Teh Looooooonje!

That's right: I rode with The Lounge Jersey.

The Lounge (aka The Lownje, Teh Loooonje, etc.) is part of RoadBike Review, a site that I frequent to rub elbows with a psuedo-cycling community. There are those who say The Lounge Jersey is cursed, and countless flat tires, accidents, mishaps and near-misses attest to the continuing need for caution when wearing The Lounge Jersey. Nonetheless, like these guys...

...I decided to tempt the fickle-hand of fate and don the Official Lounge Jersey. My buddy Mark decided to do the same.

And, it's the Maiden Voyage for my Lounge Jersey, so what's the worst that could happen, right?

LiveSTRONG 09: Dinner!

My brother, Pat (aka Patfish Hunter) decided to come up and stay over the night before the ride. This was cool because I usually go out with my mother-in-law and my family the night before. There is a little Italian chain restaurant that was the only place open and available to seat us on short notice, so we went there.

The waiter was a good guy who ended up teasing my daughter, which, of course, made her night. My brother showed up and I gave him his race packet, which I had picked up at the LiveSTRONG Village earlier that day. He, in turn, gave me a wrapped gift.

We sat down, ordered a ton of pasta and I opened my gift. It was Lance's book It's Not About the Bike, an obvious favorite, given my situation. When people ask me about my cancer, I sometimes say, I asked God to make me more like Lance Armstrong and BAM! I got testicular cancer. I guess I should have been more specific."

So then Pat tells me to open it, and on the inside cover it's signed. It turns out my brother, a financial advisor, has a relationship with another finance group for which Lance acts as a spokesperson. My brother shared my story with the guy and he was moved to go get me an autographed copy! So, now I have an autographed copy of Lance Armstrong's book. FREAKING AWESOME!

The rest of the evening passed quickly, with laughter, fun, and Mrs. Fish being her usual charming self. I don't get to see my brother nearly enough, and it's times like this that remind me of how easy and fun it is o be around him. He and I took Little Fish to get some ice cream and finished the night laughing. It was a good time and we said good night, knowing what tomorrow would bring.

I went home and laid out my transition area. It's an old triathlon thing, and one of my favorite things to do. It enables me to focus, to go through my routine and prepare my mind for the next day.


Two other very cool things. I got an e-mail from Bill, encouraging me to ride strong the next day. It meant a lot, brother. And, I received an e-mail from my best friend from high school, Eric, who was trying to get out from Missouri to surprise me. He was just going to show up at the start line and ride with me. At the last moment, he was called back in by his commanding officer, so it didn't happen. It would have been soooooooo brilliant, but that is what next year is for, my friend!

LiveSTRONG '09: Preparation

One of my favorite things about the LiveSTRONG event is actually the activity of the day before. This year was no exception...with certain exceptions.

Little Fish and I love going to the LiveSTRONG village to pick up race packets. So many people there. So many stories. I went to register and the woman there saw our team amount.
"Rob Duffield and TEAM FISH OR CUT BAIT -- more than $4,000!!!!" Everyone in the tent started cheering. It's for you, Team Fish! Thank you!

We also went to the LiveSTRONG wall. It's a place where friends and families can place the names of loved ones who have fought the disease, in their honor or their memory. This year, I brought the names of those remembered by Team Fish's members, and Little Fish and I put every one of them on the wall. It's a very emotional time for me anyway, but this year, even more so. It was the highpoint to celebrate those survivors, and a time for reflection upon those who are not with us. It's one of those times that will always be with me.

As promised, Team Fish or Cut Bait earned the systematic and honorary leg shaving. Let's get a couple of things straight about leg shaving. First, it should get easier if you do it more.

By extension, that means that this year should have been easier than last. Throw that theory right out the window. Ankles and knees? Who the hell invented these things? Stage one was my clippers to get the fur down to a manageable level -- think: dethatch. Their fairly good barber's clippers. I cut myself with those. Who cuts themselves with barber's clippers? Apparently, Fish does.


Second, how does one manage to shave with the razor entire without incident except for the back of the knees? It's like someone wrote a special instruction booklet for this area. I didn't get the instruction booklet. So I shaved it. Badly. Who knew so much blood could some out of that cut? I know. I'll just rinse it off by jumping in the showwwwwOWOWOWOWOWer! What the hell?!?!??!?!? Okay. That just ain't right!

This did not bode well for the Iowa Contingent Challenge. Every year, my friend Bill and his slack-jawed, knuckle-dragging, mouth-breathing band of troglodytes offer the Iowa Contingent Challenge. This year was a little haphazard in it's approach, but we still managed to pull something together. Bill is a good guy. We like Bill. Bill helps me raise a lot of money. But Bill also likes making Fish suffer a little extra, just for the fun of it, I suspect. This year's Iowa Contingent Challenge was to shave my head.


Now normally, I wouldn't worry too much about that, except in light of what I just went through with my legs and the razor blade. And, the barber's clippers. Verrrrrrrrrrrrrry carefully, I took the first swath. Not bad. The second went just as easily. Turns out barber's clippers are meant for shaving one's head. Who knew? So, I took the rest of it down with the clippers. So far, so good. Then it was blade time, and my hand was shaking worse that the barber who had to give Clint Eastwood's Man-With-No-Name a shave in High Plains Drifter.


I put on shaving oil. I put on shaving cream. And then I took blade to head and went to town. It was rough, but not hard. It's kind of like cutting through low-grit sand paper. It was not a quick process, nor did I expect it to be.

On the second swath, I heard Mrs. Fish ask, "What are you doing in there?"
"Shaving."
"Are you shaving your legs, again?"
"NOOOOO." How silly.
"JUST WHAT ARE YOU SHAVING???"
"Ummmmm. Nothing?"
"Is this because of that Iowa guy, AGAIN?"
"Maybe."
"What ARE you shaving?"
"My head."
A sigh. I don't know if it was relief or despair.
She asked, "How much is he donating?"
"They're giving me $425 dollars," I announced, hopefully.
"I'll give you $500 not to."
"It's a little too late, now."
The sigh again, then silence.

When it was over, I emerged and smiled.
"OH MY GOD!" she screamed. Yeah, it's a little shocking. Might take a bit of getting used to.




"Who wants to eat," I asked.

It is Well....

Ride report will be coming, featuring friends, hills, humidity, a crash and a near miss with Satan himself...

Do'ers Profile: Meet Li'l Fish!

I have known Li'l Fish her entire life. God occasionally blesses us far beyond what we have earned or deserved. My daughter is the best example I can give of this. It's one of the reasons I formed Team Fish. I wanted to live to see the important things in life, like my daughter graduating from high school...and graduate school...and getting married...and having kids...in that order! She is the light of my life.

Home: The small town of Enola

Age: 11...AND A HALF!!!

Profession: I am a student

Hobby: Skateboarding with Murphy

Last Book Read: New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Last Accomplishment: Had Murphy sleep in until 8 am. It was amazing.

Quote: "Is that necessary?"

Profile: Peace-loving, tea-drinking girl

Why You Support Team Fish: My Daddy - DUH!

Do'ers Profile: Mrs. Fish

I have known Mrs. Fish almost half my life. She has been my friend, my girlfriend, my fiance' and my wife and through it all, my best friend. When I was diagnosed, she approached it with the no-nonsense approach that is the Team Fish hallmark: We'll buckle down, toughen up and fight this thing. My prayer for those out there who are fighting this disease is to have a friend, a confidante, and a pillar of support that will help you through. Mine was Mrs. Fish, and I love her more and more deeply than the day I met her: I am blessed.

Home: Wherever my family is.

Age: 44

Profession: I teach elementary kids to learn and work with their differences.

Hobby: Reading.

Last Book Read: So many. Rereading David Sedaris' Holidays on Ice. Hilarious!

Last Accomplishment: Presented at NSA conference this summer.

Quote: "Do one thing everyday that scares you." --Eleanor Roosevelt.

Profile: I once had to use a bathroom in Spain on Good Friday. It looked like a bar, but turned out to be a brothel. I will never forget the look on my father's face when he realized where we were.

Why You Support Team Fish: Team Fish is all about my husband, a cancer survivor whom I love and admire very much. Go Rob!

UPDATE: Team Fish crosses $3,000

BAM! That's what I am talking about! And, the LiveSTRONG Philadelphia is approaching $3,000,000! People ask me sometimes, "Does my donation make a difference?" Clearly, the answer is yes.

Starfish

I awoke early, as I often did, just before sunrise to walk by the ocean's edge and greet the new day. As I moved through the misty dawn, I focused on a faint, far away motion. I saw a youth, bending and reaching and flailing arms, dancing on the beach, no doubt in celebration of the perfect day soon to begin.

As I approached, I sadly realized that the youth was not dancing to the bay, but rather bending to sift through the debris left by the night's tide, stopping now and then to pick up a starfish and then standing, to heave it back into the sea. I asked the youth the purpose of the effort. "The tide has washed the starfish onto the beach and they cannot return to the sea by themselves," the youth replied. "When the sun rises, they will die, unless I throw them back to the sea."

As the youth explained, I surveyed the vast expanse of beach, strectching in both directions beyond my sight. Starfish littered the shore in numbers beyond calculation. The hopelessness of the youth's plan became clear to me and I countered, "But there are more starfish on this beach than you can ever save before the sun is up. Surely you cannot expect to make a difference."

The youth paused briefly to consider my words, bent to pick up a starfish and threw it as far as possible. Turning to me he simply said, "I made a difference to that one."

I left the boy and went home, deep in thought of what the boy had said. I returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping the boy throw starfish in to the sea.

---From the story by Loren Eisly

Want to make a difference? CLICK HERE!

UPDATE: Leg Shaving has been achieved!

That's right! Yours truly will once again be trimming the Wookie Forest of his legs in honor of those on Team Fish. If I get about twenty more people, the head gets shaved. So, what do you say? Want to see Fish as Mr. Clean?

CLICK HERE and make a donation. NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL.

Thank You!

Team Fish is assembled and ready to go kick cancer's ASS! You can still join me by CLICKING HERE and making a donation: NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL!

A huge thanks to those who have already given. It means the world to me to have so many of you with us. Thank you, Team Fish! From The Bard's Henry V about another small band who faced a supposedly overwhelming force.

WESTMORELAND. O that we now had here
But one ten thousand of those men in England
That do no work to-day!

KING. What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Poetry Thursday: Sword

I have sharpened my sword
With the maddened determination of a hermit
In the long, cold silence of winter

I have ground off rust
In the morning minutes before dawn
With my breath a cloud of finite warmth before me

I have burnished out those signature spots
Black warts of weakened steel
Banished for their weakness, their threatened failure

I have removed ridges, imperceptible
That could spell disaster in battle
There is nothing left but what is required

Oh yes, I have sharpened my sword
And I have no fear
The sword, like the man, is ready.

Do'ers Profile: Karen "Madkat" Price

I have known Karen through the wonders of the Intarwebz for a little over a year now, a fellow Cup of Joe denizen from Beginner Triathlete. We actually started an e-mail exchange from last year's Team Fish excursion into the LiveSTRONG Challenge. Karen's friends and family have a long history of dealing with cancer and we spent a lot of time talking about that. She even brought another friend in to support Team Fish in honor of her husband. HUGE THANKS thanks for being part of Team Fish, and to you and your family for fighting the good fight.

Home: Santa Rosa, CA
Age: 39 - old enough to know better, but still young enough to get away with it
Profession: Facebook Farmer and part-time Production Manager - like a cross between a cat-herder and a sweeper in the sport of curling.
Hobby: acting as human cat furniture, playing dumb, and rockin' the house
Last Book Read: The Random House Rhyming Dictionary, 4th Edition
Last Accomplishment: I came up with a pretty good pun the other day. When walking along the trail with some friends, we saw some dog droppings. When we came by it again on our way back, I mention that I thought I'd see it before, and was having a strong sense of DejaPoo.
Quote: "I'm so into you, But I'm way too smart for you. Even my henchmen think I'm crazy. I'm not surprised that you agree. If you could find some way to be A little bit less afraid of me, You'd see the voices that control me from inside my head Say I shouldn't kill you yet."
Profile: A failed perfectionist, an optimistic realist, and the nicest you'll ever meet.
Why You Support Team Fish: Because Rob promised he would clean my gutters.

If you want me to clean your gutters, CLICK HERE to join Team Fish!

Do'ers Profile: Nick "Ninjabookey" Bromberg

Nick Bromberg is about as crazy a cat as you will ever know...I hope things work out with him and Danica. I've spent a lot of time thinking about Nick this year, and about how blessed we are to have our health. One can go through an entire lifetime and take health for granted, or we can brush our mortality from time to time and realize how wonderfully and fearfully we are made. I'm glad to know you, Ninja.

Home: A Place With A NASCAR Track
Age: Just started my 25th trip around the sun. My life is over as I know it.
Profession: I write stuff, I read stuff, but mostly I dream about stuff
Hobby: Things that start with the letter "s"
Last Book Read: Among the Thugs. The one lasting image from this book I probably shouldn't share, but if you read the book, you'll know it when you read it.
Last Accomplishment: Seven straight strikes on Wii Bowling. Twice. In two days.
Quote: "He's used to driving her down in there and cocking her sideways."
Profile: Wanna cyber? A/S/L please.
Why You Support Team Fish: How can anyone pass up a supporting role in One Nut to Live?

Wanna be like a Ninja? CLICK HERE to support Team Fish.

Do'ers Profile: Tom "Matchy" Matchinsky

Matchy is one of those 21st Century fathers who is taking full advantage of the new role of father's, allowing us to be uber-involved in the lives of our children. Matchy is one of the good guys who balances career, family and a boatload of other interests, Upon reflection, I do seem to know a lot of these types of people, don't I?

Home: Edina, MN - a suburb of Minneapolis. Stands for Every Day I Need Attention. Which makes me fit right in on Team Fish.
Age: 33
Profession: Insurance consultant by day, singer by night (and weekend and holiday and whenever it fits)
Hobby: Semi-professional singer
Last Book Read: "The Year of Living Biblically" by AJ Jacobs. It's a non-fiction story of an agnostic man with Jewish heritage who endeavors to live by the rule of the Bible for a year. Very interesting and often funny read. And further proof that people are just plain WEIRD.
Last Accomplishment: God, I hope its not my last but I think becoming a dad has been awfully cool. My son, Luke, is now 19 months old and is turning into an awesome little guy.
Quote: "I drank what?" - Socrates
Profile: If I were a child, I'd be described as "always getting into things". I love to try new stuff. I love adventure. I love to learn new things. But only if they're interesting things. I may come off as a know-it-all on occasion but that's just my way of telling you you're totally wrong. I will always love with my whole heart and not worry about the eventual pain it causes me. I'm curious, like a cat. That's why my friends call me "Freckles". I'd much rather be the top scientist in my field than have Mad Cow. I know the moon is not made of green cheese but if it were made of BBQ spareribs, I'd definitely take a bite.
Why You Support Team Fish: Because Rob is the epitome of putting your money where your mouth is - he's taking this disease on head-on. And because I've lost too many friends and relatives to cancer to count. And because my mom is currently winning her battle against this wicked disease.

Bonus pixxor of Mama Matchy and L'il Matchy. I love this picture -- thanks Tom!

Want to help people spend more time with their loved ones instead of in chemo? CLICK HERE!

Do'ers Profile: Eric Martin

The second in the Colorado contingent...who knew? I have known Eric for many years and seen him enter triathlons (he's competed at the half-Ironman level: FREAK!), road races, and marriage, all with amazing success. His drive and his wit make him a force to be reckoned with, but mostly I admire his eclectic interests. He's talking about moving east, but everything I have read about Colorado makes me wonder if he's lost his marbles. He's on Team Fish, so probably. It's a prerequisite.


Home: Lafayette, CO
Age: 27
Profession: Auditor
Hobby: Triathlon, Cooking, Mountain Biking, Hanging out with my wife
Last Book Read: Paleo Diet for Athletes
Quote: "Start slow, pull back, and fade."
Profile: I like going fast.
Why You Support Team Fish: I find Fish an inspiration in the way he attacks life with such vigor and positivity. Plus, cancer sucks.


Thanks for being part of Team Fish, Brother! Want to join him -- CLICK HERE!

Kurt BUTNZ! Johnson

BUTNZ! Where would Team Fish be without BUTNZ? Three years ago when I got this harebrained idea to start a Team Fish to ride against cancer, this guy contacted me from Roadbike Review. He said he wished he could ride with me, but he is in Colorado so that was out. But, he makes BUTNZ and people love them and I could use them to commemorate the event. I could give them out to donors. I could give them out to riders on the Challenge. I could pass them to volunteers as a thank you. So Kurt made up a boatload of BUTNZ and sent them to me. For free. Because that's the kind of guy he is. I was blown away by his generosity, but also by the intense professionalism he brought to the effort, then and now. If you're looking for something cool to commemorate a special event, I can't recommend BUTNZ and Kurt's work enough. The proof is in the smiles of every person who gets one. Here he is on a ride with the Mrs. at an altitude that would probably kill you and me. And, they're smiling.
Home: As little as possible. Usually out riding in the summer or skiing in the winter with my wife and daughter. If not that, I'm probably at work, possibly working
Age: AARP is warming up the presses.
Profession: Butnz maker extraordinaire (along with being a corporate grunt)
Hobby: Riding, skiing and being a father and husband.
Last Book Read: Lily's Pesky Plant - hey, I have a kid.
Last Accomplishment: Eating lunch without getting any on my shirt.
Profile: A little chubby from the side
Why You Support Team Fish or Cut Bait: He's one of the nicest guys I've never met.

Join Kurt on Team Fish (and get a BUTNZ!) by CLICKING HERE!

Do'ers Profile: Brad "Q" and Yvonne Smith

Brad and I have been friends for many years. Occasionally you get the opportunity to meet someone you've "met" on the intarwebz with the relative assurance that you won't end up being transported across the border in the trunk of a car to some third-world country. So it was with Brad, whom I met at a JP Fitness event several years ago after conversing through the net. Brad is committed to his family and to a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong love of learning. I liked him immediately and we have conversed regularly since then. The picture to the right is of Brad and his lovely bride Yvonne as they recently renewed their vows in front of their children. Yvonne has been battling cancer and just finished a second round of chemo. I know a lot of you who read this blog are in the habit of serious prayer, so remembering her would be very much apppreciated.

Home: San Marcos, Texas
Age: 55
Profession: University Landscape Guy and Horticulture Instructor
Hobby: Swimming, plant stuff
Last Book Read: I tend to jump around a lot in reference books but I'm reading The Talent Code now.
Last Accomplishment: Swam 1.5 miles two days ago and am looking at open water swims
Why You Support Team Fish or Cut Bait: FISH is DA MAN!... and to KICK CANCER'S ASS!

Here's some Beta Vulgaris to help with your mission:


Want to join Team Fish? CLICK HERE!

Do'ers Profile: SnapDragen!

I have never met Janet "SnapDragen" Lemon. In a fair world, someday I will. You see, Janet and I were first introduced through the miracle of the Intarwebz, through RoadBike Review, a site I visit to yuck it up with like-minded cyclists. Snap is funny, self-deprecating in a healthy way, exhibits a general joie de vivre that makes those around her better and shares my affinity for seven-legged spiders. I think she may have also been the very first person to join Team Fish or Cut Bait when we started all of this madness three years ago. Thanks Janet: you're a gem...and a Princess!


Home: Northern California
Age: Not quite dead yet...
Profession: Management Systems Analyst, but I want to be a Princess.
Hobby: Evidently it has become having surgery......I like bikes and making jewelry too.
Last Book Read: Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann
Last Accomplishment: Survived Cooper’s party
Quote: "I am quite certain that given a cape and a nice tiara I could save the world."
Why You Support Team Fish or Cut Bait: Because cancer sucks, and I don’t want to lose any more friends.

Here's your tiara, Snaps. You earned it.


Want to join SnapDragen on Team Fish? CLICK HERE.

LiveSTRONG Tuneup

My buddy Kurt decided that what we really needed in preparation for LiveSTRONG this year was a proper tuneup. I should have known what I was in for when he sent me a map of the ride. It had a two-mile climb to the top of a mountain near Ickesburg. "How bad can it be," I thought.


We met at Lowe's restaurant, a local landmark in Liverpool, Perry County in rural PA. I was greeted by Kurt's always smiling and enthusiastic face, and his buddy Andy, who decided to join us, in spite of knowing Kurt for years and years. Surely, he must know how these things end, but there he was, nonetheless. "How bad can it be," I thought. "Even Andy's here." Kurt's father was there to offer his support as well, and promised to have lunch on the other side of the mountain.

Then we clipped in and started pedaling. The first ten miles are always about getting your legs under you and figuring out where you are in the scheme of things. I could feel some deep-down muscle soreness but nothing to worry about. I was also a little stiff in the lower back but that worked out pretty quickly. The first twenty miles we rolled over the hills, some of them sizable but mostly what qualify as "rollers" in the parlance of local cyclists. I was feeling pretty good, all-in-all.

"OW! What the????" I felt a sharp sting on my stomach. I thought maybe it was just a bug so I swatted it. I rode for another three minutes.
"OW!!!! Holy #&%$! What the?" I swatted again. Nothing.
Okay. I'm okay but that was quite unpleasan....
"Ouchy-wouchy-WHAT-THE-%$&$KY!!!!!!" I pulled over and smacked my jersey and pulled it up to shake out a yellow jacket. Clearly the kind that stings more than once because I had 4 stinger marks where he took umbrage with me interrupting his flight path with my cycling jersey. That really kind of hurt.


On we pedaled to Ickesburg. As we were riding along next to the fields Kurt kindly pointed out the growing mountain on our right (you can see them on the left in the picture above). Behold: The Apps. We pulled into Ickesburg and stopped at a local store. Kurt declared that "Gatorade is on me!" which is a good thing because I realized that when I shook the bee out of my jersey, I also shook the $20 bill I had in my pocket into the street. Perfect.

Pedaling out of the store, we passed a bunch of guys stocking up at the local beer distributor down the street. We hailed them and one kindly gentleman held out a cold brew in Tour-de-France perfection. Kurt said, "It looks good, but can you meet us at the top of the mountain?" They looked at us like we were crazy. I suspect they knew more than I did.

Still, Kurt, Andy and I felt good, strong. We pedaled forward and Andy and Kurt rode on ahead of me. I knew it was going to be a long slow grind, so I was in no hurry. I felt my heartrate surge and my breathing got heavier as I rose up the mountain. Kurt and Andy rode on out of sight. I was in my own zone of hurt and effort, and it was not a bad place to be. I thought about my friend Terri, who went down swinging this year against a cancer that was just too big for her to fight. I thought about Collin, a young boy who is fighting for his life right now against Leukemia. I thought a lot about people I know who have survived cancer and those who have not. Too many to count, or name, it seems. Their names are written in my heart, and in the hearts of Team Fish, though. I pedalled on.

I saw Andy on the side of the road ahead of me. He was resting, trying to get his heart rate down. I knew where he was. I rode on and Andy hopped back on and we soldiered on up the mountain. We both hurt. I could feel myself nearing the top. I was barely pedalling, mixing between standing and spinning in the lowest gear I had. I could feel Andy pushing me, willing us both forward.

And then, my bike just stopped. I tried to will myself forward, but my body would not respond. I had not one more turn in my legs, but my mind was screaming to go on. I clipped out just before I fell over, and my leg just barely had the strength to hold me up, quivering as I got off to the side of the road. Andy stopped with me while my strength slowly returned. I got to a point where I was sure I could pedal up the rest of the mountain.

Andy and I hopped on. We rose together and found that I was stopped about 200 yards from the top. It was bitter for me. Of course, Kurt had ridden to the top and now came riding back to check on Andy and me.
"How are you doing, buddy," he asked with a smile.
"I hate you."

If the ride up the mountain was a plodding nightmare, the ride down was a rocket flight at 50 miles per hour. It took us about 20 minutes to ride up the mountain. We took about two minutes to get down. The only part that was a little unnerving is that hairpin turn about one-third of the way down.


Lunch with Kurt's father, step-mom and kids was a treat to behold. The chicken salad with walnuts and celery on whole-wheat rolls, watermelon, salt-laden potato chips, whoopie pies and ice-cold drinks were appropriate fare for our NOM NOM NOM fest. Kurt's father said a blessing over the meal and the riders, which meant a lot to me, and then we commenced to eating to offset everything we had just ridden off. ZOMG! I was brilliant!

But, as with all things, this came to an end and we got back on our bikes. The heat was rising and we were hurting a bit going into the last 20 miles. The heat was hitting my stomach pretty hard and I was not digging the Gatorade. Andy was, I think, in even worse shape and had a hard time with the Gatorade, so he was nursing his lone bottle of water. Nursing is not what you want to do in that kind of heat and humidity. Still, he just kept his head down and pedalled. We saw a lone tree in the middle of a long stretch and decided to stop under it for a spell to get out of the sun.

We pulled under and stretched out a bit. I sat down in true cycling fashion: never stand when you can sit; never sit when you can lay down. Then Kurt said, "Look at that. Is that what i think it is?" I followed his gaze and knew immediately it was what he was hoping. Blackberries. They were small, and a little tart, but very juicy. Bloody brilliant!

We hopped back on and finished the last of the ride. It wasn't always easy, but I would ride with Kurt and Andy anytime. Strong riders with solid constitutions and a good idea of what Team means. I appreciate their spirit and their focus on the task at hand. There are people you ride with who just get on the same page quickly, and these men both fit that bill. Thanks so much, for everything you did to put this together.

And next year: I am going to roll over that mountain.

Behold: Teh Butnz!

They came!!! Every year, my friend Kurt puts together BUTNZ for Team Fish. It's one of the highlights for the event, and the smiles of riders, volunteers and people who have joined Team Fish stay with us long after the ent is over. Here is this year's AWESOME design.

Also, if you have any kind of event, I'd encourage you to use Kurt and his BUTNZ--he's quick, professional, and his designs are totally cool.

Everyone who JOINS Team Fish gets one, as always.

Happy Cancer-versary

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Today I am still alive, a testament to strong friends and family, good doctors and advances in medicine, and the healing power of God. Thank you for all of your support, then and now.

Let the Challenge Begin!

So here it is, 10 days until the LiveSTRONG Challenge, and the real challenge is officially out there. I stated earlier that this year's Team Fish or Cut Bait Challenge was more about the people than the dollars. Therefore, the first Challenge will be about people.

Last year, Team Fish took 52 people with us to Philadelpia. Right now, we stand at 14 people. At 26 Team Fish members, I will once again depilitate the Wookie, which, in layperson's terms, means I'll shave my legs. At 53 people, I up it and shave the head. This year, I will go all the way down to zero clippers. I've seen zero clippers on my boss' head. Zero clippers are tight. But, I'll do it, complete with pictures, if we get Team Fish to 53 people.

So, what do you say? Do you have it in you, Team Fish? If you do, CLICK HERE and join us.

And, a HUGE thanks to those of you who have already signed on too Team Fish--We are so proud to be riding with you!

And Now for Something Completely Different

Carl Spackler: So I jump ship in Hong Kong and I make my way over to Tibet, and I get on as a looper at a course over in the Himalayas.
Angie D'Annunzio: A looper?
Carl Spackler: A looper, you know, a caddy, a looper, a jock. So, I tell them I'm a pro jock, and who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. Twelfth son of the Lama. The flowing robes, the grace, bald... striking. So, I'm on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama - long, into a ten-thousand foot crevasse, right at the base of this glacier. Do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-lagunga. So we finish the eighteenth and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.

It's official. I hate the game, and I am going back to triathlons when this season is over. There. I said it.

Carl Spackler: In the immortal words of Jean Paul Sartre, 'Au revoir, gopher'.

Now I'm done.

Do'ers Profile: Mark "Kram" Wanco

I met Mark online through the RoadBike Review site. Since then, I have had the pleasure of riding with him through the hills of Central PA, trying to keep up with his recovery rides. I have come to know and respect him as a dedicated cyclist (he's threatening to give Lance a run for his moolah this year) and an even more passionate family man. This is Mark's first LiveSTRONG ride and we're lucky to have his experience on Team Fish.

Home: Wherever I happen to have my favorite things in the world: My 2 girls, my 3 doggies, and my wife, so it can be anywhere.
Age: Too old to remember
Profession: Blood examiner tester dood
Last Book Read: Steven Colbert's I Am America (And So Can You!)
Last accomplishment: Not to finish DFL in my last Master's race.
Quote: "Looking for the next best thing" Warren Zevon
Profile: Over the hill guy who decided at a ridiculously late stage in life to become a bike racer.
Why I Ride for Livestrong: For my dad, who didn't get to see me pursue this sillyness.

Do'ers Profile: Kurt "FishMagic" Enck

Meet the people who make up Team Fish or Cut Bait for this year's LiveSTRONG ride. I met Kurt "FishMagic" Enck through his wife, a friend of mine from work. He also did the Got The Nerve Triathlon with me a couple of years ago. This will be his second LiveSTRONG Campaign. I am proud to have Kurt on Team Fish, and to count him as a friend.

Home: On the road; on the back of Kristine (my bike)
Age: Just south of a mid-life crisis
Profession: Knowledge transference
Hobby: Creating jewelry from living crustaceans
Last Book Read: Where the Wild Things Are (unfortunately some of the pages were missing, did that poor boy ever get home?)
Last Accomplishment: Filling out this form in a somewhat timely manner
Quote: I told my wife that a husband is like a fine wine; he gets better with age. The next day, she locked me in the cellar.
Profile: A real tool box, but otherwise an all-around good guy
Why You Ride LiveSTRONG: For glory, kith and kin

"Don't Say She Lost"

I read Fat Cyclist, a blog about a big guy using cycling to lose weight. His wife, Susan fought cancer right up to the end. She went down swinging this week. My thoughts and prayers go out to Elden and his family.

I wanted to give a HUGE thanks for the friends and family members who have already joined Team Fish. I am so proud to have you with us! I thought it would be worth mentioning that each Team Fish supporter gets a shiny new BUTNZ again this year, with a huge thanks to my friend Kurt who puts them together! Seriously: if you ever have en event and you want to add a little zip to it, get BUTNZ! They rock!

As you can see, previous BUTNZ have been epic. I have assurances that this year will be no exception....
2007


2008


2009

Little Fish

Mrs. Fish and I have always tried to give our 11 year-old daughter wide-ranging experience, especially when it comes to music. So, I walked into Little Fish's room last night and she's listening to some jazz that presumably I put on her iPod.
"What are you listening to," I asked.
"Jazz"
"I can hear that. But, it's not Miles Davis" I had loaded some Miles on for her.
"No. It's Charlie Parker. He's my favorite."

She was listening to Now's the Time:



My kid is listening to "Bird"...she's so awesome. Here's another one for you, Little Fish:

Lions and Tigers and Behrs Ride

I got a chance to ride with my friend George Behr. George and I have known each other for about 5 years now, through church and men's group. He is brand new to cycling, which made yesterday's ride fun. You remember fun on a bicycle, right? We started out with a C+ Level group that was supposed to ride 13-15 miles per hour.

I say supposed to because they didn't. Not exactly, anyway. They were AVERAGING 14...up the side of one of the mountains out here. For a first-time rider, it was NOT the place to be: a pack of testosterone-laden guys looking to impress each other because they can't hack it with the B Level riders. Toughen up, move to the next level and suffer a little to get better, fellas. It works. Honestly.

So George and I broke off from those idjucts and went our own way. I took him down along the Yellow Breeches, a world-class trout stream with a low overhanging tree canopy covering the road-it's cool, quiet and smooth, an ideal road for a beginning rider. It was beautiful. We eased up so we could talk about kids, cycling and life in general. It's actually renewing to be out with a complete newbie because it takes me back to when I was there, trying to figure out things like stopping, starting and not dying while clipping into and out of pedals (Hint: Unclip BEFORE you NEED to unclip). We then noodled up through some rolling hills and cornfields and eased into the high school parking lot for a 21 mile jaunt together.

The cool thing is that George said he was going to start making it a ritual, already planning his next rides. Me? I sat back and listened like a junkie that just introduced someone to the crack that I am selling. Welcome to the addiction, George. I think you're going to love it.

I Had a Revelation...

As you might suspect, I have been thinking about the Third Annual Team Fish or Cut Bait assault on cancer at the LiveSTRONG ride in Philadelphia. We'll be cycling into the hills outside of Philadelphia in a 100 mile Tour de Force to fight cancer. What I have been thinking about are the forces lined up against us. It's not going to be easy: the rain has cut into some training, but we've put our bikes on trainers, risen early to get out and come up with other creative ways to get in our time. The heat has been non-existent so far, which means we can't prep for the inevitable 95+ degree muggy weather (if you don't know "muggy" it's Philadelphian for unbearably hazy hot and humid). There's also the economy. And add too that the fact that Lance only came in third at the Tour de France at the tender age of 37. I think he really needs too step his game up.

Oh. And then there's that thing with the economy. You may have heard about it on the news. Which has caused me to reevaluate, I think in a new way, how I am measuring success this year. The last two years, I wanted to reach certain dollar levels. This year I have spent more time thinking about what's REALLY important and this is what I have arrived at: THE PEOPLE.

That's why this year I am going to start measuring Team Fish's success by the number of people we "bring" with us to the event. Look, the economy is going to do what the economy is going to do. What I am hoping and praying is that you will give what you are able to give, whatever that is for you. What I want to do is bring an army of people with me, in thought, hope, prayer and spirit, who are willing to say, "I am with Team Fish!"

So there you have it. And there it is. IF YOU'RE ABLE to give, and you want to stand as part of Team Fish as we go off to battle, YOU CAN CLICK HERE.

If you're not able to give, your thoughts, prayers and well-wishes will be with us. You can leave them on this blog in the comments section, or send them to me directly. Go Fish!

Well, Now That Was Fun

Thought this was tres' cool:


Thanks, Spaniard.

On the Drainer

There are times when you just can't ride a bicycle on the road. Rain. Cold. Dark. Last night it was a combination of things that included rain, dark and guests. My friends brought their two daughters camping at Knoebel's, a great family park near our home. We shot up there for half a day, had an awesome time, then came back and settled everyone down for the evening.

By the time I could even think about riding, everyone was in bed except Michael and me. I ran out to the video store rented Iron Man (if you haven't seen it, get it!) and we watched it together while I road for an hour on the stationary trainer (aka The Drainer) an exercise in mindless monotony. Sometimes you just have to get the time in when you can.

And So It Begins...

Team Fish is once again building. My brother joined Team Fish or Cut Bait today, marking the official beginning of the cancer ass-kicking season. The LiveSTRONG Challenge is in Philadelphia on August 23rd, an opportunity to raise money to fight cancer by riding a bicycle 10, 40, 70 or 100 miles. You can also run or walk the 5K.

There are several ways you can join Team Fish as we fight cancer. First, you can get on your bike and ride with us! You can go to the Team Fish or Cut Bait Homepage and join our team. Last year, my brother Pat, cousin Michael and friend Kurt joined Team Fish. I would love to see even MORE people come out this year. Think about it: You can ride 10 miles and raise $250.00, right? (Note: the $250 was VERY daunting the first time I did it...I raised it in a week. All of the people who have ridden with me have said the same thing. Don't let that be what stops you if you're thinking about it.)

Second, you can give to the LAF in support of my ride. Last year we raised more than $5,000. Go to Teh Fundraising Lownje of Fish and make a pledge. Furthermore, I am all-in for Challenge Giving! Last year, we had a chance to Shave the Wookie! That's right, yours truly shaved his legs at the $1,000 threshold.

Then, I shaved the head at $2,000...

Rest assured, if you have a recipe for insanity, or just an itch you need to scratch, and want to offer me a challenge, the negotiations can begin (just ask Bill Moore and his buddy Pat and friends...).

Last, inspiration comes in many, many forms. I do not speak lightly of TEAM FISH. It is a TEAM. And that means so much more than simply the riders who are out there with me. It is the people who support us in this endeavor. Many of you have given money for the event, and as a cancer survivor who has benefited from that (testicular cancer was a death sentence thirty years ago. Now, it's 95% curable if they get it early), I assure you, no amount is too small. What REALLY matters to me is the PEOPLE for whom I am riding: you, your friends, your loved ones, your sons and daughters, the living and the saints. It is the spirit of TEAM FISH to bring everyone with us, in body, mind and spirit.

Some of you have given your time, helping me get prepared both physically and mentally (Mrs Fish and Little Fish have been especially helpful here). Others used their unique talents or skills too add something special to the ride, like Kurt and his BUTNZ! I share them on the ride with fellow riders and survivors and they never fail to bring a smile...as a matter of fact, I had people remember me from the first year as "The Buttton Guy".

Or, maybe you have mad photoshop skills...


By far the greatest inspiration I receive are the stories. So often, people will make a donation to my page in honor or memory of someone and e-mail me to tell me just why that person is so special. I would be continually honored if you have someone you want me to ride for and you want to share them with me.

And so there you have it, and there it is. It's open season on cancer, and I'm going hunting. Who's with me?

Why Do You Do It?

I've been riding more and more. The other day I shambled through the door, a disheveled mess, and Mrs. Fish asked me why I do it. I wasn't really sure how to answer, having just ridden nearly 50 miles and arriving home cramped, somewhat dehydrated, completely blasted and in a state where the only thing I wanted to do was put my head in the ice chest in the freezer. It was a question I probably should have asked myself, but I didn't.

Until yesterday. I was riding another 50 miler when everything faded away. Runners talk about runner's high, and I have been there before, a long time ago but not on a bike. I was pedalling away when I crested a hill and I became a single being, my bike, my legs, my heart, my lungs, all in complete harmony with the world around me. I could feel my soul drawing on the energy of everyone and everything around me. Everything was a part of me, I was a part of everything and I could feel my heart beating as I breathed in the world and we were all...ONE.

And that is why I do it.

National Stuttering Association

Little Fish stutters, and has pretty much since the age of 3. It was one of those things that Mrs. Fish and I noticed and were largely poo-pooed by doctors, teachers and the like. Still, as teachers of special education, we knew something was amiss.

Scanning the intarwebz revealed very little information, most of it psuedo-scientific stuff that ranged between blaming the parents (you talk too fast) or the environment (she has too much pressure on her). Then, we discovered the National Stuttering Association. We corresponded with some people there and decided to go to the National Conference in Atlanta two years ago (farther down the page HERE).

There, we met amazing people, but more importantly, Little Fish met, for the first time, kids just like her. It was a revelation, and she came to a deeper understanding of her stuttering, as did we. I went from hoping for a "cure" to hoping she would be empowered like the people we saw before us. Most amazing were the teens, kids who had been through all sorts of garbage but come out on top as confident, competent, talented and gifted communicators. I even met a Yankee fan I could almost like....

This year was a reunion and a reconfirmation of all that, and more. We saw teens that we met who have now entered college, and it was incredible. One of the most important conference moments fro me was listening to Jay, a person who stutters and has CP, who is working on his Masters degree. His message was inspiring: don't let stuttering or anything define you or limit you. Stuttering is something you do, not who you are. If you choose not to be a victim, you will not be a victim. It was, for me, the best part of the conference.

I also enjoyed the resort with my family. Floating on the Lazy River at the hotel while gently drifting past the lizards, cacti and cackling birds was great, as was the water chute. I also got out to run in the early morning, before the temperature soared to 117 degrees, making everything quite unlivable out of doors.

The food in Arizona was amazing, but by far the best meal was a simple guacamole made table-side by our waiter. Simply unbelievable...Nom Nom Nom. I loved the spices of the Southwest cuisine, and chorizo is the food of the Gods.

We also had a fantastic time at the Phoenix Zoo, where we got to feed a giraffe! The walk was pretty warm, but it was soooooooo worth it. I thought the hyenas were really cool, too. I was looking at the javelinas when this kid next to me said, "Hey mom, look at this wolf!"
"Oh, very nice," said the mom.
"Ummmmmm...they're wild pigs," I said.
"What?" she asked, somewhat incredulously.
I just mumbled and left. How do you not know a wild pig from a wolf? Seriously.

The best thing about the NSA is how connected I feel with my family after it's all over. My wife, who bravely presents every year, educating parents about their rights in the education system and how to operate within that system to get the most for their children. My brave, strong, amazing daughter who continues to grow in ability and confidence. I love NSA for what it's given us and how much that grows every year.

Word of the Day, by Little Fish: Shizofrantic

schiz⋅o⋅fran⋅tic  /ˌskɪtsəˈfrantic [skit-suh-fran- tic]

–noun

1. Psychiatry. Related to dementia praecox, though more often seen in dogs. A severe mental disorder characterized by some, but not necessarily all, of the following features: extreme tail wagging; running around in circles at a high rate of speed; licking face, hands, legs and toes; utterly losing one's mind, especially when a person you loves comes through the door or down the stairs.

2. a state characterized by the coexistence of contradictory or incompatible elements, especially where the owner is calm and the dog is decidedly not.

Fishing with Little Fish

"The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in fishing."
--Babylonian Proverb

I took Little Fish fishing today and she did great. We both caught fish and she brought in the biggest one. It was a really fun daddy-daughter time.

We hiked down to the Conodoguinnet, a local creek and set up our area. We casted for a bit with no success when a guy came flying down the hill with three Alaskan Malamutes and flew into where we were fishing. He just couldn't control them. So, we moved upstream and that's when we started hooking them. Between the two of us, we probably picked up a dozen fishies.