Tagesarchiv: 20. April 2010

I have been thinking of the best way to bring about this post and in that thought process sided with the new arrival of Yuta, the day got passed me.
One year ago (yesterday) I found myself in a very euphoric state of Oh Sh*t, don’t panic, what is he going to do, I have no where to go and I am, am I, going to be OK? Other things running in past the view screens were of course what happen..ed, where is my wife, did I really land on my head, I’m allergic to penicillin, James I think I broke my arm…my wifes phone number is….I think I landed on my head…I’m allergic to penicillin…did I already say that…I know my wife’s phone number…zero ahhh zero…I’m allergic to penicillin….ahh zero…my ass is on fire…

As if in time with the rest of the world in a cosmic time space continuum crashes were happening all around. I too of course was not to escape the cosmic tractor beam and the rest is history. Some interesting facts about the ordeal, „breaking“ your neck isn’t all that bad as I found that while wearing the neck brace for 6+ months really helps out when long night at the bar is a foot. Also, while very cautious as we all have experienced in our own way, the Japanese medical system is VERY good. I was really impressed by it all AND VeRy thankful that I had my Japanese wife and her family on my side. While a many hours were spent at home watching five or more movies a day, my great prolific team mates kept my spirits up by detailing the wonderful rides that ended that summer, obviously not written with neck brace man in mind none the less wonderful reads. Lastly the over all reaction of those around me during the recovery. Many wonderful people gave and displayed their support while others well, didn’t…such is life. It’s a bit unfortunate although a reality that times like these and incidents that happen, tend to make one reflect. In a perfect world one wouldn’t need a traumatic event like this but then again…

Over this last year there have been many recoveries, new beginnings, life a new and moves on the horizon. Change is good and life must go on, and on it goes. Some may know others may have heard, we will be relocating to place where reflection is closer to a daily process tied in with fruity beverages, white sands, Polynesian spirit and cool breezes that softly whisper to the olfactory senses…Hawaii

One could say a bucket list should follow such an event, I say I’ve got my list although it requires a lot more heart (beats) and a lot less thought…

Oahu cycling info:

5 hardest

1. Wilhemina Rise

13.6% average percent gradient

2. Halekoa Drive

11.52% average percent gradient

3. Peacock Flats

10.17% average percent gradient

4. Kamehame Drive

9.11% average percent gradient

5. Paula Drive

8.86 %average percent gradient

extended list here

I think it was Dominic asked about the calculation of gradient…86% WT*

Surely I’ll get from Boardy to Merckx at some stage…

See you in Hawaii!

„Riding for one, two, three hours plus is the same old incremental story every time. I admit, during big days (or nights) in the saddle my mind can start to wonder, and it was during such an occasion when the cyclist’s way of tracking time came to the fore. Of course, 6.78 billion people are happy with the standard numerical system, which is probably why I am not.

The Cyclist’s System (according to me)

1 hour: Known as a Boardman or Boardy for short after Chris Boardman’s phenomenal hour record in 2000.

2 hours: Is a Jan. After looking like being the king of the Tour for a decade, der Kaiser managed no fewer than four 2nd places.

3 hours: Or as I call it, a Roche. To remember the Triple Crown of ’87 when Roche won the Giro, Tour and World Championships.

4 hours: Can only be a Kelly. Probably the hardest bike rider ever and four time winner of the green jersey at the Tour.

5 hours: This one has a couple of names, both after members in the exclusive “I’ve won the Tour Five Times” club. A Badger if it’s likely to be littered with snarls, hand gestures and foul language should any car (or team mate) come within six feet of you, or an Indurain if ridden tranquilo.

6 hours: Another double namer. Either a Super (in recognition of the bike I dreamt all this up on, the SuperSix) or a Ghent (for obvious reasons).

7 hours: Can only be a Lance. No body else can boast seven Tour wins to their name.

8 hours: Is a Pirate, the nickname of one of the most gifted climbers we’re ever likely to have seen, Marco Pantani. Marco’s eight grand tour victories is why a Pirate slots in here.

9 hours: Simply a Zabel, named after Mr Consistency in the Tour with nine green jersey victories to his name.

10+ hours: Fondly referred to as a Merckx. Riding from 10 to 24 hours takes a certain mindset, some would say a cannibalistic pleasure in eating yourself up on the bike. No further explanation needed, a Merckx it is.

Of course, this scale blatantly has no real relevance to anything, except that it always makes me smile when I look back over the week and remind myself that I’ve got a couple of Boardy’s, a Jan, two Roche’s and a Badger in the legs. And if it makes me smile, well that’s a good thing in my book.“

via Mike Cotty