Pedal more

I do it every year. I remember reading a news article several years ago about a bunch of crazy people that ride their bikes in the heat, and somehow I thought, "that sounds like something I would like to try to do."

It's been a journey with a lot of interesting twists and turns, but I have managed to collect all the things necessary to ride a road bike and then get out and sit in the saddle. I started out a little bit at a time, first off with an inexpensive bicycle I picked up at a thrift store. I was able to ride that enough on some group rides to realize that I enjoyed it. When I'm pedaling along, and especially when I'm riding downhill, in my head I'm saying "Weeeeeeeeee!" like a little kid. I'm a big boy, so I go downhill pretty fast due to the laws of physics. Uphill, not so much.

Like I said, I started collecting all the stuff. You bike riders out there know the drill. It doesn't matter if it's for a road bike or mountain bike, you've got to get volumes of accessories for the bike, clothes that are appropriate, shoes and pedals, etc. There are lots of ways to collect that stuff too. You have your LBS (otherwise known as the Local Bike Shop) which can be a boutique type of place up to the bigger bike stores (We have a few here in Dallas). I'm pretty happy with my setup right now, but I am thinking real hard about getting a new pair of shoes this year and switching to Look style pedals from SPD.

Oh, and I've horse traded bikes several times so that now I'm riding a bike I really love and plan to keep for a good long while. I'm pedaling a Specialized Roubaix with a compact crank, which works out well for a big guy like me that's had two back surgeries. Comfort is a premium for me at this stage of my life and this bike has been good to me. About the only way I'm going to be any more comfortable is if I go recumbent but I don't see that in my budget right now, so I'm satisfied with my ride.

Anywho, I'm about ready for my annual pilgrimage to Whichita Falls for Hotter N Hell. I think this is going to be about my 7th or 8th time doing it. I only missed one year since I started, due to circumstances that were out of my control. I expect I'll keep going until I can't do it any more. It grows every year, and it's a pretty amazing thing to stand there with the bike at the start and look around to see so many tens of thousands if riders in one place. There is a lot of "Weeeeeeeeee!" going on in my head for a good part of the day, and I'm always feeling like I accomplished something when I finish. I always did the 100 mile rides the first few years, and I've done the 100K ride the other years. I choose based on my training leading up to the ride. My goal every year is to have a wonderful day, enjoy myself and the company of others, and finish healthy.

I've got a lot more where that came from about riding bikes, but I'll have to write more in some other posts. Check back from time to time and see what's up. For now, I'm getting ready to go ride in the heat.

Meditation in Dallas

It is that time again in Dallas. People in this area don't know what a treasure is hidden right out in plain sight. We have a meditation center that is dedicated to serving the cause of world peace, and it offers an intensive opportunity to learn about meditation every year.

The course is free. That's right, there is no cost to come to the center and learn to meditate. There is no talk about religion - all faiths welcome. They aren't asking you to join anything. You don't have to change the way you dress, or have any diet that is different than what you are already doing in your life. Free of charge. The only thing you have to do is decide you want to learn to meditate, and show up.

There is a Monk (pictured left) who made a commitment to work toward a goal of world peace, and so it is his service to pass on his knowledge about the techniques of meditation. He has meditation centers in Canada, but we only have ONE in the whole United States. It's right here in Dallas, Texas.

Luangphor Viriyang Sirintharo kicks off another course for 2013 when he comes to Dallas on Sunday, August 25 at the meditation center located at 2526 Manana Drive. It is a rare opportunity for those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing Luangphor Viriyang to be able to see him here in Dallas, and for those who haven't met him yet this event is not to be missed. You should be there, seriously. 2 - 4 PM on Sunday, August 25th. I'm going to drive in from another state because I love it when he comes to town.

Learn more about his story and committment to teaching at his website. If you know about this course, or Luangphor Viriyang, or even just think you really want to come check it out, let someone else that might be interested know. Bring them too!