Is it Spring yet?

It's snowing. Dammit.

But what does it matter? Most of my outdoor projects are completed and there will still be enough time to finish things up.

Plus, my back is out as I type, so I am not much good to anyone right now. I could probably ride, probably swim but not run really well because I can't stand up straight.

All this comes on the eve of the Double Cross Halloween Weekend. Races at Wheeler Farm on Saturday and Sunday. They are iffy now, at best.

On the bright side of things, I think my backyard tubeless cross wheel setup is working. I did a short ride the other night and had no issues with leaks or rolling tires at 45 psi. I did smack a rock hard enough to think I might have broke my front wheel, and nearly send me over the handle bar, and just kept right on going. It would have pinch flatted a tube for sure.

On a sadder note, my Dad's (and my) Jack Russell Terrier died last week. He had a severe infection from advanced diabetes and Pop decided it was better to have him put down. Roscoe was a great little dog and tough as nails. He'd fight most any dog and I saw him win against larger dogs more than once. He was a lover, too. He didn't like to be held, but that was alright because he felt like a sack of sticks when you did.

My sis gave him to me several years before she died. Then, when I married Wifey, Pa wanted to keep Roscoe at the house. He said it was to make my new apartment life easier. But I think he liked the dog which was why I never asked to have him back.

Roscoe went pretty much everywhere with Dad, so it is a kick in the gut to him. It's tough when your best buddy suddenly isn't there anymore, following you into the bathroom and stuff. I know. I gave him up once. But now, like so many other people and things I've cared for, he only lives in my memories.

Three Years

In stark contrast to my normal entries about training, not training, wishing I were training, whining, being sick, etc. this is a lottle more personal.

January 31 marked the third year without my sister, and one of my yearly emotional ass-kickings.

Three years since liver cancer robbed her from our family. Her daughters, her niece.

It still isn't fair. It still pisses me off. It still isn't getting any easier.

I want to do more to prevent this from happening from anyone else, and I'm still trying to devise a scheme that will work. When I put it together, this blog will be the vehicle to communicate my progress.

In the meantime, even though the economy is whirling like a turd in a toilet, I encourage you to donate generously to the fight against cancer. It's tax deductible, it makes you feel good knowing you are helping others, and it might just lead to a cure.

9/11 — Never Forget!

On this day, the 7th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, I encourage you to remember those who sadly lost their lives and the families who so unexpectedly lost loved ones that day.

I remember turning on the television that morning and watching a live feed from a helicopter. It showed the World Trade Center's North Tower smoking, and they were talking about what type of plane had struck the tower.

Then suddenly, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston — the second hijacked airliner — flew in from the left of the TV screen and crashed into the South Tower.

I will never forget seeing, LIVE, Flight 175 strike the South Tower. For that brief moment, time stood completely still as I realized that our nation was under attack. I will never forget.

And I knew that somewhere in the world, very soon, that there would be hell to pay. Because 9/11 would turn into the most unifying event since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Because in spite of our political and religious beliefs, most Americans continue to share the same steely determination as the brave people on United Airlines Flight 93, who faced down the terrorists and took them on. Losing their lives, but preventing another, possibly more appalling disaster.

The United States and our true allies continue to be at war fighting terrorists who are in league with those responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Terrorists who have zero tolerance for infidels and differing lifestyles, those who simply don't believe in the same God as they do.

While you are saying a prayer for, or simply remembering, all the victims of this tragic day don't forget to add a little something for our military. The men and women who are putting their lives out there to do the best they can to prevent another 9/11 from happening ever again.

I am a patriot. I love my country, it is the greatest country on the planet, do not disgrace it. Do not burn a flag near me. It may be your First Amendment right to do it, but it is also mine to do everything I can to put out the flames.

I'll close this post with the immortal words of Todd Beamer, one of those who fought back on United Airlines Flight 93:

"Are you guys ready? Let's Roll."