tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3395999271958124192024-02-19T03:05:07.015-05:00A Cyclocross Racerd.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.comBlogger909125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-33083642956902876482023-11-14T17:53:00.005-05:002023-11-14T18:21:17.524-05:00infinite osmosis<p> WCCX II</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkL7P4z2VYs83oviQ_i2TyncdwI4UWWolWSqN4gPaNTV0In-fud7N6XizO-GXHEI5DHQ9_tfrEMoTSOJmif_oCVimTaFY_RJTW3sRGxia8iytspnHULS_jnXEXKQcgpTgxDF11yjD47CrT81nMoS7yj8LMnczRHqrdZu1TnVHlkHI6vhnHGnyr7-mOGP4/s3490/IMG_8706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3490" data-original-width="2892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkL7P4z2VYs83oviQ_i2TyncdwI4UWWolWSqN4gPaNTV0In-fud7N6XizO-GXHEI5DHQ9_tfrEMoTSOJmif_oCVimTaFY_RJTW3sRGxia8iytspnHULS_jnXEXKQcgpTgxDF11yjD47CrT81nMoS7yj8LMnczRHqrdZu1TnVHlkHI6vhnHGnyr7-mOGP4/s320/IMG_8706.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">I picked up my number to race, and it was an 8. That is an unusual number for me. First thought, was, infinity. </div><div style="text-align: left;">then, blog post title, and then infinite osmosis</div><div style="text-align: left;">and that was it, no words followed, no easy stream. just short burst of emotions, ideas, </div><div style="text-align: left;">I pretty much thought I'd give up, and not write anything, too tough. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Lh8RD27P9KcCjLNEgDqUATxHhlOlWi_qa7_IYycomOO8MSkJgw94K6MLsps0Pt9GdBNxOyxp6VzYp7RmlSkZht3_kCcE5i413fXZpz3sTFT1BmJjKw2rSt7UPZQ26_EDnX63UuTmQ0JQYm9pFcw7rhwY1sFSg7CxX46pErYltUatoZxGo0P3ShyWZEFT/s4032/IMG_8711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Lh8RD27P9KcCjLNEgDqUATxHhlOlWi_qa7_IYycomOO8MSkJgw94K6MLsps0Pt9GdBNxOyxp6VzYp7RmlSkZht3_kCcE5i413fXZpz3sTFT1BmJjKw2rSt7UPZQ26_EDnX63UuTmQ0JQYm9pFcw7rhwY1sFSg7CxX46pErYltUatoZxGo0P3ShyWZEFT/w480-h640/IMG_8711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>How many times can I say that is has been a special season. This year one of the most. <div>How much I am surprised by people, THX! Sturdy Girls for bringing back Nittany. THX! Instigators for bring the enthusiasm. THX! Endgrain for the most best cx moment in a long time. </div><div>THX! twozerodeltathree for capturing moments, that define memories. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/twozerodeltathree/#">https://www.instagram.com/twozerodeltathree/#</a> </div><div>THX! officials, my wife, my training mates, my team mates. Frodo. the dj B Tart. Bob "pit man" Joos.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got out on the mountain bike today, and this small window of time, of the tilt of the earth, the suns angle, and blue cool shadow on top of the fallen leaves. The little trails of Belmont. </div><div>and I kept thinking infinite osmosis, and nothing came, I have nothing to write, pretty much given up.</div><div>and then a thought popped into my mind, a voice "give it a shot d lowe, you can do it!"</div><div><br /></div><div>The trails, the leaves are so thick, i rode them by memory, history, following the flow, a damn fine day on the bike.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had no idea what I would write when I sat down tonight, I guess I just need a bit of encouragement, the feeling that someone saw something in me, that potential, that maybe, I can do it. </div><div>Thank you, Kevin</div><div><br /></div><div>WCCX II 6th Master Men 60+.</div><div>dlowe</div><div><br /></div><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1q0g3np xs83m0k xeuugli x1n2onr6 _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/twozerodeltathree/#" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: center; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 1; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><h2 class="x1lliihq x1plvlek xryxfnj x1n2onr6 x193iq5w xeuugli x1fj9vlw x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x1i0vuye x1ms8i2q xo1l8bm x5n08af x10wh9bi x1wdrske x8viiok x18hxmgj" dir="auto" style="--base-line-clamp-line-height: 25px; color: rgb(var(--ig-primary-text)); font-family: var(--font-family-system); font-size: var(--system-20-font-size); font-weight: 400; line-height: var(--base-line-clamp-line-height); margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;" tabindex="-1"><br /></h2></a><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-17524802199674868672023-10-23T10:45:00.008-04:002023-10-23T11:16:33.372-04:00CRCX - be good<p> My first day walking into junior high, through the front doors I pass the office. On the right, a glass wall to look into. The office. Hanging on a wall was a beautiful paddle. The word "good" was painted on it in olde English lettering, it had a waffle 9 holes. I suppose to reduce air flow on the swing, on the way, to smack righteousness into your ass. </p><p>My days at school seemed like as long as you did wrong, respectfully, outside the boundaries, clandestine, nonchalant, you got away with it, no one looked too hard for it. Maybe no one had the time to deal with it.</p><p>In public, wrong was made an example of, swiftly and sometimes unjustly, and it made its point.</p><p>Cooper River cx racecourse is a long narrow ground along a river, straights, turns, some steps, a little sandpit of fun. It's not intimidating, and somehow, it seems, people let down their guard, dropping a bit, and blend together, socialize. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwPvzN3i8rZVyMgRQIxzmCeD_qQWH3UYm1q7tU6NU8p7ML1xVj7VmK_NkSdRHA0O4i5yB8f1OuRM4Nkqt9wMjRz6P8Wof-BpXj6DETqXLrzXAASiqAwPXXljOWEaiuSn4V4kMs5ZXDTiqM9NWAS9wI5Gm6_x1Yj1SYB4kdmd7sNY_-oixPNvQ8xR3bK84/s4032/IMG_8613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwPvzN3i8rZVyMgRQIxzmCeD_qQWH3UYm1q7tU6NU8p7ML1xVj7VmK_NkSdRHA0O4i5yB8f1OuRM4Nkqt9wMjRz6P8Wof-BpXj6DETqXLrzXAASiqAwPXXljOWEaiuSn4V4kMs5ZXDTiqM9NWAS9wI5Gm6_x1Yj1SYB4kdmd7sNY_-oixPNvQ8xR3bK84/s320/IMG_8613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AHzsph_00ma7Gk5KMdC6mp5gqlHihIXwayHMHVuKAG2LS5x_Ipx0QBpFzrHGUt67GXnoEXrazqfZqSTTxehgbMeKZFzjmN7-Q-PBucR3wGW2A1GN0KOMYICgsQrwXV1ru_dhpfkjvVI4J8I8rtKKfVvDwrUQroJb2bmtEU2X-MVg6ZoGApxKSB8d_6DE/s4032/IMG_8600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AHzsph_00ma7Gk5KMdC6mp5gqlHihIXwayHMHVuKAG2LS5x_Ipx0QBpFzrHGUt67GXnoEXrazqfZqSTTxehgbMeKZFzjmN7-Q-PBucR3wGW2A1GN0KOMYICgsQrwXV1ru_dhpfkjvVI4J8I8rtKKfVvDwrUQroJb2bmtEU2X-MVg6ZoGApxKSB8d_6DE/s320/IMG_8600.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tmArTPIikjI5dyENm71bmOUMhHOej0DaD3s78Bqs3nj1Bv5DQjh8ValWkQAxwct_5uJa4uvRQNEq3pLK7KzBXLSbgVKT9z0uMLGXrsS872b9NSfp6wVH2xXGJHLG7IAeqKa3N8PRHni8mW_VzUeOMLzwraPEKV2xJQojIMjirmIN5DNBVlCaKdlLbwDH/s2591/IMG_8606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="1706" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tmArTPIikjI5dyENm71bmOUMhHOej0DaD3s78Bqs3nj1Bv5DQjh8ValWkQAxwct_5uJa4uvRQNEq3pLK7KzBXLSbgVKT9z0uMLGXrsS872b9NSfp6wVH2xXGJHLG7IAeqKa3N8PRHni8mW_VzUeOMLzwraPEKV2xJQojIMjirmIN5DNBVlCaKdlLbwDH/w264-h400/IMG_8606.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">I dropped my chain twice during the race, once in the beginning of the first lap and once, in a collision coming out of the sandpit, with a long hair single speeder, on the last lap. Finishing 12th. Definitely my own fault.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had good battles, I got a homerun compliment, that "I guiled" the corners impressively (Podium!), from one of our groups members.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I road up to the longhaired single speeder, post race, a younger class rider, the dude who chopped corners, and I chopped his corner and dropped my chain on the last lap. And smiled, "good racing" I said. I think it is important, for your opponent to get a compliment for beating you. To show, let him get a look at a 61 year old, bit chubby, foe. That despite his eye blinder desire to be ahead of me, that after the race we are all just crossers, staying out of the eyesight, over the fence behind the baseball field, sitting on milk crates sharing one can of beer lifted outta someones garage, warm, breaking the rules, together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers, </div><div style="text-align: left;">dlowe</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thx for the fine, in the grid photo, Gorka!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLU8-UsFR6qio9pnICzcS_BtxXlrTHzqtXLOjNujzSfRinjsbjzStmNEEcGLiYdXzgdKeAIPA8XyYbyWiDgTPZ8GVqLxJn_oVBPtL8dhIoarKAf2KsBPmkqIzGNDb52PuImE9K_0VVyYEoMmluKw1g-lIbd4yeniAugrGlxfdDE97IQP__82xMYgnp4AU/s3000/mini-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2003" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLU8-UsFR6qio9pnICzcS_BtxXlrTHzqtXLOjNujzSfRinjsbjzStmNEEcGLiYdXzgdKeAIPA8XyYbyWiDgTPZ8GVqLxJn_oVBPtL8dhIoarKAf2KsBPmkqIzGNDb52PuImE9K_0VVyYEoMmluKw1g-lIbd4yeniAugrGlxfdDE97IQP__82xMYgnp4AU/w268-h400/mini-2.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-87182617088691850232023-10-15T18:18:00.000-04:002023-10-15T18:18:36.635-04:00Be In - Crossasaurus <div style="text-align: left;"> Some say cross is dead, nil. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Canceled. Reeling and reeking of an ugly stench. A disgusting beast, of swill, drooling, machoistic, the soul of the most honest to the bone internal self-abuse every invented.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I find it comes easy, and to me, quite normal. And from the first pedal stroke, my heart rate is beating as hard and as fast as it can. I steer a bit wide into this corner and punch it quick to pass on this small patch of dirt. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKyGqoPxQeLhv18D1nnzamgGpRZe8Yn4iBN2SCgEj3F7Km0cInuiKYy-sFdpXifXzczIDJNB29TM-JY8CN4GoPfjOfROR8Lph5XdS59Bw9DVzwdI6sxIz3Jfh3RKIunG2kxEMS-YRWZdenklsAgrspoonx4e0iV_lQyNWKPfMVVEB3D65P19BdDrEjVD_/s4032/PXL_20231014_143324687.ACTION_PAN-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKyGqoPxQeLhv18D1nnzamgGpRZe8Yn4iBN2SCgEj3F7Km0cInuiKYy-sFdpXifXzczIDJNB29TM-JY8CN4GoPfjOfROR8Lph5XdS59Bw9DVzwdI6sxIz3Jfh3RKIunG2kxEMS-YRWZdenklsAgrspoonx4e0iV_lQyNWKPfMVVEB3D65P19BdDrEjVD_/w225-h400/PXL_20231014_143324687.ACTION_PAN-01.COVER.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cross is a conscription. Cross looks easy and fast, as I watch others race. Cross is a family, after your first race. It is a secret handshake, a beer clandestinely poured into a Dunkin' Doughnuts cup.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cross is hard nipples in the cold for everyone.</div><div style="text-align: left;">white lips, pruned toes</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2NFmTIu-was7QnAuA5qy1ttJ1nmP0TeWcRiU5qMOteU2-FR2L8KkX5u1K_VBBTp7fInYl_Z1H4T2eQqE4JciNkiXzus8uLzu7aq3DK0YkhVmE-9_rtXNYPmpgNZRT_ZX4yEt7SHj7sXFKU3M2YO83Pz8nuvxc3lnNv_54QlD91f39M219YuvWQSW4RgY/s4391/20231014-P1002093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3297" data-original-width="4391" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2NFmTIu-was7QnAuA5qy1ttJ1nmP0TeWcRiU5qMOteU2-FR2L8KkX5u1K_VBBTp7fInYl_Z1H4T2eQqE4JciNkiXzus8uLzu7aq3DK0YkhVmE-9_rtXNYPmpgNZRT_ZX4yEt7SHj7sXFKU3M2YO83Pz8nuvxc3lnNv_54QlD91f39M219YuvWQSW4RgY/s320/20231014-P1002093.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Truth be told, it is just another check box of a world of extracurricular actives to choose from.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't give it up. </div><div style="text-align: left;">and right now I am dreaming of the times when I "was fast" fitter, thinner, naive.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dreaming again of standing atop the top box.</div><div style="text-align: left;">but for now, </div><div style="text-align: left;">and who knows, how forever long, I'll be chasing you</div><div style="text-align: left;">chasing you to the line. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cheers!</div><div style="text-align: left;">dlowe</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-35061382803194329272021-07-05T07:50:00.003-04:002021-07-05T11:24:19.862-04:00LuftThere is a jawnty style, a swagger that is a non swagger. a free floating confidence, happy, loved, strong, alive.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwlu_RYDmpOb2X0TqByz0mjsUwRGef7WTr7B08Po-Tg9c-IGioBf0jKH-Xi9MyyTwSrO2taHG6kA1FnfIOl_wjlJOg913QZaGPM0mfChM7DDuRiI5_v-tdj-6j1YhXEkt9TaTZDQVTdiG/s2016/208671528_10158584726938512_1064610202200764835_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwlu_RYDmpOb2X0TqByz0mjsUwRGef7WTr7B08Po-Tg9c-IGioBf0jKH-Xi9MyyTwSrO2taHG6kA1FnfIOl_wjlJOg913QZaGPM0mfChM7DDuRiI5_v-tdj-6j1YhXEkt9TaTZDQVTdiG/w640-h480/208671528_10158584726938512_1064610202200764835_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: x-small;">photo: Brian Biggs</span><div><div><br /></div><div>A spirit that floats, made up of the tinyest specs of life that moves through the air, through us.</div><div>If a small breeze comes along it lifts the balloon and the short cord slips through and released from the hand of a child, we float, for a bit lifting up, but not away, looking down at, and decided to return to the child's hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>A funny thing about luft, is you can't rule it, but that it has rules. And luft only lives, with others around you. Sorta like if you had an instagram account and posted the most outstanding selfies, but you had no followers. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love a world where you don't need rules, and people are good, and you don't think about why you are smiling. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have memories, of people and their luft, and saddly they are not around anymore.</div><div>That one moment, of saying cheers! and looking into the others eyes, and the beer tasted Tasty!</div><div><br /></div><div>Paintings have luft, songs, birds on the birdfeeder, their early morning chirping, coming in an open morning bedroom window. Things like bikes in general don't have luft, maybe their are a few, that have acquired that spirit, but it was the spirit of the ride, not the bike. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7uWYD4OdQb4X0eRXHrCZGJwIqqlUmURNkK6jG6r1Po2l1_cnibTrn4wjI_AfgPcSRXKhM22hawERoiZeIdK0PYoBxGvQoK56L8eFGV0vN-Oxzg5-ZqPBH-o-kpjlQwumFSLtUS_l_8jh/s2048/204183727_10157759698467407_4329569340328473369_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7uWYD4OdQb4X0eRXHrCZGJwIqqlUmURNkK6jG6r1Po2l1_cnibTrn4wjI_AfgPcSRXKhM22hawERoiZeIdK0PYoBxGvQoK56L8eFGV0vN-Oxzg5-ZqPBH-o-kpjlQwumFSLtUS_l_8jh/w640-h480/204183727_10157759698467407_4329569340328473369_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You really can't count on what life is going to give or take from, you definitley don't control when. <div>but it does seem like, you can even be strangers with someone, and for some common reason, there is luft. For that short event, maybe working in a break-away together, or just stopping to help fix a flat, and ending up with an interesting conversation. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've always applied, a spit polish, to my bike, not literally, ...but I know, and respect, how that machine has put me place, and made me meet peolple, and symbolicly whatever bike that I pull out of the shed, for whatever ride to where ever, I know I'm lucky, and try to shake my anger, not take to serious the workout, and definetly know that what ever happens, that the luft is important. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for coming out and, ride after ride, never let me down, Here is a big toast to you, Cheers!</div><div>Water Ice CX '21 "Harry Horray!"<br /><div><br /></div><div>david</div><div><br /></div></div>d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-69502301795372655702021-06-27T19:18:00.002-04:002021-06-27T19:29:32.674-04:00Pin-upI just want to write like old days, like a garden hose left on, and the water gushing out, on a hot day. a Niagra Falls on dopey 4 year olds, in underwear, and smiles. Flowing free, un-restricted, and cold.
I've had so much other stuff on my mind.
but today, I pinned up, clicked in, and raced.
Not a smart race, like most of my crits, but a dreamy race, and pretty good legs, feeling like there is lots of potential.
At a recent Thursday evening GV30 training crit, a rubber band snap I was right where I always was again, closing a gap, big gap, unfathonable doable gap, and behold a rider is with me, on my wheel, and I'm a bit spent, and my hearts apound about 200 beats a minute, and I ask, "can you pull?" as I look at him, and smell spent cap gun bullets. That smell....is good, and the break went away and we sat back in the field.
I pin-up every race to win it.
It's nice to fall asleep after a bit of nervous tossing, to the imagined story, of somehow a miraculos outcome, legs never giving up and going off the gile at the only correct second that the universe gives, and I cross the line, to stand atop the box, winner.
I respect honesty so much more today. I want to make sure to feel the joy of every catastorphy racing could every bring, if I never win ever agin, that's ok. Just as long as I have the dreams, as I pin-up.
Cheers!
dlowe
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIZPxk5XOpC4nSpd25LKownd4mlWQsjvicJ6dosR804MB57iwqBSJIRR-B4OZYfQR1XuNS0xpsW3R23oIwOZHzPER8lLx0-C5chJ_5hI_Yx3IOKydR4f1AQ9huynwShJFNr1BdjC4jqfn/s2048/205132464_10157748163852407_1258446470536380651_n.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIZPxk5XOpC4nSpd25LKownd4mlWQsjvicJ6dosR804MB57iwqBSJIRR-B4OZYfQR1XuNS0xpsW3R23oIwOZHzPER8lLx0-C5chJ_5hI_Yx3IOKydR4f1AQ9huynwShJFNr1BdjC4jqfn/s400/205132464_10157748163852407_1258446470536380651_n.jpg"/></a></div>d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-28547260537401111132021-01-03T14:27:00.006-05:002021-01-03T14:38:46.037-05:002021and Pffft, just like that something appears.
I have a few bikes, a road, mountain, beer-beater, and cyclocross. I'm a cyclist more than anything eles. I love to ride.
I'm happy on all of them.
but,
sometimes, more often than not on my cross bike, I see something, a downed telephone pole, that I have to hop. A narrow ribbon of dirt off the gravel road, and the bike I and pull to it, turn up the effort a bit and get at it!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HwVX0HJBKxxgJnXEnL0190iSfAPTE3SgBeHaSPPSDjylj4S42cOXpttR103PkYjG9JdSOET-2LvANOyI9Wuv4jlU1ulngaTfAMrMxEtpHfn6RdubyOgQIx7MuTFZt07FCo3VOnsTxC4W/s2048/IMG_3016.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HwVX0HJBKxxgJnXEnL0190iSfAPTE3SgBeHaSPPSDjylj4S42cOXpttR103PkYjG9JdSOET-2LvANOyI9Wuv4jlU1ulngaTfAMrMxEtpHfn6RdubyOgQIx7MuTFZt07FCo3VOnsTxC4W/s400/IMG_3016.jpg"/></a></div>
My cx bike loves the spewn decaying streets and urban blight as much as it does, the paved path to Valley Forge.
Around here there is a lot of stuff, if brave enough, I can ride.
There is a short paved path, underpassing the road, an old trolley line, that I will hit every once in a while, and I'm scared to know what is in that tunnel, I'm ready to turn around and high tale it if needed. And I sprint down to it, and high speed right through it.
I miss racing this year, I miss the really steep off camber mud hill decent in the Sly Fox race, that I barrel down and almost say a thank you out loud, that I'm still up right, when I arrive at the bottom, but quickly forget to do, cause I'm racing cross, and lots of other thoughts appear, quickly, chasing you or just needing to get going harder.
Oh also, I've been racing long enough to hear people say "that's it, I'm down with racing", like someone can really hang it up. and I know in their mind, that when they say they don't miss the training, or racing, I know, I think they are just trying to convince themselves more than anyone else.
Once a racer, you are never retired, never. and who knows the future, and what turns are up there.
I got out for a nice easy ride today. It's damp, 35 degrees. On the cross bike, with just faint plans of where I was headed, and got a lot of pleasant pedaling in. I found a couple of new lines. The exploring always sorta keeps me warmer and happy.
Ha!
Well I really look forward to more gravel roads, hole in the fence short cuts, and burly rocks.
Cheers friends, stay happy, and ride fast, when you can, like a whacked out kid, not knowing where they are going, but are loving getting there. dlowe
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2YrhhxpaQdYvFJtl4SthHtRzZq_J8bxMSJ_sCvQjYOPvKAcKryBza8tIMrCgaoBgkauEEDMy8ftdJ6vkIgElu5UXFadhEUVbg_YUcsVqm0HB8nTDoFV1YZK2yorsEJRSlkQl6VeH9AbQ/s2048/IMG_2010.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2YrhhxpaQdYvFJtl4SthHtRzZq_J8bxMSJ_sCvQjYOPvKAcKryBza8tIMrCgaoBgkauEEDMy8ftdJ6vkIgElu5UXFadhEUVbg_YUcsVqm0HB8nTDoFV1YZK2yorsEJRSlkQl6VeH9AbQ/s400/IMG_2010.jpg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFNy3QKnHHFYtCTJ_o9_s6wHgkZzRw204xGVyikZzfwVBf1tFyG4RG1NBCj2eV1NozOX4TbPWqh7yxLK8bzHle_MsLsZIB596qLRSNXfgeuK29BO1PX0v0QTq3nKlW4n9Jw57_IKRT8dX/s2048/IMG_2022.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFNy3QKnHHFYtCTJ_o9_s6wHgkZzRw204xGVyikZzfwVBf1tFyG4RG1NBCj2eV1NozOX4TbPWqh7yxLK8bzHle_MsLsZIB596qLRSNXfgeuK29BO1PX0v0QTq3nKlW4n9Jw57_IKRT8dX/s400/IMG_2022.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVl1ffi-TKHONu8wNIhIEyFHeDCQ0qd_gglQR5vyBpVF6ow_CbqQCTtXH_jG-yh0wo9etIjmYuW0Op75mih_WIBcQedHOErwXx3Az0bLA32H9GCi056g8v7jXrtpNLHuZS2RdmwaBeDoj/s2048/IMG_2698.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVl1ffi-TKHONu8wNIhIEyFHeDCQ0qd_gglQR5vyBpVF6ow_CbqQCTtXH_jG-yh0wo9etIjmYuW0Op75mih_WIBcQedHOErwXx3Az0bLA32H9GCi056g8v7jXrtpNLHuZS2RdmwaBeDoj/s400/IMG_2698.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyct08jzFBJkw80kFKk1_TjEJy7CDVcD2HEUKG7tQuV3nghyphenhyphen9YsZoy76zCaG-es0fAEWEr_04repzeXrKjLFTRXwPq5n9x-OPIL79s0jOJ-1putqGhbDCxm-1_HpFlTY94FMXh-8NyWFZ/s2048/IMG_2021.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyct08jzFBJkw80kFKk1_TjEJy7CDVcD2HEUKG7tQuV3nghyphenhyphen9YsZoy76zCaG-es0fAEWEr_04repzeXrKjLFTRXwPq5n9x-OPIL79s0jOJ-1putqGhbDCxm-1_HpFlTY94FMXh-8NyWFZ/s400/IMG_2021.JPG"/></a></div>
d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-19569768075315301762020-07-28T22:05:00.000-04:002020-07-28T22:23:07.617-04:00COOLI don't mind riding in the humid summer heat of Philadelphia. I just try to measure my effort. As if nursing my old AMC Gremlin along, windows down, hot air smashing in. Watch the temperature gauge, and hoping and trying to keep it out of the red. That once it is too hot, you'r done, for a long bit. Happy Birthday today to Marcel Duchamp, and to his ability to make me wonder. I imagined he had a love of cycling, and knew a bit about suffering out on a ride in the sun. The table on our porch, on it I have waiting, to greet my return, from my summer ride, a cooler of ice cold seltzer, a towel, and by it a chair. Just to sit. And let the cooking finish.<br />
I've seen a couple of new riders out there, hammering along, I mean at a real good clip, 225+ watts, railing at maybe 23mph, for a long bit, 10+'s miles, and on flat pedals, an old bike. I can't wait till the end of their effort, to almost give my applause, as I pull up along aside them, and they all seem to turn to me and have a smile, I say "man you were a crushing it!" and we both roll on.<br />
<br />
I wish that this could be memographed, or piratedly xeroxed at kinkos, after hours, cut up and pasted in a zine, then probably it'd have some kind of creedence, and mean something more, and positive enough.<br />
<br />
I wish that every person in Montgomery Co. went to a bike shop and bought a bike. and That when I went to George's on Monday nights to drink beers with him, Anthony, Erin, and whatever other guest invited to the outdoor back porch. That Anthony and George's eyeballs would be bugged out, and I'd see dirt so deep down in the skin of their hands it can't be washed off. That the little common touch spots, the top of a pant pocket, or center of the t-shirt where they'd wipe the stress and sweat off, is black of old bike oil. From selling and fixing bikes busy all day Monday at the bike shop.<br />
<br />
Just a bit more.<br />
There is something to falling asleep with a fan on high, and it's hot, that I like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qKVbcj9E6GulyGJ9YbT0ctAgn5OpXdoMz532cqINfSkq6PQtuKFHqk82wSDL5xxlsKgZST_FZzKwRqYBC39QCXY-ohzEjRQWtrR0URrSn8zeaAgpFJAzuJnvaTxW4sL_ARHeO-NRerq-/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1218" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qKVbcj9E6GulyGJ9YbT0ctAgn5OpXdoMz532cqINfSkq6PQtuKFHqk82wSDL5xxlsKgZST_FZzKwRqYBC39QCXY-ohzEjRQWtrR0URrSn8zeaAgpFJAzuJnvaTxW4sL_ARHeO-NRerq-/s400/IMG_1905.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoYakR2XDkbJ8yyRxBQwvq-kvoI00673NrfpPRbgR-zaky5O-x44A7Q7GY2D-G5ed_VvpYU5yI8JQ5BKkbexQx7GcW3_WjKXacIljObkAtX6Ddnc3B6S_hJqkxC0e_-I1T6dW7TVIOZuf/s1600/IMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoYakR2XDkbJ8yyRxBQwvq-kvoI00673NrfpPRbgR-zaky5O-x44A7Q7GY2D-G5ed_VvpYU5yI8JQ5BKkbexQx7GcW3_WjKXacIljObkAtX6Ddnc3B6S_hJqkxC0e_-I1T6dW7TVIOZuf/s640/IMG_1981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YCqQRRSYMzOaMTNNW1eZtNI2RjCW6g8lt_I-wfzFt09KWFUMEquRdObw_iKB6JC8yLCc9SPEgfLAfiMKolqzghjDhc25FJhTk0fcaJKFs-43woHURe9IeHz7e65TMxRYvsIvidpXadGK/s1600/IMG_2100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YCqQRRSYMzOaMTNNW1eZtNI2RjCW6g8lt_I-wfzFt09KWFUMEquRdObw_iKB6JC8yLCc9SPEgfLAfiMKolqzghjDhc25FJhTk0fcaJKFs-43woHURe9IeHz7e65TMxRYvsIvidpXadGK/s640/IMG_2100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mFSMAePsR3oc-wPTi8FRyQ8TMYkqUQsjY2SbhU4e2jIX6Q-l5wE9-0xmv7XrA-S8MrvXKcJkGoF9o8puDFC0dpf3TKP1Pt-DuPOV9pgpvF1mc9fd7kFLsN6vy5jv75_BzFJ3-B0X4o95/s1600/IMGz_2025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mFSMAePsR3oc-wPTi8FRyQ8TMYkqUQsjY2SbhU4e2jIX6Q-l5wE9-0xmv7XrA-S8MrvXKcJkGoF9o8puDFC0dpf3TKP1Pt-DuPOV9pgpvF1mc9fd7kFLsN6vy5jv75_BzFJ3-B0X4o95/s400/IMGz_2025.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfkkbIHR3xC7ctEjHoHIJr4OC6YNokrWPHr9djPiAf0yWTfiWFDhzrROB7P5TyuPHMbL2pfFTXb_sHyj6pA4umv6288QJvUsyayBksq1T3441zCChyphenhyphenKIY8uu_HBRe7kI4nTZf7O-KAE3n/s1600/IMG_2104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfkkbIHR3xC7ctEjHoHIJr4OC6YNokrWPHr9djPiAf0yWTfiWFDhzrROB7P5TyuPHMbL2pfFTXb_sHyj6pA4umv6288QJvUsyayBksq1T3441zCChyphenhyphenKIY8uu_HBRe7kI4nTZf7O-KAE3n/s640/IMG_2104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQlZzCxIKmwe6YbsI6Q8oI3gowqxb3dAgPMR9LLTKvxXkrTsisZe3MtMGEHuuGu8EHXnoXHVGKP2StxGzL8XPqjo0zAuK6TK7__SSosLLEC8VoGjiJ2UfWruJfRvIjz-uS8piKLTb8x7f/s1600/IMG_2105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQlZzCxIKmwe6YbsI6Q8oI3gowqxb3dAgPMR9LLTKvxXkrTsisZe3MtMGEHuuGu8EHXnoXHVGKP2StxGzL8XPqjo0zAuK6TK7__SSosLLEC8VoGjiJ2UfWruJfRvIjz-uS8piKLTb8x7f/s320/IMG_2105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZfmZ0Oap-GRfEVsJnRgSkjDFmTdaf1RZ8x5rqnm-qcveEIgBU0hzyvt9B00D0QIChmALpWienhmGKOLULTAAJl8WSZyVoM7RP-IFHkhdIe4iOoSqno5EVuZbITJ0KW45CNrFoj0zd2B-/s1600/IMG_2106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZfmZ0Oap-GRfEVsJnRgSkjDFmTdaf1RZ8x5rqnm-qcveEIgBU0hzyvt9B00D0QIChmALpWienhmGKOLULTAAJl8WSZyVoM7RP-IFHkhdIe4iOoSqno5EVuZbITJ0KW45CNrFoj0zd2B-/s320/IMG_2106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers friend, enjoy the summer heat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
dlowe</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-74169317912170486182020-07-24T19:03:00.001-04:002020-07-24T19:19:05.772-04:00Philly is the PlaceThe cheap cologne, sweat tobacco and bad weed, made for a familiar philly aroma as I rode my bike through the East Park.<br />
<br />
I remember early on when I moved to Philly from Ohio. I went to see Sun Ra at the CEC center, a small spot in west philly. Sun Ra was like a god from another planet rolling out to the piano. It blew my mind. That was philly for you. This community center, a dopey white naive kid from ohio, seeing god.<br />
<br />
That is how it is in philly. It's a simple route, Belmont, The Boxer Trail, up on the road and around the ball fields, pass the box truck that'd haul the workout equipment that used to be parked on the corner weekends, before the virus.<br />
The bench and iron plates laid out on the sidewalk. There is no cheating a rep.<br />
Dropping down to the Strawberry Mansion bridge I pass the Dell East, home of the Magnificent Funk Fest! (worst hang over of my live acquired there). West River Drive, Falls Bridge, the Wiss, and the tow path home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhah7RN5Ql-MufGIMNQT8WLYZ7R9ZyaUtTNQ01VIlajWj8y9I5W4pJTxGYhHr4DxNZP4tfJl8rS5hNO3AtL1cJW4AuHYHYGAqgdn8QN-XvstAWGLoWJrniVwNZ826YtfBt34WLDG-w9eB/s1600/IMG_2038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhah7RN5Ql-MufGIMNQT8WLYZ7R9ZyaUtTNQ01VIlajWj8y9I5W4pJTxGYhHr4DxNZP4tfJl8rS5hNO3AtL1cJW4AuHYHYGAqgdn8QN-XvstAWGLoWJrniVwNZ826YtfBt34WLDG-w9eB/s320/IMG_2038.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
now On a weekend Wiss is the spot, and 100's of pounds of food, grills, speakers, beers, families, and smiles make their way, down to the creek in the valley. And as weird as it is, I find the weirdness of loud music rocking up out of the creek, and the parties, comforting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXjIyqTrIk1T2Npg0RReJ0r-_qa2GzKMUVZCBtsUisIlNgAWkt4pcTWfGh-Z3-p2RMHPzD6AiTqAPHyBXVyZvkKfUy9T-oE2PD-cxvB8JhiQT83veyS7KINht0nXcwzbWOVn5gWfyEIA5/s1600/IMG_2067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXjIyqTrIk1T2Npg0RReJ0r-_qa2GzKMUVZCBtsUisIlNgAWkt4pcTWfGh-Z3-p2RMHPzD6AiTqAPHyBXVyZvkKfUy9T-oE2PD-cxvB8JhiQT83veyS7KINht0nXcwzbWOVn5gWfyEIA5/s640/IMG_2067.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not every sure this time of year, out on the cross bike where I'll go. I just want to ride, and I want the ride to make me fast, and I want to kick some ass when it comes to racing in the fall.<br />
<br />
Ah, the Monday nights of Grass Track in August. Taught me a lesson or two, and I change my cleats on my shoes about now, to avoid worn out unintended clip outs, and did so tonight. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpva8ty61zLZigODYXs1wf1N_xmloCTuNEMxAsJqJms9MFQsv-avCe7PVoovtrGjOCmLHGtFPeBcu6Stu3oo-KEhVATWqjyQlWfTsqT2MVt0knJH8T9A74U481bKlpDGLmFWgbIQUMAeA6/s1600/IMG_2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpva8ty61zLZigODYXs1wf1N_xmloCTuNEMxAsJqJms9MFQsv-avCe7PVoovtrGjOCmLHGtFPeBcu6Stu3oo-KEhVATWqjyQlWfTsqT2MVt0knJH8T9A74U481bKlpDGLmFWgbIQUMAeA6/s320/IMG_2092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN9B3hmV22eYks00upxG-DCj-_Ej-tKXYWrJ5GAE7rgsyigX9yJEe40G0dE8v82lxD4Vrx8H8_rR1YaetwxW-LEl1bJ35Ac8N1plj8iyOtmC1YihZYeSTBXmWshYEjiqAAKth4VnCv16w/s1600/IMG_2093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN9B3hmV22eYks00upxG-DCj-_Ej-tKXYWrJ5GAE7rgsyigX9yJEe40G0dE8v82lxD4Vrx8H8_rR1YaetwxW-LEl1bJ35Ac8N1plj8iyOtmC1YihZYeSTBXmWshYEjiqAAKth4VnCv16w/s320/IMG_2093.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVaUu1MbC7kY992P8kGnXovfc49poE82oLoThCTdGTL8rkFV9F569fSFkoTNE2ZpLQ_zBF_SL3hdybA9lTnzcYjR_GpmCev64d0Fio-mzWwycn2_Nt0XFzfTN0OInDgtgtJvwBwzh-hAx/s1600/IMG_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVaUu1MbC7kY992P8kGnXovfc49poE82oLoThCTdGTL8rkFV9F569fSFkoTNE2ZpLQ_zBF_SL3hdybA9lTnzcYjR_GpmCev64d0Fio-mzWwycn2_Nt0XFzfTN0OInDgtgtJvwBwzh-hAx/s320/IMG_2094.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for out on these preseason rides, a special motivation, inspiration, strength, fortitude, a magic spell, maybe just a bit more compassion. I'm glad I've made Philadelphia my home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will be racing this fall, I might even get some recording breaking fast laps in at my local grass track. I plan to dig deeper and suffer more than I can imagine, out on the cyclocross course, even if it is just by myself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
dlowe</div>
d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-76046034467934311392020-07-12T21:34:00.005-04:002020-07-12T21:46:17.462-04:00In a SpotI am a learner, that comes by knowledge usually picked up, by painting myself into a corner.<br />
I brake bits, strip, dent, snap, drop and lose them, quite easily on my first attempt.<br />
<br />
It was a good, the last three days of riding, the heat and humidity did compound itself, and by riding home, Sunday, I was a bit more loopy, than my normal self.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwuxj1DYMEdPhdYZDFw_srvGrrmKa3v0AziuRaEayFyd1A70h2Z_-uQCxDr1dfCAEfhbjKwX4nCzWSw1Ye5O1a1xi8nt4HLDtR8E6ZB3QOW36GoUiiMl6WTbuxi0qBH7x8u_925OQz4HD/s1600/IMG_2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwuxj1DYMEdPhdYZDFw_srvGrrmKa3v0AziuRaEayFyd1A70h2Z_-uQCxDr1dfCAEfhbjKwX4nCzWSw1Ye5O1a1xi8nt4HLDtR8E6ZB3QOW36GoUiiMl6WTbuxi0qBH7x8u_925OQz4HD/s640/IMG_2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday I did some workouts on the bike. "Stay Fit!" I say.<br />
warm and a light rain, I'm a cap wearer. and I watched the water drop form and rock on the brim.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQB7n-ACHXCW5S_hqEwxY-U8jY2W1JzdKuD8WbM5jiOM_FtMehsLFeBuZA8ZKF2gZmj_-lLdJLvqRvRgnBeOi30K0nHzhRxBK46YPpXAcwSDxvfq0OV4h1airEd8V6e6o-GG8wsw3wFDf/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQB7n-ACHXCW5S_hqEwxY-U8jY2W1JzdKuD8WbM5jiOM_FtMehsLFeBuZA8ZKF2gZmj_-lLdJLvqRvRgnBeOi30K0nHzhRxBK46YPpXAcwSDxvfq0OV4h1airEd8V6e6o-GG8wsw3wFDf/s640/IMG_2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV6QNexM544WQCFJdNQMXj7zEh_wJDW3t0sk9M1ea-zlpupIzIm1AD8e37LELo7nSfKAD_zHJ8aeell9Df6zUjUn4eYUC_6DR01gySXhaYRTnaHS-8w_qDXYeBS6Uh5CYGpEXUHeXel24/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDV6QNexM544WQCFJdNQMXj7zEh_wJDW3t0sk9M1ea-zlpupIzIm1AD8e37LELo7nSfKAD_zHJ8aeell9Df6zUjUn4eYUC_6DR01gySXhaYRTnaHS-8w_qDXYeBS6Uh5CYGpEXUHeXel24/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7H_gP9OkKziQpw-MLRhwu7QQD233Pg0MYg4IXhpz6aYCGqqwavX3lvnhNnsPxpKkUkuEPgm1W6VRLp-MaEbODLyETsBSPyGuiDey4dOdRqhdHsjzdnl3Qaqxp7nAAmgOQ8tvBYuz7t8e/s1600/IMG_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7H_gP9OkKziQpw-MLRhwu7QQD233Pg0MYg4IXhpz6aYCGqqwavX3lvnhNnsPxpKkUkuEPgm1W6VRLp-MaEbODLyETsBSPyGuiDey4dOdRqhdHsjzdnl3Qaqxp7nAAmgOQ8tvBYuz7t8e/s400/IMG_2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Saturday it did not take long at all! To realize that what I'd thought about getting a good bit, of hard, long, rugged, cx trail riding work in, turned into, a long, hazy, humid, it just ended up being, surviving a long, humid, hard, and rugged trail ride, to its end.<br />
<br />
Today was better.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNscVzdnqIhkK9M924KkBseYh-ER5THrKKDaDZYfF1QaArasQ98cTIbMwSRQODgmtQ6GppP9sC8JcMHdmZ0-NoMf7PXzfV8O7p6DVyBsHIojo9047oT3Ybn-Osqhra-QZf39GQMBk9SOl/s1600/IMG_2025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNscVzdnqIhkK9M924KkBseYh-ER5THrKKDaDZYfF1QaArasQ98cTIbMwSRQODgmtQ6GppP9sC8JcMHdmZ0-NoMf7PXzfV8O7p6DVyBsHIojo9047oT3Ybn-Osqhra-QZf39GQMBk9SOl/s400/IMG_2025.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I had considerable less expectations of what I could do, it was a good cx long ride, but at a lower intensity level.<br />
and,<br />
As I was just rolling out on the start of the ride, up the tow path, I saw a women in biking distress of some sorts.<br />
I asked "are you fine, do you have what you need" she answered, with a expression of "I don't"...<br />
<br />
I stopped, it is a tough choice now a days, with so many out riding, who I help, and who is left to their own accord, to find a solution, and getting where they need to get, and their bike seems to have a problem.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjypXFjI3udeT6EIJ0fV-_K-EDrmGEyLOtI3YRfs-Z9L_YGwQ6Bt0Mb8vsG8XMo02X25a75ZjjaeNCzHLeueU6tLRf4Yg2ZqUIsc5iutCrzw_-gMgy_PL6bXbg3k-MwJlrHSjLCLsggaN/s1600/IMG_2028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjypXFjI3udeT6EIJ0fV-_K-EDrmGEyLOtI3YRfs-Z9L_YGwQ6Bt0Mb8vsG8XMo02X25a75ZjjaeNCzHLeueU6tLRf4Yg2ZqUIsc5iutCrzw_-gMgy_PL6bXbg3k-MwJlrHSjLCLsggaN/s400/IMG_2028.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Well she was, getting at the repair, on her way, to changing her tube, fixing a flat, but I don't think she was far enough along to do it. <br />
I stepped in, and...<br />
I did not booger anything up, I was a help.<br />
and as I started to fix the flat, she stopped me,<br />
she asked "what is your name?" I liked that.<br />
It was better than a thank you, for sure.<br />
and Quick I was, to fix that flat.<br />
I helped her out and we were both on our way, snappy quick. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8esKZGom7RsufRDzmHYUc3Y5trVTlLI2SxS03aDOCz8sxrSMkqcfJTj1pCZeDQwwR6mI0CplnsDUnvsyh1UbQde4Qx8zmv9zqJR-uwi74ngpvZK82asx5q4fxsioRla0SEUvZICB9Pcl_/s1600/IMG_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8esKZGom7RsufRDzmHYUc3Y5trVTlLI2SxS03aDOCz8sxrSMkqcfJTj1pCZeDQwwR6mI0CplnsDUnvsyh1UbQde4Qx8zmv9zqJR-uwi74ngpvZK82asx5q4fxsioRla0SEUvZICB9Pcl_/s640/IMG_2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday I was going hard, suffering, and my mind was to keep the body smooth, watch how far the drip rolled back and forth on the bill of my cap.<br />
It was a light rain, and the drops came in a spread out steady pace.<br />
and kept me good company.<br />
Saturday, I just suffered,<br />
Sunday.... a good long day of riding, and with a nice memory!<br />
<br />
Cheers, stay the course, keep training, stay fit!<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-91432204115773000132020-07-07T18:29:00.000-04:002020-07-07T18:52:46.220-04:00Strange MagicI'm a real simple person. If I ever did something incredibly grand or important, the people of the town wouldn't make DLowe Avenue, it'd be more like Simpleton Street. I like that, being simple.<br />
I'd hope the street named after me, not that I can every imagine doing something grand and important enough, came to and made an intersection with Common Sense Street. And on Common Sense Street we could build a few very nice but modest houses, and we'd house our most modest intellectuals. Maybe a couple of young hipsters. The States Supreme court Justice could have a big place, with a nice jacuzzi. I'd make sure my dream of the best pastry/coffee shop came true, and I'd have a house of every ethnicity, and they'd have a simple sit down place, where you tasted and ate things you could not pronounce, and flavors you never imagined.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA5PV2j4-HDx2XJW0x5lP1IavwuvVFqeu7EunooihAb3tPlO_ksdcU0HnwRuAq76XC5lW-tWqT0hj6SJ7Z37D-suIEzektBYs_u0jpfEE7zWWejRbk9em3mkpoMe3KCoj-JYBvONZ0RKF/s1600/IMG_1984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1576" data-original-width="1600" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA5PV2j4-HDx2XJW0x5lP1IavwuvVFqeu7EunooihAb3tPlO_ksdcU0HnwRuAq76XC5lW-tWqT0hj6SJ7Z37D-suIEzektBYs_u0jpfEE7zWWejRbk9em3mkpoMe3KCoj-JYBvONZ0RKF/s400/IMG_1984.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today I got out for a ride with Andrew. Andrew is a top notch masters rider from NM. I know Andrew from playing in a band. He was a 17 year old kid, that became our drummer, I was 27 at the time. It was pretty simple decision, good kid, excellent drummer and he got the music and energy that we played.<br />
The streets today were pretty empty, and I just did a loop down West River Drive, around the Mann, back past my home, and down the Cynwyd trail to the Rocky Statue where we met up.<br />
<br />
I can't think of a more productive training ride then today's. We just rolled along and chatted it up the whole way. Good Stuff.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEeBb6KTkS5VpSZZ1_krWKfdKCwD1hqhLL82fbxuj6g5W0SXHj2jSqORWrC1unKwfAOkX_F7nmftvguEECzRoxhDIuAWGvfKQvI0RCBZV0i2ooKxWo95J7Ot72x3piURbvNzKKI0Fisar/s1600/Screenshot+2020-07-07+at+6.18.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEeBb6KTkS5VpSZZ1_krWKfdKCwD1hqhLL82fbxuj6g5W0SXHj2jSqORWrC1unKwfAOkX_F7nmftvguEECzRoxhDIuAWGvfKQvI0RCBZV0i2ooKxWo95J7Ot72x3piURbvNzKKI0Fisar/s640/Screenshot+2020-07-07+at+6.18.07+PM.png" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Good training sessions to you my racer friends, stay fit, keep fast, be simple!<br />
<br />
<br />
Cheers, dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-64005655856551977502020-07-04T18:22:00.001-04:002020-07-04T21:38:07.954-04:00Independence day.Anarchy only seems to work for ants. Often and much proven every time I ride past Produce Junction on Bryn Mawr Ave. You get two cars, trying to park and pull out and the whole road is blocked. Independence, doesn't mean free for all. Or think of myself first. On a road ride, the front rider, is responsible for every wheel following. Those small gestures, a slap to the right ass cheek, car on berm, a hand down is quiet and calm, a simple way to signal, that means to slow. I always had problems on the Drives Ride with people jumping pot holes, I'd be behind that jerk, nail the hole, and flat, or my bars twisted down on the brutal impact, or I'd just say "Fuck!" loudly, expressing, with my American right, my displeasure in leadership.<br />
Everyone should know how to lead.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have often spent restless Water Ice CX ride eves. A goal, simple, to give as few rules, as possible, to somehow, that, each rider takes on the responsibility for themselves and everyone else on the ride. There have been crashes, lost souls, lots of laughs, flats, some rides the broom wagon has the most patient of driver, keeping that last place rider in good spirits, motivated, maybe to get them to dig deeper, and keep on.<br />
<br />
Today I got out with the mates, Kelly and Lisa, we were joined by a respectful Chris Mckenna, who sussed us out and snuck on, which only added, safely, more to the ride.<br />
<br />
Lisa took the brunt of my trivia history lessons as we passed sights that had any importance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX1W3wjxCyehk4Pi66EQ22bvellzkfPWKq_qGrmxK-WjE8S3P0ifpG-prxmhh3htCetNDSyfQwYzAnXRstrU_bnGNJH4leTmtxGLqQJMwBrVJ5BT91SmkiLU-EMr5DsTYY8xTo0AVIU-y/s1600/IMG_3286.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixX1W3wjxCyehk4Pi66EQ22bvellzkfPWKq_qGrmxK-WjE8S3P0ifpG-prxmhh3htCetNDSyfQwYzAnXRstrU_bnGNJH4leTmtxGLqQJMwBrVJ5BT91SmkiLU-EMr5DsTYY8xTo0AVIU-y/s400/IMG_3286.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and I told Chris about the secret Coltrane mosaic mural.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQtYOfmyUVn76GYb6NxtlRba1eqezvUvVR5N3I-j3QxMzWcWwcnh6UbxH3NFUapoWuXj13CyGfWy6teOtgzoLfUYHm0KORkkJOrb7MiYQZm_9svzrMdz2RbIs-ZmmVCJwAg-yTnGWHYoP/s1600/IMG_3273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQtYOfmyUVn76GYb6NxtlRba1eqezvUvVR5N3I-j3QxMzWcWwcnh6UbxH3NFUapoWuXj13CyGfWy6teOtgzoLfUYHm0KORkkJOrb7MiYQZm_9svzrMdz2RbIs-ZmmVCJwAg-yTnGWHYoP/s400/IMG_3273.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm not sure why I chose to stop and visit the old goat Yoda, I guess he'll not be around much longer, I just find his story, and being, to be part of what is important to me, what makes Philly, Philly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqAxyHP2qoCXT0K__8kaGpdgQM2mN0YOvEsCb1oq-DZ1WPDJgOyt4RCeNpEDaqoLMMnDdTQYo5VDzsqM8xLccknDhGTRVH4INSTpg1LdzR0pFRdmJYfsvje3oW_c6vCHzgHTRtlx5HXuC/s1600/IMG_3277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqAxyHP2qoCXT0K__8kaGpdgQM2mN0YOvEsCb1oq-DZ1WPDJgOyt4RCeNpEDaqoLMMnDdTQYo5VDzsqM8xLccknDhGTRVH4INSTpg1LdzR0pFRdmJYfsvje3oW_c6vCHzgHTRtlx5HXuC/s640/IMG_3277.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
thanks Chris for the photos</div>
<br />
I love the Cyclocross Water Ice ride.<br />
<br />
Cheers all, I look forward to riding together again! dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-15462029493212002082020-07-03T19:01:00.000-04:002020-07-03T20:02:53.131-04:00Ides of Ice CX is never Cancelled<br />
<br />
tomorrow is July 4th, and it's a special day in philly, it's water ice cx day.<br />
The day to get out, and just do a ride, around town. A cx ride. With whoever has the ability.<br />
tomorrow I will head out with Kelly, from my front porch, down to Manayunk to meet the start of the ride. We'll greet our mate Lisa, and headed out for this years loop.<br />
<br />
<br />
today, like all but one day since March 13th, I did not have work. and so I often get brief slips of day of the week forgetfulness. This morning I met Lisa at the Valley Green Inn and we got out for a nice mtbike ride.<br />
Today is Friday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEmip11LS0UTBzIlbAeVL0xIpTuEjYzjPvrW3gU8UnvasCCQlnld0I5HA9O8kvF4M8gBcXO2fgOOaG8_Y8uzMgk4IHEzRe49fu_tuzNm0U_TQrDLTWmLabGp8nXJ1Q3HWjPLRZxkKwX-t/s1600/IMG_1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEmip11LS0UTBzIlbAeVL0xIpTuEjYzjPvrW3gU8UnvasCCQlnld0I5HA9O8kvF4M8gBcXO2fgOOaG8_Y8uzMgk4IHEzRe49fu_tuzNm0U_TQrDLTWmLabGp8nXJ1Q3HWjPLRZxkKwX-t/s320/IMG_1974.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Friday nights are nice, since the the 3rd Friday in March this year, my old college roomate, (I graduated from Ohio University '86) spins records live, on crappy old facebook live. <br />
Greg has a little lab set up, the walls filled with shelves of records. He starts his show at 5:20 LA time. He get's a good pile of records prepped, waits for us to join, talks a bit, cracks an hazy IPA, shows the album to the camera, and plops the vinyl on the turntable and away spins my Friday nights nicely.<br />
<br />
The checking cx results, and race predictor, the being called up, lined up in the grid. the brutal short ride, trying to stay inside the tape, trying to push that much harder, to close that gap. Post race beers, or painful numb toes. Friends foes, clanging cowbells. Standing atop a wood box!<br />
Racing is never gone, it is always there, always to look forward to, and also,there are plenty of memories. some I'd go as far to say, memories as strong as the pain of an Water Ice headache.<br />
It's in my blood.<br />
Cross isn't about how it has to be done, it's what and how we do it, despite everything, to get it done!<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to tomorrow, to my ride with Kelly and Lisa on this years Water Ice ride.<br />
<br />
Cheers CX racers! dlowe<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGjuved2qclNVYE7u3aKqo421Wqv8XOqQJVdj7X8p3LiHc4JhcuCasOabqucMaK04IecTt9SgQG6Skp3EKZ3qtB_zjo7vITgMLM5l9OcvEumoY_i6WwItiYNSrQxWxSQD9HhV1jgdtZ9F/s1600/IMG_1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGjuved2qclNVYE7u3aKqo421Wqv8XOqQJVdj7X8p3LiHc4JhcuCasOabqucMaK04IecTt9SgQG6Skp3EKZ3qtB_zjo7vITgMLM5l9OcvEumoY_i6WwItiYNSrQxWxSQD9HhV1jgdtZ9F/s400/IMG_1963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-36080097670318571332020-06-28T20:12:00.001-04:002020-06-28T20:38:40.182-04:00Sassy<div style="text-align: center;">
I love getting out the bucket and brush and giving a bike a good scrubbing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuhLpSXwMAAKYRyPpe5ablLhHWZ2weihhcOjhIQivYysTJ7o0B9O9Hp0PfcUuXjr8XRsiNGBunN4v-dA2RmGhl3UsuZRTmUuCOUbGdbhgFo7wWFSDA-Kj6EN4XvqZdaOZxYQw6uMnyHSN/s1600/IMG_1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuhLpSXwMAAKYRyPpe5ablLhHWZ2weihhcOjhIQivYysTJ7o0B9O9Hp0PfcUuXjr8XRsiNGBunN4v-dA2RmGhl3UsuZRTmUuCOUbGdbhgFo7wWFSDA-Kj6EN4XvqZdaOZxYQw6uMnyHSN/s400/IMG_1956.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my Niece's "new" bike</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With all the new riders out there, I found it my enjoyable duty to wave at them all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every kid I pass, I make it a point to slow, and give an admiring compliment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A true feeling compliant, it brings me joy to see a kid on a bike. and I think that what I see in their smile; pride, independence, accomplishment. To what the ownership of that bike brings to that kid,...and man, that just gets me deep, in that amazing emotional soft spot. Of throwing my arms up in the air as I cross the line. Victory!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and much like the sound of the babbling brook in the woods, the cold after race beers, the long solo ride where you think there is no way that your toes won't fall off, that kid's smile is there big in my bank of cycling energy memories.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B40r-iQI7HD8uFp4R1hHKqcYj7o5nrQGq3vzDMOYtubd4P7cTGEnt0pzOtTyQhRGXdNJxhagnbjSw0EL6kK6ZWf-q4yt-Yc6Rxo3FpVOhhJtgHZHi8HYGhaEqW7RMu8-jp2dh6zgx8fo/s1600/83602258_10156963233872407_4704518312560734143_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8B40r-iQI7HD8uFp4R1hHKqcYj7o5nrQGq3vzDMOYtubd4P7cTGEnt0pzOtTyQhRGXdNJxhagnbjSw0EL6kK6ZWf-q4yt-Yc6Rxo3FpVOhhJtgHZHi8HYGhaEqW7RMu8-jp2dh6zgx8fo/s400/83602258_10156963233872407_4704518312560734143_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt like riding after dinner, my legs rockets, and I held 'em back</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and just went hard on one longish climb, and crushed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't always enjoy every pedal stroke, and I often search for the meaning of why I'm riding. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the tired angry, self flagellation, of being, slow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7iec9W5LTvb7oIOGwTywRq5Usind8HqQj9b2CAYkcvZqKSK8fh3rBw1D797CvnkvLktvh5T8AouqIs5BZAkvGjwoyV9NLCadumPmABdSF7kyKqEOLm27Egky_IYAV_Cj1MQnUboB6zTd/s1600/IMG_1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7iec9W5LTvb7oIOGwTywRq5Usind8HqQj9b2CAYkcvZqKSK8fh3rBw1D797CvnkvLktvh5T8AouqIs5BZAkvGjwoyV9NLCadumPmABdSF7kyKqEOLm27Egky_IYAV_Cj1MQnUboB6zTd/s640/IMG_1952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now, I'd say I am not that far off of racing shape. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My form is pretty good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last few weeks on the bike,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've got a natural flow back, something I have not had for years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the very small groups of people I get out with,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is a more genuine joy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO4MjTR1V8D7XIccaRpH-FwrnBogsoJWNPmQK_QkASzPDyR0VII8x-I1b0j7JfTX4wWU3THicQVJZfjnfuUFKlKpOgk15y4sPpvMHiM9jggTM-MMKrgFAl9XkmRvV7PdrNosRi4Yo_SiQ/s1600/IMG_1958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1413" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO4MjTR1V8D7XIccaRpH-FwrnBogsoJWNPmQK_QkASzPDyR0VII8x-I1b0j7JfTX4wWU3THicQVJZfjnfuUFKlKpOgk15y4sPpvMHiM9jggTM-MMKrgFAl9XkmRvV7PdrNosRi4Yo_SiQ/s400/IMG_1958.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Sassafras "Sassy"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know the targeted value of a workout done on a trainer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Immense</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but there is something to the flow I've forgotten.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and been forced to find again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got a text from my neice, looking for a bike, and I sent a text out to a couple of friends, and within a few seconds, I had a response. Erin, was getting a SS Mtbike, and George "wink" was putting his foot down, and a bike had to get outta their house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not sure of the history that Erin had with Sassy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm sure as I know Erin, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that nothing would make her happier, than Sassy being ridden on a hot summer night evening,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along a tow path,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to get ice cream, and to sit and enjoy the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Roll on racers, and don't forget to wave at all of our new friends on bikes. They'll pick up, that, that is what a cyclist does, no matter how fast, or wide your tread, that riding is the joy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cheers! dlowe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-2554016811280544202020-06-24T09:23:00.000-04:002020-06-24T09:23:33.860-04:00The Bits and Pieces of a Personal-ality. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbhIYRNzSUxKuZueIefGyJ0DO0WSMzUcUY37bQTEVhHVBK5g_lOBcC5jSUhw0e6WQKre_SpOgK-yLsCqAHwmiNjv5IsIlRnmpp40QooJSAnSEmLP3Eo0YxLvoMuerQAbmwM5QNlhZEBpp/s1600/IMG_1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbhIYRNzSUxKuZueIefGyJ0DO0WSMzUcUY37bQTEVhHVBK5g_lOBcC5jSUhw0e6WQKre_SpOgK-yLsCqAHwmiNjv5IsIlRnmpp40QooJSAnSEmLP3Eo0YxLvoMuerQAbmwM5QNlhZEBpp/s400/IMG_1914.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGBkbKf13EsdI-fXzcz_oyGhURk8f8gfGCqmlQCEd_PdJs7eq9OLP7LHDWFJ-mw93b_GGrusHboyvOKquxVbueZOSv4_U-ZyqFNNIKddcaP3NrKFwePNbUkCSCxb9M7s379tBQG_exJ4q/s1600/IMG_1916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1592" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGBkbKf13EsdI-fXzcz_oyGhURk8f8gfGCqmlQCEd_PdJs7eq9OLP7LHDWFJ-mw93b_GGrusHboyvOKquxVbueZOSv4_U-ZyqFNNIKddcaP3NrKFwePNbUkCSCxb9M7s379tBQG_exJ4q/s640/IMG_1916.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I got out yesterday with George, to ride White Clay park. George has his route, navigating the park, that he likes, and I just followed along, Oh of course George does encourage for me to take the front, and pedal in the lead, which I do enjoy to do every so often.<br />
<br />
My single speed bike, is an older Salsa, the Mamasita. and it really is an extra bike, so the bits on it, I tend to use what is left over, in still good working order, and keep it running that way.<br />
<br />
I think it is easier to not be normal, it's a chore to do the things that are not your personality, to fit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZzRoBkF0B9P1YJm9NF-FLQizDm_9EzUzECk__0j_ItzwBDNkAbIfISKBO_ThBHAlAptM0-jkjJSLfBs20ZNoFWix0Z8p3hgimjMyPqdJE7q0dvToLGtkHhLMCuJHUT0auyhZ8aeKUVAE/s1600/IMG_1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZzRoBkF0B9P1YJm9NF-FLQizDm_9EzUzECk__0j_ItzwBDNkAbIfISKBO_ThBHAlAptM0-jkjJSLfBs20ZNoFWix0Z8p3hgimjMyPqdJE7q0dvToLGtkHhLMCuJHUT0auyhZ8aeKUVAE/s400/IMG_1917.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnzjlv99RsLGE_iuBDvHar1oyhn-eBH5JnA47urNHjhNsaKpt4d_jroWpTde-wLFcx_ZArQdhR7oeOPHQ_acNYWqB31X25EVD-zhhWpcZAqbvxHfCJ76WQnPInnlA503jELt63hAeYvLM/s1600/IMG_1918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnzjlv99RsLGE_iuBDvHar1oyhn-eBH5JnA47urNHjhNsaKpt4d_jroWpTde-wLFcx_ZArQdhR7oeOPHQ_acNYWqB31X25EVD-zhhWpcZAqbvxHfCJ76WQnPInnlA503jELt63hAeYvLM/s400/IMG_1918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and I'll be ripe, at 58 this August, and when I'm riding, I don't feel that I have an age, ...if I'm feeling fit.<br />
That most likely what I like about you is all the beat up bits, and eccentric things that make you up!<br />
and yesterday, I'm feeling pretty fit. We rolled steady, and whatever the rear cog I had on the bike was the right one for White Clay. The trails were empty, the weather, fine. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuQYbpVkAHHXVjYr-VxqOjhOLGZHuTzDJStuupe4Y9L1LsBx1pLS5Cf8n3KlPv5mecyihwNsAp2ayMzCf-qftRRzBf6QfL_fjAdBHsuA5JQs0o4wGY-OfaWAYGIOUG503SlYjpNWr_VVh/s1600/IMG_1913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuQYbpVkAHHXVjYr-VxqOjhOLGZHuTzDJStuupe4Y9L1LsBx1pLS5Cf8n3KlPv5mecyihwNsAp2ayMzCf-qftRRzBf6QfL_fjAdBHsuA5JQs0o4wGY-OfaWAYGIOUG503SlYjpNWr_VVh/s400/IMG_1913.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh I wholeheartedly believe to be careful and not get chain ring grease on the back of my calf. I believe that your cycling cap can have little tilt, and a lot of looft.<br />
<br />
and that we all should have our own names for the trails we ride. I pass things that have been often passed, but it's my time, and that time, that makes it mine.<br />
<br />
the less I reason with emotion and listen, I think I understand a bit better, that whatever I believe, and why,... it is probably wrong, and that makes me feel good, looking for the right way.<br />
<br />
but anyway, riding with George yesterday at White Clay on my single speed mountain bike was fine!<br />
<br />
and in my opinion, that is the right way, to ride, yesterday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDYGvBaFYvWETtg-Hhm8qylCR7lwXorhUcCw_gc7i4myfZbljIz246zsZZczv2F1WMOgE-8qW8rDVyi9yOVrdExlNl_6Z3XmeDcr2hwnMHxnRgPwORiJeFJS2WET_IrW3FhN8Uq6HYG4c/s1600/IMG_1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDYGvBaFYvWETtg-Hhm8qylCR7lwXorhUcCw_gc7i4myfZbljIz246zsZZczv2F1WMOgE-8qW8rDVyi9yOVrdExlNl_6Z3XmeDcr2hwnMHxnRgPwORiJeFJS2WET_IrW3FhN8Uq6HYG4c/s320/IMG_1919.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyFO9u8-g6Z0Pa19Gzj5WZ3EBewNTSWNX4Us9OL3HcR36Hwn7HBsd7uhxPMFaa0W5Y7mr33KpZaEquOhIubz4QfYXvyv5h_03K0cHq4j7FQeieVvhcwzOOhvSaTb3GcdAQJWVoLOD2Fo0/s1600/IMG_1923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyFO9u8-g6Z0Pa19Gzj5WZ3EBewNTSWNX4Us9OL3HcR36Hwn7HBsd7uhxPMFaa0W5Y7mr33KpZaEquOhIubz4QfYXvyv5h_03K0cHq4j7FQeieVvhcwzOOhvSaTb3GcdAQJWVoLOD2Fo0/s400/IMG_1923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x2OwNRMoHT55SAK55rr-o1FAM2ubRuxSnT53z5GY-sg1iy7vKgX1a__3_SQdfaPUHc7qdz2OlvAf1GEipf8BE1KwglgD4rwxGTcrbX08nW3QXBRcbXsVulCqb0MV_PisiopiN0gS-1Pn/s1600/IMG_1925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x2OwNRMoHT55SAK55rr-o1FAM2ubRuxSnT53z5GY-sg1iy7vKgX1a__3_SQdfaPUHc7qdz2OlvAf1GEipf8BE1KwglgD4rwxGTcrbX08nW3QXBRcbXsVulCqb0MV_PisiopiN0gS-1Pn/s320/IMG_1925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6QPvZ1yJ9ddot5p2yCYR7nV_9K-z_G83c3oSe8s27Y6J35h9ovVGWzWQP_4cmfrIa3E37H4_5-O-be4_yBOOYf7N1BPyuaNfCtOk5WeHRYQKpJhiHsf2TFNch6Sa2Qvlfuvj3W2l_cai/s1600/IMG_1926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1347" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6QPvZ1yJ9ddot5p2yCYR7nV_9K-z_G83c3oSe8s27Y6J35h9ovVGWzWQP_4cmfrIa3E37H4_5-O-be4_yBOOYf7N1BPyuaNfCtOk5WeHRYQKpJhiHsf2TFNch6Sa2Qvlfuvj3W2l_cai/s640/IMG_1926.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
the Salsa Mamasita single speed mountain bikes back in its palace in it's shed home. Oh them poor old cx bikes, the sscx, and the old racer, what shall i do with you?<br />
<br />
<br />
Cheers! dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-14643106856577846552020-06-20T17:53:00.000-04:002020-06-20T17:53:33.913-04:00Always a racer Ljiljana and I were driving down route 1 south, and a woman, was just in front of us causing me much, frustration.<br />
Her driving, was just annoying bits, jabbed, and paused or sped up, lane changed, I was destined never to get around here, and into the clean air. Air that I could just point my car, and drive with common sense. "She just an old woman" I said, as we'd creep up to a car back of her. With two lanes our direction of road, we couldn't get around her, and now HOW we both wanted to peer in and see who was piloting that vehicle in such an annoying way.<br />
<br />
I'll be checking my ride stats, and other information, like sleep quality, from my watch, after the ride, and in the mornings,...<br />
I'm not sure why, but I love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjoUBKmFKHeIt6iKVViQFD3L2uGutr85NoLaXOtNE9AE-_I28nAiQWcF0FQTFVtIgGuS_7tP1g2R8aMwPFH_G-GDAfCpTPJQM-Anc5W-4ZkrthrF4kmiC9f0rLE4okHf-IXQHgsrrzucH/s1600/IMG_1893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjoUBKmFKHeIt6iKVViQFD3L2uGutr85NoLaXOtNE9AE-_I28nAiQWcF0FQTFVtIgGuS_7tP1g2R8aMwPFH_G-GDAfCpTPJQM-Anc5W-4ZkrthrF4kmiC9f0rLE4okHf-IXQHgsrrzucH/s400/IMG_1893.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've never ever had any idea about how watts = speed + lbs, - blood lactate threshold made me fast. I guess I know that I just want to pass people, at the right time, crush 'em and leave them in the dust.<br />
When the legs are good, I've nipped a few at the line, for 2nd or 3rd, or pride. My wins, the few, I just won with a gap. The townline sprint, most are, well, pretty much all are by surprise, and by out smart. Do people still even race for those signs!? and on a mountain bike group ride, if I get the spot, I'll have to pimp you, diesel past on the "off" the line, and get around you.<br />
<br />
At the next light, I slowed next to her, we looked at her and I said "she is old", and that hit me.<br />
At 58 I am her age! Freaking I'm old! A bald wrinkled sun spotted decaying old man!!!<br />
<br />
I love riding, maybe the amount of people out there I can crush has shrunk a bit, but that coon dog chasing the car up the dirt road instinct is in my blood, I'll bark loud, when I know that I can scare you off. Old people scare you with the word Gile, and that unpredictableness, that used up look of me, with nothing more I've got to lose but to defeat you, and I may recognize the right time, to apply what I know, old age experience, against a fair foe, and the battle hard, and the victory sweeter, or the loss, slept on, and replayed, and never that same mistake to be made again.<br />
<br />
I've found the satisfaction of an achievement on strava, never comes close to the joy I feel in the last gasp of air,.... someone concedes, gives off in defeat.<br />
<br />
Even if its mine.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
dlowe Cyclocross Racer.d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-31064127508187749732019-11-03T22:32:00.002-05:002019-11-03T23:00:49.070-05:00Muddy Creek ChruchThis time of year the sun doesn't rise high, and the days are shorter in day light.<br />
The suns always behind the Muddy Creek Church.<br />
It is on Muddy Creek rd, the road I take driving home from racing at Stoudts.<br />
In my eyes, that golden glint always.<br />
Headed toward the entrance ramp to the turnpike.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_317392906"></span><span id="goog_317392907"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLATFxuE3wdzBl74fnx4owdPVNraDhpbN4VNZw35wQKBJbBUWVgvN9njV2FmEgrvGTt4gPrXylY_FJBHhmMFXOQJxSRR5Rfofb8e0WUK-zT0g-dkYFLgoNVPsSl2lTdhp-MAPCdp8TmlmJ/s1600/75210200_10156322091877407_6944954837662433280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLATFxuE3wdzBl74fnx4owdPVNraDhpbN4VNZw35wQKBJbBUWVgvN9njV2FmEgrvGTt4gPrXylY_FJBHhmMFXOQJxSRR5Rfofb8e0WUK-zT0g-dkYFLgoNVPsSl2lTdhp-MAPCdp8TmlmJ/s400/75210200_10156322091877407_6944954837662433280_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
racer Stoudts cx photo: Zoey<br />
<br />
I always wonder where the muddy creek is, where's it running?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MrAM7eBKMkYM-liJDkA-UEHaYGxeRLT-qqHTGfcL0IIX_xUUaNEuajfeTltai0lC3PZxnBOxLxBM7nXVXeNWsdw0TzGyWQZXraaozFI4CtZGlIf3KzmjShUHtU2sIEoUVbRUo3KrJNXa/s1600/73539699_10156322092147407_5667779680074203136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MrAM7eBKMkYM-liJDkA-UEHaYGxeRLT-qqHTGfcL0IIX_xUUaNEuajfeTltai0lC3PZxnBOxLxBM7nXVXeNWsdw0TzGyWQZXraaozFI4CtZGlIf3KzmjShUHtU2sIEoUVbRUo3KrJNXa/s400/73539699_10156322092147407_5667779680074203136_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
racer, Caffeinated Horse barn<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes racing leaves me a bit grumpy, suffern hard, and not being as fast as I think I should be.<br />
<br />
<br />
and other good days, <b>I'm the wind lifting the leaves and scattering them</b>.<br />
<br />
Stoudts CX 11/3 8th place<br />
I felt like I had a governor on the motor, never got it going like I wanted, left me a bit grumpy.<br />
Grumpies dissipated about 20 mins post racing, did cool down alone, road past a cool old building, "Bollman Hats - 1868" need to buy a hat next year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnAISOzEI3huATrlaqRl_d7XhlreUHpf7j2mKbOCjRYNnoU6ZZo9uBzRkufexi_XIdxTdcb_I4RVAdoKdWRZX3r5NKH6JMG0IraofUiG3aCeujuC3k-rRZpNVgP3dLQCbtzDJFSR910aA/s1600/76186904_10221060144874799_3206592149055340544_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnAISOzEI3huATrlaqRl_d7XhlreUHpf7j2mKbOCjRYNnoU6ZZo9uBzRkufexi_XIdxTdcb_I4RVAdoKdWRZX3r5NKH6JMG0IraofUiG3aCeujuC3k-rRZpNVgP3dLQCbtzDJFSR910aA/s320/76186904_10221060144874799_3206592149055340544_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
me, coming to the Belgian steps photo: Monkey<br />
<br />
Caffinated CX 14th,<br />
Damn I did'nt notice I lined up in the grid behind a guy racing a SS! DOUFFF!<br />
made amends around him, went pretty well. Real Excellent course!, spceially the belgian steps.<br />
Funny, late in the race, I seem to feel Vettori on my tail, I'd look back, panicked a bit, go harder,<br />
but he was there, just not right there on me. Nice little keg in the woods. Perfect venue. loved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP1Av4AT2fRRq0jPU0Fxn5K0Jia8M1LtXHE8c5idFeaSpLtsrjCV86n1ntQ_76py3FqqEX1ecAXKKKNG0F6BCm6p8MKTACKPhJLerEM4d9ocAtZ2qr5uyG4SoUNzVko8re6uRtK-JwCVt/s1600/74638427_10156322092107407_7114699491457892352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP1Av4AT2fRRq0jPU0Fxn5K0Jia8M1LtXHE8c5idFeaSpLtsrjCV86n1ntQ_76py3FqqEX1ecAXKKKNG0F6BCm6p8MKTACKPhJLerEM4d9ocAtZ2qr5uyG4SoUNzVko8re6uRtK-JwCVt/s400/74638427_10156322092107407_7114699491457892352_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Caffeinated dirt mound, nice feature!<br />
<br />
<br />
The base of Goat hill, with it's two goats, chickens and solar panels, are just behind an old property line fence, was damp.<br />
<br />
I'm guessing, that a lot of creeks get moved and buried, lost. the toads, and mud disappear.<br />
the Numbers are down at the races this year, and I'm not sure how promoters are taking it?<br />
its a bunch of time, some money, people power to stake and clear, a course. To make it something.<br />
Special, worth riding, worth, pre-race, jawing about, "oh I miss the spiral of death"<br />
"that was bumpy in the wrong places" and always "who'd put the barriers there?"<br />
<br />
I'm thinking about the mud at Stoudts, and the road named after the muddy creak, and in general Cross Racing.<br />
I always hope that the love of racing is always in the blood, it's spirit pumping, that a race must be put on.<br />
and that it's imperfections, that's what I seek.<br />
That things get moved, ended, buried, but some where, some how, it pops it's head up, and that a group challenges each other, to navigate it's strange, obstacles, and in the end, after a couple of times, with some winners and a bunch of losers, you might even give it some kind of nick name, that means something, worthy, to all the competitors.<br />
<br />
<br />
Cheers All Cross!<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-33135381802144508732019-09-10T19:06:00.001-04:002019-09-11T06:38:47.532-04:00the new CX season Carpenter cross. Whirlybird.<br />
<br />
<br />
Saturday, Carpenter Cross, PACX #1 race of the season.<br />
<br />
After mustering all I thought I could, gnarling all of the gristle off the bone.<br />
The end of the last lap, I just caught onto 2nd, and 3rd.<br />
and I wanted to be on the podium. <br />
I just was gassed, and they got me, I got 4th.<br />
It's been a while since I've been on the podium. It felt good to be there close, it felt bad to be so close, and not get it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Kelly has been working with me, he takes my numbers, the quantities, which has been nice.<br />
I just concentrate on the quality, the pure efforts of my work. Which as a racer, probably is the best you could ask for. <br />
<br />
He asked me "where could you find those 6 seconds" a tough, a real fair question, I'm still thinking.<br />
<br />
Sunday, Whirlybird MAC-hood, #2 race of my season.<br />
<br />
I was gassed, and suffered, a lot. All my numbers were down, heart rate, the power. and the lead group left me, and the second group left me, and I chased with Featherman. I knew their was no coy, no guile, no nothing that was going to drag my lagging ass up to the bottom of the ass of those chasing top ten. So. I saw a spot, and said, "YO!" "Don't coast this corner" "PEDAL" and I hit it,<br />
and Featherman followed me, we pedal and drifted a tad, and damn if we did'nt roll right up to that group in front of us. Featherman, stuck it, road smart, and got the group for 10th.<br />
The best I could do, was put in a mock effort, an attack, to the line, push myself, as if I was in it to win it. I rolled in 14th, not bad.<br />
<br />
If there is anything most I want out of this season, it is to enjoy my CX family, to make everyone feel comfortable and give 'em a spot, that the new sap is as important as the old salt.<br />
That I understand, I'll have more power, if I ride a tad relaxed, with a smile.<br />
You'll look at me, and you'll see a rider with a full tool box of tactics, attacks, ploys.<br />
That can suffer immensely. Races fairly. Ha, and is damn human, and can't help but bump you, poking my nose once in a while, out of control where it shouldn't be.<br />
<br />
Next week, I'm happy to say, I'll be up in Saratoga Springs, working, doing some interviews, b-roll of train sets. Working. So when you line up in the grid at Nittany, and are watching that light to turn green. I can almost guarantee, you'll have a quick thought of me!<br />
so I'll be riding on your shoulder, and I don't want you to lose the podium by 6 seconds,<br />
I want to see you cross the line, and look at your foe, with respect.<br />
Spent, dripping sweat, heart pounding.<br />
and roll off.... lift the tape for a "B" rider to get onto the course to pre-ride.<br />
Clang your cow bell, lift your clandestine beer, and celebrate our sport.<br />
<br />
cheers 2019 cx!<br />
dlowe,<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-89490356808311584152019-07-07T18:01:00.000-04:002019-07-07T18:59:07.870-04:00Devouring the GodsI have a Summers Glow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gazpacho and a couple of BLT sandwich's came to mind. We'd been out riding in the hot summer weather a bit.<br />
Kelly, Lisa and I.<br />
It's been a while since we've trained together, vacations, and work have changed up our routine a bit.<br />
<br />
The redness, that shows through, the tan. The sweat, that won't stop. Shady trails just up the bluff from the river's cooling.<br />
<br />
Loose grip flying along the dirt path, a drifting, flying along.<br />
<br />
We ride, training together often, with the same goals.<br />
<br />
Today I got out early, by myself, coffee, a solid breakfast. On to my workout.<br />
I hear, and I have to answer, I need the structure, love it. I don't think I'm losing anything, by doing<br />
3 x 15 min. sweet spot intervals early on a Sunday morning. I'd ride hard anyway. and I really don't think you'd find a rider, that more than me, takes in everything I pass, more than me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiTyJLdzGSqzIbaTf9AdATnPS9vg76557d2FAKcrXipT2eZO6JknZAi0ytx99ev3LSIVcSOE5BjK88qn6PGGmiFBYkSTiuilH1iwCBkUM4dlz874WbdsbaLKfX0_SeeYNm2OdUcaZpdFB/s1600/66471516_10156058209282407_5711693311199150080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiTyJLdzGSqzIbaTf9AdATnPS9vg76557d2FAKcrXipT2eZO6JknZAi0ytx99ev3LSIVcSOE5BjK88qn6PGGmiFBYkSTiuilH1iwCBkUM4dlz874WbdsbaLKfX0_SeeYNm2OdUcaZpdFB/s640/66471516_10156058209282407_5711693311199150080_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I got home around 10am and started on lunch.<br />
Fake morning star bacon, vegan mayo, lettuce, tomato, jalapenos, toasted grain bread. A bowl of Gazpacho.<br />
<br />
You ever get them thoughts, cravings, during a ride deep into it, a bit from it's end...<br />
<br />
I need the structure of racing. Just a few rules. A whistle to start, and a line to cross to stop.<br />
That's what I need.<br />
<br />
I think cross is like a Dagwood sandwich, Put what you want into it , that you have at hand, and that you crave. More than you need, a chore to devourer, totally wipes you out. Smile.<br />
<br />
In july I've got tan lines, bikes that creak from miles of hard work.<br />
Dreams. a Calender to make. Weeks to count down. Going to Nationals?!<br />
<br />
and I've got those uncontrollable urges, childish, that I'll probably never out grow, cravings<br />
maybe it's an IPA or water ice, or winning an uncontested town line sprint, or a long storied opinion that I'm going to tell you as we pedal along.<br />
<br />
and by gosh, that makes me glow like riding on a hot, humid summer day, keeps me happy!<br />
<br />
Cheers Mates! dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-24837571584569928892019-07-04T22:26:00.000-04:002019-07-04T23:05:06.971-04:00One great day in Philadelphia<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFzBRsWablOCICx_4E4ZQBLflLKWNk3swykhcTDKRRMW3dU2qHrW_RSOvSk7H2Zcw2dcxWeb0GDOVrJWUFksLq8TR-H8k_WxJtlASA5p-gT2dJPAXPfrarFB3TNScRQi6_FDlLbuah7Jb/s1600/A-Great-Day-In-Harlem-Art-Kane-web-optimised-1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFzBRsWablOCICx_4E4ZQBLflLKWNk3swykhcTDKRRMW3dU2qHrW_RSOvSk7H2Zcw2dcxWeb0GDOVrJWUFksLq8TR-H8k_WxJtlASA5p-gT2dJPAXPfrarFB3TNScRQi6_FDlLbuah7Jb/s640/A-Great-Day-In-Harlem-Art-Kane-web-optimised-1000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Coltrane and this photo have been in my mind a number of years. It was fun to replicate it today.<br />
A great day in Harlem <a href="http://interactive.nydailynews.com/2016/08/story-behind-great-day-in-harlem-photo/">http://interactive.nydailynews.com/2016/08/story-behind-great-day-in-harlem-photo/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCXnS7Wrs8wnb37ZW1VfyKNT03_9H0zvNo6yB0soJvLI9_SmjMLr32XnXkqVIpwNg-cDLxVDOKXNRiWG72VF6OtNCq0xo8D5UBVCWyYw3nGb4rDnJ9ZD5dQYWbMgBA1ksL3f7ma-qUvRw/s1600/65542086_10156050796412407_1341023076258676736_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCXnS7Wrs8wnb37ZW1VfyKNT03_9H0zvNo6yB0soJvLI9_SmjMLr32XnXkqVIpwNg-cDLxVDOKXNRiWG72VF6OtNCq0xo8D5UBVCWyYw3nGb4rDnJ9ZD5dQYWbMgBA1ksL3f7ma-qUvRw/s640/65542086_10156050796412407_1341023076258676736_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Water Ice A+ on Coltrane's Philly stoop.<br />
<br />
There is something about the room to be yourself.<br />
and to be able to enjoy it, even it's just a short bit of time.<br />
To see it's flash there, know that it's really with you,<br />
It's in you<br />
and everyone else here is in the same boat,<br />
looking for their sparks.<br />
<br />
You could lay it out like the frames of a comic book.<br />
Graphic. a good story, battles of some sorts, challenges lost, tragic, or won, heroic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3avoQ-sf5ofUmr1jk3izTsU3QKNazuzoJz_KpxOWc2FHkoOjKK8UISHdYcym-0YlNqzK19iwiOv-7KL-O-5U08lFmYRoGLuiCCdg-a_EZ67EgzWJiXlAHOEFQobC-cw6_Y4_X2fsomTM/s1600/66266323_10216746609355623_3178843748335353856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3avoQ-sf5ofUmr1jk3izTsU3QKNazuzoJz_KpxOWc2FHkoOjKK8UISHdYcym-0YlNqzK19iwiOv-7KL-O-5U08lFmYRoGLuiCCdg-a_EZ67EgzWJiXlAHOEFQobC-cw6_Y4_X2fsomTM/s320/66266323_10216746609355623_3178843748335353856_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Is there enough, to feel a trust?<br />
I know, I am in the most elite demographic there is: White, Bald, Old man, American.<br />
How can I know?<br />
<br />
Humbly embarrassed I'm happy to say, there is a lot for me to find.<br />
1000's of years of stories.<br />
As I rolled out from my porch, with Kelly, Erin, and George<br />
rolling down to a simple, closed water ice stand, along an old tow path canal,<br />
to a ride, I'll lead, without being at the front.<br />
I took a couple of deep breaths.<br />
"I'm prepared, rehearsed, confident"<br />
and off we go again, with a "come on Anne"<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for being yourself, the best, for going, for making the ride.<br />
Cheers PHL-CX!<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0SoC9n6coB32kLNBP_mtYCTzldCq5q8o4Io0IAz4IG9ahlOfos17sWiZ__CtzuPbjPQrnu4Z7D3-hOPHppk6nnwTCkreRDA6gbTdM3UstLp3lP1LiRwsUyLuTCiU7TmBk2nzVa_XITob/s1600/65696944_10216746608755608_7887877124671930368_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="786" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0SoC9n6coB32kLNBP_mtYCTzldCq5q8o4Io0IAz4IG9ahlOfos17sWiZ__CtzuPbjPQrnu4Z7D3-hOPHppk6nnwTCkreRDA6gbTdM3UstLp3lP1LiRwsUyLuTCiU7TmBk2nzVa_XITob/s320/65696944_10216746608755608_7887877124671930368_n.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-69758076880210361672019-06-20T19:05:00.001-04:002019-06-20T19:05:37.063-04:00Landing placesCentennial Grounds is used for parking at the Mann, picnics, hidden campsite homes, dog walkers, a football team practices over by the site of the sighting of the Madonna. The hand of the Statue of Liberty sat on the edge of Centennial Lake. And its a good place, though flat, to get some hot laps and cx work in. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzndbDnqvcdWq9jSzgkywR_UHk1unjXOZwaR9X2eEKAwpLKUE3_8OaEAzEv0RhR5EWngZnN7Tb992xc1TByOQakUhW2D9Ccdmu_B7YmqViiBiOGfL0G4ye6VN44UoTmHQw5bbuTopvUkr/s1600/IMG_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1600" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzndbDnqvcdWq9jSzgkywR_UHk1unjXOZwaR9X2eEKAwpLKUE3_8OaEAzEv0RhR5EWngZnN7Tb992xc1TByOQakUhW2D9Ccdmu_B7YmqViiBiOGfL0G4ye6VN44UoTmHQw5bbuTopvUkr/s400/IMG_0352.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFWu0d_g-Fk2abELrCgpLy0Xkck6jCk5WzqPg5UteEsIy4xQc2TnKcIDgoFiSdCR-N1g0tW-S4aziXcJSlUM-Z-sCHpoo13S_ng-vRLhESqFSRiFVBaMZZa3Y25Bwefp7HjfB7aS_gj77/s1600/IMG_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1315" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFWu0d_g-Fk2abELrCgpLy0Xkck6jCk5WzqPg5UteEsIy4xQc2TnKcIDgoFiSdCR-N1g0tW-S4aziXcJSlUM-Z-sCHpoo13S_ng-vRLhESqFSRiFVBaMZZa3Y25Bwefp7HjfB7aS_gj77/s640/IMG_0347.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0yFlKGBtspGRjMMuv01M0XAeDlRoGsnT7rhY2FHh3r1khDuOx_CGCaoqRlbGbA1VcG7P0WhxUX6lCEGQEO15yRFvEBhF3qmCEfWiepEuoWhPPpmXoewyqme62TtKIxZRo84JH7c5hf5e/s1600/IMG_0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0yFlKGBtspGRjMMuv01M0XAeDlRoGsnT7rhY2FHh3r1khDuOx_CGCaoqRlbGbA1VcG7P0WhxUX6lCEGQEO15yRFvEBhF3qmCEfWiepEuoWhPPpmXoewyqme62TtKIxZRo84JH7c5hf5e/s640/IMG_0346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maybe its one of things I love about cross the most, these sorta forgotten places, that are green, beautiful personality of places. These green and brown spots that I ride, if there were rules, and overseen, regulated and nice, I'd guess most likely I'd be kicked out. and I like that.<br />
It was steaming, and hot, and I did cx work. and I liked it. Damn it! Love it, the people, courses, muck, heat, beer, cold, bitterness cold. and there are always those three pine steps to dream about standing on!<br />
<br />
Cheers training mates! dlowe<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BPOI5Ikg0p9BiGp-9NpMxDHN9y8e0CRuonrGSs46hsQYvPqJbQ3nwqxTHHyIEHYour9j481oeWzyyaloMmvHfscn2qIkZSt3GlPYYaptcvWrlXQ5_xE0iIw24HZKOFu8Vn1atUa6YrR5/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BPOI5Ikg0p9BiGp-9NpMxDHN9y8e0CRuonrGSs46hsQYvPqJbQ3nwqxTHHyIEHYour9j481oeWzyyaloMmvHfscn2qIkZSt3GlPYYaptcvWrlXQ5_xE0iIw24HZKOFu8Vn1atUa6YrR5/s640/IMG_0340.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-12242816925699685332019-03-15T10:19:00.000-04:002019-03-15T10:19:47.989-04:00Training log 3/9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbzjPz5_TvOMjcAPtpZffW0R28Ogg3ls3EqrUpks5elBHqAuF_7smn7FmGjkHGRo1BfFmFUKk_MAWPjsazn-W-_ewX-3weOyd-36N7QdA06b1dVPLQN_IPlHBp5soAihjzQYpW_4v8V48/s1600/IMG_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbzjPz5_TvOMjcAPtpZffW0R28Ogg3ls3EqrUpks5elBHqAuF_7smn7FmGjkHGRo1BfFmFUKk_MAWPjsazn-W-_ewX-3weOyd-36N7QdA06b1dVPLQN_IPlHBp5soAihjzQYpW_4v8V48/s640/IMG_2728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQVfpivyl9xPsraIJbFMZicIaARuXSM1nrkiMwVrJLio1XxrmlWHg_l3Dbu6nbSH8zt5TNYey4v4jtW9xEtoP9072p7i3NO-YDfBZX4rJwm_4az0bgRyT3KLs2MJBJbR17TVd_BH04s4-/s1600/IMG_2729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQVfpivyl9xPsraIJbFMZicIaARuXSM1nrkiMwVrJLio1XxrmlWHg_l3Dbu6nbSH8zt5TNYey4v4jtW9xEtoP9072p7i3NO-YDfBZX4rJwm_4az0bgRyT3KLs2MJBJbR17TVd_BH04s4-/s400/IMG_2729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbNVo7uwcws86G_HYKZYEOilm1fj8eMcrsViW_I3U8o0WoNn-nb7RMJV0tiNdiHB8tVtQsBOFmxDv5NYGUFclQC9_m8zb5Cxhzt0p4I9wBDghnk-MTf3_H7PbjjP8ixsdLKxamErAuzgb/s1600/IMG_2730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglbNVo7uwcws86G_HYKZYEOilm1fj8eMcrsViW_I3U8o0WoNn-nb7RMJV0tiNdiHB8tVtQsBOFmxDv5NYGUFclQC9_m8zb5Cxhzt0p4I9wBDghnk-MTf3_H7PbjjP8ixsdLKxamErAuzgb/s400/IMG_2730.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I am self-employed, as a freelancer, I drive a lot, all over the place, to work. I never remember those drives, other more than I went up 95, or out the turnpike, across the Walt Whitman. I'm sure that along the way, I felt emotions driving; about the ass tailgating, or a to slow in the left lane car, but all those occurrences disappear, there is no need for them taking up memory space in my head.<br />
<br />
Saturday, I turned left onto Bryn Marw ave. and picked up speed, it is damp and still cold,<br />
and the wonderful dunking my head into a large pail of ice water hits me.<br />
<br />
The frozen ground of Belmont's trails is already getting slimey, and as much as I enjoy the cx feeling, of drift, and float, sinking into the ground and leaving a deep tread hole is bad for us.<br />
<br />
I stayed in a steady state work zone, on the mountain bike slogging along.<br />
3hrs.<br />
I'm always amazed but never surprised by how I roll up to my home finishing a loop, I can come in at a target, 3hrs, or very close, a 10 seconds, or 3 minutes off, but pretty much right on time.<br />
<br />
There is an self satisfying gratification of keeping it moving forward, towards a challenging end.<br />
and I train to be faster, for racing.<br />
<br />
Parachute hill was empty, none of the malarkey drunk cheers from the CX single speed worlds crowded along it, in the way, celebrating, pushing, enjoying the unexpected heavy snow fall.<br />
<br />
up Summit climb, not on my ss cx bike,as I rode on a water ice loop, just getting on top of the pedals, turning, up to speed, and smiling big a bit at the young Featherman, who's working on getting his pedals to turn, the suffering youngster.<br />
<br />
I'll turn right, down the cobbles, up Barren Hill, past where Lafayette made a stand so Washington could get away, Past the abandoned property on Andorra road, where I'd build our house if we won the lottery.<br />
<br />
Back onto the spraying mud of Forbidden drive,....onward I'm rolling my bike, every second an embedding memory.<br />
<br />
Bikes are grand!<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-59545428733825805552019-02-24T18:55:00.000-05:002019-02-24T18:55:07.347-05:00TrainingI had a grand training ride today, fitting for cross, damp, chilled.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTnJhmPvoOJCalHpvK15CHJ9_nA4moYHZZi8R6zBH0u-NaE8BxZMYtwF1Ye46DXxJ8bQ2X3sZ0bftVFmPzmMpMO75W-hbkFGGPpme1OcvBxUtSYPsph4ukv2mGhQhZ9xUQbB9K_1qF1Y-/s1600/P2240008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTnJhmPvoOJCalHpvK15CHJ9_nA4moYHZZi8R6zBH0u-NaE8BxZMYtwF1Ye46DXxJ8bQ2X3sZ0bftVFmPzmMpMO75W-hbkFGGPpme1OcvBxUtSYPsph4ukv2mGhQhZ9xUQbB9K_1qF1Y-/s640/P2240008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
following strict coaching instructions, I stayed to the plan. I road from the door of my house, down the cynwyd trail across the old Manayunk bride. Up Krams Ave. to pass my favorite house in philly, the most grand and special place, Beautiful, the old William B. Stephens x-public library.<br />
Then up to also on Kram Ave, the original home of Yard's beer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYohyphenhyphen5W-A4Rd_tYZc7h2bke9w2QMwYU62mYQYFCJwATXTBITxKvH2gLDqSIeaa3kEj4Vh-o-yH0VclkZs-RBHXHOgb_yASK6tJFfw20sRzHQ5gMNTHrtDeTVAwshW0a2Qd4Nc_N6jXdj_/s1600/P2240011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYohyphenhyphen5W-A4Rd_tYZc7h2bke9w2QMwYU62mYQYFCJwATXTBITxKvH2gLDqSIeaa3kEj4Vh-o-yH0VclkZs-RBHXHOgb_yASK6tJFfw20sRzHQ5gMNTHrtDeTVAwshW0a2Qd4Nc_N6jXdj_/s400/P2240011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope the residents in these tiny places, smell the malt history. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the days of pedaling, misty cold magic days!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjhUL5SiW2lpxFL9Z9kAvwwWYESUFSBEJFPXMTRQodEBg8NKeMPAIUIY4Oo-4tHOi89QFYIRS-HOe-rDwXde1xY2QKvZnBpqSj2Xhfa31U1oZAJdsiJ_b9_ZRW6f4Y7MvsHrHyl8StBnf/s1600/P2240013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjhUL5SiW2lpxFL9Z9kAvwwWYESUFSBEJFPXMTRQodEBg8NKeMPAIUIY4Oo-4tHOi89QFYIRS-HOe-rDwXde1xY2QKvZnBpqSj2Xhfa31U1oZAJdsiJ_b9_ZRW6f4Y7MvsHrHyl8StBnf/s640/P2240013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoElVDd77OxxtAOBEnysAADSZz4IPMT1toOVuzGiHiEzQKEYLDfI6iV1sN55FR3UdBeA0mAv-JsL4HTRPnrmVMNYrx4nfCSc0r5N1MvDon2daNOtFvPesc2K-2j9YguUUNSgemi5q9rhHr/s1600/P2240021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoElVDd77OxxtAOBEnysAADSZz4IPMT1toOVuzGiHiEzQKEYLDfI6iV1sN55FR3UdBeA0mAv-JsL4HTRPnrmVMNYrx4nfCSc0r5N1MvDon2daNOtFvPesc2K-2j9YguUUNSgemi5q9rhHr/s640/P2240021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
the 1.5hrs of Z2, nothing but a base building day, passing the regular places, the Boxers trail, Coltrane's, up the steep incline behind the Phila art museum, just a tad urban cutting from behind the zoo. I counted 3 hobo home's, I've got nothing but admoration for those who live off the grid, in the city. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOwyXrk2hojyDTRZh6ucgzTBBQagu_dhGHT9kvPljLaj_hOau74n5nk30KWVzEJXsfK_qrzMSkBSK8pDfvL_fVWvCLUQhNVsssm1VyhhvlBVOygy5VqLYOJTelg-xtGSOEll_OB5BxHlw/s1600/P2240005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1371" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOwyXrk2hojyDTRZh6ucgzTBBQagu_dhGHT9kvPljLaj_hOau74n5nk30KWVzEJXsfK_qrzMSkBSK8pDfvL_fVWvCLUQhNVsssm1VyhhvlBVOygy5VqLYOJTelg-xtGSOEll_OB5BxHlw/s400/P2240005.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the days, of riding, AROUND!<br />
<br />
Cheers to good coaching, and Z2 riding,<br />
good training racers, take it easy, and be Swift!<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-64870123324253078102019-01-04T22:01:00.001-05:002019-01-04T22:01:55.744-05:00Elegance <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EUo1BheKNkBPXLVlTO4gUX_xf5yR_piY5_p6oCcO3I463Ezf_MbOhwfp7_F43M7tXmFDESZUYQ0w6BVI9tupQqu27oF10yUqNzq7L5yF-E17fDq7OCW1BIoqZUfvoEoyj2Y_6wJWiQi_/s1600/PC151108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EUo1BheKNkBPXLVlTO4gUX_xf5yR_piY5_p6oCcO3I463Ezf_MbOhwfp7_F43M7tXmFDESZUYQ0w6BVI9tupQqu27oF10yUqNzq7L5yF-E17fDq7OCW1BIoqZUfvoEoyj2Y_6wJWiQi_/s640/PC151108.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmM7cQvNEIx-Y9dKotWdcX9FeJs5-h8bhNQTMEMRVKARq_oLuq4e0TPVqCnGEOaCphSMwtVcqDhs7R72IcJWjsJ_p4LTYpBvFn2D-jzMTITq9JzuwGslsPTV2CuigS9AjvKc9dV3zwyVn/s1600/PC150997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmM7cQvNEIx-Y9dKotWdcX9FeJs5-h8bhNQTMEMRVKARq_oLuq4e0TPVqCnGEOaCphSMwtVcqDhs7R72IcJWjsJ_p4LTYpBvFn2D-jzMTITq9JzuwGslsPTV2CuigS9AjvKc9dV3zwyVn/s640/PC150997.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgx3vaiEKpve0JJzPd5mgrCKtXkIV4XeTHAV1Cnl_YX9gCVrALtITcH7uQJUjdTPMykpwHSRjVUD894lelmtpwl6NBW33TrmonOQkTIPBSClxyB9a38ZvynF2lpm3ldCxQO3f1yPeZq0Y/s1600/PC151093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgx3vaiEKpve0JJzPd5mgrCKtXkIV4XeTHAV1Cnl_YX9gCVrALtITcH7uQJUjdTPMykpwHSRjVUD894lelmtpwl6NBW33TrmonOQkTIPBSClxyB9a38ZvynF2lpm3ldCxQO3f1yPeZq0Y/s640/PC151093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH478hOTwMO8CfA_I-ync_q3IQcMwo7rK8bJcITI1zWlANPYEemJtXh7ZbX9vRSdIifnuGPMhMe0C81Ei8XYxLsJP_joJYlOhFeQbda-AxyK-e2-dhKL76mFk38teDYwwNahMYwidV8UqH/s1600/PC151059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH478hOTwMO8CfA_I-ync_q3IQcMwo7rK8bJcITI1zWlANPYEemJtXh7ZbX9vRSdIifnuGPMhMe0C81Ei8XYxLsJP_joJYlOhFeQbda-AxyK-e2-dhKL76mFk38teDYwwNahMYwidV8UqH/s640/PC151059.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCq0HC5y3dNy88z9dbOcFG5EADMIXCMl638b9_BmyahCLxWWLfyhK7iiuh4exA-0kvBVgdC-a2DFoDqDZGLmGx8uheas4Xsdof30i76DLagCwP2Zfm2bJC7gG3XomCMwvsMvznfUNx9fb/s1600/PC151159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCq0HC5y3dNy88z9dbOcFG5EADMIXCMl638b9_BmyahCLxWWLfyhK7iiuh4exA-0kvBVgdC-a2DFoDqDZGLmGx8uheas4Xsdof30i76DLagCwP2Zfm2bJC7gG3XomCMwvsMvznfUNx9fb/s640/PC151159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm lucky if I get to grow real old, I will try to do it, with elegance, keeping a bit of the stubborn<br />
obnoxiousness, I have, and maybe a win or two sprinkled in there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgvxb6NQ4kFxvVEbxgAkbxBuuCds8La_jLLl3BSxN2bQYT80LPpdEigJhrgO73rwTZ0Nri4PnV21vjbkIOKyvcCDiV9KretQNOZEzTGqnN_DiHXWbuKyAMv6fGJuAyxmWXkSfx7XQy1dR/s1600/PC151221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1117" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgvxb6NQ4kFxvVEbxgAkbxBuuCds8La_jLLl3BSxN2bQYT80LPpdEigJhrgO73rwTZ0Nri4PnV21vjbkIOKyvcCDiV9KretQNOZEzTGqnN_DiHXWbuKyAMv6fGJuAyxmWXkSfx7XQy1dR/s640/PC151221.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
all the pictures, thanks to Kelly Cline</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't but not help it, I'm a bit like the mud. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
the fantastic feelings</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
even so however so brief</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
glow forever on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers CX '18</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and '19, more, please. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
dlowe</div>
d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-33985088180989528412018-10-28T17:13:00.000-04:002018-10-28T18:09:00.985-04:00The Specials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnJFI_cXTWpXO_Rc40NFZ0PLyBSswGXVt-Zqz4xhjltjS8768kO6hW4CPUJYEfi1_nX6t_vnyrX3MIBfvcDm7ebGP8S5ZY0H3ZLs1JHPGk5bFAPvL3mteke7AP6sgRAXa43-HaTHxDvEl/s1600/PA210206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnJFI_cXTWpXO_Rc40NFZ0PLyBSswGXVt-Zqz4xhjltjS8768kO6hW4CPUJYEfi1_nX6t_vnyrX3MIBfvcDm7ebGP8S5ZY0H3ZLs1JHPGk5bFAPvL3mteke7AP6sgRAXa43-HaTHxDvEl/s640/PA210206.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlqJiERo9smO941BQxM4X-WB1s39TzibjR2eNQD7pfYKXVp-g7rec_wXEPwyookeTXcChs9FHH8JoErsmjvHpWVEy0esPVIa7rnlooF3zG5hdeknQyeNfTPNiIV8qljxJj17vNptqdXeA/s1600/PA270274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlqJiERo9smO941BQxM4X-WB1s39TzibjR2eNQD7pfYKXVp-g7rec_wXEPwyookeTXcChs9FHH8JoErsmjvHpWVEy0esPVIa7rnlooF3zG5hdeknQyeNfTPNiIV8qljxJj17vNptqdXeA/s640/PA270274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSVn17MVRPVRhSgCR4BvumzzDUop3n4e3BHiz2fMVi_ZwKzQyGMf3Mo_aPjPhv_-9zXCJX-qGFh5w8YDalViZ-QHd-USdFzSb7dRwsarf8bONCqMMjIWmWDUTJUNqlOsKQV-GbbmYtiqn/s1600/PA280312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSVn17MVRPVRhSgCR4BvumzzDUop3n4e3BHiz2fMVi_ZwKzQyGMf3Mo_aPjPhv_-9zXCJX-qGFh5w8YDalViZ-QHd-USdFzSb7dRwsarf8bONCqMMjIWmWDUTJUNqlOsKQV-GbbmYtiqn/s400/PA280312.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHhMOh_ONPS7J_7MPS3WlyZemE_yHJxrnXRoN0tpFzJ5CqFwb6G3on0YovzYr5k-ZwZcA4oVwwk2auudP99lWM4zlEbqKUwrXum3w5Urawql-a-Njr4BaPXr84Jyg9wSuS4uPgk7-0WBm/s1600/PA280345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHhMOh_ONPS7J_7MPS3WlyZemE_yHJxrnXRoN0tpFzJ5CqFwb6G3on0YovzYr5k-ZwZcA4oVwwk2auudP99lWM4zlEbqKUwrXum3w5Urawql-a-Njr4BaPXr84Jyg9wSuS4uPgk7-0WBm/s640/PA280345.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi957tJTHUrMdhybwDxMTZHQ7Oz-paZmdmI4KME9mwNdi-BUt0oTJB1YyQ9c4oWq3VViJQB1hSqZ0AcGgb3IApy3yKZaNdqf1ncL010YxouG0pee6653qdTKyhwu2Fsng_KreKQj1mSk4hR/s1600/PA280387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="996" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi957tJTHUrMdhybwDxMTZHQ7Oz-paZmdmI4KME9mwNdi-BUt0oTJB1YyQ9c4oWq3VViJQB1hSqZ0AcGgb3IApy3yKZaNdqf1ncL010YxouG0pee6653qdTKyhwu2Fsng_KreKQj1mSk4hR/s640/PA280387.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
I sat on the couch last night and thought about how much life is in a 45ish minutes of a cross race.<br />
Then, it's much More, from the minute my alarm goes off on race day, and I lift my head off my pillow, eating, poops, music for the ride. The course pre-ride and finding good lines, rocks, segments that I know I'll have to fight getting dropped on.<br />
Twisting the pedal up a hair, in the grid, and knowing that the offical starting ya has quick lips to the whistle so be ready.<br />
This mud, these last races, it lets you know, how you respond, and judge yourself, does'nt it? It does for me.<br />
One race weak, next race strong, and both I finish in 5th place.<br />
Of all the seasons of racing, loud mouths hecklers, weeded out, training mates, strong. Blogs dead.<br />
and what I feel out there, I work for it, earned, and it never seems easy,<br />
To you, a pat on the back, well done.<br />
It is a small boat, but we all seem to fit in.<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339599927195812419.post-10834482415713382262018-09-23T15:59:00.000-04:002018-09-24T13:09:05.917-04:00Lumps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_z-Cw03mI9w59BId51qeuj5TZjyTf14nxHXStWUYsdaW68mgiqjwU8RUaB2Z-dQye498LVwKPIg7OzGaTVGZJRBZeiIw9Gz6-9Ln8SK3_hvxc__v9_rZpEwtfEjsltKuMnVo-DbEaxFB/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_z-Cw03mI9w59BId51qeuj5TZjyTf14nxHXStWUYsdaW68mgiqjwU8RUaB2Z-dQye498LVwKPIg7OzGaTVGZJRBZeiIw9Gz6-9Ln8SK3_hvxc__v9_rZpEwtfEjsltKuMnVo-DbEaxFB/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIo-kuhIACIt0uo-Fp6cf3l5nyI_rFZrlk346WxcbLP5Kbi4WLe7sAzQMlbj-YiMET_-ABR30_ljvLWu3jS2V8pgjGxTZtAGWUaXciPP0hz9aOHQLJmpAv6CZZc8szL4zREuQerfBYkpHx/s1600/IMG_2383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIo-kuhIACIt0uo-Fp6cf3l5nyI_rFZrlk346WxcbLP5Kbi4WLe7sAzQMlbj-YiMET_-ABR30_ljvLWu3jS2V8pgjGxTZtAGWUaXciPP0hz9aOHQLJmpAv6CZZc8szL4zREuQerfBYkpHx/s640/IMG_2383.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C0lCucEZ-iSRc-L1kGQ0i1J7CF-yrtUmWTw3dmKkMAbbE-RZ4bMg4zI89VhFU8Fd1sDrfoaLQtvZXj93ORdNmtaxpVXmVAMovOjGZvEJP_ZH3SOXyRbRxup_hFpdFmSpFLqquns7rjyP/s1600/P9231333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1057" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C0lCucEZ-iSRc-L1kGQ0i1J7CF-yrtUmWTw3dmKkMAbbE-RZ4bMg4zI89VhFU8Fd1sDrfoaLQtvZXj93ORdNmtaxpVXmVAMovOjGZvEJP_ZH3SOXyRbRxup_hFpdFmSpFLqquns7rjyP/s640/P9231333.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNE6b4AMNBgir-aZ2C7-r15PyI5QpxJTUQ6xB0cOdODWCk02GDpieZgK89oWOF_Uh8deZs5poBKvHmbDExLk8z-xaBmIKUVT_6keFy3FW5dqFyWH9bZHRf0nvhD0xstc7AMb4PaU6OkRX/s1600/P9231283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNE6b4AMNBgir-aZ2C7-r15PyI5QpxJTUQ6xB0cOdODWCk02GDpieZgK89oWOF_Uh8deZs5poBKvHmbDExLk8z-xaBmIKUVT_6keFy3FW5dqFyWH9bZHRf0nvhD0xstc7AMb4PaU6OkRX/s640/P9231283.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu7L6MwAxFqrza8ZRibOeyJH8V2uDKXuJhJ12e-PD9yg5gK1qI7Sla54PbT7Uw51G_h-Qy7j7xNxiGdFFOTj19_lYm_DWPucqx2qWQUhi9o6HyK8yb8Iz2ZWOmrkl0HNadbith0MrZBdP/s1600/P9231312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilu7L6MwAxFqrza8ZRibOeyJH8V2uDKXuJhJ12e-PD9yg5gK1qI7Sla54PbT7Uw51G_h-Qy7j7xNxiGdFFOTj19_lYm_DWPucqx2qWQUhi9o6HyK8yb8Iz2ZWOmrkl0HNadbith0MrZBdP/s640/P9231312.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I know that on a Sunday a few weeks into September, I want nothing more, than have some good racing done. Some memories, maybe it'll be of sitting under the pop up tent on a little sandy ground, by Sunset Lake, that will last. That when you wheel me out drooling for a soft food dinner, that don't require much chewing, I'll smirk. and you'll think it's a burp. I'll roll my eyes up, and look at you from under my bushy brows.<br />
<br />
Sunday, I got a good bruised knee, on an enjoyable, slippery, great course, with some great new bits, Euro-ish, for a rare battle for me,<br />
where I had 5th for a bit, but lost it, slid out just near the end of the finale lap, and rolled in for 7th. I wasn't even going to race, but knowing how much I like Bridgeton, I tought I'd just go, maybe a tad easier, and enjoy the Sunday.<br />
Got into it, went way harder, and got a great result. The mud, rain.<br />
<br />
The day befor, a jam band of two, were playing track side, at a course by the Black River, I wiped out, snapped the hanger, just in front of the band, with a limp chain I ran for a long way to the pit, got on my bike. spit, cussed, sped, and caught the back of the suffering pack, for a 16th. Good old Townhall.<br />
<br />
or will the memory just end up being, following Kelly back to our cars,<br />
in the spray, and Jersey trucks blowing, with the pit bikes, and a couple of pictures snapped at the steep run up,<br />
confused dreams,<br />
whatever the memories are, I'm sure they will be grand.<br />
<br />
dlowe<br />
<br />
<br />d.lowehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16187073083507500924noreply@blogger.com0