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Tater
01-08-2009, 12:03 PM
Wind, rain and Kristin Armstrong defined my ride today.

Despite the heavy, gray clouds sulking about the area and threatening to rain at any moment, I decided to scoot out for a ride. Just a quick one, I reasoned with myself. Eight miles into it, I am scanning the power lines looking for birds (beats counting road kill! :eek::p). About this time, I have a handful of sparrows, two fat doves and a Kestrel. I am quite tickled to see the Kestrel and as I return my attention to the road, I notice a rider behind me. I figured it was one of the local guys I am always playing leapfrog with in the BiJou standings. Well, as the rider goes past me, I note a top end Cervelo, strong legs and Team USA kit. Just as the rider says, "Hello', I realize, Holy Olympians Batman! That's Kristin Armstrong! I managed to grunt out a 'Hey' before she completely passed me by. That just made my ride! Heh, I ride the same roads as an Olympic gold medalist. Cool.

Oh, yeah, did a bit over thirty miles. Hopefully the next time I chance to see Ms. Armstrong again, I will have the gumption to do more than grunt like a Neanderthal. I would love to talk to her.

Biciclista
01-08-2009, 12:05 PM
well, that's pretty cool! and i like your bird counting idea too.
:D

cycling_sarah
01-08-2009, 12:46 PM
Wow, Tater, that's fantastic and inspiring for you! I am always watching for birds too, when I'm outside. Today was an inside day, 20 miles on the trainer.

redrhodie
01-08-2009, 02:00 PM
You sure that wasn't me? Oh wait, I have no USA kit, strong legs, or Cervello. :D

That's a very cool sighting!

DebTX
01-08-2009, 06:44 PM
Cool sighting!

No ride for me today but I did go ice skating this evening (which in TX is a bit unusual).

Loads of fun :)

smilingcat
01-08-2009, 07:58 PM
ran out of day light so huffed and puffed back home for measly 8 and 1/2 miles. It was just a moderate speed out and back. Too dangerous to be going 20MPH in the dusk/dark. Then I got on a trainer for just over 30 minutes. din din after the 30 min of twirrling.

There just isn't enought time in a day to do everything I want to do. grrr...

Oh my headlights are old so the batteries died long time ago. Been meaning to put together a new battery pack using NiMH instead of NiCad again no time. so just a tail light on my bike for tonight :(.

smilingcat

msincredible
01-08-2009, 08:36 PM
Just did some errands on the Birdy today.

This is how I carry groceries (short rides only). :D

http://www.paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bike-shopping.JPG

KathiCville
01-09-2009, 03:04 AM
Cool errand bike! You must get a lot of attention going down the street!

I got in a very windy 11 miles on one of my favorite roads just before dusk. My speed wasn't anything to write home about, but it felt good to be out there! And I love pedaling past a pasture full of cows who all stop munching long enough to watch me go by....... :)

yellow
01-09-2009, 08:27 AM
Well, as the rider goes past me, I note a top end Cervelo, strong legs and Team USA kit. Just as the rider says, "Hello', I realize, Holy Olympians Batman! That's Kristin Armstrong! I managed to grunt out a 'Hey' before she completely passed me by. That just made my ride! Heh, I ride the same roads as an Olympic gold medalist. Cool.
Tater, KA has become a beacon for me over the last few months. Turns out she suffers from pretty severe osteoarthritis. Heck, if she can become a gold medalist with OA, I can certainly keep doing what I'm doing. That is SO COOL that you saw her. When you two sit down for tea, tell her that her story has been very inspirational! :p

Tater
01-10-2009, 06:00 AM
Tater, KA has become a beacon for me over the last few months. Turns out she suffers from pretty severe osteoarthritis. Heck, if she can become a gold medalist with OA, I can certainly keep doing what I'm doing. That is SO COOL that you saw her. When you two sit down for tea, tell her that her story has been very inspirational! :p

Yellow, that is exactly why I want to talk to her! A thirty-five year old, local gal, overcoming some serious issues, goes on to do very well in her sport. I suppose I think of her a bit differently now having seen her and knowing her story. I'd like to know what drives her and what her future goal are.

jobob
01-10-2009, 07:02 AM
She's 35? Get out! :)