Riding in the country

I really do love riding my bike in this area of Nebraska...the people are friendly, there isn't a lot of traffic, the sky is incredibly blue, and I've got miles and miles of paved country roads. I think this first picture is of the road north of Brady.



This is a shot of another open road.

Welcome Home!

Back in the USA, and loving it. Yep, it's summer, and that means a bit of freedom from work and the congestion and noise of Taipei. Looks like a good storm may be brewing in the west, along with really ferocious wind, so probably no bike ride this morning. Got the tires aired up, the chain lubed, and the tiny bit of dust wiped off the bike, though, so it is ready to roll. And right now I finally feel like hopping on the bike and going for at least a 20 mile ride. I've been fighting a bit of non-motivation these past few weeks in Taipei, so it's nice to have the desire again.

So, what shall I do today? I unpacked yesterday, organized my sewing and biking things in the the closets and furniture Russ made for me, and enjoyed a nice long nap. Oh yeah, and visited with mom and dad for just a bit. Will head over there again sometime today. It's so very nice to have them just two houses away from us. So today...maybe read and watch tv. Yep, sounds like a good plan to me.n

ROC'n Jerseys

This photo shows five of us in Taiwan wearing Randonneurs of China cycling t-shirts. They are definitely eye-catching, especially here. Yep, they even come with a rendition of the Chinese flag on the back. A guy hollered at Meredith and her group when they returned to their apartment building to NOT wear the Chinese flag. Hmmm, seems some Taiwanese folks still don't like China. I may yet cover up the flag on my t-shirt, since I'm not too fond of China's politics and policies myself. Uh oh, I mentioned Taiwan and China in the same post...will this blog now self-destruct???

Take a Kid Biking Day

A couple of guys who rode regularly with Dave Wittry decided to put together this ride as a memorial and fund-raiser for his family. It was a beautiful day in which to ride, and about 30 people showed up, including plenty of kids. Dave's wife Jody, and his two children were also in attendance. The ride went from Guandu to Tanshui and back again, not a great distance, but plenty for all the kids. The first photo is of all the riders.



The second photo is of me leading Tru back to Guandu.

Early AM...Apparently Not

I have to laugh...I set my alarm clock every night to go off at 4:30 am. And every morning before the appointed hour, I reset it to 5:30. So, that's it. I guess I am no longer an early morning rider. Why fight it?

I did leave school early yesterday...just a bit after 3:00...and enjoyed a very windy 22 mile ride. Was quite nice, I knew the wind was howling...just decided I needed to get out anyway. The only fly in the ointment was the heinous traffic on the roads once I got off the bike path to make my way to my apartment. Buses, cars, scooters...so many folks out on the roads. And so many of them breaking all manner of traffic laws.

Bring on that old highway in Nebraska where I may see half a dozen cars if I'm lucky. I can head out my door and if the traffic is really light, not have to get off my bike until I roll back into my driveway 20 miles later.

Motivation, or Lack Of

It rained a bunch here on Saturday, and I was actually glad, because I didn't feel like going out for a bike ride. Sunday was a decent day, although the relentless wind was once again howling. I could have easily ridden in it because the temp was fantastic. So what did I do? I very deliberately chose to remain indoors, except for when I walked over to school in the morning and evening to make sure the darn guinea pig had food and water.

It felt good to play hooky from the bike. It felt good to vegetate and watch far too much tv and eat too much junk food. This morning when I got up, I was ready to ride. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time before school, and I stayed too long at school this afternoon to get in a ride. Tomorrow? Who knows? I have decided to NOT ride with the gals who go at 5:00 am because they will head up to Rifle Range, and I know I'm not ready for that yet. I should get up at 4:30, head out the door by 4:45 and ride a flat route for an hour. I should do that, but I'm not sure I will.

This Sunday will be a very short riding day for me because it is "Take a Kid Biking Day" in honor of our fallen colleague, Dave W. I'll go from here to Guandu, then see what I can do to help the organizers, so mileage shouldn't be over 15 miles. This should be a good day, although I am very sorry we have a need for it.

Playing with Poetry

One friend and I have had recent conversations about the state of our psyches. These two poems (kind of) describe mine. Which one will I be tomorrow?

The View

Lenses are grey
Diffusing my soul
Frustration grows
Daily
Weekly
Year by year
Till the lenses darken
To a deadly dull
Emptiness
Hopelessness
Lifelessness
Pack it all in
Let there be
No more tomorrows
No more light
No more no more no more.


The View

Lenses are rose
Uplifting my soul
Joy grows
Daily
Weekly
Year by year
Till the lenses brighten
To amazing
Exuberance
Delight
Laughter
Open it all up
Let there be
Tomorrows
Light
More more more.

A Good Friend

One of my good teacher friends was so upset over something yesterday that she couldn't even talk about it. That's the way it is sometimes at our school. I wonder if it will be the same for me in the states in two or three years. If I am able to get a job in my area, and it ends up being half as stressful as here, I am getting out of the classroom and going to work at a factory. I'm tired of always thinking. Even during vacations, I think about what to do in the classroom. Yikes, it just never stops.

Why do we do it? For the money, of course. (all teachers will get the sarcasm) No, wait, it's not just about the salary. We do it to see the light in kids' eyes every once in awhile when they "get" a new math concept. Or when they get their hands on some Oobleck or dry ice and have a blast with experiments. Or when their writing turns out to be exemplary. Or when a formerly quiet as a mouse student has a breakthrough and starts talking loudly enough to need to be shushed. Or when ESL students soar. Or when confidence blooms. Or when they actually get my witticisms. (Third graders probably won't get my jokes)

So to my friend, I say, "I'm here when and if you are ready to talk about it."

Sleepless in Taipei

Hmph, for the third night this week, I'm wide awake far too early. One night it was 1:00 am, another 1:30, today I woke up at 2:30 am. Wide awake. Not the awake that just gets you to the bathroom and then back to sleep right away. Nope, this is a full-blown attack of stress and worries about upcoming events at school that are keeping me from my beauty sleep.

First it was sleeplessness over who was going to make the 5th grade recognition concert DVD. Once I decided that I would do it, with Greg's and Dan's help, one less stressor was out of the way. Or so I thought. I booked the projector and DVD player, but now am thinking about the actual event night. Who will run the DVD player and projector? Who will make sure the screen is down? Will the DVD run properly? Dan will burn the DVD on Monday, make copies, and I will test it on my computer. I'll ask Greg to work the projector and DVD player. I'll run up backstage and work the screen. OK, problems solved. Go back to bed. Guess not, I'm still wide awake.

This really is a big night. We have all 180 5th graders, as well as their parents, music teachers, and us 5th grade teachers together for the event, so I don't want any glitches. I'm envisioning my photos being grainy, fuzzy, or semi-out of focus on the big screen. Why? I guess because I take after my maternal grandmother, and worry about all kinds of little things. For some reason, I often imagine the worst.

But maybe that's not a bad thing, because it means I do prepare in advance for most really important things. Which is why for the first time in the five years I've been in 5th grade, the DVD will be finished four days early, instead of the day of. Or in last year's case, minutes before. (Thank you Dan and Greg!!!)

Best thing...no more worries after this year for this event, since I'll no longer be in 5th grade. Third grade, here I come!

After School Ride

In trying to ramp up my miserly miles, I've tried to get out after school a few times a week, and before school (at 5:00 am) a few times as well. One of my favorite after school places is to ride the bike path that goes in front of the Grand Hotel along the Keelung (I think) River. It's easy to get to without having to navigate too much insane traffic, and after school it's not ridiculously busy. I was riding happily along two weeks ago when I saw these kayakers out practicing. I like the colors of the kayaks and Taipei 101 in the background.


And this is an amazing photo because there is no one in it! It is not often there is a stretch of clear pavement.

Weekend Rides

Talk about a weekend of contrasts. Saturday's weather was glorious and virtually wind-free. Two brand-new people joined our regular Saturday morning bike path ride, and one old-timer joined us, which gave us six riders for the morning. The bike paths weren't even too crowded, so consequently, we had a completely enjoyable morning. This first photo was taken "on the fly" and I was able to capture the group as they were rounding a corner passing a few other riders.


We found some rowers who had finished their practice, and one happily took this group photo of us. From left to right: Adelle, Brenda, Gretchen, Karen W., Karen J., and Karen P. This was under the bridge at the Dragon Boat racing/practice area.


And imagine our surprise when we came to the end of one path, only to find this blockade "preventing" us from crossing the intersection to get onto the path that connected with the one we just got off. Karen P. ran up ahead to see if we could go around three different barriers, and she happily reported that all was clear once we cleared them. Funny part? As we were going through one area, one of the construction crew members came and held the tape for us so we could get through easier.


Sunday is my solo, usually long-distance day. However, I settled for 30 miles today due to the crowds on the roads, the wind along the coast (and everywhere else), and the hills that crushed me. I am happy to say I kept a good attitude and just enjoyed the last of the ride once I decided to pack it in. I've been eying this rice for sometime, and today was the day to capture it with the camera.

Gave up on the Metric Today

I had fully intended on getting in 62.3 miles today for my second metric century of the year, but winds, traffic, and unknown riding areas kept me from completing my task. I had started out toward the National Palace Museum, but decided to change direction and go towards the coast. For some reason, I missed the turn to go in the scooter lane toward Tanshui, so I ended up going to Bali in the traffic over the Red Bridge. Not a task for the faint of heart!

Since I wanted to avoid bike paths as much as possible, I just went where the road took me. And it took me into areas I had not been in before. It did take me to a new to me bike path as well, which I followed to the very end. Got off to follow some bikers and rode the road for awhile and marveled at the insane traffic. The bikers stopped to drink and I was able to ask where the road was going. Inge? Nope, better not go there today, but it's nice to know where the road went.

I turned around and sort of followed my same way back, but stayed more on the road than the bike path, which was far too busy for my comfort. I wasn't entirely sure where I was, so when I came to the place where I needed to carry my bike up a ramp to get on a bridge that would take me to one of my normal bike path rides, I was pretty ecstatic. I did get off the path at Dadaocheng Wharf, and after stopping at a convenience market for a much-needed snack, proceeded to take the roads home.

I complain about the traffic a lot here, but today was one of the worst days ever. Yes, I had a few too close scooters and buses, but I made it home unscathed, and thanked God for the safe trip. I had one really hairy event when I was heading up a bridge in one scooter lane, which merged with another scooter lane, and as I was looking for traffic, my front tire got caught in a gap in a metal plate in the road. Since I didn't over-react and steered in the direction of my skid (think ice) I made it out of the situation easily. And luckily, there were no scooters close to me as I was swerving.

I watched these clouds for a long while before I finally found a halfway decent spot to take a photo.



I needed to walk my bike to the convenience mart because the traffic was so heavy and thought these Chinese mushrooms and other energy enhancers looked pretty cool.

Just a bit of riding...

Karen J. and Karen P. and I normally set out each and every Saturday morning for a bike path ride. Sometimes we just stick to the old tried and true areas, but sometimes we are able to find a bit more adventure. We didn't set out to discover new things this morning, but due to thousands of walkers all over our Bali bike path, we were forced to stay on the road. Karen was leading us around the Archaeological Museum when she noticed the throng ahead, and instead followed a small group of bikers who seemed to know where they were going. We found a new bike path, unfinished, but fun anyway. Coming back the other way (because the walkers really were blocking our progress) we went to the end of the unfinished path and found this canal.


This is a photo from last week's ride in softly falling rain. Bikes were a total mess, as was the back of Karen P.'s jersey. Pretty sure mine was too, but I didn't even bother to look.


This last photo shows Karen and Karen at the end of what will be a nice addition to the bike paths in Bali.

Bikejournal

Where are you this morning? I've got some time on my hands before I need to get ready for our normal Saturday bike ride, but you aren't here. How am I going to start my day without reading new posts by cyber friends? I guess I am well and truly addicted to the site. Guess I'll go clean some of the muck off my Saturday bike, air up the tires, eat some breakfast and get ready to ride. And hope bikejournal.com is up and running by the time I get home.

Yeah, Me.

Another restless night...man, I just can't seem to sleep through the night any longer. I hit the snooze button on the alarm three times, then shut the annoying thing off. Darn near decided to just go back to sleep, but I actually crawled out of bed, got dressed, and went out for a decent little bike ride. Rode up and over Jianaan Road, a small 500 foot climb, which darn near did me in, what with the ridiculous headwind and my lack of conditioning. However, I DID make it over without stopping. From there I headed downhill around all the switchbacks to the Grand Hotel bike path, and back to Tienmu.

The wind was fierce again today, but the temperature was great and I even needed a light jacket. This was a good biking morning. Now I get to spend the day at school sans students because it is the last professional development day of the school year. What does that mean? Moronic meetings and lots of nonsense. Speaking of which, I guess I'd better get a shower and head to school.

Ramblings

I am very much behind in my miles compared to the previous three years. I'm trying to play a little bit of catch up because of my late start due to the knee injury, but have discovered that I'm lazy right now. I should be able to go out most days before school from 4:45-5:45 and get in a decent 10-12 miles. I should also be able to go out some days after school for 15-20 miles each time. So what do I usually do? Yep, I wake up, look at the clock, and reset the alarm for an hour later. And after school, I come home, take a nap, or watch really bad tv.

I'm not giving up on myself just yet, though. I did ride Tuesday morning before school, and today after school. I would have ridden this morning, but a rare thunderstorm was still in existence. Even though I managed just 15 miles after school today, I was still pleased because I fought the wind all the way out past the Grand Hotel and then some.

My knee seems to have mostly healed, but I am still bothered by either plantar fasciitis or fat pad syndrome on my right foot. That's been going on for a long time...probably half a year or more, and is a result of wearing LL Bean summer sneakers everywhere for months on end. Yes, I knew they didn't have enough support, but I liked them enough I wore them anyway. Nope, haven't seen a doctor about the foot, but have been doing some stretching and icing. I also have started wearing Birkenstock's, which seem to help a bit. I can't seem to stop walking and carrying bunches of stuff in my backpack, so until I'm able to do that, I don't think I'll have good healing.

Back to my original thought...my mileage. My goal for the year is still 5,000 miles, and if I reach that, it will be the most miles I've ever ridden in a year. And if I am to reach that goal, I had better get off my duff a lot more often.

A Break from Taipei

The EARCOS teacher conference for 2008 was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and since one of my very dear friends had moved there, I thought it prudent I go. Karen J. was kind enough to be my partner in crime, and David J. showed us a lot of places around the city. The first picture is of a little known Malaysian delicacy, KFC. Wonder if I can get that in the states this summer?


This photo is of myself, David, and Karen at an outdoor market in Mont Kiara, the suburb of KL in which David lives.


I took this shot so Karen and I would have a point of reference to find our way back to the rapid transit system. It also shows some of KL's nutso traffic.


At the Shrangri-La Hotel, one of the most interesting items for breakfast was fruit dipped in chocolate from this fountain. Nope, neither Karen nor myself had this treat for breakfast.


After the conference, I headed to Hua Hin, Thailand to a quiet hotel to spend some time with friends currently teaching at TAS, and friends who retired last year. The next two shots are of some of the goodies at the wet Thai market where we went for sublime mangoes and sticky rice.



I had a rough time looking out my second floor balcony at the sunrise over the ocean.


The hotel was a sweet little place, right on the beach, laid-back, and inexpensive.


Here are Doug and Judy, looking totally relaxed as they enjoy both their vacation and retirement.


I'm looking pretty relaxed as well, although I have to go back to work on Monday.

The Last Time

When was the last time you
lifted your face to
the warmth of the sun?
Wiggled your bare toes
in freshly mowed grass?
Made an angel
in pure white snow?
Celebrated the warmth
of a family Christmas?
Shared a thought
with your far-flung sister?
When was the last time you
had a dream?
enjoyed a bear-hug?
had
HOPE?

Why did you make March 15, 2008
Your
Final
Last
Time?

Brothers Two

Brian and Bruce

There to greet your oldest brother,
you envelop him with love and acceptance.
Your velvet brown eyes lock onto his blue ones
as you renew the family bond
that had been severed
fourteen years ago when you, the fourth-born, succumbed to the year and a half long coma
and left Earth at a far too young 28.
Your oldest brother, the first-born, always remembered you with love
and wished he had spent more time
at your bedside.
He joins you now, (time stopped for him at 54)
his tattered soul completely healed and free.
Lead the way, Brian.
Show Bruce God’s peace.
The eleven years that separated your births
no longer matter.
They have disappeared into the
timelessness of eternity.
Dance and sing, brothers two.
Oh yes, dance and sing.

Changes

Guess it's time to do some changing to the scrapbook photo album I made for mom and dad a few years ago. Need to take out my brother Bill's ex-wife and add in his wife, Maureen. And I need to update my brother Bruce's page to reflect his last day on earth, Friday, March 14, 2008.

Didn't see that coming, so I was surprised when Russ called me while I was out with Karen and Karen on a Taiwan bike adventure. Am I sad about it? That's a tough question. Not sad that he is finally at rest. Sad that he never could break the cycle of addiction and really didn't have much of a life for quite some time. Sad for mom and dad to lose another son, this time their first-born. Not sad that mom and dad no longer have to wait for the phone call in the middle of the night. Sad that Bruce took his own life instead of being able to die from natural causes. Sad that he and I hadn't had much of a relationship for a long, long time, and that can never be changed.

Be at peace, finally, Bruce.