Lessons Learned From Failing

The course was a rolling 1.6-mile loop and the race officials advised us that slower riders would be pulled for safety reasons.

"God," I prayed, "I hope that won't be me!"

Indoor Cycling: Can You Train Without a Power Meter?

Watts It To You? I don't own a power meter. Now before you get your lycra all bunched up in knots, let me explain. It's not that I don't think they're an important tool or that I don't see the value of measuring watts, I do. The truth is, I simply can't afford one … Continue reading Indoor Cycling: Can You Train Without a Power Meter?

They Call Me Coach

I love coaching! I'm still in the discovery phase as the USA Cycling Coach for the Middle TN JDRF Chapter, but I enjoy all the hats I wear: Cycling expert (tons still to learn!) Ride organizer. Ride leader & route creator. Encourager. Fundraiser. Social Media Guru. But the #1 reason I love what I'm doing … Continue reading They Call Me Coach

Road Race: Lessons in Humility

On June 17th, I competed in the Rockabilly Gran Prix road race: (2) laps around an 11 mile course. How'd I do? Well, I'll cut to the chase: I got my butt kicked by everyone, including an older rider, and then Mother Nature finished me off. There you have it! Thanks for reading! I could … Continue reading Road Race: Lessons in Humility

Pre-Race Rant

This Saturday, I'm doing my first road race at the Rockabilly Gran Prix. The kicker, at least for this 58 year-old, is that at 1PM when the lowly Cat 5's roll, it'll be 95°. UGH! I'm psyching myself up for it, and have done what I can to get acclimatized, but the heat really gets me. … Continue reading Pre-Race Rant

My First Race

"Making Diamonds" Years ago, when I was about to perform for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry, an older musician sauntered over to me and said: "You're making diamonds, aren't 'ya?" "Making diamonds?" "Yeah. You're so nervous, if I put a piece of charcoal between your butt cheeks, you'd squeeze so hard you'd … Continue reading My First Race

TOSRV56: The Perfect Ride…Kinda (Pt.2)

"I always tell folks that TOSRV doesn't really start until mile 175."

“Give up, Grampy!”

This morning was my last ride before TOSRV. Since it needed to be a moderate workout, I didn't ride with my Rogue Racing cronies. Instead, I went with Rick on a 21 mile route. Once we got over the big climb, we settled into the gentle rollers of Wilson Pike and I spy the blinking red light of a cyclist. "Rabbit," I think to myself. "I like chasing rabbits." … Continue reading “Give up, Grampy!”

Recovery Ride: “Easy Like Sunday Morning.”

First off, happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! Hope you're having (or had) a great day. Today was a recovery ride and what a gorgeous day here in TN! Temps are in the 80's, no humidity (rare for us) and no wind. With the nice conditions, I was tempted to pick up the … Continue reading Recovery Ride: “Easy Like Sunday Morning.”

Wonders Never Cease

As a cyclist, most of my interactions with drivers are not pleasant. Sometimes I'm to blame. Most of the time I'm not. And typically, gestures are exchanged, expletives are shouted, tempers flare, and I thank God (literally) that I survived another idiot not paying attention, or worse, trying to prove a point. This morning, I had another … Continue reading Wonders Never Cease