Coasting into summer vacation!

I usually don’t use this blog as a forum to showcase any other aspects of my life outside of cycling. However, in tune with Kelley P’s latest post, most recently I so was proud of what my students and I created as an end of the year Physics project that I was compelled to share.

As the school year ends, many teachers are struggling to stay focused and motivated to do anything of academic benefit short of a final exam. Our year-end wrap up has manifested into designing and constructing a fully functional roller coaster. This task elicited students to apply the laws and principles of forces and motion they learned throughout the year. I must say, I was quite pleased with the final product. Most importantly, this project gave me motivation to drag myself out of bed at 5:30 every morning with vacation right around the corner.

Kickball Eve

It's hard to believe we are already on the eve of the 2008 kickball season. I’m going to have to take a strong dosage of Nyquil tonight or there is no way I will get any sleep! This year the Sex Panthers have retired the one hit wonder title and adopted the fervent Road House-Swayze inspired name of Double Deuce. However, I will not be covering the game reports this season. For all things Double Deuce and kickball related, consult here.

The pressure is on! Who will crack?

The best part of the 10,000 mile challenge is that every time you pedal your machine, you're participating in the stage of a race...so essentially, I'm always racing. How will it all end? The tension is so thick you can't even slice it with a ginzu!

Epic Adventure

“Goonies never die!” Ever since I was a kid, when I rolled out my door on my trusty two-wheeler, I dreamed of embarking on an epic adventure. Aspirations of pirate ships, hidden treasure, catching frogs and other creatures, and the possibility of discovering Al Capones hideouts were always on my mind.

As an adult, I still aspire for these epic adventures. I love riding my bike. My girlfriend recently said that every time she watches me roll away for a ride it reminds her of a puppy that is so excited to get out of the house and go outside to play/run/walk. I thought that analogy was quite appropriate.

Racing has always simply been a bi-product of my intense propensity for riding my bike. Most of all rides are based around preparation for races. However, what do you do on a weekend that is absent of any races on the schedule? The answer is S.L.M.R (Stupid Long Mile Rides). S.L.M.R.=Epic Adventure=Fun!

So as the sun rose Saturday morning I looked out the window with that “puppy” look in my eye as I anticipated a day of uninterrupted MTB fun.

The usual suspects met at Einstein in Troy for some pre-ride fuel. In attendance; DK, Cruise, Alanso Smith, and The German.
Although the weather was sketchy at times, we seemed to avoid any inclement situations. As the day rolled on and the miles piled up, so did the chemical shot of endorphins making us feel the extreme elation that only a S.L.M.R. ride can make you feel.

The route- Royal Oak to Einstein in Troy to Pontiac Lake Trails to Milford Trails to Island Lake Trails to back home with a God sent tailwind as a reward.

Total Mileage: 138
Total Ride Time: 9hrs 5min.