What an astonishing place this is...what a day, what a great group of people, what an experience.
Up early this morning, I was already excited. Slept light last night because I had so much on my mind...a long day of travel didn't help that. Thinking too much is what I do...like its my JOB. Grand Rapids to Chicago, Chicago to Las Vegas, on the bus from Vegas to Death Valley. All told, it was a good 12 hours of traveling.
I listened to some music, watched a movie, and started on a book I borrowed from a friend (thanks Erin!). I was able to keep myself from going nuts...but, I wouldn't say it was a fun day.
But, with all that said, getting here this afternoon made it worth while. Unpacked, got my bike and set it up, tossed on my swimsuit and hopped in the pool. Hung out with the gang, laughed, traded some jokes and some barbs...had a great dinner and then watched the moon come up over the mountains. The sky is so dark and so clear...I'm watching the stars as I type this and it is simply breath taking.
Thanks, MC, for talking me in to this. I know you didn't have to twist my arm too badly...I was a pretty willing participant. But, still, if you hadn't asked I wouldn't be here enjoying this evening. And, I'm damn glad to be here. What a place!
17 October 2008
11 October 2008
Busy Week...
This coming week is going to be a busy one...so, if I'm tough to get ahold of...my apologies.
Sunday I'm heading in for about 4 hours of work early in the morning. Then, straight to VCC to do a little ride with MC, Linda, and hopefully DID, Keith, J2, etc. Then, straight home to catch a movie on Dove Films with Karin and the kids.
Monday I'm getting up early (4AM) and grabbing a rental car from the airport. On the road by 6AM to Toledo. Toledo by 9AM to help with some training, inventory prep, merchandising, D2 conference call, etc. Work until about 6 or 7PM, then hit the road for Akron...in Akron by about 10PM.
Tuesday I'm up early to do an all day troubleshooting session in Akron. Inventory prep, receiving, etc...probably be there all day. Crash there Tuesday night.
Wednesday morning I'm up early again and heading for Cleveland. Short day doing training there...then, home to Grand Rapids. Work a few hours in my store, then home.
Thursday...up early again. Drop off the rental at the airport and hop on a plane to Vegas. Bus to Death Valley.
Friday, up early for safety seminar and a tune-up ride. Hike through the canyons in teh afternoon and the banquet in the evening.
Saturday up early for 100+ miles of cycling across Death Valley. Dehydration? Yes, please. Can I have that with a side of fries?
Sunday, up early to hop back on a plane to Grand Rapids.
Whew...should be an interesting week. Somewhere in there I should try to find some time to eat, sleep, and pack. Yikes.
08 October 2008
Need some help
I really need some help...Karin was installing the MS Vista SP1 update on her computer when it failed to reboot. Now the computer will no longer boot in to the operating system. And, therefore, is useless.
I've now spent two evenings on the phone with MS technical support...and, they have been awesome. They've really tried just about EVERYTHING to get this thing up and running. But, we are just plain out of options. What I really need is a copy of the operating system so that we can replace some of the files that were corrupted.
Unfortunately, neither mine nor Karin's notebook came with a copy of Vista on DVD. All we have is "restoration" cds...not the actual operating system. If I had a copy of the DVD, they could have the whole thing fixed in about 15 minutes. But, I don't. Bleh.
I called the computer manufacturer to get them to send me a copy of the OEM Vista DVD...but, they were less than helpful. So, now I've called MS again. And, they have been exceedingly helpful right up to the point where I ask them to send me a copy of the OS on DVD. That, they will not do. Anything else, they are very willing to help me out with...bummer.
They gave me specific permission to borrow the DVD from a friend...for this circumstance it won't matter, apparently, whether it is actually my DVD. So...if anyone out there is reading this note, please let me know if you've got that OS on DVD. I'd only need to borrow it for an afternoon to let MS finish fixing the computer they broke.
Anyone? Bueller?
24 September 2008
Obligatory regard for cycling safety
So, on my way home from the TNR last night I passed 5 cyclists on Bauer road west of 48th. 4 were together, and 1 appeared to have been dropped by the group. They were all in similar kit...and, it was kit I've seen at Grattan. I don't know if it was shop kit, team kit, or just "look at us, we wear matching spandex" kit. In any case, it was clear that they were together.
So why bring this up? It's not as if I write something on this blog every time I drive past someone on a bike.
Here is the deal...it was dark outside when I was nearing Jenison. Thus, it was dark when I passed these fellows pedaling along. The guy who was by himself was nearly invisible in those light conditions and I damn near pegged him with my car. So, you can imagine the guilt I'd have felt about that one!
Shortly ahead of him (1/4 mile) were the other four riding together. There was one guy among these four who came prepared with front and rear blinkies. Still...I could see that there was A cyclist ahead. I could not determine that there was a group of cyclists ahead. So, even though I knew to be looking for them, it was still a bit dicey passing these guys riding two abreast.
So my question is as follows...where does my obligation to their safety begin and end?
My first reaction was...Uh Oh, these guys got caught too far from home after dark and now their going to get killed. So, I slowed down as I passed the lead group...rolled down my window and waited for them to catch me. But, then it occurred to me that they didn't need my help...it was the poor guy they had dropped that needed help. So, I turned around and drove back to the guy who had fallen off the group.
I don't know what I was thinking I would do for this fella...but, it just seemed like I should tell him that I had nearly killed him 2 minutes before that. I pulled next to him and asked if he had a blinkie...he said no. I informed him that he was nearly invisible and that I was concerned for his safety. He then informed me that he'd already made a phone call and had someone coming to pick him up.
I took this to mean that he understand his precarious situation, but that he was dealing with it. So, I told him to be safe and I made my way home.
Afterward I wondered if I should have done more...did I do too much? When I'm in my car, I have the standard obligation to keep cyclists on the road safe. This is no different than any other motorist. However, since I'm a cyclist (I still had my rack and bike on the back of my car as I was on my way home from my own group ride), should I hold myself to a higher standard in regards to cyclist safety?
Should I have turned around and said something like I did? I was half expecting him to tell me to buzz off..."I know its dark, leave me alone", or something similar. But, he didn't...he seemed grateful for my concern and answered it by letting me know that he was dealing with the situation. He could have just as well told me to mind my own business, though. So...was I just making an nuisance of myself or was it the right thing to do?
Should I have done more? I had a space left on my rack and plenty of seats in my car. I could have given at least him a ride somewhere to wait for whoever was picking him up. But, I didn't offer that. And, afterward, I felt like I should have. I also thought that I could have taken a few minutes and just trailed behind him with my flashers on...it sounded like he wasn't going far. It would have cost me 10 minutes, but possibly saved his life. A pretty small trade off in my opinion. But, I didn't do that either. After I spoke with him it sort of felt like it would have been a bit presumptuous on my part to do that. Still...even if he didn't particularly need or want my help, should I feel a moral obligation to keep him safe?
If I picked up the paper this morning and found an article about how that guy had been hit by a car, I don't think I'd have relieved my guilt by reminding myself that it would have been presumptuous to take responsibility for his safety.
So, again, where does my own responsibility for his safety begin and end? I know the legal answer. I'm not sure I know the moral answer.
So why bring this up? It's not as if I write something on this blog every time I drive past someone on a bike.
Here is the deal...it was dark outside when I was nearing Jenison. Thus, it was dark when I passed these fellows pedaling along. The guy who was by himself was nearly invisible in those light conditions and I damn near pegged him with my car. So, you can imagine the guilt I'd have felt about that one!
Shortly ahead of him (1/4 mile) were the other four riding together. There was one guy among these four who came prepared with front and rear blinkies. Still...I could see that there was A cyclist ahead. I could not determine that there was a group of cyclists ahead. So, even though I knew to be looking for them, it was still a bit dicey passing these guys riding two abreast.
So my question is as follows...where does my obligation to their safety begin and end?
My first reaction was...Uh Oh, these guys got caught too far from home after dark and now their going to get killed. So, I slowed down as I passed the lead group...rolled down my window and waited for them to catch me. But, then it occurred to me that they didn't need my help...it was the poor guy they had dropped that needed help. So, I turned around and drove back to the guy who had fallen off the group.
I don't know what I was thinking I would do for this fella...but, it just seemed like I should tell him that I had nearly killed him 2 minutes before that. I pulled next to him and asked if he had a blinkie...he said no. I informed him that he was nearly invisible and that I was concerned for his safety. He then informed me that he'd already made a phone call and had someone coming to pick him up.
I took this to mean that he understand his precarious situation, but that he was dealing with it. So, I told him to be safe and I made my way home.
Afterward I wondered if I should have done more...did I do too much? When I'm in my car, I have the standard obligation to keep cyclists on the road safe. This is no different than any other motorist. However, since I'm a cyclist (I still had my rack and bike on the back of my car as I was on my way home from my own group ride), should I hold myself to a higher standard in regards to cyclist safety?
Should I have turned around and said something like I did? I was half expecting him to tell me to buzz off..."I know its dark, leave me alone", or something similar. But, he didn't...he seemed grateful for my concern and answered it by letting me know that he was dealing with the situation. He could have just as well told me to mind my own business, though. So...was I just making an nuisance of myself or was it the right thing to do?
Should I have done more? I had a space left on my rack and plenty of seats in my car. I could have given at least him a ride somewhere to wait for whoever was picking him up. But, I didn't offer that. And, afterward, I felt like I should have. I also thought that I could have taken a few minutes and just trailed behind him with my flashers on...it sounded like he wasn't going far. It would have cost me 10 minutes, but possibly saved his life. A pretty small trade off in my opinion. But, I didn't do that either. After I spoke with him it sort of felt like it would have been a bit presumptuous on my part to do that. Still...even if he didn't particularly need or want my help, should I feel a moral obligation to keep him safe?
If I picked up the paper this morning and found an article about how that guy had been hit by a car, I don't think I'd have relieved my guilt by reminding myself that it would have been presumptuous to take responsibility for his safety.
So, again, where does my own responsibility for his safety begin and end? I know the legal answer. I'm not sure I know the moral answer.
23 September 2008
Busy much?
Seems like I've been swamped lately. However, I was recently told that it was definitely time for an update on my blog. Thus...an update appears.
So what to discuss?
ODRAM? It was awesome. One of the best days I've ever had on the bike. Good company, great weather, lots of Oreos...what more could I ask for. I had a blast, I felt good on the bike and I rode pretty strong (for me). Finished in 8.5 hours or so (ride time) and was chowing down on dinner by about 5:30PM.
Travel? Yeah, I was out of town for about a week. I missed the first KissCross of the season, missed a TNR, and generally fell out of the loop. I spent the week in Minnesota at a company retreat. We had some meetings and...gasp...played golf. Yep. Golf. I know, I know...you've probably never heard me discuss golf before. But, there once was a time when it was the central focus of my life, and not just because it was my career. I was pretty good...not great...but, good enough to set high expectations. But, in the past years I've not had the time or inclination to work on my game the way I should. Thus, when I do play, I play pretty poorly. And, I find that more frustrating than not playing at all...so, I just don't play. Except, this year I needed to play at the company retreat. I teed it up for the first time in a year...literally. I suck. It's a good thing I got to play with some good people. My friend Erin entertained me enough to keep me from getting depressed on the first day. Then, my friend Michael Angelo (no really, that's his name!) picked up the role of keeping me from hitting the Quit-Life button during the second day. I survived the travel, the meetings, and the golf...thus, I'm posting to tell you about it. Score.
JDRF? I'm panicking...I don't have nearly enough money raised yet. I started off on fire about 6 months ago. And, I knew I could count on significant donations from my friends around my company. Sadly, the turmoil within our corporate office made the idea of doing fundraising seem a bit awkward. So, I avoided it. Now, I'm left needing to raise a boat load of money and with fairly little time to do it. My wife has commit to helping me by sending out some letters on my behalf. But...in truth, I'm probably going to have to start knocking on doors at some local businesses to see if they can do something. Heather (who is a saint!) is helping me out with a Yoga fundraiser. So, hopefully I'll be able to get something figured out.
Riding? Not much. At least, not nearly where I was in June & July. Seems like when MC is out of town my miles fall off greatly. Probably not a coincidence. ;-) I've not been commuting lately...I believe the pedals on my Volpe were a contributing factor in the destruction of my left knee. And, until I can afford better pedals, I'm avoiding riding that bike. Sadly, I'm going to need to figure something out soon or I won't be doing any 'cross, any crazy bastard rides, or any more commuting (I don't like taking the C-Dale for commuter rides. I feel like I'm beating the life out of it).
Business? Yep. I still have a job.
My brain? Yep...technically, it's still here too. Though, to be honest, it seems to be working ever more sporadically. I get the feeling that I'm slowly evacuating the real world as I slip ever further in to my own strange little universe. Hm. Yeah...I ain't right.
So what to discuss?
ODRAM? It was awesome. One of the best days I've ever had on the bike. Good company, great weather, lots of Oreos...what more could I ask for. I had a blast, I felt good on the bike and I rode pretty strong (for me). Finished in 8.5 hours or so (ride time) and was chowing down on dinner by about 5:30PM.
Travel? Yeah, I was out of town for about a week. I missed the first KissCross of the season, missed a TNR, and generally fell out of the loop. I spent the week in Minnesota at a company retreat. We had some meetings and...gasp...played golf. Yep. Golf. I know, I know...you've probably never heard me discuss golf before. But, there once was a time when it was the central focus of my life, and not just because it was my career. I was pretty good...not great...but, good enough to set high expectations. But, in the past years I've not had the time or inclination to work on my game the way I should. Thus, when I do play, I play pretty poorly. And, I find that more frustrating than not playing at all...so, I just don't play. Except, this year I needed to play at the company retreat. I teed it up for the first time in a year...literally. I suck. It's a good thing I got to play with some good people. My friend Erin entertained me enough to keep me from getting depressed on the first day. Then, my friend Michael Angelo (no really, that's his name!) picked up the role of keeping me from hitting the Quit-Life button during the second day. I survived the travel, the meetings, and the golf...thus, I'm posting to tell you about it. Score.
JDRF? I'm panicking...I don't have nearly enough money raised yet. I started off on fire about 6 months ago. And, I knew I could count on significant donations from my friends around my company. Sadly, the turmoil within our corporate office made the idea of doing fundraising seem a bit awkward. So, I avoided it. Now, I'm left needing to raise a boat load of money and with fairly little time to do it. My wife has commit to helping me by sending out some letters on my behalf. But...in truth, I'm probably going to have to start knocking on doors at some local businesses to see if they can do something. Heather (who is a saint!) is helping me out with a Yoga fundraiser. So, hopefully I'll be able to get something figured out.
Riding? Not much. At least, not nearly where I was in June & July. Seems like when MC is out of town my miles fall off greatly. Probably not a coincidence. ;-) I've not been commuting lately...I believe the pedals on my Volpe were a contributing factor in the destruction of my left knee. And, until I can afford better pedals, I'm avoiding riding that bike. Sadly, I'm going to need to figure something out soon or I won't be doing any 'cross, any crazy bastard rides, or any more commuting (I don't like taking the C-Dale for commuter rides. I feel like I'm beating the life out of it).
Business? Yep. I still have a job.
My brain? Yep...technically, it's still here too. Though, to be honest, it seems to be working ever more sporadically. I get the feeling that I'm slowly evacuating the real world as I slip ever further in to my own strange little universe. Hm. Yeah...I ain't right.
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