Book Review 1: Mud, Sweat & Gears

Note: Inspired by the Fat Cyclist, I am going to review some of the books I've been "reading" if they are related to fitness and/or adventure. Let's not forget, I am an English teacher in addition to a blogger, bicycle-rider, and Beaver-in-Chief. Let me know if they are super-boring and I will stop. 

Note 2: About a year and a half ago, the speakers in my Mazda went out, on a drive to Arkansas. Necessity is the mother of innovation, so I downloaded the Audible app and subscribed to the $15 a month audio book plan. It's an indulgence for sure, but I have gotten to "read" a lot of books. I say "read" because the act of listening to a book is very different from reading a book for me. When I read a book I remember it much more vividly than I do when I am listening, so forgive any vagueness or lack of critical insight. This is a blog after all. 

Note 3: There are a lot of weird and not so good books out there. I was going to write, "why aren't there more good books about bicycles and cycling in the world" but then I knew I would be opening the comments up to all of those of you who would say, "well why don't you write one Rice." 

I was immediately drawn to the concept of Mud, Sweat & Gears: Cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats (Via the Pub). It's a book about bike riding and beer drinking: my two favorite activities!

The book details the adventures of Ellie Bennett, a middle-aged British lady, and her platonic cycling friend Mick, as they do the classic cycling tour from the south west tip of England* to the north east tip of Scotland*. I didn't realize this was a classic cycling tour. The book is Bennett's first, I believe, and it is clearly written for a U.K. audience. There's no explaining all those quirky U.K. things for us Yanks, but if you are good at context clues and rolling with it, 'mericans should do just fine. 

My only quibble is, like many books that I've read on bicycling-cycling, is that the book lacks a point. It is more a funny journal or travelogue than a "narrative." Without getting too English-teachery, I wish that it had a theme that brought all the funny stories together, rather than simply recounting daily events.

What I liked about the book is that Bennett really doesn't think she's up for this ride. It's an 874 mile bike ride. And, she's nearly 50, but as she starts telling stories, you discover that she's done some long distance touring before. With hilarious mishaps. What I like about her is that she doesn't have her sh!t together. She and Mick are kind of goofballs, under trained and not-very serious; sound familiar? 

Also, she and Mick have a hilarious relationship. One that involves a lot of taunting and beercouragement and the occasional spat. Again: sound familiar?! This would be the book I would write if the Mayor and I were 50 and British and riding our bikes across England. There'd be way too much pub-time and not enough riding, and I would be fussing and he'd be all "I got it. I got it." (But my book would have a point). 

I do wish that Bennett was a bit more into the beer side of things. She talks a lot about "real ale" versus lagers. I don't think we make that distinction in Yankmerica. I would love a bit more beer geekery besides the "we drank this. It was good." (Of course, that's all I could tell you about most of the beer I drank in Belgium.)

Only five folks have reviewed the book on Amazon. One reviewer wrote, "not a fan of socially acceptable alcoholism But the book had good humour and a lot of good anecdotal history. I'm disappointed, however, that alcoholism has become a social norm for so many." 

This might just be a British thing, but I still make a distinction between "drinking" and "alcoholism."

Another reviewer wrote, "It is not really a polished account, just a daily blog of the trip made by the author and her friend. The author is a great storyteller, her style is plain-spoken and funny. She conveys well the daily joys & trials of "regular folks" (as opposed to fitness freaks) making a self-contained bike tour the length of England."

I couldn't, and didn't, put it better myself.

Overall, I appreciate the goal of this book, and if you are like me, and have a capacity to read/listen to almost anything if it involves a bike, you'll probably like this one. Bennett seemed like she was having fun, riding bikes, and drinking beer--what more could you want in a story?

*Apologies to all my international readers. I don't and may never understand the whole England, U.K., Britain, Common Wealth, whathaveyou. If I have made mistakes in my references, I apologize.

Starting and Sticking to the Program

Last night I stayed up way past my bed time. First, the Thunder and Lexi came over for the world's steamiest barbecue. Then we worked on a project for their wedding next month. The Tiger went off to bed. Then the Thunder and Lexi left. It was 9:30 pm. Then, I switched some laundry. Then, I had a video-chat with Steven, and a little of the grumpy-not-very-Mayor-like-Mayor about our upcoming super secret sentury. While I was talking to Steven, my friend Jason called. We haven't talked in months, so I wanted to chat with him. By the time I got off the phone it was pushing 11. And, I still had to meditate. 

Old-not-so-program following me would have just said eh, f#ck it. And gone to bed, but I am trying to stick with the program! My phone was dead, but I pulled up Oprah and Deepak on the iPad and did my 20 minute meditation. 

Day 10 was about being content, realizing you already have everything that you need. Of course, at that point, what I needed was sleep. I am not sure where the line is between super-deep meditation and falling asleep. I think it might be when you forget the mantra and are startled when Deepak rings the bell, but I digress. I did it. And, I was proud of myself. 

You can get a lot done at night if you don't go to bed at 8:30 pm. 

Of course, what I didn't get done was the gym this morning, but it happens. 

What I did also get done yesterday was the first day of my super-easy 8-week century for beginners training plan! I did the first "long ride" (1.5-2 hours or 20-25 miles). 

Of course, before the ride, I was dragging my feet. It was so sticky and hot and gross. I really didn't want to go. But, I told the Tiger, and you guys, that I was doing this, and I really do want to see if I can make myself stick with a complete program, so I suited up and headed out. 

And, of course, it was awesome.

First, I got a new bottom bracket on my bike and a new chain. Hot Beaver-Dam! Steve Lambert, of the sultry and very professional voice mail, and all-star mechanic at Bike World fixed her up for me and she is running like a song. Those of you who were on ragby remember the seagull like squeaking of my last few days. No more! Everything just feels smooth and sleek and awesome. Thanks Steve! You are a master of many things!

Second, of course, I had all sorts of adventures. 

My go-to urban ride is like 17 miles, so in an effort to add a few miles, I rode north on the Trestle to Trestle trail (not to be confused with the High Trestle Trail). While I was riding, I looked ahead and noticed a young man running towards me. I couldn't help but notice that he was very topless, hunky, and sweaty. As we approached each other, I gave me usual, "hello" and he said, "hi" and in that second I realized it was the Hot Neighbor! Go Hot Neighbor Go! It was nice to see him, and his hunkiness. 

I turned around at Beaver and headed towards downtown. There was a pretty still, hot breeze out of the south, but lots of people were out and about. In fact, near the river I ran into Dean. He asked me to take a picture because his boyfriend, Austin, didn't believe he was actually going to ride his bike in this crazy heat. 

Doesn't he just look fresh as spring? How does he do it?

While we were chatting, we realized that a group of pre-teens were jumping off the bridge into the Des Moines River. They asked if we were calling the cops. We said no, but told them that it seemed pretty stupid. They ignored us. Good luck, kids! Hope you don't need use of your limbs. 

On I rode. I was listening to Pandora on my phone, so I can hear when my phone rings. I stopped and took a call from Goldie. She needed a bloody mary, STAT, so we agreed to meet at Mullet's. I don't think a bloody mary stop is part of the super-easy-8-week-century training plan, but whatever! Be spontaneous!

Well, it's got "bike" in the name!

Side Note: Water Coolers--Mullet's and the Bait Shop and Mickey's down town all put out construction worker jugs of water so people can fill their own bottles and dog bowls. In Portland, all restaurants have water coolers so if you want water, you can just help yourself. I think this is so smart! That way, your beleaguered waitress isn't schlepping water and you can drink as much or as little as you'd like. I would like to encourage all Des Moines restaurants to do this!

Help yo self! 

I left Mullet's and headed into the afternoon heat. I drank too much water, though, so I had to stop at the kybo in Water Works. Ugh. Nothing like a kybo on a 95-degree day. 

I left the trail at Ashworth and creeped up "the hill." I rode up the Science Center hill too, because I am glutton for punishment. I have been avoiding those hills all year, but I am happy to report they were too bad. 

And, then, like magic, I was home: 22.4 miles, 1:45 minutes or so. Ride 1 out of 24 done! 

I had so much fun! And, I am so glad I went! I don't know why my lizard brain always forgets that I actually really like riding my bike. Why do I need these extra inducements to ride it? Why do I have that mental block about just going? These are questions I hope to resolve over the next 8-weeks. But, I am glad for the reminder. 

It's like my life philosophy, that I have to re-teach to myself. If you say "no" to things, you know what the outcome will be. If you say "yes," well, it could be bad, good or amazing, but you are opening yourself up to something new and surprising! 

Norm Score:

Meditation Program--10 for 10 on 21 day plan.

Training Ride Program--1 for 1 on 24 ride plan.

Take it Away, James!

Thank you, James Brown. 

I am back. And, it's time to "get up off of that thing."

After I finished RAGBY, lots of people asked me if I was sick of my bike. Well, sort of. I was kind of sick of my bike, and kind of sick of working out, and that lead me to be kind of sick of blogging. I joked with Goldie, as I sat late into the evening drinking wine on her patio, that I was going to take "August off" from working out in the morning. 

That was only kind of true. 

And, I have to say, this summer, I really struggled to want to sit down at a computer. Often I wanted to be outside or doing something. Sometimes I wanted to do nothing, but rarely did I want to compute: hence the blog hiatus. 

But, now, I'm back. Back to school, back to computers, and here's hoping, back to a regular gym and exercise routine. 

Thanks for your patience, gentle readers! Steve L, fly-catcher, this means you! Thank you!** 

Happy Day Shout Outs

I do want to give a couple shout-outs today to fellow bloggers. 

First, please send your vibes of love and happiness to Carnations blogger, scientist, uber-mom, yogi and cancer-kick-asser: H-Bomb. She's going through her last hard chemo today. I am so proud of her! She is an amazing friend and a total inspiration.

Second, it is Steven's birthday! Happy birthday Steven! I hope your 23rd year is full of adventure and fun, are MORE BLOGGING, please. That is all. 

Lick it and Stick it 

Lately, I have been thinking about how I have never actually completed a "training program." Every year for ragby, I print the training schedule for the 1,000 miles, but then I just do my own thing. 

When I trained for my first 5-K, way back in the day, I followed, mostly, the Couch to 5k Training Plan, but then kind of fell off it when I went on vacation. 

Every time Oprah and Deepak come out with a new 21-day meditation challenge, I get through the first 8 or 12 days, but then I miss a day, and then miss a couple days, and then I can't access them anymore. Very unzen.

Same is true for the plank challenge. Let's be honest. I could not make it past 2 minutes of planking, no matter how much planking I did.

It is a catalog of started training programs/challenges/schedules that have got kaput. 

What if I actually did stick with a training program? Is there a training program that is easy enough for me to stick to? Can I stick to a training program while working?!

Let's see, shall we? (I am very refreshed after my summer of leisure). I do think it would be good for me to stick with a program, just once, to the end. And see what that accomplishes.

Secrets and Centuries

While most people are putting their road bikes away and greasing up their cross bikes, I have centuries in my mind. 

Well, one century now. Too Much invited us to do the Urban Century in the Twin Cities the first weekend in September. Then, he bailed. Typical Wheelman.

But, there is another century ride on the horizon. I would tell you all about it, but I can't tell you all about it, just yet....I will tell you that Steven and I have "plans." So, stay tuned. 

With that in mind, I am going to strive! Really, really strive to complete this program! 

Starting this week! 

Yes, it is kind of cheating because it is for beginners, and I have already ridden one century this summer, but I need something easy to fit into my fabulous busy-work lifestyle. 

Step Two or To?

Once again, the charming captain of my colleges stair climb team has hoodwinked encouraged me to join the team. This year the climb is four buildings for a total of 93. It is also on my mom's birthday. (Think we could get her to do it with me?). 

I'd really like to not hate every minute of this event. That is my motivation. Actually, that's actually my new goal. Actually it's two-fold.

1. Training enough for an event that I don't hate every single minute, aka not dry heaving. 

2. Having reasonable expectations about:

a) Events I chose

b) Fitting training into my lifestyle

Now What?

In terms of blog content, I may have boxed myself into a corner. Now that the December Winter Festival of RAGBRAI Blogging is an institution, I can't write about that. So, now what do I write about? I have some book reviews I've been kicking around...

Here's hoping that our secret-event in 8-ish weeks, and training for said secret event, will create some good blog fodder. 

Until then, Happy Last Chemo Day, H-Bomb! Happy Birthday, Steven! Happy Blogging Me!

**Please tell Justin I had some time to think about his "[the dead fly] probably fell out of your hair" comment, and the next time I see him I am going to punch him in the dick. 

Why I'm Not Doing the Copper Triangle

So, if you know me, you probably know, or have guessed, that I am not in Colorado today, not on the top of Copper Mountain getting ready to ride the Copper Triangle. Which is super awkward because I have been planning on doing it, thinking about doing it, talking about doing it, procrastinated training for it, for a year now.

I feel as if I owe you, and myself, really, an explanation. So, here goes. 

Tough Year

Pretty much as soon as I decided this was the year for the CT, things started going haywire. I decided to start "getting back into shape," after a summer of way too much work and travel, and I threw my back out. That left me in bed for four days, and in gut wrenching pain for weeks, and in physical therapy for months. I didn't get back to a regular gym schedule until January. 

The upshot: I learned the importance of core exercises, and that one leg is longer than the other, and now, I can take control of my wonkiness. 

Also, we had some emotional stuff going on around the Tiger Den in the spring. I don't want to go into it, because it doesn't really relate to this blog, but I will say, it didn't leave me feeling like I had the energy to go on a 4 hour training ride. 

Why Did I Want to Do It Again?

Where did that idea come from? The Mayor initially suggested it, and suggested it, until I finally agreed. 

My thinking was if I sign up for something really scary, like 78 miles of climbing, I would force myself into working out really hard. 

Well, that didn't work. I worked out, but not really any harder. Mostly, it just filled me with dread. 

The whole concept was based on the premise that I am lazy, and unmotivated, and I wouldn't work hard if I didn't have something really scary coming up. And, when you think about it, that's not a very nice thing to think about myself. 

Having a big event doesn't motivate me. I work out anyway. I like going to the gym, and riding my bike, and being active. I'm not lazy or unmotivated. I work hard without any extrinsic motivation. 

Having the CT breathing down my neck for a year really just filled me with anxiety and self loathing. Not productive or happy emotions. 

When I first gave myself permission to think about not doing it, somewhere is Western Oklahoma, I could literally feel the weight of all that pressure and anxiety lift off my chest. It was like I took off a lead vest.

Also, on the Brewery 100, I asked the Mayor why he thought I should do the CT. He said, "so I don't have to do it alone."

Ha! That's why I've been stressing for so long? 

Oh, Hell No.

One of the problems with signing up for this ride is I felt like I never knew what mountains were like. So, on my dramatic Utah-Colorado adventure, I took a side trip. I drove through Leadville, over Tennessee Pass, and then across Vail Pass. 

At first, driving from Leadville over Tennessee Pass, I was like, "okay, this is do able." It was climbing, but not crazy steep.

Then, it was crazy steep. Then, it was crazy steep and curvy downhill. Have I mentioned I hate descending?! 

Yeah, no. I saw the people who were riding their bikes over their passes. Lean as pole cats, and still suffering. I just don't think this is for me. I guess I had to see that to know I didn't want to do it.

Good Job! You Can Do It!

So, on Ragbrai, Goldie slid up next to me and we rode and chatted about the CT. I explained all of this stuff to her, and she was like, "do you know what I think?"

Probably.

"I think you should just do it," she said. 

My sister said the same thing. And a few people said, "well if you can do the ride out, you can do the Copper Triangle."

First, the Ragout is not the same thing. Not in the least. 

Second, they are right. I am stubborn enough to probably be able to go out there and dry heave it. But, what I can't do, can't imagine surviving, is being passed by fit Coloradian after fit Coloradian saying, "good job!" or "you can do it." 

I hate cheerleading. I know it would break my heart. I don't want to dry heave it, like some pudgy slug creeping 3 miles an hour up a mountain. If I am going to do it, I should rock. it. 

I am not prepared to rock it. 

The Worst Part

The worst part is that I feel like I am letting the team down. Everyone has been so loving and supportive during this year, and I feel like I have failed you all. And, for that, I am sorry. I hope you don't feel like your love and support has been squandered, because it hasn't. Each and every one of you fills my heart with joy and inspiration and I have the best life because you are a part of it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And, the worst, worst, part is that I can't wear my amazing necklace anymore. I love that necklace! And I get so many compliments on it. I didn't earn it. Damn! 

The Upshot? 

There is an upshot! I know I am not conquering any mountains today. That is a bummer, but I have to say, the journey to not getting to the Copper Triangle has been a powerful one. That is not a cop out. 

I have learned so much about myself in the past year, and though a lot of it has been hard, and messy, and painful, I actually feel like I am on more stable ground. I am happier, and healthier, with a stronger core, and more confident than I was a year ago. 

I am getting to know myself better, and I have to say, I like me. I think that's the starting point for many more good things to come. And certainly worth the $140 fee.

So, gentle readers, let me say again, I am sorry to disappoint you. But, I cannot thank you enough for being with me on this journey to nowhere, or somewhere. I can't promise an exciting CT write-up, but you can bank on more adventures to come.

5 Thoughts on Ragby

My 5th RAGBY is in the books. There is a lot to say about RAGBY, of course, but unless you buy me a beer or go on a bike ride with me, you will have to wait until winter for the stories.

I will give you a little teaser though. Five thoughts on ragby in honor of my fifth year.

5 Thoughts on Ragbrai 

1. Don't Ride Out Without Music--I wouldn't go on a 6 hour drive without a stereo, so why did I think that riding my bike, through the countryside without anything but my own scary/repetitive/inane thoughts would be a good idea?!

2. Virgins Can Have Very Different Experiences--we had three virgins with us this year. Masinga, The Dale, and Too Much. I would say they each had completely different ragbrais. That's the magic of ragbrai, I guess. It's about you as much as it is about the ride. 

3. You Can't Trick Ragbrai--I thought I could trick ragbrai by riding out. It always seems like the first and second day of ragbrai are hard, but then the third and fourth are easier, then the fifth is fabulous. If I rode out I would start on the fifth day. That didn't work. 

4. Road Mechanics are Sweethearts--I had need for mechanics on the road on the book end days of ragby this year. I had always assumed that the mechanics on the road would be pretty grouchy and judgy, after spending a week in the sun, hustling through repairs on poorly maintained hybrids. What I would instead were total sweethearts! Both the Rassy's surfer dude mechanic and Tom from BW-Ames gave me hugs and huge smiles! And they were so fast and efficient and it wasn't very expensive. Maybe I will get all my maintenance done on the road... 

5. The More the Merrier--there's no denying that Team Beaver is growing. This year we had 7-weekers, and 5 day riders, plus some beaver clingers. It was so fun. Different, but fun. Wearing jerseys and handing out stickers, we could roll in beaver-force, which was way more fun than I thought it could possibly be. It ain't a dam party till the beavers roll in.

Thanks to all the beavers for an awesome ragby!

• The Deb and the Dale--who killed it. My mom committed some serious acts of driver awesomeness. Nice work!
• Steven and the Mayor--always the bedrock of our ragby experience.
• Too Much and Masinga--our virgins, both of whom made ragbrai their bitch, in their own unique way.
• Goldie and Ryan and Grandpa and Great Grandpa--putting the hurt down with the fun and grilling up a storm. XOXO
• Pocahontas--you got the most magical day of ragbrai. I wish they were all like that.
• Jake--oh so quiet, yet oh so fun. Thanks for the beer!
• Josh and Jen--I hope we didn't scare you guys too much. 
• All our hosts: thank you for the great stays! 
• All our beaver-fans out there--thanks for your love and support. Please come and join us!
• Team Awesomeness--sorry about the stickers and the fan-girl obsession. Thanks for being sexy. 
• The Tiger--thanks for fetching my bike and bringing my dog. Love you!
• Matty--you are home! Yah! Thanks for the ragby visit. 
• And, many more, who will  just have to tune in December 1 for all the ragbrai-blog magic.