Memorial Ride

Well, as mentioned in the previous post, today was the anniversary of my father's death (sounds rather morbid, but that's what it is). With that in my, I set out for a long, leisurely ride in remembrance of him, with the eventuality of visiting my brother.

Initially I had hoped to do a once around the Red Rock scenic loop, but I was ill prepared. After riding a distance that I haven't done in a 24 hour span in nearly a year, my body was not permitting any more. Since I have been rather lazy in my training and haven't been doing the distance that I once considered minuscule, my labors weren't as fruitful as I had expected. It was further exacerbated by the fact that I was riding commuter style, with laptop bag, books, and various other items, easily adding 30 lbs to my curb weight and making the uphill that much harder.

Nonetheless, I had a lovely ride that challenged me physically and emotionally. I spent all day reflecting on the person that raised me, provided for me, and loved me nonstop until he could do that no longer.

There was only one snafu when a few kids decided to try and scare me, but that didn't go as planned. I whipped out my U-Lock as I passed them with hopes they would try me. It's probably for the better that they just freaked out and sped off. On that note, keep an out for some teenagers in a current-gen white Civic sedan with the Nevada plate 622-UNX, I made certain to memorize that when they first flew by me, just in case.

Of course the day started with my brief commute to work from home, and then after work I went in three legs. First I stopped at my LBS (Peloton Sport Bicycles) to get some proper riding shorts to prevent the loss of sensation in my nethers. I then made a push for Starbuck's to acquire an iced coffee and Burrito Mexicano from Baja Fresh, both located next to each other in the Boca Park shopping center. The final leg is always the most demanding, having the longest ascent, but thankfully a nice downhill stretch ride before the final destination.

I am going to try and take more photos, somehow, while commuting. I only had chance to grab a few today, but sharing is caring. I love how the bike lane symbol is skewed by the iPhone's relatively slow image capturing capability. maybe someday I'll get a proper compact camera. I also need to figure out how to do those nice little photo applets that so many bloggers incorporate into posts.



Morning Ride Stats:
Distance: .6 miles
Average speed: 11.0 mph
Max speed: 17.5 mph
Overall time: 3:40

Morning Temperature: 70˚


Afternoon Ride Stats:
Leg 1: 5.7 mi
Average speed: 11.9 mph
Max speed: 22.7 mph
Overall time: 28:49

Leg 2: 3.0 mi
Average speed: 10.9 mph
Max speed: 22.9 mph
Overall time: 16:35

Leg 3: 5.5 mi
Average speed: 9.8 mph
Max speed: 26.6 mph
Overall time: 33:22

Afternoon Temperature: 83˚

Today's distance: 14.8 mi

Now I am off to rest, looking forward to the 98% downhill 11.7 mile ride home in the wee hours of the morn'. It is always invigorating and easily done single stretch, but I'll likely stop for a fix. somewhere near home.

In Memory of the Greatest Man I Ever Knew

Many of us have something happen in our lives that will be eternally cemented into our being. For some it may be the day they were married, for others it may be the day that they graduated. These days impact us so deeply that we are never the same person from that point on.

For me, today is the anniversary of that day. On this date three years ago, I watched my father fade into the dark.

It was a very tragic and shocking event for me, and my viewpoint about many things changed that day. I have read that some people grieve for some period of time, then move on with their lives, and I wonder if they ever are truly over it.

At first, I was completely miserable and focused all of my time onto trying to forget. Unfortunately, I was surrounded by reminders of him and very frequently broke down in tears and screaming fits whenever at home or working a job that I knew I could never do as well as him.

My father's funeral was very touching, with a eulogy written and given by one of his closest friends that he had known for over 30 years. It was attended by more people than I had thought to expect, with at least 120 family and friends in crowd. While the eulogy was absolutely perfect, I feel that I have never made my peace with everything.

He was an amazing man. He was easily the most intelligent, insightful and kind person I have ever known. I have learned from him that we should all derive great joy in helping others, and lend a hand whenever possible.

He never complained about trivial things, except for when a show sucked or when the volume was too high or low. He loved to debate ideas and viewpoints, and despite always having his unique perspective, had a way to help you appreciate that even if you disagreed with him.

He had multitasking down to an art, with the ability to watch the news, read the paper and possibly a book as well, all the same time. He was a man who knew the value of a dollar, and appreciated the ability to leave that dollar in his pocket by having free samples and reading a book while sitting on a couch at Costco.

He was always there to help me and would do whatever he could if he felt it would benefit me.

I look back and cherish the times we had together, like when we went to Zion and the time we went to Sea World and all the car shows we went to. He may have not been in the best shape, but we would still throw the ball around.

I loved my father dearly and truly cant express how much I miss him. I know that even though he may have fallen in less than prime circumstances, I will see him again someday and will get the chance to express what I never took the time to say.

I can wait for the day when we can finally sit down and have a beer together. This one's for you dad, I love you.