and may, or may not, have spoke to. Thank you for your generosity.

If you’re reading this and you might like to help by donating to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. My next goal is to have $1250 (50%) of my $2500 goal in by March 31, 2009. Thanks again, and I give you the Weekly Roundup!

This week I’m going to give Bluenoser, and Harp a bit of a break. I’ll be mentioning them in upcoming weeks, likely a lot, as we will be doing the Lean Look together. If you want more info, read yesterdays entry. We go live, again, Monday February 9th!

Travels With A Tin Donkey: Sprocketboy is a wealth of knowledge. Not only when it comes to muesli, apparently, but also in aiding me with More On Winter Biking. Our friendly, and chilly, neighbors to the north had an online story about winter biking. Also, it seems as though Toronto (great city!) recently had a winter bike festival! Check at his post for more on this.

Miles And Madness: Judi seems to have the same death wish as I do. Only difference? She seems to think Rollers Are Way More Fun Than The Trainer I, on the other hand, would love to get a trainer. I’ll write more about my trainer experiences soon, but for now go and check out how well Judi is doing. Tear it up sister!

Cozy Beehive: Ron had an awesomely frightening post, I think it might be foresight into what Judi’s legs will be looking like soon. Ron touches base on the key to power: Serious Cycling=Serious Legs, Serious Legs=Serious Power. Man, I have to say, these are some serious legs! I can only hope to have this muscle tone someday.

Two congratulatory notes before I leave you…

Highway Munky: Munky just got the down payment on his first SS/Fixie. Munky says, “Nothing To See, Move Along”, I’d beg to differ. Get over to his blog and check it out.

Fat Cyclist: Too many congratulations to go out here! First off, congrats to Fatty, and his awesome team, who together raise a whopping $106,000, as of February 2nd! That’s about 25% of ALL the Livestrong Challenge money raised. The team is the top team in EVERY city! It’s amazing, and you can see more at HERE. OK, there were also the Winners Announced… for the awesome Gary Fisher Limited Edition Superfly, and Lance signed picture. Congratulations to those winners! Last but not least congratulations to Fatty, who it’s likely will soon live up to his name, for getting a certain hookup! Occasionally A Single Image Tells The Whole Story, and this is one of those stories! Fatty, take it easy man, OK? Congrats to all, and I can’t wait to meet as many fellow Team Fatty Members in Philly as possible!

Well, that’s all I got for now. Gonna go drop some Advil to dope up from the pain of working out today… pushed it a bit hard. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.

Weekly Roundup January 28, 2009

Hello all. The snow is flying once again in Cleveland, and it remains to be seen if we will get the twelve or more inches they are calling for. All I know is that I need it to clear up soon so I can get out and start building up my stamina. I need to get cracking so I look decent when I ride the Philly Leg of the LIVESTRONG Challenge. As I’ve mentioned before, I will be riding in honor of my father who was taken by cancer on Fathers Day 1993, and as a part of Team Fat Cyclist: Fighting for Susan. My goal is to raise $2,500 for Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) through participation in the 2009 Philadelphia leg of the Lance Armstrong Challenge. If you would like to help and donate to LAF on behalf of my fundraising effort, you can go to my secure LIVESTRONG Challenge Page HERE, and make a secure donation. You can also track how I am doing, and there is a link to donate on the right hand sidebar of this blog. Thank you so much to those who have donated, and in advance to those of you who will! GO! Check it out! But first, read on as I give you the Weekly Roundup!

Bluenoser: Finally a break! Bluenoser’s taking a week long hiatus in the thick of the winter, and it might just stand a chance to make something happen with the Lean Look Challenge®. I would, however, encourage you to use this as a time to catch up on some Bluenoser posts over at 50K Loops NS. Also, keep up with Harp on account he’ll joining in as soon as he gets the book read. Also Harp would like to know; “Need Shoes? Tires?” He’s got some to sell.

Outside of that? Well, outside of that, I there must’ve been a full moon this week.

Ray’s Racing Adventures: Ray was at Wal Mart, and had an experience that just blew my mind. So funny that he felt compelled to share, so funny that I felt compelled to write about his sharing. He asks the simple question Wal Mart, Can You Spare It? Honestly, I want to go into more detail, I simply cannot without giving the story away. I will say two words, customer service. Hey Ray, got a stick of gum, and some lint? At the office in you desk? I could wait. No, go ahead… I’ll wait.

Cozy Beehive: It’s been a minute or two since I threw some love Ron’s way. This was great just in the Further Explorations In Aeroness: What They Won’t Tell You. It’s an explanation of the aerodynamics of the helmets, but it’s made with the video. The video, it makes the post. Seriously. (Ron – I dislike you, there are certain things you can never “unsee”. Heh heh heh.)

Well, that’s all I got for now. I’m going to run and catch a quick Chai, enjoy the company of my wife, and try to get some sleep after being up since about 5:30 am. As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.

Weekly Roundup January 21, 2009

I’m cooked even more this week than I was last from the work. This week kind of went like: work, shovel, work, ride, work, work out, work, eat, work, work, make muesli, work, whatever. I’ve come to the conclusion that I hate working with people. My job depends on people to not be, er, a douche, and when people are they cost me money. I wish that I could write a post that wouldn’t infringe on confidentiality agreements. I had EIGHT separate incidences this year that cost me as much as I made this year. As in I made half of what I should have on account other people are idiots. It is for that reason I have not been myself, and I apologize for being less than on top of things and not my usual happy funny self. Likewise, I’ve wanted to post a bit about my love for Lance Armstrong Foundation, but I haven’t had the chops, if you will, to get that deep. I will, I promise, because I want to share with those who have donated or will donate to my Livestrong Challenge goal why I am doing it. Alright, without further adieu I give you the Weekly Roundup!

Bluenoser: Bluenoser is rocking some great weight loss. I, on the other hand, have been in a serious state of stagnation. I’m anxiously, still, awaiting Harp joining us on the Lean Look bandwagon. For now, while you’re checking out the Lean Look weigh in for Bluenoser, take a minute to read his post on the Bicycle Wheel. It’s an excellent, albeit humorous, post.

Travels With A Tin Donkey: My favorite purveyor of Muesli returns with some help, and teaches us how we too could rock The Complete Tour de Basement. That’s right, just as Lance Armstrong is turning into a buff marketing god, you too could get a rawkin’ head start to your year with some help from Sprocketboy via Men Health, Lance, and a few websites.

Highway Munky: Meanwhile Munky is left shouting “Look What I’ve Got”! He had the opportunity to rock out, and review, a 2009 Specialized Stumpjumper Elite. I am wicked jealous, and cant wait to hear more thoughts on the bike.

Fat Cyclist: Fat Cyclist went to great lengths to explain how Rock Racing Clarifies “Here To Stay” Slogan. Apparently they are truly here to stay, in more ways than one. Fatty also has some great marketing and money making ideas for you Padawan Ball.

Miles And Madness: Finally this week, Judi gives us some humor. It’s been around for a short while now, but it’s still pretty funny. Not to mention it reminded me that I should mention the Cycling Phun facebook Page. So check out this video, and then go join Cycling Phun on facebook!

Well, that’s all I’ve got for this week. I’m going to get my muesli together for tomorrows breakfast… and lunch... again! I remembered bananas this time, WOO! As usual, I’m the Phun Cyclist, you stay classy Cleveland.

My Goals For 2009

Those of you who know me well, or at least half way decently, know that I am a procrastinator! Why do today, what you could put off until tomorrow… or the weekend? In true Don fashion, I have once again procrastinated. How, you are asking yourself? I’ll tell you. I said, about two weeks ago, that I was going to post my list of goals for 2009. I guess I should add “not procrastinating to the list. Regardless, here we go.

Work was, well, interesting (?!) in 2008. I had eight separate occurrences that cut my pay for the year completely in half. EIGHT! I had a couple drinks a while back and slurred out some bitching and complaining about it. Now the economy has taken a steaming dump! All that said, my first goal is to have $20,000 by April. Second quarter is always a rocking quarter, so if I could make 20K in the first quarter another 20K in the second should be a cakewalk. That should set me up for a pretty solid year. Now, let’s just see if the economy will play nice.

Goals two, three, four and five are all kind of “bike geek” and all, in one way or another, related to LIVESTRONG Challenge. Two is pretty simple. I want to be my riding weight for LIVESTRONG Challenge by August 1, 2009. That means that I want to be 170 lbs, or lighter, by August. I’ve got fifteen pounds to lose, and six months and change to do it. Thought here, I need a couple “gimme goals”. The key to setting goals is to set a few achievable goals as motivators; this is one of those.

Goal three is also LIVESTRONG related, as well as related to the second. Simply put, I want to be a brick shithouse. There I said it, and I don’t feel bad. Seriously though, part of the Lean Look Challenge that Bluenoser and I are doing is not just to lose weight, but to get lean, fit and buff.

Goal four, I want to be riding fifty miles solidly by August 1st. I did a few 30-40 miles last year, but I did them “just OK”. I want to be able to pound out fifty solid miles, and then look at the guys I’m riding with and say, “that’s it? Really? I was just getting warmed up.”

Finally, and this is where I would ask for any help that you are willing or able to give. I would LOVE to raise $2500 for Lance Armstrong Foundation for my participation in the Philadelphia leg of LIVESTRONG Challenge. If you would like to donate to help me meet this goal you can at My Secure LAF Fundraising Page. I have to thank my family, friends, and perfect strangers for donating. Right now I’m 12% of my way to that goal, at $310, and I have six months left to make it. I will put up a short post, soon (?!), about my reasons for wanting to do the Challenge, and a bit of back story.

I guess I should throw in a sixth. I should work on the procrastinating thing too but, likely, I will not.