Mountain Bikers

Mountain  Bikers--  I think that I have found this bunch of people to be the nicest group of athletes so far.  I have gotten so many nice emails from people at the past race.  I was bringing up the rear so I am not sure how they knew I existed.  It must have been the van that I drive that looks like an ice cream truck from all the stickers plastered on it.  I  am feeling really welcome.

Bluff Creek Ranch-  This is the name of the ranch that we camped at in Warda.  I pulled into the gate and there was a sign that said check in at the house.  I pulled over to the house but was not sure if I should go in or not.  I decided to drive around it to make sure I was going to be going into the front door.  I saw people looking out the window at me.  I was not sure if I should just barge in or what.  After the race I got to eat a nice hamburger in the kitchen and meet the family.  Amanda, the daughter, said to just barge in and that they preferred that. She also mentioned that they do laugh at us new guys.  I had a really good time at the ranch and plan to spend more time there.  They sell meat that is made out of the cattle of their land. I wish they would serve me some of that cow that ate the ribbon blocking the bridge.  That was at another ranch…boohoo.  I will spend more time there next year.

The Blues-  I am done pouting for the year.  I just seem to get in a funk over the holidays but I am done with that.  I had a great year last year. I now have my head screwed on straight and business is picking back up again.  I am really excited about getting some education this next year.

The book-  it does not look like the author will get to this until March or so.  I am getting my notes all down on paper and am not sure what all will be in the book.  I am going to take advantage of my weekends at home and finish all my notes about both RAAMs and Le Tour.  Lots of things happened at all the races.  I will be getting some notes from my friend Jerrod this weekend.  He was on both my crossings across America.  I am spending lots of time on this.

Motivational Speaking-  I will be doing some of this soon. I am supposed to meet with some people that want me to speak and know how to point me in the right direction.  The book will help with some of this but in the meantime I need to be getting out into the public.  I have finally found a good contact that will help me get started.

Badwater-  so far I have some crew possible crew members

Donna- this is my cousin that has been at most of my races.  She is a great runner and my inspiration.  She might go but I am not sure yet.

Mike-  This is the guy that was with me at my first 100 miler.  He is still injured but has volunteered to help out if I need him.

Jerrod-  He is not sure he will be able to come.  He is like my little brother and knows me very well. He said he could train someone but he can’t.  He is a DJ and has great energy.  You can’t train someone to be like Jerrod so if he does not make it I will be sad.

Brenda-  This is the girl that does all that crazy bike riding.  She is a good friend of mine in Dallas and she has great energy.  She biked 11,000km in brevet rides last year. She also did RAAM as a team and the PBP 750km race.  She was reading my blogs and practicing power walking on the treadmill. If Jerrod does not make it then I will be begging her.  I hope she can make it.

Badwater Veteran-  I am not sure who this will be but I do have some feelers out.  I need someone that has crewed at Badwater before.  I am certain that I will find this person.