My Cardio Machine

One of the great things about getting on the bike and riding the countryside is that it’s a very effective way to get a cardio workout.  Heart pumping, lungs working, super good for losing weight and keeping it off.  It’s also not as tough on the joints as say, running or handball. The best thing about it is, it doesn’t have to feel like a cardio workout at all.

On a bike, there’s so much scenery and interactivity you get in every ride. It puts you in touch with the outdoors, with nature, with the subtle and dramatic ways the landscape changes since the last time your rode there.  The sensation of rolling fast on a cool morning, riding through a grove of fir trees into a clearing with a view across the valley, hearing geese overhead, You’re in that moment.  

You see a hill ahead and you know which gear combination you’ll use to attack it, and precisely where you’ll get off the saddle to keep your climb aggressive. You anticipate what it will be like when you reach the top of that hill, still holding double-digit speeds, taking in another amazing view. With that anticipation, your brain tells the body to engage the climb. The hill steepens and you feel the change in your whole body. You reposition your hands on the bars, and at just the right moment you click the shifter to the gear you’d thought about long before you got there.  The legs reward you with a fast enough rotation to keep you down on the saddle. It’s all about the legs right now as you keep your momentum.

Just as you reach that spot when you’re going to lift yourself up off the saddle, you click the shifter up a gear or two, to optimize your pedaling while you’re up.  Committed to the speed you had in your mind, your heart and lungs are pumping more oxygen to your legs and core as you crank harder on the pedals. Sweat appears from everywhere as you feel the body temperature rise, and within seconds, it’s stinging your eyes and dripping off your face. The thighs are complaining, and your lungs feel like they’re going to burst if they work any harder. The only thing left between you and the top of that hill is your will.  

Are you still committed to that speed you wanted at the top, or are you going to give up, sit back, and only ride in first gear?  You push that idea out of your mind. You rock the bike a little more from side to side in case that helps you get more climb into your pedals. You say stuff out loud to cheer yourself on. It’s just you and the bike and the work. How bad do you want this hill?

So, is that a cardio workout? Sure, I guess so.

You've Got Mail!

Another personal milestone happened yesterday.  An AARP card with my name on it came in the mail.  Mrs. C caught it first, and had a little fun with the whole idea.  Then she chuckled and handed the card to me. Yep, there it was. My name. On an AARP card.

Disbelief set in rather quickly.  I just sat there, staring at the card and the letter. Not so much because it was a profound moment, more so because the words were so blurry.  Once I got my reading glasses, problem solved. 

Now, most of us know what AARP stands for, and we’d understand why it’s a bit daunting the first time you’re told you get to be “on the team.”  Geez, I guess it’s sort of a lifetime membership at this point. But it’s kind of goofy to me that nowhere on the card, and nowhere on anything in the whole mailer, do they tell you what those four letters stand for. Maybe there’s a reason they don’t say, so I won’t ruin their little secret here.  If I divulged it here, the readership from this blog could bust their whole thing wide open.

After reading that for 16 bucks I can get a cool travel bag with big AARP letters (big enough that glasses aren’t necessary), and that I’d get lots of discounts at restaurants and eyeglass stores and stuff, I’m thinking about joining.  When Mrs. C heard me say that, she reacted pretty strongly.  “No you’re NOT!” You’d think I was changing political parties or something...no honey, that was two years ago! I don’t think she’s ready to be married to a card-carrying member just quite yet. Anyway, who's chuckling now?

So, we’re at an impasse. I vote yes, she votes no, not yet. I’m going out for a run to think it over while I crank up the volume on the ipod. I can always count on Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to help get me over the hill...

When Workouts Don't Work Out

The city is putting in a park near our home. It’s going to be great when it’s done, but right now it’s just a big red dust bowl.  Just as I ran by that spot, a sudden whirlwind picked up a bunch of dust from the red clay soil and blew it right into my face.  I inhaled so much of the clay dust, I think I coughed up an ash tray.  Then a bunch of that floaty, white stuff from the cottonwood trees flew into my face to finish me off. Airborne crud is a big trigger for my asthma, which responded right on cue. I tried running a bit farther but the coughing and gasping just became too much, and I folded.

Not even 1/4 of the way, I had to stop the run and come home. A couple puffs from the inhaler and rest is usually my ticket back to life, but it’s not immediate.  I have to sit and rest, not exert myself, blah blah blah. This is the part where I need to remind myself to respect my asthma, but don’t fear it.  I hit a setback, and it’s frustrating. I’m really trying to “up my game” to the next level of fitness, but it’s hard to do that when I’m sidelined because I can’t breathe.

And here’s the real clicker...asthma is frustrating but at least I can work within some parameters to keep it at bay. It’s nothing compared to some of the physical challenges some folks are dealing with. I’ve been keeping Steve-O in my prayers--he’s still sidelined from riding because of that hip. I have a colleague at work whose MS is a major challenge all day every day. A dear friend of mine struggles with chronic heart problems. Put into perspective, my asthma is pretty manageable and I get that.

It would be wise for me to keep two important insights handy: don’t for one minute take for granted the health that I have, and don’t let the little setbacks set me back. To the extent we can, we go on.  

Tomorrow morning, I’ll lace up the running shoes again and give it a go.  Tonight, I'm just thankful I'm breathing.

Over Hill And Vale

A morning ride out in the countryside south of town offered a new combination of colors since the last time I was out this direction. The once vivid greens that were so overpowering in early summer have either become more muted, or have transformed altogether into pre-autumn golds and browns. Plants are huge and full; farms are bustling with activity right now, as the various crops that thrive in this region are well into the growing and harvesting time.  Lately we’ve been digging in on fresh local peaches...they are so tangy they zap your taste buds!

This was one of those unusual Saturdays with literally nothing on the calendar.  So, I went with that theme on my ride.  I had a general idea of what route to take, but mostly I was just making it up as I went.  Drivers didn’t seem all that interested in the roads I was on this morning, but lots of cyclists were out. There were more bikes than cars on some of these little two-lane roads that connect tiny towns outside of Salem.  More tandems and recumbents than you’d anticipate seeing (and yes, one recumbent tandem). 

I only stopped a couple times to snap pictures, mostly of the agriculture in the area. I still marvel at the work that goes into maintaining orchards and vineyards and such.  I have no interest in actually doing that work, mind you, but I do admire it!  Orchards, for example: have you ever noticed how these folks seem to take great pride in the “floors” under their trees? Remarkable.

Coming back through the West side of town, the Eola Hills seemed to be calling so I found a few to climb.  These hills that were once so dauntingly steep and long when I was a kid have mellowed quite a bit.  They are short, moderate climbs that get you out of the saddle momentarily, but they have enough height for some breathtaking views of the valley and of Salem below. And once you get your breath back, it’s time to get your “yee-haw” on and roll fast down the hill.  Lots of 35+ mph opportunities around West Salem!  

While I was wandering the hills, I wound up at ML’s place--he’s resided in West Salem pretty much his whole life and he and his lovely spouse have raised their kids there, too. We were inseparable as kids and teens, so something just felt right about pulling up a lawn chair and hanging out for a bit, before returning home for a few "to-do's." At the top of that list, a nap.

Ahhh, Saturdays.

No Mo Minivan

As our kids grow up, they still need us, but not in the same way that we’ve experienced before.  Summertime used to mean loading up the minivan with as much kid stuff as we could cram behind the back seats and head off for the mountains or the beach.  Now, Mrs. C and I wait by the phone to hear from them as they trot all over the country without us. Our one "trip" together this summer was to travel to Minnesota to watch G graduate from college.  That was cool, but definitely a milestone for our family. It marked a passage into an era we've not experience before as parents. There's clearly no turning back now.

Nat just returned from a week of sailing in the San Juan Islands and a week of camp before that; T-Bone is returning home soon from an amazing summer working with kids as a camp counselor in Colorado, and G is living life on the edge as a first-year teacher in rural Mississippi.  Each of them has experienced their own huge learning curve this summer, which could only be found by striking a little farther out on their own, exercising a little independence, and encountering some audacious challenges without Mom or Dad around to help them much.

This summer Mrs. C and I have been getting occasional phone calls and text messages from our offspring while they’ve been off having their most excellent adventures.  They’re sharing all the highlights, and talking openly about the dilemmas they’re working on.  These conversations are so gratifying; we are hearing them describe things with such depth and insight. Still, they know they don't have it all figured out all the time. They’re good at not asking us for resources or advice, but when we offer a little of each, they actually seem to be grateful. Maybe they're just really good at getting us to pay them to pretend like they're listening to us. Either way, it's a mutually happy arrangement.

Rather than mourn the passing of those precious minivan years that are now behind us, I’m learning more than ever to relish what we have right now, this moment. We are watching three amazing people emerge from our home, brimming with promise, and actively making an impact in the world.

Being their dad is cool.

What's Up With Us Middle Aged Guys And Our Bicycles?

My friend Toe-knee says I’m a MAMIL.

You might be one, too (click on the link).

Just sayin.'

The Heat Is On: Be Cool, Share The Road

Now that the endless spring rains are a distant memory, folks in O-ree-gone are whooping it up in the sunshine!  100-degree weather for a while.  Woo Hoo!

More of us will be outside these days, especially in the mornings before the mercury climbs to uncomfortable levels.  We will need to share the road, look out for each other, and help everyone make it home safely to our sweeties when we’re done having our fun.  That means we all need to be even more cool than we usually are.

There have been a few mishaps between vehicles and bikes lately. People do stuff when they’re riding--and driving--that defy any courtesy or common sense.  I hate it when I see a cyclist blow through an intersection just because they’re on two wheels instead of four. That is definitely not cool. I also hate it when drivers “buzz” cyclists because they want to make a point. Also not cool. Since I’m on my soap box, here’s the worst of the worst: driver inattention.  If we're too busy to notice other people, let's get off the road. Doing make-up while juggling a latte, mcmuffin, and cell phone is already impressive enough. Let's not add driving to that skill combo, 'kay?

When you’re driving, please remember that cyclists move faster than you think.  If there’s one thing drivers can do a better job of, it’s to wait the extra 3 seconds for the cyclist to continue their path instead of trying to “scoot ahead.”  Yesterday morning a very nice driver was very likely in a hurry to get to work, but still waited for me to roll by in the bike lane before they made their right turn.  Now that was cool!

Cyclists, remember that drivers see big things more readily than little things.  Don’t count on them seeing you just because your spandex glows in the dark.  Take a more deliberate pace and look at the drivers’ eyes.  If you don’t think they see you, you’re right. They don’t.


Finally, remember that tempers flare up faster in the heat.  A smile and a wave may cool folks down more than you realize.

Be cool, people. 

Uff Da.

This was me on the bike today after work...

Caption This...

Ride Coffee, Drink Bikes

Came across this local picture today via bikeportland, originally from JJ Heldmann's twitter feed.  
This latte was crafted at St. Honore Bakery in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Providence Bridge Pedal 2010

It’s been two years since I’d last seen my good friend and former colleague, Dramadude. We made a great team back when we both taught and directed high school shows together.  I have lots of fond memories from those days.  The students were so much fun to teach, and they had so much promise and potential. I miss working with Dramadude, too.  He’s crazy smart, has a bit of an edge, is committed to kids, and passionate about things that matter in fine arts education. On top of that, he loves to ride bikes and drink coffee. Just like two years ago, today we met up to ride the Providence Bridge Pedal, the daddy of all event rides.  

Imagine 20,000 people (mostly cyclists, some walkers) converging on downtown Portland for a single event.  For 364.5 days of the year, motor vehicles get to zoom across bridges that span the Willamette River from Sellwood to St. Johns. For just one morning each year, it’s the cyclists’ turn. In a little over 30 miles of riding we crossed the river ten times on these bridges, never having to contend with cars. Traffic is diverted for the event while the bridges are transformed into wonderlands for cyclists. On a bicycle you learn to appreciate the grand scale of these structures because you’re not zooming along in a car.

On the Fremont Bridge you feel so small because of the large arches that soar over your head. Depending on which direction you’re riding, the stretch just to the west of the bridge is either a fun descent or a hefty climb.  You don’t really notice that in a car.

The top deck of the Marquam Bridge is usually not conducive to craning your neck to take in the views.  Let me tell you, the views are astounding. We crossed it twice today, and most everybody stopped long enough to really take it in. There were treats and a live band there to add to the festivities while folks paused to snap some pictures. It’s so different than what you experience when you’re driving.

Ernest Hemingway described what was on all our minds as we rode the bridges today: 

It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.  Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.

Riding with an old friend again on these great bridges made the ride all the more special.

Approaching Highway "50"

Many of my friends have been having 50th birthdays lately.  It’s like a polar bear swim or  something; all of a sudden, one friend seemed to have just decided, “hey, why not?” and they jumped in and made a big splash. Then one by one, everybody else just started jumping in after them. I’ve been on the side watching it all, and there’s something actually appealing about this 50’s thing.  What the heck, I guess I’ll jump in, too...in a couple of months, that is.

Obviously I'm a little anxious about this upcoming birthday. I don’t know if turning 50 feels more like a milestone, or a speed limit.

Either way, I suppose having birthdays beats the alternative.

And to keep the birthdays coming for a good while longer, I’ll have to stay more active, keep the weight off, and love life.  So, I’ve decided to put five goals out there to keep me accountable to live well.

1. “50 by 50:” Almost a year ago I was 45 pounds heavier than I am now. I hope to shed just five more pounds, and then level off there.

2. “Do a du,” then “try a tri.” I’m going to find a duathlon (bike+run), and then a triathlon (swim+bike+run). This feels like something between manageable and crazy...sure I can ride a bike, but I’ve all but forgotten how to do the freestyle stroke. My running’s not much better.  Maybe I can find a triathlon that has a century ride, a 100-yard jog, and a kiddie swim pool...

3. Go see the doctor. After my birthday I'll be due for my “50,000 mile checkup.” From what my friends tell me, this will be more than just a tire rotation. I think they put you up on a lift and take out your transmission. Apparently these checkups will be more frequent now. Oh joy.

4. Enjoy the people around me.  Maybe it’s age, or just the accumulation of life experiences, but I’ve learned that a rich and full life is really about staying connected and happy with my beautiful spouse, my kids, my relatives, and co-workers. This can be harder than it sounds sometimes. It takes work to manage relationships. But the rewards are tremendous and life-giving.

5. Keep the faith. I am so thankful that my parents raised me to believe that there’s a God who loves me, who looks past my failures and sees value in me. This, above all things, keeps me grounded, thankful, and growing in my life. It's something that Mrs. C and I have passed along to our children. That said, since our move to Salem, finding a faith community that fits us continues to be a big challenge. We're working on it.

Well, there's no time like the present to go and get after it.