First I feel I should make some comments about yesterday since I was so damn tired when it came time to blog that I just passed out. I knew we were in for a long day when I started to get to the point where I was stopping half way up some of the bigger hills and walking my bike. For those of you who know me well enough to know the little baby tomato story you may skip a few sentences. For everyone else prepare to be regaled by on of my bad jokes. There a mommy tomato, a daddy tomato and a little baby tomato walking down the street. The baby tomato is laggin behind and laggin behind so finally the daddy tomato goes back and beats the baby tomato to a pulp and says, "hey catch up". Yesterday I felt like the baby tomato only without the beating part and the daddy tomato getting pissed off. We finally got to the house and the hurting stopped for now.
So enter this morning. Most people would think that the thing that would hurt the most after nearly fifty mile in one day would be the legs and at least in my case those people would be wrong. Surprisingly my shoulders were one of the worst parts. We got prepped and we were on our way. I did have the opportunity today to take Katrina's advice and put ice in my water. It didn't last all that long but it was good while it lasted. Yesterday I told John that my favorite road so far was rt 100 in New York because it had been pretty good as far as hills were concerned. It proceeded to throw up hills with a vengeance. Then today we were on rt 301 which had some amazing views of some reservoirs and some was pretty good for hills. I then made the mistake of telling John that my new favorite was 301. Yeah it happened again. I have now sworn off of saying that I like roads till we are off them never to go back. After that we hit the rt 9 bike trail which was pretty good and we got panera for lunch. Due to circumstances it makes the top 10 best meals. Now we are blogging four at a time in the Donnelly hall computer lab and will be leaving shortly to head to our destination for the night in Hyde Park. So remember keep it classy San Diego. P.S. Thank you very much to the Leighton's for their amazing hospitality.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
"There is no way we missed it....wait, what are we looking for again?"
Corrao had a brilliant idea on the way back from Boston. "What if we had someone drop us off at Yankee Stadium in one of the Saint Anthony's buses." That would have been way more convenient then having to take the train into the city then getting on the subway. Quinn came through big time.
Last year, Alex, Liz, and myself got up late and missed the train to the city. We were rushed and did not get a solid meal before we headed out. This year, we got breakfast at the Golden Dolphin before our little odyssey with some friends. Jim, Molly, and Darryl, thanks so much for having a meal with us before we left.
Then For the first time, I had the map, and I was responsible for getting us to our destination. (Bea, I do not know how you did it, I was a wreck.) This is the third year, heading up to Boston and we found a new route to use. It took us much longer getting out of the Bronx and Yonkers. I don't think it was the physical toll of the trip (at that point) but more of the traffic and congestion in those areas. The weather was not to cooperate either. We stopped at a Hardware store in the Bronx so that we can adjust Meagan's seat so her knees would not hit her in the face.
Some traditions continued, i.e. getting flat tires. Billy was the first victim. He and Meg changed it in the rain like pros. WE ate at the Landmark Diner in Ossingsing again. This time I did not feel like I had to throw up after my turkey wrap.
Like everything else this was a learning experience. We left a little too late yesterday and by the time we got to our destination it had just gotten dark. Riding in the dark is as fun as it sounds. I was getting nervous about it, but we were very close to our final destination. (Don't tell Jean)
Our hosts for night one are the Leightons. They made an amazing dinner last night, homemade pizza. There was guac, but Billy and Meg ate it all.
Mrs. Leighton just but breakfast down, so I am out.
Last year, Alex, Liz, and myself got up late and missed the train to the city. We were rushed and did not get a solid meal before we headed out. This year, we got breakfast at the Golden Dolphin before our little odyssey with some friends. Jim, Molly, and Darryl, thanks so much for having a meal with us before we left.
Then For the first time, I had the map, and I was responsible for getting us to our destination. (Bea, I do not know how you did it, I was a wreck.) This is the third year, heading up to Boston and we found a new route to use. It took us much longer getting out of the Bronx and Yonkers. I don't think it was the physical toll of the trip (at that point) but more of the traffic and congestion in those areas. The weather was not to cooperate either. We stopped at a Hardware store in the Bronx so that we can adjust Meagan's seat so her knees would not hit her in the face.
Some traditions continued, i.e. getting flat tires. Billy was the first victim. He and Meg changed it in the rain like pros. WE ate at the Landmark Diner in Ossingsing again. This time I did not feel like I had to throw up after my turkey wrap.
Like everything else this was a learning experience. We left a little too late yesterday and by the time we got to our destination it had just gotten dark. Riding in the dark is as fun as it sounds. I was getting nervous about it, but we were very close to our final destination. (Don't tell Jean)
Our hosts for night one are the Leightons. They made an amazing dinner last night, homemade pizza. There was guac, but Billy and Meg ate it all.
Mrs. Leighton just but breakfast down, so I am out.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Just a bus driver...
Those of you who are reading this know that today was the start of the 2nd annual (well 3rd for john) bike ride up to Boston. I did last years ride, this year i have decided to sit it out and be an avid blog reader like the rest of you. I did however have the daunting task of driving this years brave crew into yankee stadium in a mini bus so that they did not have to take the train in. I was glad to be able to bring something to the table to support the team, even though i wont be there in spirit riding with them.
I just want to wish the group a lot of luck this year. I look forward to reading the blogs ever day and hearing what adventures they are going through. One quick piece of advice from someone who has done it before:
The last day totally makes the whole trip worth it.
Good luck, stay strong, and lean on each other when things get rough.
I just want to wish the group a lot of luck this year. I look forward to reading the blogs ever day and hearing what adventures they are going through. One quick piece of advice from someone who has done it before:
The last day totally makes the whole trip worth it.
Good luck, stay strong, and lean on each other when things get rough.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
David Ortiz Tests Positive for Steroids
While I was sitting in my professional development class this morning I thought that I would give into my borderline ADD and peruse the internet and see what else was going on in the world. So, like a good New Englander I went to Boston.com and in a large banner read: "Ortiz Tested Positive for Steroids in 2003" The article simply read more details to follow. I sat there feeling stunned but also vindicated. Slowly a grin crept across my face as I passed my laptop over to my colleagues who are all big Sox fans and relished in their disappointed and upset expressions.
I guess I should explain my vindication feelings. Like most Yankee fans, for me David Ortiz is synonymous with agida. However, I could never truly say I hated the guy. Schilling you could hate, he was pompous and was basically white trash with money. Manny you could hate, the guy seemed like a prick, and Pedro...well after flinging Zim on the ground, you get the point. Ortiz was different, he wasn't really cocky or arrogant, he just leaned over the plate and killed the Yankees. Anyway, what aggravated me about Ortiz was how in 2002 he was dropped by the Twins, which is liked being dumped by the ugliest chick in your grade, if that happens turn in your externals young man, you will not be needing them. The Sox pick him up in 2003, he has a "break through" year and suddenly John Henry, Theo, and Larry Lu are like the Father, Son and Holy Ghost of baseball. They knew of Ortiz's potential, and how he had the makings of a great hitter. It was all the praise of the Sox front office which really irked me.
My buddy Jim from Camp, came up to Boston and he got tickets to the Sox game, Lizzie and Scottie came as well. The conversation of Ortiz and his slump came up, and I said to Liz that well yeah he is off the juice, no wonder hes in a slump. That got her Irish up and she began to defend Papi. "Jesus Christ Liz, look how much hes slimmed down, the uniform is baggy on him. Hes almost batting his weight." (no folks I am no baseball prophet, just an observant wise ass). I made Jimbo look up his baseball stats to help win my argument:
2002 Minnesota 20 HRS 75 RBIS .272 BA .500 Slugging
2003 Boston 32 HRS 101 RBIS .288 BA .592 Slugging
2004 Boston 41 HRS 139 RBIS .301 BA .603 Slugging
Now, even though I presented cold hard facts to Liz she did not buy my argument like a faithful fan, she ignored it. Like a good drunk, Scottie argued that I was wrong and that he just came into his own.
With Manny's name on the list as well, it made we wonder about the 2004 playoffs. Wait, Ortiz tested positive in 2003 not 2004...oh don't give me that B.S. If it worked so well for him in '03, is he going to just say, "Yeah, that was fun but lets get back to hard work. Homeruns are not fun." Folks, if Claritin is working for you, are you going to stop using it and go back runny noses and water eyes. Not unless your a glutton for punishment.
"But the Yanks had roid users on their team in 2004 too" Yeah, well my needle pushers sucked in the playoffs. I argue that the impact Ortiz and Manny had for the Sox easily outweighs the impact Giambi, Rodriguez, or Sheffield had for the Yanks. If that was untrue, Fever Pitch would have had a much different ending.
I walk away with two truths from this whole experience:
1. the A-Roid shirts might not sell so well in Kenmore Square
2. How do you break and 86 year old Curse? You Cheat.
I guess I should explain my vindication feelings. Like most Yankee fans, for me David Ortiz is synonymous with agida. However, I could never truly say I hated the guy. Schilling you could hate, he was pompous and was basically white trash with money. Manny you could hate, the guy seemed like a prick, and Pedro...well after flinging Zim on the ground, you get the point. Ortiz was different, he wasn't really cocky or arrogant, he just leaned over the plate and killed the Yankees. Anyway, what aggravated me about Ortiz was how in 2002 he was dropped by the Twins, which is liked being dumped by the ugliest chick in your grade, if that happens turn in your externals young man, you will not be needing them. The Sox pick him up in 2003, he has a "break through" year and suddenly John Henry, Theo, and Larry Lu are like the Father, Son and Holy Ghost of baseball. They knew of Ortiz's potential, and how he had the makings of a great hitter. It was all the praise of the Sox front office which really irked me.
My buddy Jim from Camp, came up to Boston and he got tickets to the Sox game, Lizzie and Scottie came as well. The conversation of Ortiz and his slump came up, and I said to Liz that well yeah he is off the juice, no wonder hes in a slump. That got her Irish up and she began to defend Papi. "Jesus Christ Liz, look how much hes slimmed down, the uniform is baggy on him. Hes almost batting his weight." (no folks I am no baseball prophet, just an observant wise ass). I made Jimbo look up his baseball stats to help win my argument:
2002 Minnesota 20 HRS 75 RBIS .272 BA .500 Slugging
2003 Boston 32 HRS 101 RBIS .288 BA .592 Slugging
2004 Boston 41 HRS 139 RBIS .301 BA .603 Slugging
Now, even though I presented cold hard facts to Liz she did not buy my argument like a faithful fan, she ignored it. Like a good drunk, Scottie argued that I was wrong and that he just came into his own.
With Manny's name on the list as well, it made we wonder about the 2004 playoffs. Wait, Ortiz tested positive in 2003 not 2004...oh don't give me that B.S. If it worked so well for him in '03, is he going to just say, "Yeah, that was fun but lets get back to hard work. Homeruns are not fun." Folks, if Claritin is working for you, are you going to stop using it and go back runny noses and water eyes. Not unless your a glutton for punishment.
"But the Yanks had roid users on their team in 2004 too" Yeah, well my needle pushers sucked in the playoffs. I argue that the impact Ortiz and Manny had for the Sox easily outweighs the impact Giambi, Rodriguez, or Sheffield had for the Yanks. If that was untrue, Fever Pitch would have had a much different ending.
I walk away with two truths from this whole experience:
1. the A-Roid shirts might not sell so well in Kenmore Square
2. How do you break and 86 year old Curse? You Cheat.
"God is great, beer is good and people are crazy"
Truer words have never been spoken...
Here I am on the eve of another ride from New York to Boston and this is the song stuck in my head, but it's good. I mean, think about it.
God is great. True.
As evidenced last year, I know God will be looking down upon us on our ride to keep us safe. Things will be difficult, but everything does (and will) happen for a reason.
Beer is good. True.
No drinking is done on the ride, so the finale is our motivation. That first sip of beer when we reach Fenway Park will be that much more rewarding because we'll have been a week without it (that's a long time for some of us!).
People are crazy. Unequivocally True.
Check the second sentence of this blog. "Here I am on the eve of ANOTHER ride from New York to Boston..." What is wrong with me? I don't think anything is seriously wrong with me, despite what my parents may believe. I think that as Billy Currington says, we're all just a little bit crazy. I know that this ride is possible because I did it last year, but I also know that it will be a test of fortitude regardless. You only live once, so I think it's important that we constantly challenge ourselves.
Kurt Vonnegut once said, “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” That's what we're trying to do here...So it goes...
Here I am on the eve of another ride from New York to Boston and this is the song stuck in my head, but it's good. I mean, think about it.
God is great. True.
As evidenced last year, I know God will be looking down upon us on our ride to keep us safe. Things will be difficult, but everything does (and will) happen for a reason.
Beer is good. True.
No drinking is done on the ride, so the finale is our motivation. That first sip of beer when we reach Fenway Park will be that much more rewarding because we'll have been a week without it (that's a long time for some of us!).
People are crazy. Unequivocally True.
Check the second sentence of this blog. "Here I am on the eve of ANOTHER ride from New York to Boston..." What is wrong with me? I don't think anything is seriously wrong with me, despite what my parents may believe. I think that as Billy Currington says, we're all just a little bit crazy. I know that this ride is possible because I did it last year, but I also know that it will be a test of fortitude regardless. You only live once, so I think it's important that we constantly challenge ourselves.
Kurt Vonnegut once said, “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” That's what we're trying to do here...So it goes...
Its official Bitches
I have officially arrived at the inevitable point. The what the heck was I thinking point. I am sitting here in John's house looking at my fully loaded bike realizing that somehow tomorrow I will have to ride just shy of 50 miles to get to our first waylay point. Unfortunately I am not the only one that has had doubts about my ability to finish this ride. The first thing my older brother said was, "so is there going to be a chase car or something?" to which I confidently replied, "no, Mike, its like going to the moon. Failure is not an option." What I was thinking in my head was "that's what I will have a cell phone for." But I knew that I could count on support from my mom. Then the Monday before the ride I was just going to work on some other things rather than heading out for a ride. The look that came back from my mom was pretty much a "you need to get your ass out that door and at least do some time on the bike to make me feel better about the fact that you are not a biker and you are expecting to go all day every day for a week." I did yield and go for a short ride. I'm not a total jackass. Well John still seems to have a bunch of stuff yet to be done so I will sign off and see how I can help. Stay tuned for the further adventures of the ride. Hopefully hilarity and not misery will ensue.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Riding the Rivalry Redux
*One year older, but definitely not another year wiser.
I do not know when it occurred to me to do the Ride again. I kind of assumed that it was going to happen, I just did not know when it was going to happen. So in true John Mullady fashion, the date of the ride and members of the ride changed a few times before the final numbers were set.
So here I am, the night before I head down to New York to start the Ride and finding myself being more nervous then last year. This year Alex, Quinn, and Lizzie will not be traveling with us. I know that if they could, they would all be in their shammies again, however life happens.
I was asked if this would be a charity ride, and I responded with, "yeah..kind of." So here is a longer answer to a short question:
I had hoped (and still do) that this ride would grow in popularity each time that it was done. The more people doing the ride the more money that we could have raised for two amazing charities. Maybe it was vanity or just naivety but I think that this ride has potential to be a great fundraiser. However, I failed to do any sort of fund raising this year. With so many people being laid off, I felt uncomfortable with the thought of asking friends or family for a handout. The reactions of shop owners who have been losing business as I ask them to give some of their earnings for a charity that they never heard of deterred me as well. I am frustrated with myself with failing to raise money, but at the same time I believe that there will be another ride and another opportunity next year.
I do not know when it occurred to me to do the Ride again. I kind of assumed that it was going to happen, I just did not know when it was going to happen. So in true John Mullady fashion, the date of the ride and members of the ride changed a few times before the final numbers were set.
So here I am, the night before I head down to New York to start the Ride and finding myself being more nervous then last year. This year Alex, Quinn, and Lizzie will not be traveling with us. I know that if they could, they would all be in their shammies again, however life happens.
I was asked if this would be a charity ride, and I responded with, "yeah..kind of." So here is a longer answer to a short question:
I had hoped (and still do) that this ride would grow in popularity each time that it was done. The more people doing the ride the more money that we could have raised for two amazing charities. Maybe it was vanity or just naivety but I think that this ride has potential to be a great fundraiser. However, I failed to do any sort of fund raising this year. With so many people being laid off, I felt uncomfortable with the thought of asking friends or family for a handout. The reactions of shop owners who have been losing business as I ask them to give some of their earnings for a charity that they never heard of deterred me as well. I am frustrated with myself with failing to raise money, but at the same time I believe that there will be another ride and another opportunity next year.