On thoughts in a subway

I am typing this offline on the subway so referencing anything is pretty much impossible unless it is archived on the Blackberry. Speaking of which, I was going through my old bike routes that I posted to runningmap.com, I saved a link to each route in my outlook notes. I used to be so impressed with myself that I could ride 75 or 80km. Of course previous to this spring - and buying Amy - the last time I rode my bike in a serious way was the late '90s and back then I did not know better - i.e. use back country roads, clip into the pedals. Oh and a steel frame 12 speed with friction downtube shifters is not nearly as easy, or sweet as carbon fibre, Look pedals with STI shifters. Back to my routes though, July 6 of this year is a big date, not that I tried to remember at the time, it was a Sunday, it was also the first time I rode a century.

Here is a thought, I have never done a century without bonking. Well not exactly. The July 6 ride I bonked at about 145~150km, after peeling off from the group and just taking it easy coming home, I though I was tired, it turns out I bonked but I did not know better at the time. A few weeks later we did the Simcoe ride, I think Dan and I both bonked, well maybe Dan was tired but looking back I am pretty sure I bonked, again at around 145km, but I never made a century that time, I got a lift home from Elgin Mills and Woodbine (yes I hang my head in shame). The next century was the ride with Aaron and Sigrid, that was 196.5km, I bonked again around 145km, that time I recall Aaron said "no offence but I think you bonked" Well Aaron none taken, I will go a step further, I was an idiot. I should have been refilling with carbs, every stop I bought, or got, water (bottled or tap) until after I bonked. After I polished off the Endurox I was toast in the making, although I did not have to be. I had granola bars I never touched - oops! The recent 200km ride I did with Aaron I bonked again, although I am pleased to report I was well clear of my 155km barrier, I made it to about 180 or 190km before the tank ran dry, so I did make a century, just not the full ride.

Here is another thought, I am quite possibly the most anal retentive person I know. I lock my bike up underground in the building parking lot, it is a secure location, except that executives also park their cars there. Just because these people can make off or defraud millions of dollars from hard working stiffs and little old ladies does not mean they can drive or park their cars worth shit. Yes, my bike, Erin, got clipped. I want someone to explain to me what moron managed to clip anything that is more than 10meters from the nearest parking spot? The damage is all to the left control leaver, it is all cosmetic, but it is there and it is really upsetting. Time to start a revolution, throw the fat cats into the sea! (Or at least get them to buy me a new control leaver.) Live free, or with a shiny new bike! I am gonna start writing... a little red book. Maybe I better not.

Has anyone ever read Quotations of Chairman Mao? I did. Its actually... well it is exactly what I expected. Mostly, work hard, have lots of children. But I have to confess I was really just interested in seeing how many references there were to Dr. Bethune, I could find just one. It is sad actually in his early years Mao did a lot of good for China, but after the revolution of 1949, the best thing Mao could have done is step aside, but after working so hard to gain power, to step aside would have been impossible.