tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-114894202024-03-07T18:44:18.584-05:00The Amazing Shrinking Man!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-84585462934009625092010-11-16T19:43:00.003-05:002010-11-16T19:57:35.999-05:00Things to Give Thanks ForWhether you are Christian or not, this is the time of year here in the US where reflection on that which you are thankful for. Yep, Thanksgiving is coming up in the US, and its a lot more than feasting on Turkey and all the fixings. Its also a time of gathering of family.<br /><br />So, I have a list of things I'm thankful about this year, for sure. I survived the health issues Ive had this year. A heart issue, and to bouts of pneumonia, and a life threateningly severe reaction to an antibiotic and a Thyroid Cancer scare. Ive actually been off the bike most of the summer and fall.....it sucks, but at least Im here to whine about it.<br /><br />On the good side, I'm off the coumadin from my Atrial Fibrillation incident. I havent gained any weight, even though my activity levels are abnormally low.<br /><br />So, heres a quick look ahead, by the way, to what I'm planning to do for Thanksgiving as part of our share of the family gathering. I'm doing a Smoked Turkey in my Brinkmann Smoker Grill. <br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Smoker%20Pics/?action=view¤t=turkey001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Smoker%20Pics/turkey001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br /><br /> <a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Smoker%20Pics/?action=view¤t=porkandtornadoes006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Smoker%20Pics/porkandtornadoes006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is the recipe I use, from Brad Bolton.<br /><br />STEP ONE:<br /><br />smoked turkeyThe absolute first step in cooking a turkey on a smoker is to pick out a bird (turkey) that is not the biggest one you can find. The main reason for a smaller bird, 10 to 14 pound maximum, is the time limitations usually involved. It takes between 6 and 8 hours to smoke a 12 pound turkey and the bigger they get, the longer they take.<br /><br /><br />STEP TWO:<br /><br />Set up the smoker and toss on the bird. When using charcoal, it is best to let the flames burn out, fill the water pan with water (seasoned water is fine too), then place the lid on the smoker and wait for the temperature to reach the 'safe' zone on your smoker. Once that is accomplished, toss the turkey on there gently and cover the smoker. Start timing the turkey when the temperature returns to the save zone.<br /><br /><br />Safety Reminder: Remember chickens and turkeys are prone to salmonella bacteria which can ruin your whole Thanksgiving. Cooking temperatures of 165 degrees F. minimum are essential for destroying this bacteria. This temperature is not the OUTSIDE of the turkey, but the inside, so keep that in mind when you decide on a larger bird. This of course is unless you happen to be feeding the traditional army at Thanksgiving. <br /><a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/Poultry/smokingtips.htm"><br />More, includine tips and warnings here</a><br /><br />Brad has a great recipe, there, and I do recommend highly that you go to the site for the tips.....its well worth the click.<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-49121395834152674492010-07-07T22:23:00.004-04:002010-07-07T22:29:32.768-04:00250 mile 4th of July Road Trip: DIY Rack Worked Great!<a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/July%204%202010/?action=view¤t=July4042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/July%204%202010/July4042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Well, we went to the lake for the 4th of July Weekend, and the roof rack worked out great. We did get a lot of attention on the road, though. I guess the mark of a cycling fanatic is $3 Grand worth of bikes on a $1000 car.<br /><br />Well, it was a great trip, and I did have a lot of fun. The weather was spectacular and I even got in some sailing.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/July%204%202010/?action=view¤t=July4027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/July%204%202010/July4027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-42020651779393727892010-07-01T16:16:00.003-04:002010-07-01T16:21:53.773-04:00ANd the Rack is complete and Mounted!And here it is, all finished and ready for our trip tomorrow morning for the 4th.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=001-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/001-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I love the way the Mahogany Stain finish came out. It looks great!<br /><br />Here is how I have it secured to the load bars<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=002-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I used dual steel shackle bolts at all 4 corners where it contacts the load bars.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=003-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/003-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />All in all, it's come out a lot nicer than I expected, and about $700 less than a factory made recumbent trike roof rack.<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-53083205591413550802010-06-04T01:01:00.003-04:002010-06-04T13:26:43.852-04:00DIY Roof Rack for My Wife's Recumbent Trike (Less than $50.00 so far!)If you've ever priced out a rack for a recumbent trike, you're in for some serious sticker shock. They cost several hundred dollars, so, I undertook a small project. I made one.<br /><br />Materials:<br />a set of Universal Roof Load Bars (Highland Brand)<br />2 12' long 2X4's<br />24 Decking screws, 3" length.<br />4 Shackle Bolts<br />4 heavy eye screws for lashing points to retain the trike<br />2 ratchet straps<br /><br />It took me a short time to cut and assemble the frame. <br /><br />Cut the first 2X4 into 2 72" stringers<br />Cut the second into 2 30" crossmembers and 2 33" crossmembers.<br />Cut the remainder of the second 2X4 in half for the front wheel guides. You will use exactly 24 linear feet of 2X4 for this rack.<br /><br />Make a box frame with the 72" and 30" boards, with the 30" in an inside butt joint. Use 2 scews/joint.<br /><br />Set the front lower crossmember centered on 8" from the inside edge of the front crossmember on the bottom of the frame using a 2x4x33" board. Use 4 screws to secure it. Now you set the wheel guides. Find the center and the inside edge of each wheel guide will be 1 1/4 inches from the center of the lower crossmember (See photos) This will serve as the front wheel platform.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack007.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Set the rear lower crossmember (The other 2x4x33" Board) centered on the rear crossmember at 10" from the inside edge of the box frame. Use 4 screws to secure it. This will serve as the rear wheels support platform.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I still need to get the necessary hardware to put the rack on the load bars securely, but that cost will be nominal. I will be using shackle bolts to secure the trike rack to the bars. Since a Sun EZ 3 is tail heavy, you place the rear lower crossmember against the rear load bar to get even weight distribution, as well as a bit more stability front to rear.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=trikerack011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/trikerack011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Remaining hardware needed:<br /><br />4 heavy eye screws to serve as tiedowns for the trike, in the rack, and the shackle bolts to secure the rack to the load bars. I will be using ratchet straps to secure the trike in the rack. I'll be sealing and finishing the wood with Minwax Red mahogany stain, by the way. This will help preserve the wood and make for some really beautiful highlighting of the wood grain as well. I'll post the final pictures in later when I have it finished up completely.<br /><br />And here are the pictures as I apply the finish. I went with Minwax Bombay Mahogany Outdoor Stain/Polyurethane gloss. (Cost @ Walmart: $10.71/Qt)<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/?action=view¤t=002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Trike%20Rack%20DIY/002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-83738543805777603292010-04-26T22:16:00.003-04:002010-04-26T22:24:43.216-04:00Cardiac RehabilitationWell, here it is, just over two weeks since I was hospitalized in Atrial Fibrillation with an irregular heartbeat, and I'm regulated and back in a normal sinus rhythm. I dad to be cardioverted (This is a synchronized electric shock through the chest...I was sedated for it, happily). Cardioversion is the normal treatment to restore normal sinus rhythm from fibrillation. <br /><br />I'm also on many heart drugs now, as well as warfarin, and will be the rest of my life, presuming no adverse effects from the warfarin. Seems off to be taking rat poison therapeutically. It's to keep me from throwing a clot and having a stroke, though......a big risk if you are prone to atrial fibrillation or have an irregular heartbeat.<br /><br />So, so far, the rehab is a few minutes a day on the bike on a trainer stand, spinning easy and never letting the heart rate go over 100BPM. I wish I could get out and go for a long ride, but the ticker just ain't ready for it yet. I fatigue too easily, and if I get the HR too high, or get too dehydrated, I'll be right back where I was with the resting heart rate cycling from 165-225 BPM, and hthe cardiac EV back down in the 20% range again.<br /><br />Well, at least I didn't die..................<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-74440084162644161872010-03-23T13:17:00.004-04:002010-03-23T13:35:23.563-04:00Well, we're home now. Highlights of the trip to Glacier National ParkOK, to start things off, we stayed in Whitefish, at the Super 8. They gave us great service and an inexpensive, comfortable room. The weather was warm, and unfortunately all the snow melted and left the trails and slopes a sheet of ice.<br /><br />One of the results of this was my wife taking a nasty fall. Her crampon broke loose on some rotten ice on the trail and she took a 20 foot fall, cartwheeling down a near vertical slope....on St Paddies Day, no less. The luck of the Irish did protect her, though. She came out of it with a massive body bruise, rather than broken bones. This happened on Brown's Peak.<br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/004-1.jpg" /><br /><br />Here are some highlights of Glacier<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hjcFJWIUShE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hjcFJWIUShE&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/Panorama_LakeMcDonald2-2.png" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/012.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/009.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/014.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0020.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0026.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0022.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0023.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0019.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/BearaftercrossingMcDonaldCreek.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0007.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0006.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0016.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Glacier%20National%20Park/DSCF0009.jpg" /><br /><br />I'm headed back out this Summer for some backpacking out in Glacier, spending a week or two tramping around, that's for sure!<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-20142062233180150312010-02-13T12:53:00.007-05:002010-02-14T19:54:29.509-05:00Planning Spring Break: Back Country Snowshoeing and Montana<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXGdM_o4r1mulQrEWtx1H4zzM7axHLAJhr5XvlK_wNCerlb-0GYWhKruz6R0KAI5RiajlGCjJ40iSH0fIeyHkTgjNTIDxYC2QaAWsXct566c0olNPuJ95iK13rYdpJuo2Tv-W/s1600-h/Cutbank+Valley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXGdM_o4r1mulQrEWtx1H4zzM7axHLAJhr5XvlK_wNCerlb-0GYWhKruz6R0KAI5RiajlGCjJ40iSH0fIeyHkTgjNTIDxYC2QaAWsXct566c0olNPuJ95iK13rYdpJuo2Tv-W/s400/Cutbank+Valley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437792471732527330" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cutbank Valley<br /></span>Photo courtesy of the National Park Service<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ03VKBCvtFQlvCIgp2Zp4GiB0K-5icLUJZZdI_ZQOSb_fSApL6WCj1TJpQwOnoMm1jOAjg9DbzIJA4HKMu9JmHDfU-rFzWHpRitPI3CRzF_SucGTWAA-WcUpw2PlIDYEpBFhn/s1600-h/Iceberg+Lake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ03VKBCvtFQlvCIgp2Zp4GiB0K-5icLUJZZdI_ZQOSb_fSApL6WCj1TJpQwOnoMm1jOAjg9DbzIJA4HKMu9JmHDfU-rFzWHpRitPI3CRzF_SucGTWAA-WcUpw2PlIDYEpBFhn/s400/Iceberg+Lake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437793250699178898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Iceberg Lake</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:78%;" >Photo courtesy of the National Park Service</span><br /><a href="http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/glacierscenics.htm?eid=424325&root_aId=657#e_424325">Glacier National Park Multimedia Site</a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div>Well, as y'all saw from my last post, I've gotten into a new sport, to me......snowshoeing. We're planning a Spring Break trip to Glacier National Park for some back country snowshoeing. I'm starting a series of posts here to organize for the trip.<br /><br />Our Equipment List:<br /><br /><ol><li>2 65 Liter backpacks</li><li>100 feet of rope each</li><li>Snowshoes and Poles (Cabella's Snowy Range Shoes, made by Atlas)</li><li>Nautica Wind Shells, waterproof</li><li>Polarguard vests under, packable</li><li>Fleeces</li><li>Fleece long underwear and foundation layer</li><li>Waterproof wind pants</li><li>Goretex Gloves</li><li>3 pairs wool socks, each in the packs</li><li>Packcloth waterproof gaiters, tall</li><li>Cabella's Sorrel Packer boots for me, or Herman Survivors as an alternate. My wife has some lighter weight packer boots with Thinsulate and a goretex inner boot.<br /></li><li>2 Surveyors compasses</li><li>Set of waterproof Topo maps of Glacier each</li><li>Avalanche beacon each.</li><li>GMRS Radios</li><li>We'll rent the snowshovels from Glacier Outdoor Center and I don't think we'll really need ice axes, since we aren't really going to be doing any traverses on steep glacier faces and we can't carry ice axes on Amtrak, anyway.</li><li>2 1 liter Nalgene Bottles each for water</li><li>Small backpackers stove, and fuel, to melt snow if we run short on liquids as well as 2 lighters and waterproof matches<br /></li><li>Small thermos for hot chocolate at the Overlook looking down on Lake McDonald from the mountaintop. (Good photo opportunity)</li><li>Survival bivvy sacks if we get caught out in the back country in a Spring Storm + 3 days food. If we get caught in a bad one, we'll just dig in in a snow cave and ride it out.<br /></li><li>Glacier sunglasses for the wife and sunscreen for both. I have some very good polarized cycling/ski glasses, already</li><li>Flashlights and survival whistles</li><li>Back Country First Aid Kit<br /></li></ol>We'll also be carrying food, and if anyone has suggestions that I've missed, let me know!<br /><br />Here's a bit of our planned terrain: This is about 15 miles out in the park.<br /><a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3473659">http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3473659</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-77874577024851698012010-01-19T06:47:00.003-05:002010-01-19T06:52:04.503-05:00I've found a new to me sport! Snowshoeing!Man, it's a blast! The followig is a bit of video and stills from our trip to Michigan over the MLK long weekend. It's also a great whole body workout. <br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7Jy4QmOh9B0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7Jy4QmOh9B0&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-24822509894090409802009-06-14T20:47:00.003-04:002009-06-14T21:02:24.665-04:00Now that I've had a chance to process it.......<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Hc6euo3TZKDI9x5K05vD48_i0XdkkDGSvXhuKCFKhDsnsR4cIndQyVXYE-eK-F0PR06V3EjV-k-nBD_BBoOLHUHzWw2THBw8AjIwHHWLBlpPoIyw1El-sU8_VAdERK5azsX/s1600-h/Tour+de+Cure_2009+066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2Hc6euo3TZKDI9x5K05vD48_i0XdkkDGSvXhuKCFKhDsnsR4cIndQyVXYE-eK-F0PR06V3EjV-k-nBD_BBoOLHUHzWw2THBw8AjIwHHWLBlpPoIyw1El-sU8_VAdERK5azsX/s400/Tour+de+Cure_2009+066.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347352964487655138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLHGPrcVrDMJDM3-chwh2CYjDRxvKMBIn4giBDwNj58wWx7HqRnRCwNkeLI4R6elIVCqdZtycc6SgyPmweQ4O-0FtQB_7zNRUfn76JnG8U3WQsCMW9IDsEK2uGsthC3hUVGzK/s1600-h/Tour+de+Cure_2009+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLHGPrcVrDMJDM3-chwh2CYjDRxvKMBIn4giBDwNj58wWx7HqRnRCwNkeLI4R6elIVCqdZtycc6SgyPmweQ4O-0FtQB_7zNRUfn76JnG8U3WQsCMW9IDsEK2uGsthC3hUVGzK/s400/Tour+de+Cure_2009+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347352957965054434" /></a><br />I have to confess, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't finish up the Century on the track this year.......AGAIN! I need to stop getting hurt and screwing up my body, I guess. Well, there's always next year. A broken tailbone apparently hangs on with the pain for a while and I couldn't break past the 32 mile point. <br /><br />I'm happy to say that 4 members of Team Stormcrowe completes their Century ride. Their Bike Forum nicknames are scummer, Philcycle, 10 wheels, and trekden. <br /><br />scummer, from Northern Indiana, made the 100 miles in less than five hours, outstanding! 10 wheels, up from Galveston County, TX, is the oldest member of Team Stormcrowe, and is a tough old guy at 67 years of age. He completed his Century in less than 6 hours, along with Phil (from Missouri) and Denny (from Pennsylvania).<br /><br />My wife, crazylady, completed 15 miles on the track, riding her Sun EZ3 trike, and was just there to have a good time for the day and do a little riding. All in all, though, it was a great day, and it's almost as sweet to see the victories of my teammates as to grab my own. Next year, though, the damn track isn't going to beat me, nor is my body.<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-22717316023283112932009-06-13T23:20:00.003-04:002009-06-13T23:25:53.282-04:00Tour de Cure, 2009, in the bag!I'm totally strung out and hurting right now, so this is going to be a short post. I did 32 out of 100 miles today. I'm a bit disappointed, but given the fall and the residual tailbone pain from my fall this winter, I can't really complain. So, I'll just let you see the pics and video from today for now. <br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/?action=view¤t=fasttom.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/fasttom.jpg" border="0" alt="All Aero"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/?action=view¤t=TourdeCure_2009024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/TourdeCure_2009024.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/?action=view¤t=TourdeCure_2009050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/TourdeCure_2009050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/?action=view¤t=TourdeCure_2009075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/TourdeCure_2009075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BV8UgDjB7AM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BV8UgDjB7AM&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-19050699790777928582009-06-06T21:40:00.004-04:002009-06-06T21:46:08.126-04:00Totally Off the Normal Topic: Celtic Music: Skye Boat SongThis little piece is called <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Skye Boat Song</span>. It's a traditional tune and commemorates Charles Edward Stuart's escape after the battle of Culloden. I was thinking of my Grandmother this morning for some reason, and this was her favorite tune. She was born n in Scotland and this piece alwways reminded her of home.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view¤t=TinWhistle003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/TinWhistle003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I have some scenes from the Isle of Skye I culled from the internet, and played the piece with more of a slow Irish air interpretation, since I used an Irish Tin Whistle, but here it is......the Skye Boat Song.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ohjgnscnhvk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ohjgnscnhvk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-33173382437182099452009-05-25T14:07:00.005-04:002009-05-25T14:16:55.590-04:00Memorial Day Weekend Tour<center><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.videowebtown.com/community/newlightplayer/flvplayer.swf?file=http%3A%2F%2Fsq.txdnl.com%2Fvwt%2Ft%2Fo%2Fm%2Fs%2Ftomstormcrowe%2Fvideo%2F21001%2FFLV%2F70683.flv" bgcolor="FFFFFF" width="320" border="1" height="240"><param name="movie" value="http://www.videowebtown.com/community/newlightplayer/flvplayer.swf?file=http%3A%2F%2Fsq.txdnl.com%2Fvwt%2Ft%2Fo%2Fm%2Fs%2Ftomstormcrowe%2Fvideo%2F21001%2FFLV%2F70683.flv"><param name="bgcolor" value="FFFFFF"><embed src="http://www.videowebtown.com/community/newlightplayer/flvplayer.swf?file=http%3A%2F%2Fsq.txdnl.com%2Fvwt%2Ft%2Fo%2Fm%2Fs%2Ftomstormcrowe%2Fvideo%2F21001%2FFLV%2F70683.flv" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="movie" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="320" border="1" height="240"></embed></object><br /><b style="color: red;">FREE</b> service provided by <a href="http://www.videowebtown.com/" target="_new"><u>VideoWebTown.com</u></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Well, we did a brief bike camping this weekend, a 23 mile ride out to <a href="http://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/egov/docs/1145382468_572540.pdf">Ross Camp</a> from the house. This was the wife's first loaded bike camping trip. We did have a great time, and she got to find out a bit about my love of long distance touring, and wants to try more and longer trips as she gets stronger.<br /><br /><br /></div></center><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-5804789735016383882009-04-27T18:08:00.003-04:002009-04-27T18:22:56.241-04:00I am back on the bike, officially!Sunday, my wife and I took our first joint ride, post fall. I'm happy to say it went well. Minimal pain from the tailbone injury, and it felt great to be back in the saddle again.<br /><br /><br />We did make a little stop at Panera's for coffee after fighting 15-30 MPH winds for about 15 miles.<br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view¤t=Me.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Me.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view¤t=Earlena.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Earlena.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />On the flip side, Crazylady, my wife, got her first ride on with clipless rather than platform pedals. She did notice a huge difference, and brother, she's sure got one advantage.........riding a recumbent trike, she never has to worry about the dreaded 0 MPH tipover. <br /><br />We're looking forward to our Summer activities, now. She has 3 classes left to finish out, and she graduates with her MBA and certification as a Forensic Accountant in July. She's been doing an accelerated masters program.....not fun at all. After <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Tour-de-Cure">Tour de Cure</a> and her graduation, we'll be doing some touring around Indiana, I think.<br /><br />I also bike commuted to classes today for the first time in months. I rode the Allez, and I gotta say, it looked like an Arabian tethered in a cart horse paddock locked in the racks over at Purdue among the Huffys, Magnas, and old beaters of all descriptions. It is true, what they say, though about all bikes weighing 42 pounds. A 40 pound Huffy or Magna has a 2 pound, $1.99 lock because no one really wants to steal it, and a 16 pound road bike seems to need a 26 pound lock and cable or chain to secure it, so all bikes weigh 42 pounds.<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-13780627832802598662009-02-13T21:14:00.003-05:002009-02-13T21:27:03.778-05:00I've been recovering!I took a wee fall a month ago. I had one of those Kodak Moment falls, walking on some ice, where your feet come out from under you, and rise to chest level, and you hang in the air for enough time to think "Oh shit, this is gonna hurt!"
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<br />I woke up in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. As of right now, I'm almost recovered from a concussion, and healing up a busted coccyx (Tail Bone. I have a few issues with Post Concussion Syndrome, recurrent cluster headaches, light sensitivity, reduced stamina, and mood swings, as well as some short term memory issues, but all in all, I'm just glad I wasn't hurt worse!
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<br />I'm on a cane, and off the bike for another month or so. I'll have to get back in training soon, though, since I signed up for Tour de Cure again this year. Team Stormcrowe is back at it again, and it's likely to be a challenge to meet our fundraising goals this year, with the economy in the shape it's in.
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<br />Here is the link that will take you to my Tour de Cure fundraising page, by the way:
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Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/Tour-de-Cure"><b>http://tinyurl.com/Tour-de-Cure</b></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">
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<br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/?action=view&current=FractalRiderJerseyGraphic.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Tuor%20de%20Cure%202009/FractalRiderJerseyGraphic.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>
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<br />I'd also like to introduce another Cycling/Weight Loss Blogger. His name is Kennie, and he's just starting out his journey. Let's welcome him. I have him down in my links below, <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/kenniesblog/">but here he is as well</a>!
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-29921781190005087712009-01-01T00:57:00.002-05:002009-01-01T01:05:55.213-05:00Goal met on New Years Eve!Now what do I do? There are 2 terrible times in a mans life, one when he fails at a goal, and one when he succeeds. I succeeded at one, a huge one! As you know, I started this crazy journey at 581 pounds. I weighed in today (I haven't been to bed yet). The scale read 199 pounds! I have gone from wearing 8X T shirts to a size Large shirt. <br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view¤t=001-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/001-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Now, all I have to do is figure out where to go from here. I'm working on a degree in Psychology, that's a major goal. I haven't done a couple of goals yet, though. I haven't done the Triple Century ride yet. That was taken out of the picture last summer when I crashed in may and screwed up my training. I guess that's as good a goal as any.<br /><br />June 21, 2009, I am going to attempt to ride from lake Michigan to the Ohio River in a day. Big goals give a person the drive to succeed, and that's a pretty ambitious goal. Other than that, I'm going to keep riding my bike and working toward my degree.<br /><br />Meantime, Happy New Year for 2009!<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view¤t=HappyNewYear2.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/HappyNewYear2.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-75019805903433697882008-12-21T14:03:00.002-05:002008-12-21T14:08:04.919-05:00Short, cold ride!Wow, I forgot how cold - 30 wind chill is. I did a little 2 mile errand ride today and I'll tell ya what! It exposed the chinks in my cold weather gear, that's for sure. My gloves need replacing....the seams leak cold air. <br /><br />My balaclava from Dick's Sporting Goods was a godsend, though. Neofleece and it kept the face and head nicely warm without too much bulk or sweating. It fit under the helmet nicely. The only thing is, it's the brightest orange I've ever seen. Good for visibility, though.<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-75397562137105209492008-12-12T17:57:00.003-05:002008-12-12T18:01:20.082-05:00Merry Christmas To All!I've been absolutely swamped this semester, so I haven't posted with any regularity. I really got nothing right now that is cycling related, but I did have a few minutes free today, so I recorded my favorite Christmas song, and put together a little video.<br /><br />Merry Christmas or Seasons Greetings, or Happy Hanukkah, or happy Solstice, depending on your particular flavor of faith or even lack thereof.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9pD4iYFVZgs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9pD4iYFVZgs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-64931978596441711372008-10-11T01:09:00.003-04:002008-10-11T01:22:35.554-04:00I Started A Lafayette Cycling Forum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1kXWCi9tWugbUqRhsJvxhSUBtzA0uA6gZWY8rnIh8JogbB8V_oONMRc6_xlZzNSDcmkcZM95p_sDTSsAFQ29B1PukTu2myZ3_AqOGDDVIMHHucmTHWuc5cuhvl4-A3nPoTu6/s1600-h/Forum+Header.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 604px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1kXWCi9tWugbUqRhsJvxhSUBtzA0uA6gZWY8rnIh8JogbB8V_oONMRc6_xlZzNSDcmkcZM95p_sDTSsAFQ29B1PukTu2myZ3_AqOGDDVIMHHucmTHWuc5cuhvl4-A3nPoTu6/s400/Forum+Header.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255762047069588850" border="0" /></a><br />As the headline says, I started <a href="http://lafayettefixedgear.lefora.com/forum/">Lafayettefixedgear</a> today. It's a local forum, for Tippecanoe County and surrounding Communities. Think about signing up! I'll add a road bike forum if there seems to be interest as well, but I'm concentrating on Fixed Gear for now.<br /><br />If you ride Fixed in the surrounding counties, or are just interested, we'll be adding content as we get new members. What we feature is the ability to embed video, images, and it's even FREE!<br /><br />Drop on by and check it out!<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-28330882489703689492008-08-27T11:09:00.004-04:002008-08-27T11:41:46.914-04:00Time for Bicycle Commuting!Classes have started for the fall now, and I must say, the weather has been spectacular for a bike commuter. I'm attending Purdue University now, and things are shiney! Purdue is interesting to commute both to, and around, though.<br /><br />First off, traffic can get pretty intense on the edge of campus, what with the parking spot vultures, oblivious student drivers, and everyone being in a hurry. The pedestrians aren't much better either. I understand far better the derisive use of the term "Meat Pylon" in referring to a pedestrian. It's often like an obstacle course where the obstacles can suddenly and unpredictable move into your path!<br /><br />One example, today, well, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I have to get across campus during a 10 minute break. This requires some pretty fast pacing to pull it off, and it seems like every walker on campus is determined to get in front of me and slow me up.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view&current=CampusCrossing.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/CampusCrossing.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cross Campus Route<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>The are a lot of bike facilities, such as racks, on campus,and a lot of cyclists as well. Fortunately, soon enough, the new Freshman class will get a little better trained in how to deal with cyclists, etc, and learn their way about campus as well, so they won't be so blind to their surroundings. Meantime, I get to ride with extreme care.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-19268623659092831662008-08-19T11:38:00.003-04:002008-08-19T11:41:27.570-04:00Cranky-T's....Cycling Wear for the Average Guy!<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Cranky T's in Pennsylvania is a start up, selling T-Shirts centered around Cycling. It's a nice company with a great guy running it. Operated by Digix Consulting, they offer a line of very comfortable T's with various colors available. If you aren't one of the folk that likes to wear Lycra Jerseys that are skin tight, these are for you!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtManWExMkYyYW99C8TWuEmjYIqdoVNAe3PJFNzs_mc7utWcuj8KoPa8aWLOlj7rnqroVJOBg_BNpLu2e6rK1tIGy-iLMN6_ku3inNg1JbRNZpG1Vesxz35MWYhFGulyoDEElc/s1600-h/cranky_smoke-full.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtManWExMkYyYW99C8TWuEmjYIqdoVNAe3PJFNzs_mc7utWcuj8KoPa8aWLOlj7rnqroVJOBg_BNpLu2e6rK1tIGy-iLMN6_ku3inNg1JbRNZpG1Vesxz35MWYhFGulyoDEElc/s400/cranky_smoke-full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236254099343365122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTjYtNtFmiagqz6WeocLUajLJ6qUwZMiV90kLhq_orD6JoM6p4qdlZ4uLetVEbivPkU-90YPuCQ20OyWaqoOkddAZUOdRwpnT-Io83n64UlMBrWDeMipaiW4ZGI8ZG9kjS4bS/s1600-h/cranky_green-medium.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTjYtNtFmiagqz6WeocLUajLJ6qUwZMiV90kLhq_orD6JoM6p4qdlZ4uLetVEbivPkU-90YPuCQ20OyWaqoOkddAZUOdRwpnT-Io83n64UlMBrWDeMipaiW4ZGI8ZG9kjS4bS/s400/cranky_green-medium.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236254093934470034" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.digixconsulting.com/t-shirts">http://www.digixconsulting.com/t-shirts</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-13700610286592273422008-07-02T12:57:00.002-04:002008-07-02T13:00:45.113-04:00Triathlon Video!I started an account with Veoh TV. I have the tri video uo there, as well as started a Clydesdale and Athena gropu where you can upload videos you create as well. Just watch the copyrights.....Veoh is positively anal about it! I used a bit of Techno that is under Creative Commons, and it actually improved the video. <br /><br /><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/veohplayer.swf?permalinkId=v14664175BQ8fNYA8&id=13205248&player=videodetailsembedded&affiliateId=&videoAutoPlay=0" allowFullScreen="true" width="540" height="438" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br/><a href="http://www.veoh.com/">Online Videos by Veoh.com</a><br /><br />Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-11843094383081991382008-06-30T09:19:00.003-04:002008-06-30T22:19:14.171-04:00Race Report: My First Triathlon Event!<span> Allrighty! As y'all know, I did my first Triathlon as part of a 2 person team this weekend.......only because I couldn't do the swim this time. First feedback: A Tri is TOUGH! I did the cycling and running part, and that was near enough to kill me.<br /><br />Part I: Cycling.............<br /><br />My Niece did the swim, so she made the 1K swim in 11 minutes and change, first transition was done in 1:45. Here is where I came in. <img src="http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Big Grin" class="inlineimg" border="0" /> I took off on the cycling course. 13.82 miles, and I was riding against a 10-15 MPH headwind on rolling terrain. The course ran from Warsaw, Indiana to Pierceton, Indiana and back. The course was very well marked. I hammered as hard as I could against the wind, and generally uphill against a headwind. When I got to the turnaround point, my wonderful luck strikes. The blasted wind switched, and it was starting to look like storms were moving in. The wind switch no meant I was riding back, you guessed it, against a headwind......again! So much for the good thoughts of a tailwind!<br /><br />So, I'm slogging back against the headwind, pushing through the wind like a wall. I got passed by a kid on a full suspension mountain bike....a Huffy, no less, with knobbies. This wasn't going to fly, I can tell you. I pushed hard and managed to pass this kid back. he was holding an 18 MPH average speed, and was really a strong rider. <img src="http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/eek.gif" alt="" title="EEK!" class="inlineimg" border="0" /> I dropped down into the aerobars and just held on to the ride....and can guarantee you I went anaerobic on the return. 58 minutes on the cycling section, and a 4:45 transition to the run. I could have done better, I think, but still managed to hit a peak of 28 MPH coming back into Warsaw at the very end of the cycling leg. I got into the transition area and that last sprint had nearly done me in, and I still had the run segment to do.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon017.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon018.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon018.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon020.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon026.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon028Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon028Copy.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon061.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I did the 5 K in 1:08 and a few seconds, and I really am NOT a runner. I had to shuttle back and forth between a run and a walk. I did make the finish at a run, though. That's my Aunt running along beside me, encouraging me to keep pushing. That last quarter mile of the run was literally the worst hurting from exercise I've ever experienced. I made it across the line so bonked I couldn't even undo the ankle tag device and could barely stand. I was literally on the edge of falling, I was so spent. I was pretty cooked at the end, and I really have no idea where I got the push from for that final run, but where ever it came from, I love it! My finish was at the middle of the pack out of 50 teams, we placed at 25.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon065.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon072.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon073.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon087.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon087.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon087copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon087copy.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/?action=view&current=Triathlon088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/First%20Triathlon/Triathlon088.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></span><span> This was bar none, the toughest event I've ever done. I definitely have the triathlon bug......bad! Our time of 2:31.6 wasn't the fastest, by any means, but when you consider that 3 years ago, I was more or less in a wheelchair, you can get the scope of this in my mind. <img src="http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Big Grin" class="inlineimg" border="0" /> I'm in the Tri game for the long haul....it's a blast! If you really want to challenge yourself, this is where you can do it. <img src="http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Big Grin" class="inlineimg" border="0" /><br /><br />I've also added a bit of video from the race. It's time compressed to make it a bit more interesting. </span> <a href="http://www.badongo.com/vid/777019" target="_blank">http://www.badongo.com/vid/777019</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-21080077911436201582008-06-22T23:17:00.002-04:002008-06-22T23:25:58.538-04:00Nice Training Ride today....I have a training partner, one of my former instructors from School. Her name is Jennie. I'll tell you, she has some serious potential as a rider! She's strong pushing into the wind, and steady and rides the dame pace as my average. She likes to push it, too. <img src="http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8399/thumbsup4kk.gif" alt="2 Thumbs Up" /><br /><br />We did a nice little 20 miler today, just playing around in Lafayette, but have set the goal of a loop to Frankfort and back by the end of July, a nice little 59 miler. I may tweak the route a bit to make it a full metric century though.<br /><br />Things are also looking up for my upcoming triathlon Saturday up in Warsaw, Indiana. It's the Optimist Club Triathlon, and this will be my first one. As I mentioned, my shoulder is still giving me issues, so I'll be doing the cycling and running part only, and my niece will be doing the swim. <img src="http://www.comicguide.net/images/smilies/schwimmen.gif" alt="Swimming" /><br /><br />I'm able to hold a decent average speed, so, I don't think I''ll be coming in dead last......I really don't care what place I finish, though. I just plan on finishing it.<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-62847003983832813272008-06-20T21:29:00.003-04:002008-06-20T21:37:17.057-04:00After a modestly successful Tour de Cure,, I'm now gettiing ready for my first Triathlon....June 28th, I'll be in Warsaw, Indiana for the Optimist Club Triathlon. You can click the title of this post to go to the Triathlon website, if you'd like. Since I'm not healed up from the crash a few weeks ago completely, I did have to go team on the tri! <br /><br />I recruited a swimmer, since I'm not back even to 60% on shoulder strength and 75-80% mobility. I am doing mobility therapy though and can expect a good recovery, just some pain is all. Wish me luck, all! I don't care if I come in DFL, I'll come in. <br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/?action=view¤t=Edgie-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Edgie-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11489420.post-8806870331874707392008-06-16T23:27:00.006-04:002008-06-17T00:04:36.391-04:00Tour de Cure, 2008 is in the bag!This years Tour was a rousing success! We had a great ride and both my personal efforts as well as Team Stormcrowe exceeded our goals!Let me introduce the rogues gallery of Team Stormcrowe, to start things off.<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=GroupShot_LRG.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/GroupShot_LRG.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo by Chad, our team photographer/videographer</span><br /></div><br />Left to right, rear row, Phil (St Louis), Beverly (Ohio), Me, Joe (Bloomington, IN), and Mark (Greenwood, IN)<br />front row, Denny (SW PA) and Jerry (Chicago area). We had trouble getting everyone in the shot because we'd scattered a bit at this time and as a result, couldn't get everyone together....so, I'll add in some other shots singly momentarily.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=10wheels3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/10wheels3-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fred, aka 10wheels. He came up from Houston, TX for the ride</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=10wheels2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/10wheels2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here we are, getting registered for the ride. My wife also volunteered for this event. She ran the registration for the Century ride on the track.<br /><br />Now, a little about Fred. He missed the Century mark by 6 miles....he just ran out of time on the track. He's a mile monster....and I'm really impressed with his performance.<br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008008.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another member was Thomas R, aka scummer on <a href="http://www.bikeforums.net">http://www.bikeforums.net</a>. He got a little later start, and still cranked out the Century, + a few insurance miles and a tad over 105. No pictures of him, unfortunately.<br /><br />Bev: 67 miles<br />Denny: 67 miles<br />Jerry: 84 miles<br />Mark: did the 50K ride<br />Me: 41.2 miles attempting the Century with an injured shoulder. It got too painful to ride.<br />Phil: 70+ miles<br /><br />People were riding all kinds of bikes, ranging from Trikes<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008061.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />to a Penny Farthing<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008025.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and all configurations of road bikes<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008018.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008018.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008011.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008063.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view&current=TdC2008062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008062.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The track is the smoothest surface you'll ever ride, there at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It made for some fast riding conditions. It was a great day and all of us are going to do it again next year.<br /><br />Now, to close with Jim McKays words, in sports, there is the thrill of victory<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view¤t=TdC2008075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and the agony of defeat<br /><br /><a href="http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/?action=view¤t=TdC2008048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o260/TomStormcrowe/Team%20Stormcrowe_2008/TdC2008048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This year, my injuries from my training crash 3 weeks ago stopped me, but I'll not let that discourage me.....next year, I will finish the Century.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mk46M8vR7cE&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Mk46M8vR7cE&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Team Stats: Fundraising: <br /><br />Me: $1100.00<br />Team Stormcrowe overall: $3935.00<div class="blogger-post-footer">I have published a new post on The Amazing Shrinking Man. Come on in and visit!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1