Torrey Pines Time Trial & Immunity!

August 30, 2009

Another early start this morning with an immunity challenge

at 6:15. Pop Quiz, does that phrase still strike terror in your heart, bring back bad memories from high school? Name the seven cities in the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. Wow, I have read and studied a lot of the literature, but I have not reviewed the course. So I attacked the problem with my experience of riding the coast in 5 days and was filled in the blanks from memory of the different jerseys I have seen on the training rides. (Each day during the QMDC, you get a jersey that features the city of the route.) So I attacked it with the ones I knew for sure and filled in the blanks.

1) San Francisco (Start)

2) Santa Cruz

3) Big Sur

4) San Luis Obispo/Pismo Beach

5) Santa Barbara

6) Marina Del Rey

7) Newport Beach

8) La Jolla (Arivee)

I relied on the jerseys for Santa Cruz and Marina Del Rey. I get to enjoy the gift of immunity for this weeks elimination. Listen in this Wednesday to XX1090am to The Scott & BR Show for the results. I have the task of adding a personal touch to the immunity pump. So far it has been jeweled on every surface, pimped out lowrider style, and it sports a mirror, horn, California 'PAT' license plate and has a lizard crawling up the side. I know what I want to do, just have to go find all the bits to do it, that is today's mission.

After the immunity challenge, the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge riders discussed our fundraising efforts. Together we have raised over $20,000 for Challenged Athletes Foundation. Alex Hamlow joined us back on the road today. It has been 6 weeks since he crashed on the descent of Mt. Palomar, and about 4 weeks since surgery to repair his broken collar bone. Welcom back Alex!

Today's ride was a short fitness test/individual time trial. We rolled out of Fletcher Cove at 7 and warmed up with a 5 mile ride through Del Mar to the base of Torrey Pines. There was a low turnout, with only around 20 people in the group. We were leaving at 1 minute intervals so there was some time to hang out or climb inside Torrey to warm up. I rode partially up the inside with Alex early, then got lined up. I was near the back, so I rode up a bit more before my turn to loosen up again.

Torrey Pines is probably the standard for hill climbs in San Diego. It is around 1.5 miles with approximately 450' of elevation gain. It is a nice steady climb.

I started out of the gate and held a strong pace for the first 2 minutes around 16mph. When the grade pitched up, I shifted to my small ring and threw my chain off the inside. I spent about 5 seconds trying to spin the chain back on and succeeded, but it messed up my rhythm. I maintained around 12 mph up the rest of the hill, and was surprised when I rounded the corner and saw the finish. I stood up and sprinted to the line. 7:11, was my time. I am satisfied with it and I know that I can push it more and get under 7 minutes for sure.

There was a flat at the top, one of the new riders (first time out) had a flat front. I helped them get the tube replaced and rolled back down the inside with Mike, Dean, and Scott. I had an explosive flat at the bottom. Split the tube 4" and knocked the tire off the rim. I quickly replaced the tube and used the SAG pump. Dean and Scott were having a good time commenting on method (Pumping with one hand while setting the tire bead with the other, nothing wrong with multi-tasking!).

Today was another great day on the road. Thanks Mari, Vikki, Mike, Dean, and Lisa for running the stopwatch!

Win the Ultimate BBQ

Talk about an awesome fundraising item! It could be yours, $30 for one chance, $50 for 2. 300 chances will be sold in all. Many thanks to Framemax!

This is an incredible set up. It can be arranged in any manner to suit your patio. We will deliver and set up the parts for you. It is unfinished, so you pick your tiles and stucco for a DIY project or hire it done. This is a $5,000 prize!

Winner will be announced on October 9th.

For more information email me: veloadam@ymail.com

Facebook, see the flyer and information: http://qmdcbeck.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-ultimate-bbq.html.

Poker Run!

Join us and support the CAF with a fun 45 mile Poker Run! We will start and end at the park (3700 Townsgate Drive, Please park in the lower level lot.) The ride will take us over the 3 Witches, through Santa Luz and PQ, then loop around Scripps Ranch for some popular climbs before cutting through Mira Mesa/Sorrento Valley back to the start.

Cost is $25. All Proceeds go to Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Water will be provided at 2 of the card stops.

Preview the course here.

Whats a Poker Run? Basically there will be 5 places to stop and get a card. The person with the best hand at the end of the day, wins. The person with the worst, wins something too. Don't worry, you don't have to be an expert as it is totally luck of the draw.

Please RSVP. Email me: veloadam@ymail.com

It will be a fun time. Come on out!

No Hulk Here

August 27, 2009

I have been on my new hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for about a month. How's it going you may ask?

It could be a lot better....

I am lethargic.

I am distracted.

I am constantly tired.

I am not recovering quickly from exercise.

My mood is not as peppy as I prefer.

I have an increased urge to curl up on the couch with a bowl of ice cream and watch Steel Magnolias and The Notebook.

I am whiney. (Well, at least more than usual...)

Well, that was the list. Place special emphasis on the last item and procede with caution if we shall meet.

I had blood work done yesterday. The results showed acceptable total testosterone levels (625ng/dl), but all of the symptoms and timing of them directly correlate to the switch over from

one treatment to another. I have a new formula on the way, that's right, they are going to raise my dosage (again) and get me to the 700-750 range. Any higher than that and I might turn green, eat cars, and communicate by grunting. And besides, spandex may be flexible and stretchy, but there is a limit to how far it can go...

With any luck the new medication will arrive tomorrow and I will start feeling more human very soon!

Elimination Tomorrow

August 25, 2009

OK folks, its elimination time again on The Scott & BR Cycling Challenge. The Final 10 will go down to 8 tomorrow between 6:15 and 6:45am. Tune in to XX1090am, listen online, or watch the webcam to see who makes the cut!

Circle R Vista Twist...Its not a Cocktail.

August 23, 2009

No, its not a cocktail, but if it were it would start smooth and sweet but finish hot, spicy, dry, and harsh.

I knew when I woke up that it was going to be a hard day. I did not sleep well with some troubling news from home. My cousins wife had been admitted to the hospital Saturday morning and by the end of the day had been defibrulated 3 times, finally they put her in a medical coma, respirator, and were chilling her to prevent further damage to her heart. The real shocker is that she is only 24 years old. OK, the bad news from Indiana can stop any time now, seriously.

When I woke up, I was slow and tired and my legs were filled with lead from Saturday. "Give it your best shot, thats all you can do," I told myself as I drove to the ride.

In the parking lot, Pat showed his additions to the immunity pump. He made some cool adds. A "PAT" Californai License plate ws added to the bars, horn and mirror, too. A rubber lizard was also added. I would like to hear the story behind it.

I had my flyers out for the Bicycle Poker Run, please come join us. It is going to be fun!

The ride up the coast was fast as usual. I rode with Rob and Joy from the contest and we talked about events and fudraising. We were in Oceanside in no time at all. There was a little slip up when we were going under the 5 on the San Luis Rey trail and everyone in the back had to stop and unclip on a steep little hill. Quick reactions everyone! Not soon afterI had to do a little bit of off road riding. I looked back to check on Don, while entering a turn at speed, when two people with dogs entered my field of vision. I tried to keep it on the road, but ditched that idea and rode through the dirt and gravel, around a trash can and power pole before getting it back on the trail. Whew! That was lucky. Don rode up next to me and said something to the effect of a nice Lance maneuver.

I was downing the water today. I was empty everytime we stopped. I was paying for yesterdays lack of hydration. We rolled out again and Greg got a flat. Mike Henderson, Don

Parker, and I stopped to get him back on the road as fast as possible. Everyone else stopped as well. Although I was struggling on the flats, I was pretty strong climbing. So the Circle R section treated me well, except it was hot. We all stopped and caught some releif in the shade of a tree as we waited for everyone to complete the climb up Circle R. The bike developed a shake in the front while braking so I backed off on the descents and before I knew it the group had moved too far forward for me to catch them. There was a nice wind out there, too. I made my way to SAG 2 solo. We past Ron Berry (Scott & BR Cycling Challenge Final 15) and other Suamis riders on the hills of North County, too.

After a quick bottle topper, we were out again. Rob Lindbloom had a flat about 5 minutes after we started up again. Don and I stopped to assist. We collectively abandoned all hope of regrouping and decided to just noodle it back to Fletcher Cove. We missed our turn ont Poinsetta and took te next street, Alga. Ouch! What's a few more hundred feet of climbing for the day? It hurt today, but I still had a great time. Thanks again ride leaders, Vikki, and SAG support for all the fun.

Two riders will be eliminated this week from the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge on August 26 on XX1090am. It has been a great experience that I will remember for decades to come. I am not ready to go home, yet! Listen in and wish me luck!

Rain? In San Diego?

August 22, 2009

I was super excited to get out and ride with the

Trek group today on the new setup. Everything was tweaked, adjusted, clean, and perfect. Well, at least it started out that way.

We met up in Oceanside for a different cousrse than our normal schedule. Out and Back to Dana Point, no proble, The forcast called for a 30% chance of rain, and seeing that it is

San Diego, I was gambling on the 70%. No sooner than we got rolling through Camp Pendleton (thanks for letting us ride on your streets USMC) it started to sprinkle. I know, sprinkling is not raining, but when it doesnt rain 10 months out of the year, it is a pretty big deal. The streets are slick, the road paint is really slick, and the water gathering on the pavement is very nasty.

I stopped to help on of the riders with a flat near the Las Plugas exit. We made quick work of the change, but were quickly dropped by our group and quickly passed by the others. So we were off the back by a bit, we cranked it up and we were really clipping along because of a super strong tailwind, which is great, except this is an out and back, so we would have to ride back INTO the wind. Stink. We passed most of the group on the smooth sections of concrete on the bike path and met back up with our group at the rest stop.

We rolled out of San Clemente for a quick loop around Laguna Niguel, and it was still sprinkling. Our group kept fracturing so I fell back to the back a few time to pace everyone up and try to make it easier on everyone, well everyone aside from me at least. On of our guys had a little spill on a turn. He took it too hot and lost traction pon the wet road. I stopped to assist, but he was fine, just a few scrapes, and he was back rolling.

We regrouped again in San Clemente amd made our way back through San Onofre and Camp Pendleton. The wind was strong, but at least the rain had stopped. The rain freed up all the road grit, and it was like your legs were being sandblasted. We fought the wind all the way back, trying to keep some organization and share the work among the group. Once the clouds cleared, it got really hot, especially in Pendleton. I will admit that I did not drink enough during the day. When it is raining, your bottles are covered in grit, and sometimes really you dont feel thirsty...big mistake.

The bike was a mess. Started the day clean and perfect, not so much at the end. I spent 1.5 hours rinsing and scrubbing all of the oil and sand out of all the nooks and crannies. I suppose, what better way to break in the new gear, right?

It was an interesting day for sure. Chilly and raining with a tail wind going up, dirt, hot, and and a headwind back. As they say: "No bad rides."

Homework Finsihed

So, I got it done and submitted my essay last night. I wrote it on Wednesday and kept messing with it last night. Very concise, technical, and to the point...who would have thought.

The XX1090am radio contest, The QMDC, and the CAF have made a profound impact on me. TheScott & BR Cycling Challenge has kept me on my toes, presenting new challenges, experiences, and inspiration to do more. The organizers and support crew provide the best riding and charity experience, hands down. The participants are wonderful people that I am honored to know and ride with; I look forward to every ride and receive great satisfaction from helping others along when I am able. The friendships that have formed are ones that will last a lifetime.

I have a big weekend, 75 miles tomorrow with the Trek Store Group, then Sunday's QMDC ride. I cannot wait. I am loving every minute of this journey!

There have been some HUGE fundraising developments, stay tuned for some BIG news!

Poker Run Anyone?

Bike is Rebuilt!

I received a replacement frame earlier this week for my Madone. Apparently, the 2008 model had some issues with paint and cracks, my first one showing up during my ride down the coast from San Francisco in June. I did not think much of it, as I suspected it to be just paint cracking. My awesome friends at the San Diego Trek Superstore worked with the warranty claims and got me a nice new blue one (although I must admit, I was pretty fond of the white/black/red that I had.). I decide to build it myself, only getting assistance on the steerer cutting. I enjoyed the rebuild process, and found it to be pretty simple in the end. Thanks to all my buddies for convincing me to "make it my own." Any many thanks to the folks at the San Diego Trek Superstore!

Check out The Scott & BR Show tomorrow 5-9am in the morning on xx1090am if you are in San Diego or online everywhere else in the world.

Homework?

August 19, 2009

I received an email late last evening from Vikki. I had to read it twice, to make sure I was comprehending it correctly. Homework, its been years since I has a composition assignment!

"Your assignment is to submit yet another paragraph. 100 words or less based on your experience with the ride/contest thus far. We are more than half way through our 20 week training program and I would like to hear your thoughts on being a part of the XX1090 contest and the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. We are all motivated and inspired by different aspects of this competition and I’m curious to hear what you have to say."

Hmmm. I am going to have to really think about this one. Afterall, it is almost twice as long as the first, 56 word essay.

Stay tuned, and if you are not tuned in to my blog, tune in to XX1090am.

Postponed!

August 17, 2009

No one will be eliminated this week! Two finalists will be sent packing on August 26 and two more on September 2.

Listen to xx1090am, online, or watch the webcam to stay up to date on the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge!

Scripps Poway Highlands

August 16, 2009

The Scott & BR Cycling Challenge final 10 gathered early today in the Flower Hill Promenade for an immunity challenge. Arrive at 6:15 and wear your thinking caps... I did not know

what to expect...and there was no way I would have guessed what the challenge really was. Mike and Vikki pull out a 2 gallon jar chocked full of ACCELGEL packets. We had 5 minutes to guess how many calories were inside. I took the engineers approach and came up with what I though was a solid number, 6480 calories over 72 packets. I was about 20% short. Pat Thomas was closest to the approx 8,000 Calories.

Today was an incredible day. The weather could not have been any more perfect for this course. The climb to Ramona is long and steady and typically hot. The same can be said of the area around Ramona, hot, exposed, and dirty. Today we were blessed with a decent cloud cover in the morning and temps only climbing into the mid 80's.

Group 2 started out at a comfortable and organized pace. The pace allowed for some conversations along the 56 bike path. We then reached the decent down Black Mountain Road to the climb up Mercy/Scripps Poway Parkway. On the way down, Don Ankeny had a peculiar mechanical problem. I stopped with Dan, Dean, and Scott to help out. It was really diffiult to crank it over. The derailers were fine, so it was assumed the bottom bracket was the culprit. We took the rear wheel off and discovered the nut that holds the cassette on the rear weel was off, and looked stripped. Don's day was over and was calling for a ride...

So the small group rode out. We had already been passed by group 3, so there was no point in hammering it to catch up to group 2. It will be an easier pace today. We passed Mike Henderson on the side of the road with another flat. He had some assistance, se we kept rolling.

At the top of Scripps Poway Parkway we had caught up with the tail end of group 2. I was having a conversation about the radio interviews last week with Scott Kaplan, xx1090's Scott & BR Show, when Vikki pulled up followed by a Highway patrol car. (Sorry for calling you out, Vikki) Whatever she did, she was able to get out of, because the officer thought he knew someone in the SAG Group (but turns out he did not). He graciously accepted a Fruit Kabob from the incredible SAG stop. Fruit Kabobs, water service, the works. Well done team!

The ride was very comfortable. I enjoyed the group I was with tremendously. I meet new people every week and they are all simply good people. Everyone I meet is someone that it is a pleasure to know.

I had the opportunity to chat with Dean Roeper and Scott Rhodes, the event chairs. They both stated what a great job The Scott & BR Cycling Challenge riders are doing raising funds and getting the word out about the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Thanks for the company guys. Our small group absorbed a few riders along the way. We shared the load and rolled back into the starting point around noon.

Studio Interviews

August 13, 2009

This morning had an early start. I and my 9 Scott & BR Cycling Challenge finalist friends met at the Cox Communications Studio for live on the air interviews. I have to admit, even though I have been previously interviewed by Scott & BR, I was nervous. I did not know what to expect.

I was amazed at the amount of work

that goes on behind the scenes. When you tune in, you hear the hosts, Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith with updates by Jack Cronin. Well, there is a lot more going on than that. John Pratt is in the producers box running the sound board and keeping the show on track. Then there are interns working on all sorts of tasks. It is a very impressive production.

I was the 7th contestant to sit in the chair, and at roughly 8:15 was on the air. The interview lasted about 2 minutes and I was able to say most of what I wanted to. I was recognized by Scott Kaplan for my Facebook posting during show.

I want to thank everyone for the kind calls, emails, and facebook comments. Now, lets put the words of engouragement into action. Click on my picture to the right and donate to the Challenged Athletes Foundation today!

This Thursday, Listen to Team 1090 in the Studio

Good evening!

Tune in to The Scott & BR Show on xx1090am this Thursday, August 13 between 6 and 9am for interviews with 10 finalist in The Scott & BR Cycling Challenge. We have spent weeks training for the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge, and we are now down to 10 riders. We will be live in The Cox Communications Studio, catch us on the webcam! Dont have a radio at work? Listen online.

Don't miss all of the fun!

Kitchen Creek

August 9, 2009

Another chilly start this morning! Everyone was searching for that little piece of sunlight as we were getting ready for todays popular ride, Kitchen Creek. Anyone that rides knows it, or knows of it. If you have never done it, it should be on your to do list...just don't do it alone.

The ride started as they usually do with a course briefing and other normal business. Brian Brillo got to show off his additions to the immunity pump. He pulled out all of the stops by adding handlebars complete with streamers, bottle cage, and even a QMDC bottle! Make no mistake, you can definately still see all of Joy's hard work...it still looks like Liberace's bicycle pump. underneath the new enhancements.

Groups 1 and 2 rolled out of the parking lot in Pine Valley on schedule. I was definately a little stiff from yeasterdays effort in the climbing clinic. Immediately out of the gate, someones tire let loose. What a stink way to start a day on the bike... The course is a challenging one. There are slight rollers at the start but then it starts. Lots of UP...about 14 miles of nonstop climb with about 3000 feet of gain. You have to be mentally prepared for it. The hardest part is at the beginning, then the grade levels out after about 4 miles, and that is about the point that I noticed that I was gaining ground on Mike Henderson, our fearless leader. He had a flat, not a violent one, but a slow steady leak. I stopped to help, he changed the tube while I held his new (and beautiful) bicycle. He started to pump, but it wasnt taking air. Mike was ready to SAG it back to the car when Joe Weickgenant showed up. After using Joes tube and extension, we were rolling again. A little over halfway up, Joe had another violent tub explosion. Since both Joe and Mike were out of tubes, I gave him one of mine. No more flats...there was still 6 miles to go and one tube between the three of us.

It is a very peaceful climb if you take a minute to really look around. The vistas are incredible, just dont mind the millions of anthills and huge cow patties that litter the entire climb up the fire access road. We reached the pine trees and the ride gets easier. where the road hits Sunrise Highway, Tina was set up with all of our SAG goodies. I was nearly out of water so I was happy to see the wagon. We had fallen back pretty far with all of the flats, so we were rolling out with group 2.

Its an awesome ride down Sunrise Highway to the 79. Big descents with nice rollers and incredible views of the desert. We split up when we reached the 79 because our group was pretty large for the busy, narrow road. I enjoyed the comfortable pace all the way back to the car.

Another great day on the bike with good friends.

There was mention about all of the contestants going to the radio station this week. Stay tuned for more information on that.

QMDC Climbing Clinic

August 8, 2009

Today brings a format change to the training program. There is an optional Climbing Clinic from Descanso to Julian and Back through Pine Hills. It had been a week since I last rode, and I really needed a good ride to help clear my mind.

It was a brisk morning! Wow, and to think this is August?

We had a smaller group, approximately 20 people, Including Coaches Mari, Lisa, and Mike and fellow contestant Rob Millium. We rolled out of the car park at 7 am and quickly my fingers were numb from the cold. I rode a bit aggressively to the first rest stop at Lake Cuyamaca. Kip and I traded efforts and got to the store a few minutes before the others. I usually ride with the group but I needed a few miles to get rid of all of the garbage that had accumulated in my mind and body over the week back in Indiana.

After a brief stop, we were back on the road headed to Julian on highway 79. The chill from the morning had left us after the first few miles and the day was turning out to be a beautiful one. The sun was shining, the shy was very clear and blue, and the temps were sitting right in the mid 80's. Perfect day to be on the bike. We regrouped at the coffee house and had a nice little break sitting around the table and chatting it up. The gigantic cinnamon rolls looked very good, but I decided to stick with the Cliff Bar, because we still had a lot of climbing to do.

Mike, Kip and I rode up front for the Engineer's Road climbs. I really like that road. It has always ranked as one of my favorites, even though it can be a tough one. Some sections hit 16% according to my Garmin data, but they sure feel more like 20%.

After another quick stop at Lake Cuyamaca we were back on the road. Just 11 rolling miles back to the car, it should be easy, I thought. I was rolling with Mike, Lisa, and Kip. They decend much better than I do, so I was left hanging solo for a while to catch back on. There was a pretty strong wind to battle, but I got back up there. From there, it was just an enjoyable paceline through Descanso and back to the car.

There is no such thing as bad rides in my book. This one was exceptionally good. Everyone rode well. I think the clinic was a success.

We ride Kitchen Creek tomorrow, and I cannot wait to see the immunity pump.

Scott & BR Cycling Challenge Final 10

August 5, 2009

There was a radio show announcement today for the Team 1090/Scott & BR Cycling Challenge final 10 riders, but there was a hitch. I could not listen in because I was at my grandfather's funeral service. I was nervous for the results, and not being able to listen in was not helping.

I received a call from Mike Henderson letting me know I was still in the contest, shortly after the radio announcement. Awesome! Chris Glossner was even faster getting a facebook post/email right away. Thanks for letting me know.

Congratulations to everyone that made it through!

Efrain Arvizu
Adam Beck
Brian Brillo
Alex Hamlow
Rob Lindbloom
Rob Millum
Joy Muehlenbein
Patrick Thomas
Mark VanDierndonck
Joseph Weickgenant

Find our pictures here.

Bernard Zauss, My Pappaw

August 5, 2009

Today my family gathered for my grandfather's funeral. There are countless wonderful things that I could say about this man and my memories of him, but I think that it is best to simply post my sisters eulogy. She did a fantastic job, very moving, and very true.

As I sat down to plan this eulogy, I realized just how much there was to say about my Papaw. There are so many different ways to go with this...

I could write it about the Greatest Generation. Papaw’s life is nothing short of an American family portrait. He came from the Great Depression, faced with despair, but he didn’t recall a missed meal or a complaint. His recall is of sharing milk and produce from the farm with those who were hungry. I often heard him say, “We were poor, but we didn’t know it”

Then, at a time in his life that should have been filled with innocent adventure, love, carefree moments, he was fighting a war in the most primitive conditions in the islands of the South Pacific on the USS Hammul. His destroyer was torpedoed and he was thrown from port to stern. Knowing he was badly injured, bruised for the waist down, he went to the ship’s doctor who told him, "Go about your business son, there are people hurt far worse than you." And so he did and therefore left a purple heart that day in a very unselfish gesture.

He knew the true meaning of sacrifice from material possessions and real blood, sweat and tears but was humble enough to never brag about what he had done or what he had been through. People of this generation loved each other, loved life, loved their country and weren’t afraid to say it!

And while Papaw was definitely a picture perfect member of the Greatest Generation, there is so much more to say.......He was Compassionate! He was a sweet man! His brother Vin said, “I think of your Dad as we grew up as the kindest brother one could possibly have. He maintained that kindness his whole life. He took care of my Mother and Dad in their old age while the rest of his Sib's left to follow their stars. He took care of your Mom for many difficult years. He loved your Mom very deeply. Kindness was certainly safe with him.”

Papaw was always there for a hug and kiss and never afraid to say “I love you.” He was one of the first people you ran or picked up the phone to call even just 2 weeks ago.... to tell news about grades, points scored, awards, engagements, acceptances, the reception one got at an art show, babies born and he was as excited as if it was his own accomplishment.

Maybe more importantly was that we went directly to him with our heartbreaks and disappointments. He always knew what to say and sometimes there was nothing to say but to know that it was OK to be sad. He listened to our disappointments, hurt feelings, broken relationships, news of illnesses and deaths, house fires and always carried your burden as if it was his own.

He had so much compassion for people that he didn’t even know or weren’t his family. He adopted every employee at the Sterling house, knew what they were going through . He always had compassion for the underdog. Allyson tells a story of a waitress that treated him badly and while it angered her, he explained that "You never know what people's lives are like, and what they carry around with them."

He loved his wife, Mary. How many times did you catch them holding hands, stealing kisses. He grieved so deeply for her, often saying that his heart was broken in two. Their marriage was a terrific example for all of us.

I saw Papaw cry many times: Happy times like weddings, graduations and births... Moving times...when he looked across a large body of water, or visiting a war memorial ..... and Sad times like deaths and good-byes. We all know how much he loved us because he told us and he talked to everyone about his family. Every conversation was begun by him going down the line and updating you an all the others....

Another angle I could take with the would be... The postman, and that he delivered. Corny but true... He delivered everything from a sweet-smelling love letter to a Queen bee. He was on time, dependable, cared about his patrons and their welfare. He would often knock on doors when things looked awry. He and his Gravel-dust-caked Ford with Brach’s cinnamon discs and 1,000s of rubber bands and a CB in order to let Granny know he was on his way for his noon meal. The postman...that’s predictable and the Marvellettes had already wrote a song about it!

Focus on the farmer. After he had seen the world, he went back to the family farm back to his roots and heritage. He kept the family farm running and maintained the homestead for generations of Zauss’. Raising cattle and row crops and a family. The farmer in him never left as he was a superb gardener and nature lover. Somehow, produce always tasted better from his garden. He was a naturalist and enjoyed unusual flowers and anomalies like four leaf clovers. He was a bird watcher and especially like sand hill cranes. Of course, all of these things are true about my Papaw and truly worthy of the subject of a eulogy, but I still wasn’t satisfied.....

I know, the one this that set him apart.......He was the King of Jokes, one-liners and funny sayings! Yes, a walking, talking joke encyclopedia! He had the uncanny ability to tell, remember and re-tell jokes. Some jokes he saved until just the right moment. He had a rare sense of humor...very sarcastic, the kind that made you want to crawl under the table ....every joke was immediately followed by “oh, Bernard!”........and fortunately the gene that carries that has been passed down (Uncle Kenny, Ben, Adam, Kyle)

Think about it? Did you ever have a conversation in person or on the phone when he didn’t tell a joke or try to pull your leg?
He had:
★Blonde jokes

★Political jokes

★President Jokes, Bush, Bill, Hillary, Billary ( turns out Clinton years were good for him)

★ Bar jokes is various combinations of people and animals sitting at the bar

★100’s of plane going down jokes with one parachute short with various mixtures of people......lawyers, doctors, movie stars, presidents, priests, rabbis, blondes, sports stars

★And the same type of joke with St. Peter and the Pearly gates

★Jokes we wished he would never tell

★Jokes we wished we could hear again

★IU jokes

★Purdue jokes

★IU vs. Purdue jokes

★Good news/ Bad news jokes

★Jokes about where one should or shouldn’t be buried

★A Birate Joke

★a CM goldfish joke

★Doctor jokes

★Pharmacist jokes

★Lawyers jokes

★Redneck jokes

★Insurance jokes

★Santa jokes

★Halloween jokes

★Losing one’s memory jokes

★How many people does it take to change a light bulb jokes

He pulled pranks EVERY April fool’s day

He said funny things like:
★Kok -e-mo and St. Jo-ann of Arc, Lowles home improvement

★ sick you go to the Horse-pital

★color... poiple and it was beauuuutiful

★Coke-e-Cola

★rolled oats, roasting ears, roast beast and they were scrumptious

★ you wore britches

★He loved to spend time in BROWN county

★He greeted you with Helloooooooo

★He sang like Popeye the Sailor man

He never missed church, Purdue BB ball or the Young and the Restless....his favorite character...Dutch

He told us that “it will stop hurting when it quits” and got his pocket knife out to just cut that sore part off. Then he would put Campho phenic on it

He said “whatever will be will be even if it never comes to pass”
Glad you got to see me
Come after breakfast, bring your own lunch and leave before dinner
We should go to bed so these people can go home

I feel as if i have only scratched the surface of this great man, my Papaw.
90 years on this earth and sharp as a tack until the last couple days. The doc sad that his heart gave out....not surprisingly he died of a broken heart from the loss of Granny.

Strength Clinic

August 2, 2009

I will miss the clinic. I was really looking forward to it, but have to take the first plane out of San Diego and get back to Indiana to be with my family. Good Luck with the immunity challenge and I will see all of you next week!

Trek Ride, then Bad News

August 1, 2009

Today I rode as a guide for the Trek Superstore. I have ridden with this group for almost 2 years and have made some really great friends along the way. They have helped to 'transform' me. When I started riding with them I weighed in at just over 200 lbs, and was very unhealthy. The riders and guides motivated me to make a change in my lifestyle, and I have not looked back since. I started riding in the 'B' group which rides a 13-15 mph average, spent a season in the B+ group (15-17 mph) and then have ridden as a B+ guide all of this year.

Today was the first time that I was going to try to ride in the C group (17+ mph). I have been told that I am strong enough so I thought it was time to test myself. It was not an easy course today either, Elfin Forest, Bandy Canyon, and Rancho Santa Fe, 66 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation. We rolled out of Mira Costa College and before I knew it we were rolling back into the parking lot. We finished with a 19 mph average!

It was an awesome ride, and I needed it. My grandfather had spent the entire week in the 'horspital' as he called it. He was in pretty bad shape. I called home afterwards to chat with the family. They were busy splitting time between a family gathering and the hospital. I explained to my mother that it was an incredible ride and it was as if I was being helped the whole way.

A few hours later, I received a phone call. My grandfather had passed away

Palomar Mountain

July 26, 2009

I love to climb. But Palomar always intimidates. Especially when you are supposed to start in Escondido and it is hotter than you know what outside!

The weather caused a course change. We were all going to start from Harrah's. I felt better about that since I put in a bigger effort yesterday than I had planned.

I learned a valuable lesson in the early part of the ride. Drinking FRS may cause the need for 'natural stops'. Now I know, I will never repeat. I had a really good climb up to Mothers. I chatted with Lisa a little bit and became her 'billy goat' for the climb. The legs felt really good, even with yesterday's effort with the Trek Store crew.

After a brief pause at the SAG a small group rolled on to the observatory for some bonus elevation and miles. I talked to Lisa some more to get some pointers on descending better and discovered that I was doing a lot if it incorrectly. The tips helped and I was more comfortable rollig into the long descent back to our cars. Well at least that is how it was supposed to happen.

Somewhere around the 4800' point a fellow contestant Alex had a front tire burst and suffered a nasty spill. I did not see it but I heard it. I had enough warning to get stopped safely and assess the situation. I quickly attempted to oranize the chaos and get people assisting. I really cannot remember who was there othe than Rob Lindbloom and Alex who was sprawled out on his back. A rider was sent up the hill and one down to warn traffic. A few gentlemen were on the phone with 911. I was trying to call Vikki, Kristine, and Tina but no service. A passerby was kind enough to stop and drove back to the SAG, but by that time Vikki had pulled up and also doctor Debbie. She was a great help. Thankfully I have seen this type of incident before and my experiences as a Trek San Diego ride guide came in handy.

Alex was in great spirits, considering the obvious broken collar bone and the uncomfortable road rash tha he would be qearig for the next few weeks. We were all working to keep Alex comfortable and shaded a the EMT's stabilized him for the bus ride to the hospital. I eventually took my jersey off and use that to make shade for him.

By the time Alex was in the bus and on the way down the mountain, I was the only rider left. I decided load my bike up with Alex's and ride down with Vikki in the truck.

It turns out that Alex wasn't the only rider to have bad luck. Another rider was clipped by a motorcycle and banged up his ankle pretty badly. I hope he is ok.　
Get well soon Alex! 　　

San Diego Mont Ventoux

July 25, 2009

Today I woke up early to go to a 6am TdF party and ride at the Vista location of the Trek San Diego Superstore. They had it all set up. Couches, projector, Direct TV, croissants, Nutella, and Perrier.　

We watched the epic climb up Ventoux cheering on our favorite riders. It's been really exciting and inspiring to see Lance Armstrong back in the peleton! I may be a little biased though...

Après le tour, we went for a short ride in noth county. Do not confuse short with easy. Brent made it a tough one! It was a good ride. I have not been on a lot of these roads before. It was a good day in the saddle. I was able to just (and I mean barely) hang on to the wheels of Brent Smith and Mike Olson. Probably going to feel it tomorrow though....　




Today also is my first ride on the my new HRT medication. I am undecided on how it compares to the patch. We will see in time.

San Clemente Out 'n Back

July 19, 2009

I knew today would be a tough one. Groups 1 & 2 were rolling together. Coach Mari was with us too, so I expected a tough pace. "Just hold on," I told myself because I knew that if a gap formed I was toast.　

It wasn't too bad going North until Mari and Brent Smith led a little attack in Pendleton. I made the mistake of following (or trying to, rather). I burned a few too many matches and suffered the entire stretch North of the base.

I carried the pain back into the base and began to fall off a bit. Mari came up, gave me a boost, and a few words of encouragement and I was back in it. I was able to spend some time getting to talk with Mike Jennings on the cruise down the PCH. He is definately a valuable asset to our sport!

These rides are always enjoyable. The people are all really friendly and a pleasure to know, and the coaching and support is awesome. Thank you to all the ride leaders and support crew for all they do.
　

QMDC Beach BBQ

July 15, 2009

I decided to go at the last minute and I am really glad I went. We met at Dan Wimsatt's beach home in Del Mar. It is quite a beautiful home with a more beautiful view.

I was a bit intimidated walking into this event. I am a Midwestern farm boy that has relocated to California. I cannot say that I have been to a beach house before. The nerves were silly because I knew so many people inside anyways. I met a lot of new people and some that I already knew...we look very different without our helmets and kits on!

It was a great time. Thanks Vikki for organizing and Dan for allowing us to gather in your home.
See y'all Sunday. 　 　　

Livestrong Challenge San Jose

July 12, 2009

Today was a scheduled absence from the Scott & BR Cycling Team. I was not being lazy, though! Today I participated in my 5th Livestrong Challenge and my second time on this course in San Jose. Today was the capstone on my celebration of 5 years cancer free. All of the miles of this year, my fundraising, my 5 day RIDE-FOR-CANCER.COM from the Golden Gate bridge to the Cancer Survivors park in San Diego was for this day, this ride. I was excited and emotional. I was joined by my good friend Bob White for the ride and my girlfriend Panhia. You would think that Bob and I would be tired of riding together after 620 miles down the coast but he us fun to ride with, always good for a laugh and unfortunately often the recepient of bad luck. We drove up to San Jose on Saturday morning checked into the hotel and walked over for packet pickup. I scored some good free gear for my fundraising efforts. This year it's a cool travel bag, tshirt and a runners cap, all of I with the new Team Livestrong logo. My Tshirt was also in a contest so we checked that out too. Unfortunately, I stood no chance to win, even with the best design. I was up against a team of 70+ and Amgen's team, it was a donation voting program and my small team of 3 could not compete. It was an honor to be selected, though. We watched the TdF in the hotel bar, had dinner and went on to bed.

Up and ready to go at 6:30...too bad it did not start until 7:30. I had a chance to chat with a few other riders and talk about my unique jersey. I was wearing my Scott & BR jersey and receiving a lot of compliments. Everyone at the was educated on the QMDC, the CAF, and the vote for immunity by joining Team 1090. It was a big turnout. 3200 riders, runners, and walkers. We had a good spot at the front of the chute to hopefully stay out of trouble's way. We rode the first 10 miles behind a police escort and were out of town in no time at all. It was a very smooth ride mostly. We helped a new rider change a flat. He had jus started riding his road bike 4 weeks prior and was tackling one of the tougher century rides in California. He did not know that you should carry tubes, CO2, etc...I was happy to help. The first 70 miles of the course are pretty uneventful. Rolling hills as you go south and always a nasty headwind coming back north. We paced ourselves well for the monster at mile 70. Metcalf road is a little monster that does it's best to hurt you. 1.8 miles with 1000' of elevation gain. It's pretty much 15 minutes of pure heart-redlining hell. I passed quite a few riders on the way up offering words of encouragement trying to motivate and get people to conquer the beast without unclipping and pushing the bike. I paused at the top to wait for Bob. He was having issues with a phantom flat tire issue. I rode on solo per his request. I was riding strong, having a great day in the saddle.　

The miles quickly disappeared and I found myself back in San Jose just minutes from the finish. I was overcome with emotions. I was happy, excited, and simply overwhelmed as I reflected on the events 5 years ago and since then that brought me to this moment right then on my bike in the 'Survivors' finish chute. I pulled a survivor tag from the pack pocket of my jersey and let the wind hold it up against my right hand. My left hand had all fingers stretched out as I proudly was shouting 5 years cancer free! I grabbed my yellow rose and pulled to the side, this year's ride was done.