Monday, December 12, 2005

broken clavicle + plate w/6 screws + surgery = 2 months of boredom!



It's not going to be a long entry, because typing w/ my left hand is taking forever!

It's been 4 days since surgery and today was my post operation check-up so all I can think of is a special thanks list to everyone that helped me over the past week.

-Allison Dunlap thanks for hooking me up with Dr. Weinstein of Premier Orthopedics (719) 570-7272 he truly is the best shoulder Dr. EVER!

-Kelli Emmett and Koryn Stoner for checking up on me and taking really good care of an old guy.

-My roommate Dougie for surrendering his portion of our living room for my make-shift recovery room/bed room.

-Mom, Dad, and my Sister for calling everyday to make sure everything is ok, and even my dad who would have jumped on a jet to come help for a few days!

Click here: Allison's Shoulder Surgery

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

The Thanksgiving Day Ride...



It was a damn good time to do a townie ride with my friends and fellow cyclists, nothing like burning some calories before the "Turkey Day" FEAST! Yes I did 2+ hours in my "Engineering Over-Alls" and casual attire, that's the benefit of not training anymore, I'm a recreational rider and feel I should dress the part...


==================This is worth the read!!!==================
Anger Management:

When you occasionally have a really bad day, and you just need to take it out on someone, don't take it out on someone you know, take it out on someone you don't know.
I was sitting at my desk when I remembered a phone call I'd forgotten to make. I found the number and dialed it. A man answered, saying "Hello." I politely said, "This is Chris. Could I please speak with Robyn Carter?" Suddenly a manic voice yelled out in my ear "Get the right f**in number!" and the phone was slammed down on me. I couldn't believe that anyone could be so rude. When I tracked down Robyn's correct number to call her, I found that I had accidentally transposed the last two digits. After hanging up with her, I decided to call the 'wrong' number again. When the same guy answered the phone, I yelled "You're an asshole!" and hung up. I wrote his number down with the word 'asshole' next to it, and put it in my desk drawer. Every couple of weeks, when I was paying bills or had a really bad day, I'd call him up and yell, "You're an asshole!" It always cheered me up. When Caller ID was introduced, I thought my therapeutic "asshole calling" would have to stop. So, I called his number and said, "Hi, this is John Smith from the Verizon. I'm calling to see if you're familiar with our Caller ID Program?" He yelled "NO!" and slammed down the phone. I quickly called him back and said, "That's because you're an asshole!" One day I was at the store, getting ready to pull into a parking spot. Some guy in a black BMW cut me off and pulled into the spot I had patiently waited for. I hit the horn and yelled that I'd been waiting for that spot, but the idiot ignored me. I noticed a "For Sale" sign in his back window which included his phone number, so I wrote down the number. A couple of days later, right after calling the first asshole (I had his number on speed dial) I thought that I'd better call the BMW asshole, too. I said, "Is this the man with the black BMW for sale?"
"Yes, it is", he said.
"Can you tell me where I can see it?" I asked.
"Yes, I live at 34 Mowbray Blvd, in Vaucluse. It's a yellow house, and the car's parked right out in front."
"What's your name?" I asked.
"My name is Don Hansen," he said.
"When's a good time to catch you, Don?"
"I'm home every evening after five."
"Listen, Don, can I tell you something?"
"Yes?"
"Don, you're an asshole!" Then I hung up, and added his number to my speed dial, too.
Now, when I had a problem, I had two assholes to call. Then I came up with an idea. I called Asshole #1.
"Hello."
"You're an asshole!" (But I didn't hang up.)
"Are you still there?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said.
"Stop calling me," he screamed.
"Make me," I said.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"My name is Don Hansen."
"Yeah? Where do you live?"
"Asshole, I live at 34 Mowbray Blvd, Vaucluse, a yellow house, with my black Beamer parked in front."
He said, "I'm coming over right now, Don. And you had better start saying your prayers." I said, "Yeah, like I'm really scared, asshole," and hung up.
Then I called Asshole #2. "Hello?" he said.
"Hello, asshole," I said.
He yelled, "If I ever find out who you are..."
"You'll what?" I said.
"I'll kick your ass," he exclaimed.
I answered, "Well, asshole, here's your chance. I'm coming over right now." Then I hung up and immediately called the police, saying that I lived at 34 Mowbray Blvd, Vaucluse, and that I was on my way over there to kill my gay lover. Then I called Channel 9 News about the gang war going down in Mowbray Blvd, Vaucluse. I quickly got into my car and headed over to Mowbray. I got there just in time to watch two assholes beating the crap out of each other in front of six cop cars, an overhead police helicopter and a news crew. NOW I feel much better.
Anger management really works...

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Monday, November 21, 2005

Allison Dunlap's Retirement Party

It’s now official after this weekend, she is retired from racing, and I was able to attend an exciting evening with a portion of the proceeds donated to the Brest Cancer Foundation.

Good Times, Good Times! Where my only thoughts when Allison gave he retirement speech, it was a choked up moment listening to all of her accomplishments during the past 18 years, not just as a cyclist, but in academia, as a loving wife, and how proud here father was of her life to this date.

Mountain Biking lost a FEIRCE competitor this year, a world champion, 14 time National Champion, and on hell of a nice person. I on the other hand have someone to bug during the day for fun casual rides that have no training specific requirements what so ever!

Best luck on your Coaching and Adventure camps Allison! And thanks again for dinner!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Extra Time anyone?

You know you have an abundance of time when you decide that melting cheese on a cracker can be perfected!?!? And apparently today, I had that kind of time to spare!

Sunday, November 13, 2005

!?!?

Denver became the first city in the nation to make the private use of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older as an alternative to alcohol, a far more harmful drug. By 10.45 p.m. Tuesday night, with 100% of the votes tallied, the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative had passed 53.49% YES to 46.51% NO. The Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative is the first local measure in the nation to draw a comparison between the harms of alcohol and marijuana. The successful I-100 campaign focused on the vast number of health, safety and social problems associated with alcohol use, promoting marijuana use to avoid the prevalence of such problems. The campaign pointed to government reports and scholarly studies that show alcohol is a contributing factor in domestic violence, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes, as well as overdose deaths, whereas the use of marijuana has never been linked to such violent behavior and there has never been a marijuana overdose death in history. Colorado Medical Marijuana certificate "It is time our laws reflect the facts, and it is an indisputable fact that marijuana is safer than alcohol, both to the user and to society," said Mason Tvert, executive director of SAFER and coordinator of the I-100 campaign. "Current laws accept and even encourage the use of alcohol over marijuana, thus pushing people toward using a more harmful substance. Why on earth would we prohibit an adult from making the rational, safer choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol in their own home?" By approving the I-100, the use of marijuana in public, the use of marijuana by people under 21, driving under the influence of marijuana, and the cultivation and distribution of marijuana would all remain illegal, much like with alcohol.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Cruiser/Townie Cannonball Run!!! across town...

No this is FUNNY! And I know FUNNY!

(Who knows GOD might even show up?!?! Dont hold your breath...hehe)

Please pass this on to anyone that you think might be interested

This Saturday, Nov 12th at 3:00pm

The race will sport longer routes with more options = more tactics = more fun!

Ok, you're probably wondering just how this is going to work right? Well here's the jist:

Race Rules:

*This is a two person team race, any age or gender mix is legit. Pick your partner ahead of time, if you don't have a partner, no worries, we'll figure something out. Teams must ride together at all times! Sure you can ride with other teams if you like, as long as your partner is there with you.

*Helmets are mandatory....any helmet.....aannnnyyyy helmet! Yes, that one's fine.

*There will be mandatory ATM stops along the routes, all team members must bring their ATM cards and provide check of balance(should be no fee associated)(don't worry I can probably beat anyone's low balance) receipts along with the course map at the finish line! If you don't wish to use the ATM then you should be prepared to prove that you were at all locations (store receipts, pictures of you at the location, etc, creativity allowed. Anything questionable will be judged by other racers/piers).

***Anyone wishing to participate will meet at the bridge crossing the creek next to Criterium Bike Shop at 3pm Saturday, Nov. 12th (This Saturday!!!) How you get there is up to you; ride, drive, hang glide(time bonus' if you actually hang glide)(seriously)(yes, if you hang glide you can have someone else bring your bike for you).

*There will be a racer meeting of sorts at 3pm
*The race will start promptly-ish at 3:15pm(what do you mean that's not a word?)
*The race will finish at Benny's bar/pub/watering hole...hey does anyone know what the actual establishment term is here? No time bonus' for that one. Benny's is located 517 W. Colorado Ave.
*Derbying will be allowed on part of the course, though not 'encouraged' of course.
*Course maps will be picked by the teams at or around the start of the race. (don't worry about what i mean by that)
*Awards will begin shortly after the last team arrives at the finish....especially if that's me.
Bike/ride Rules:
*Any Townie or Cruiser(beach) is allowed....however you will be limited to no more than 5 speed/5 gears. If you have more than 5 gears then you must gain the approval of the rest of the field and/ or we will limit the shiftability for you.(and restore it upon your finishing the race of course)
*This time and this time only, single speed mountain bikes will be allowed, but only if I know for a fact that you don't own a cruiser or townie. Also, at least one person on the team must be on a townie or cruiser. No one team can consist of all S.S. mountain bikes. Anyone using a single speed must be running knobbie tires, no slicks on single speeds.
*Please bring some sort of light system as it will most likely get dark during or shortly after the race.
*This is a race across town along multiple routes. This is a self supported race, which means that you are expected to have what you need with you to fix your bike in case of mechanical mishap...flat tires, skipped(derailed) chain, etc.
*** if you have ANY questions please e-mail me.

Fine Print:
This is a race at your own risk event! races are extremely dangerous!!!!!!!!! We don't encourage doing any of these races. If you aren't prepared to suffer the potential consequences then you shouldn't race, plain and simple. If racing please know and ride with in your personal limits. There will be pedestrians and traffic along the course, you will be expected to obey all traffic rules and give pedestrians the right of way. Please don't do anything that would give cyclists or cycling a bad name. Or a worse name in this particular town.

Friday, November 04, 2005

2006 NORBA/UCI

2006 National Mountain Bike Series
NMBS # 1 – May 5-7 - Los Angeles, CA
NMBS # 2 – June 9-11 – Sugar Mountain, NC
NMBS # 3 – June 16-18 – Mount Snow, VT
NMBS # 4 – July 7-9 – Deer Valley, UT
USAC MTB National Championship – July 20-23 –Mammoth Lakes, CA
NMBS # 5 – August 4-6 – Brian Head, UT
NMBS # 6 – August 11-13 – Snowmass, CO


2006 North American UCI Mountain Bike Calendar
Sea Otter Classic April 7-8 Monterey, CA
NMBS #1 May 5-7 Los Angeles, CA
Canada Cup June 3-4 Hardwood Hills, ON
NMBS # 2 June 9-11 Sugar Mountain, NC
Canada Cup June 10-11 Mont-Tremblant, QC
Canada Cup June 18 Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC
NMBS # 3 June 17-18 Mount Snow, VT
UCI World Cup June 24-25 Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC
Canada Cup July 8-9 Panorama, BC
NMBS # 4 July 7-10 Deer Valley, UT
Canada Cup July 29-30 Sun Peaks, BC
Canada Cup August 5-6 Whistler, BC
NMBS # 5 August 4-6 Brian Head, UT
NMBS # 6 August 11-13 Snowmass, CO

Monday, October 31, 2005

I'm rich biatch...


My blog is worth $832,148.18.
How much is your blog worth?



Damn Sager is F-ing up!

Friday, October 28, 2005

The Roommate.

Hide your daughters...this heart breaker is on the loose!



My roommate got his Halloween costume dialed last night for todays "working mans Halloween". Somehow looking like a dirty fits him!?!? Na I think it's a hilarious replica of the 1970's Steve Prefontaine, nice work Dougie!
PS Love the "Stash" aka D.B.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Ahhhh Halloween!

I got creative today and decided to take a "time-out" from the relentless world and well...add a little bit of twisted Halloween art to my garden!

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

at what point should we stop...

When I was growing up I had a sticker "he who dies with the most toys wins!"...I thought it was silly and had it on my first tool box (which I still have), but after reflection upon my present employment situation (part-time) and desired lifestyle to play as much as possible, well, I think I might be winning the game! Correct me if I'm wrong -or- call me cocky if you desire.

I cant imagine what people do w/o hobbies, dreams, desire to push themselves, or just a general passion. For instance my roommate told me yesterday that our TV was broken, I thought...I'll have an extra 1.5 hour w/o watching my one movie per week, instead of thinking we need to fix it ASAP.




I guess it was just a random thought when I opened my garage today to work on my MX bike, but it hit me that I'm really enjoying my time here and couldn't be anymore auspicious with my hobbies!

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

2 weeks since my last update?!?!

What can I say even for a bicycle team mechanic there is an off season, and I've been enjoying it to it's fullest! I've been engaged on mini road trips, getting employment for 2006 (to be announced), bought a new motorcycle and have been hitting the track w/Blackie, and riding a little bit to keep for getting FAT!

Oh if anyone is reading this in the Colorado Springs area: this sat, 7:00pm @ Black Sheep. Lucero is playing! Yeah it's like my favorite band EVER! Check it out @ Lucero Music!

Take Care,
Billy

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

The Secret of Cycling Success!

All this talk about DRUG USE...



We all know that there are lots of different pills available to the athelete with various "performance enhancers." Some of them work, but are illegal. Others are legal, but don't work very well.

"Product W" a highly effective performance enhancment pill that is completely legal! (At least for the moment...)

The primary active ingredient in Product W is the miracle drug

3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyle-1H-prine-2,6-dione
More popularly known as: Theobromine



Theobromine is an all natural substance obtained at great expense from certain tropical plants.

Here's the dope on theobromine chemistry:

NAME : Theobromine
CHEMICAL NAME : 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyle-1H-prine-2,6-dione
ALTERNATE CHEMICAL NAMES : 3,7-dimethylxanthine
CHEMICAL FORMULA: C7H8N4O2
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 180.17


Product W contains a variety of chemicals, with the primary psychoactive components being theobromine (about 1% of total weight) and caffeine (<.1%). Other chemicals include serotonin, histamine, salsolinol, methyltetrahydroisoquinoline, phenethylamine, telemethylhistamine, spermidine, p-tyramine,3-methyloxytyramine, tryptamine, and spermine.

Now, unless you're a highly trained chemist, the above material may seem like meaningless gobbledygook. What, you ask are the practical effects of using Product W?

That's an easy question to ask, but not so easy to answer. Product W is primarily intended as a legal stimulant, providing the athlete with energy and promoting alertness.

Reports of Product W having beneficial effects on sexual responsiveness in both males and females are widespread, but must be considered anecdotal in the absence of a rigorous research study.

Dosage:
Due to the low melting point of the active ingredient, theobromine, we encase each dosage unit in a hard but thin candy-like shell. As a result, it won't melt in your hand.

While Product W may be swallowed as with other pills, many athletes prefer to chew the pills for more rapid theobromine release. Many people actually find the flavor quite pleasant.

Due to the low concentration of theobromine, usual dosage is anywhere from 10 to 30 Product W tablets at a time, repeated as desired.

Cautions:
Product W users should avoid operating heavy machinery while under its influence, but no problem with light machinery. In the case of bicycles, it is only recommended for use with bicycles weighing 22 pounds (10 kg) or less, for this reason.
Keep this product out of reach of children at all times.

***Product W is for human use only, and may be harmful to dogs.***

Possible Side Effects:
Excessive consumption of Product W may lead to weight gain, insomnia, skin eruptions or dental caries.

Format :
Product W tablets come in a variety of cheerful colors, each with a "W" stamped on it.

Monday, September 26, 2005

Movie Quotes

Zoolander:
Derek Zoolander: Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?

Starsky and Hutch:
David Starsky: I like your Lincoln.
Huggy Bear: It's a '76. Won't be out 'til next year. But I know some people that know some people that robbed some people.

Office Space:
Michael Bolton: If we get caught, we're not going to white-collar resort prison. No, no, no. We're going to federal POUND ME IN THE ASS prison.
Samir: I don't want to go to ANY prison!

Old School:
Frank: "Well, uh, I guess I... Deep down I'm feeling a little confused. I mean, suddenly you get married and you're supposed to be this entirely different guy. I don't... I don't feel different. I mean, take yesterday, for example. We were... We were out at the Olive Garden for dinner, which was lovely. And uh... I happened to look over during a certain part of the meal and see a waitress taking an order. And uh, and I found myself wondering what color her underpants might be. Her panties. Uh, odds are they're probably basic white, cotton underpants. But I started thinking 'Well, maybe they're s... maybe they're silk panties. Maybe, maybe, maybe it's a thong. Maybe it's uh something really cool that I don't know about.' You know? And I... I started feeling... What? What, I thought we were in the trust tree, in the nest. Are we not?"

Half-Baked:
Scientist (R.D. Reid): "I know this isn't your responsibility but, uh would you be a dear and run this down to the supply department for me? It's on the second floor."
Thurgood: "Just run this down?"
Scientist: "Uh yes, but make sure you bring the order right back to me. I need it A.S.A.P."
Thurgood: "Got ya. Hey, I know this isn't your responsibility but just mop the rest of this shit up, I'll be right back."

Thursday, September 22, 2005

One-Year Anniversary

It’s been a year since my last pro XC race, and it is still a little hard to grasp that I’m no longer an athlete. I’m twisting wrenches for a living and it’s passing the time, but I keep getting emails with pictures like the one attached that represent the end of 27years of bicycle racing (BMX, Road, Cyclo-cross, MTB), Crazy!


Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Haro Releases Pro Mountain Biker Chris Sheppard

Source: Jill Hamilton a.k.a. My Boss



With the recent allegations of testing positive for a banned performance enhancing drug, Haro Bikes has released Chris Sheppard from his professional racing contract. Sheppard tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition urine test performed at his home in Kamloops, BC on May 29, 2005.

Sheppard, a Canadian native, has raced for Haro Bikes for a total of 7 years. During this time, he has proven to be a top contender at both NORBA and World Cup race events, most recently finishing 7th in Short Track and 8th in Cross Country overall NORBA series standings. Sheppard has also played an integral role in the research and development of Haro’s mountain bike line.

“We’re obviously disappointed with this news,” said Jim Ford, Haro’s President/CEO. “Chris has been a great ambassador for Haro and the sport of mountain biking for many years. Despite the serious nature of this situation, we still see view Chris as a good person who made a bad mistake.”

Keeping with Haro’s zero tolerance policy when it comes to its athlete’s use of banned performance enhancing drugs, Sheppard has been immediately released from his racing contract.

Haro is a recognized leader in providing innovative performance bikes, parts and accessories to the BMX, dirt, freestyle/street, and mountain bike markets. The company currently has over 1800 dealers throughout the United States and distributors in 48 countries worldwide. Bob Haro, who is known in the BMX industry as the “Father of Freestyle,” founded Haro Bikes in 1978.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Enough is enough!



I freaked out a few days ago! No MORE junk food I’m not relaying on my body anymore after retiring from racing so why not run on the cheap food, right? Well let me tell you that stuff SUX! So I flipped and threw out all the junk food and got back on the XC diet, what a difference. It’s amazing how hard it is to get fit and how fast you can loose it, and Cheeseburgers don’t help!



Also I got a new pair of shoes yesterday, I had to attach a picture because they are quit possibly the most comfortable shoes, EVER. Thank you Andy!

Saturday, September 17, 2005

Horgan-Kobelski, McConneloug Take Pro Cross Country Titles.

XC:
Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Boulder, Colo.) captured his fourth consecutive pro men's national cross country title and Mary McConneloug (Chilmark, Mass.) added a second stars and stripes jersey to her closet with a win in the pro women's race.

Matathon Winners:
Travis Brown (Boulder, Colo.) and Gretchen Reeves (Boulder, Colo.) each rode to national titles in the 66-mile marathon event.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

WARNING:

Due to increasing products liability litigation, American liquor manufacturers have accepted the FDA's suggestion that the following warning labels be placed immediately on all varieties of alcohol containers:

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your bra and panties.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a retard.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may be a major factor in getting your ass kicked.

WARNING: the crumsumpten of alcahol may mack you tihnk you can tipe real gode tihnk you can tipe real gode