A Mapless Journey

9/12/2007

Day five of Zen.

The night of day four I decided I wanted to do something out of the ordinary. I had been taking Zen on routes that I normally ride but I wanted to explore some new territory with him.

Day five....

I hauled my body out of bed once again thinking "What kind of pain I can inflict on Zen today?" Skinny Racer Boy came to mind, he knows his routes, who better to call for a "perfect ride".

Zen awakens from the dead and finds me sitting in the kitchen on the phone with paper and pen in hand and computer to the side. He listens and realizes I am preparing another day of torture.

Zen grabs a cup of coffee and sits down all the time watching me write down one road after another and scanning the computer. He hears me say, "What road again?" over and over again. I repeated routes back to Skinny Racer Boy making sure I had them correct. Then SRB started spouting out different roads messing around and changing already prepared routes. Before you know it I had about four possible planned for the day. The look of horror in Zen's face was priceless. Here I sat with hand written routes and having no clue which one I would take of the four.

You must understand, Zen doesn't work this way nor does he like to. He is a typical Type-A personality, planner, timer, etc. Although I too am Type-A I like to do things on the spur of the moment and much less rigid.

This was pre-breakfast and Zen doesn't operate well without food so I thought that look of fear would be taken care of once his stomach was filled. I was wrong. He continued to watch me write four different map less routes. Yes I said MAP LESS! I then made copies so Zen could have a "map" too.

I am not a fool, I did look at a real map on the computer to see if the coincided with the hand written "maps". I finished and said done! We are going to Wisconsin today. Zen said cool and then asked if I had been there before. I said nope. :) He then said do we know where we are going? I responded "Nope!" :) That look of horror reappeared. Oh it was going to be a beautiful day indeed!

Now, I didn't only not know where we were going on the bike ride, I didn't know how to get to the town where we were going to start the ride. At least Google could help me with that one. I was excited. I love little "journeys".

Zen goes downstairs to dress and I quickly packed the car in my PJ's. He comes upstairs to find me still not dressed to ride but in shock that the car was packed and ready to go. Even Scarlet was in the car. His mouth dropped! I quickly got dressed and we were off.

I get just to the outskirts of town and pulled out a hand written map to direct us to our destination. I handed it to Zen and he rolls his eyes. I told him to shut up and read. Yes a beautiful day indeed.

We somehow arrived in Alma Wisconsin. The bluffs were all around. It was beautiful. The wind was only slightly blowing and the sun was out. It was perfect riding weather.

We both had to go to the bathroom before we got on the bike. We entered the small town cafe and was immediately drowned with eyes all around. We must have looked like aliens in our lycra. With such great land all around had they really never seen a cyclist?

We got a good chuckle out of the cafe incident and hit the road. Well before we hit the road Zen was adamant that we were supposed to go the other direction, I knew otherwise, at least I had hoped. The journey had just begun. :D

Down the road we go. We knew we were in for some pain. You don't ride in and out of the bluffs without pain but I just didn't realize how quickly the pain would begin. We made it maybe a 10th of a mile down the road and I see a truck turn left, I witnessed it going straight UP a hill. I thought to myself, "Please God don't let that be our road." Sure enough, I stuck out my arm and we turned left. I heard a murmur behind me "Ah man this is gonna hurt!" Poor poor Zen. (As if Mountain Boy had ANY right to talk about pain after what he did to me in July. )

We turn and head up the hill at a nice speed of stall. I hadn't gone climbing since July, I knew I was in trouble. I had to prove to MT Boy that I hadn't lost my touch. I started pedaling with Zen behind. I don't know how far I had gone but I was losing it. I thought all the time Zen was right behind so I yelled out STOPPING!!! I stopped and hung my body over my handlebars then I stood up and turned around. I was alone. Where was Zen?

All sorts of thoughts crossed my mind, did he fall, did he have a heart attack, did he get a flat. I debated turning around to go find him but I REALLY did NOT want to go back down, so I waited and waited and waited. I started getting worried but around the bend he came. Mtb was out of the saddle and "walked" right by saying, "What's wrong Pinky, got a problem?" What a BRAT!

We crested that hill and once we both got our breath back we started cracking up. Yes a beautiful day indeed!

Shortly after the cute little flat we had to go back down. I was warned that there might be some gravel to descend on. I really down played this gravel descent in my mind until I saw it. It wasn't gravel nor was it sand. It was a steep descent of freshly graded sand and gravel. Mountain Boy got a bit cocky because he knew he was going to kick my ass here. I don't like descending and I really don't like riding on sand or gravel on a flat let alone this curving steep descent.

We started down. It wasn't long before Zen was out of my sight. I started to panic and I stopped, then rode, then stopped, then rode. I didn't know what to do. He decided to wait for me and when he saw me he saw that I was off my bike walking it. He yelled at me to get back on the bike and ride. My stubborn self told him where to go but I eventually obeyed. He told me to ride faster and that would help with controlling my bike. I decided to leave one foot unclipped so if I fell I was a least prepared. I also knew if I fell it would be a "soft" landing.

I met Zen at the bottom. It was a T-intersection. My head was all over the place. Here we were, we had climbed a steep hill and descended a sandy one and there was one big problem, my "map" didn't have a T-intersection! What do I do? I refused to go back up and I didn't know which way to go so I settled on going left. Zen yells back at me "Which way girlie"? I answered "Left!" with a muttered "I think". He looks down at his map and said, "There isn't a T-intersection so are you sure?" The BRAT was already ahead of me. I shouldn't have given him a map. He knew I had NO CLUE where we were going. BRAT! I looked at him with confidence saying we needed to go left, I was positive it was left. He just gave me a look with an added cocky comment "Please try to steer us away from sandy roads will ya?" BRAT! (as if I knew what we were going to be riding on, he knew that too!)

I started to ride after him and then I was hit with the realization of what we were in for, we had no map and were lost in the middle of nowhere WI. A huge burst of laughter came out of me. Before I knew it I had spewed Gatorade all over my shoes, my handle bars and out my nose. Brat witnessed this and just about fell off his bike.

The journey had just begun. We continued on my route, which was correct by the way, and had a blast. One oddity though, we got stuck in a time warp. We went past the town of "Tell" about six times. What's up with that? At this time I don't think I had ever laughed so hard.

The ride continued with a slight panic of losing daylight. What else is new, Zen was riding with me. There was only some debate to where we were going. More so a debate which way would be the fastest. Zen was completely happy taking the "flat" route back, I on the other hand wanted to climb. So guess which way we went. My way of course. I was the one with the "MAP"!

We wiggled and waggled our way through the bluffs of WI and took the flat road along the Mississippi. It was a great pace line road. We each took our pull into the wonderful head winds and ended back at our original destination, Alma, WI.

One more trip into the cafe bathroom and we packed up. I started the car but couldn't drive. I went into hysterics. I have never had a better ride in my life!

Moral of the story, one does not need a map to get around, one just needs Gatorade!

Thanks dude for trusting in me.

Possible Wuss?

9/11/07

Day four of Zen....

As previously mentioned, Minnesota is rather windy. One really hasn't ridden in Minnesota UNLESS YOU RIDE in the wind.

I was awakened on Tuesday with the howling sounds of wind coming through the roof vents and rattling of the windows. I looked out the bedroom windows and saw my beautiful Maple tree bent in half. Yup, another beautiful day in Minnesota.

I laid in the bed thinking to myself that there was NO way I was going to get Mountain Boy out for a ride today. How could I possibly manipulate him to ride in that wind?

I sat up and got myself out of bed. I walked to the kitchen and was startled to see him actually up first! There he stood in the kitchen, looking out the back window with another look of horror on his face. I went up next to him, both of us stood there blankly staring out the window in silence as we watched my trees leaning halfway over as the wind blew them not only sideways but in circles. Once again I was thinking how I was going to manipulate him to ride in this weather?

I decided to be kind. I told him we would take the day off. You should have seen the look on his face. His body relaxed, he took a huge sigh of relief.

We didn't ride that day we drove around where I would have taken him riding. We went to the mall. We did nothing. But we had fun no matter what.

Is he a Wuss? Na, he's my friend.

A friend that I decided to take it "easy on".

Riding with a Pro.

9/10/07

Day three of Zen..............

Since I know a "Pro" I....yeah I know a "Pro"....I thought I'd call him and see if he wanted to ride with us. Being that I am such a cool chick the "Pro" of course accepted my offer. Well actually he wasn't a "Pro" at the time but soon became one shortly after this ride. http://www.charlytri.blogspot.com/

Zen and I were a bit nervous about the hurt Gunman could put on us. We were told no worries, it was his tempo day and he would ride his mountain bike in the big gear the whole time. (and that he did.) Although I towed him up a hill, who really is the stronger one? :P

It was a chilly evening and we started out at 6ish. The nights are getting shorter and I knew we wouldn't get in much of a ride. Gunman didn't bring his super dooper heavy duty lighting system so we couldn't night ride even though we ended up doing it anyway.

You see, I had a route in mind. I get a bit stubborn and really want to finish things. Well "said Pro" decided that we should change the route. We had been arguing how late it would be if we went my way, so his way would be better. Actually the words were , "Want to go for a cooler ride that has a bit of a nasty part?" Well who isn't up for cooler. We headed off his way.

We came upon a few dogs that the guys couldn't seem to bark off, so I, the meek little woman that I am yelled sternly and left them cowering in the ditch. The dudes just looked at each other. They knew they weren't riding with no wimp anymore!

The cooler ride turned out to be great! This was undiscovered land to me. Of course we were riding into the wind, when aren't you in MN, but we were having a blast. At least I was.

We had smooth peaceful roads in the middle of the corn fields. Zen and Gunman rode off together, oh wait, they rode behind me *wink*, and I pretty much was on my own. "Said Pro" didn't care for a chick being ahead of him so he constantly had to catch up.

I have always enjoyed talking to Gunman. He has listened to me yap on and on and on but there was enlightenment. This man can yap as much as I can if not more! For the first time on a group ride I didn't have to talk if I wanted conversation. I was able to listen to Gunman and Zen yap together and enjoy the beautiful land we were on.

The smooth course ended and we hit the roughest part of Highway 52. Who rides on Hwy. 52 in the first place? Obviously crazy Gunman!

The sun was going down and we could not see, or at least I couldn't see. I tried to catch a wheel as we zig zagged along the narrow shoulder of Hwy. 52 trying to not hit the potholes (future lakes of MN). What made it interesting was that the potholes were not only holes but huge cracks along the road the ran parallel to the road which made it a gutter in itself to ride in, or to not if you could. A few miles down we turned in front of the cars that were flying by us, onto a nice peaceful road again.

Zen was "a bit" low on fuel and we were both tired from the previous days of riding. Gunman was still in his big gear, he's the "Said Pro" right? The light was nearly gone and we were still fairly far out of town. Zen wasn't so pleased about our riding style, lack of light, busy roads and potholes but I know he had a blast.

We turned right onto Cty 1 heading back towards town. This is the best road to pace line on. We started a nice line clipping along at a decent speed. Not a speed that hurt but one that was a blast. There was no need to have the best pace, there was a need to fly. And that we were.

Gunman was pulling, I was in the middle and Zen was sucking off my wheel. :D Gunman started yapping, I mean, to tell a story about a chick in town that is always begging to ride with him. The thing about this chick is that she always sucks off his wheel when she rides with him. I asked him who it was, he explained that she was really cool and a nice person but............. then BAM, I realized this chick he was talking about was me!

I got in front and took the pull. Gunman didn't want to admit but he really did need the break. I guess riding in the big gear was beginning to take a toll on him. I couldn't help but break out into a big smile.

We hit the last hill to descend or shall I say the only one to descend on that particular ride. Yeah, it's MN.

Gunman pulled his competitive side out again and decided to pass me and get in front. Then next came Zen. Men, do they always have compete?

The rest of the ride consisted of quiet town roads where Gunman directed us back to the shop. It was pitch black at this point and all we had were little tail lights. I took the back because Zen didn't bring his light. What was he thinking? Did he honestly think we wouldn't be out doing crazy stuff like riding around town in pitch black without lights?

Seriously, who did Zen come to visit?

Thanks Gunman for the wonderful ride and thanks Zen for you understanding! :D

Another Hypoxian lie?

9/09/07

Day two of Zen....

A beautiful, sunny calm day in Minnesota. *WINK*

After a day of travel and a kick your butt ride, I "allowed" Zen to sleep in. Poking around the house, chit-chatting, drinking coffee and watching TV, we were not in a hurry to get out and ride. (I already looked at the forecast so I knew what was in store for the day) hehe.

I happened to see Zen look out the window and I gave a little smirk. He just looked at me in horror. I don't know why, the trees were only moving a tiny little bit. :D

I had a great route planned where I was going to keep Zen out of the wind, for the most part. I didn't know for sure if the winds were going to stay or move on us, so we had better get out and ride. I managed to hurry his butt into his cycling clothing.

I promised over and over again that he would be in the wind "only a little" and that much of that would be downhill. Once we got to the bottom of the hill we were smooth sailing UNTIL we hit a nice rolling road that wouldn't last long.

You see, Zen isn't used to rolling terrain or harsh Minnesota winds. Even though he is a mountain boy and had a surplus of oxygen he still had some things to overcome. Our land is different. One doesn't just get in a gear and climb, here you get "teased" by the land. You set a pace, slow it down, faster pace, set a pace, slow down...repeat....and while you are doing that you are praying to God that you don't fall over holding your line due to a cross wind.

We had a great time heading out on the trail. Laughing, smiling, it was good to be with a friend.

The wind didn't bother him too much, I don't think, and since I promised it was smooth sailing after that I knew all would be good. The winds hit us from the North and I turned us around going South onto this nice FLAT road.

We rode along and I told him to not fret it was actually a false flat. There was a reason for a bit more effort. Then we hit the first hill. I smiled and told him it was the only one on this road. As we reached the top of that hill I looked ahead. #*%@! I forgot about the "FEW" rollers, and good ones at that, on this road. I didn't dare look over because I could feel the presence of the Hypoxian Lie coming forth upon me. I smiled, apologized and told him I truly thought that road was flat but I NEVER said the one we were about to turn on was. HAHA!

As you looked ahead you could see nothing but rolling terrain. Once again, Zen's head went down, shook it, looked back up at me and gave me the "look".

Sorry dude, I guess Hypoxians Lie even in Minnesota. :P

We came home, Mr Triple B had cooked us a lovely dinner and the rest of the night was movie time.

Another GREAT day with my friend Zen.

Zen's "Arrival"

9/08/07

Day one of Zen...

Running ragged, picking up the house, making it "perfect" for my friend I hurried off to take that much needed shower. Zen was to be here in 1 hour! YIPPEE!!!!!

The phone rings, hubby answers and I hear "OH NO!!" SOMEONE decided to sleep in!...... with the ETA of one hour the man was STILL IN CO!

HE MISSED HIS PLANE!!!!
(Would you take that personally? I am not sure if I should or not) :P

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.........

Finding out I could pick him up in Minneapolis, not Rochester (BTW, DON'T EVER fly in or out of Rochester!) I hurried off to make sure I could get there on time.

I guess I was TOO excited to see Zen because the State Patrol decided to have a meeting with me. He even escorted me to the side of the road with the most beautiful flashing colored lights and bonus sounds of sirens. I was told my eagerness was showing and I needed to slow down.

Flippin $187.00 later, gas mileage on top and slightly late, I picked up the man at the MSP airport.

Oh, I almost forgot to add this part.......... WITHOUT BIKE!

Zen was greeted by the famous "Blue Eyes hug". BTW, If you ever get the opportunity to receive a "Blue Eyes Hug" you shouldn't pass it up. - I'm telling ya man.....just ask someone that has received one.

anyway...

Paranoia set in believing all State Patrol were out to get me, I couldn't relax and enjoy the drive back. All I wanted to do was get out on the bike and relax with my best friend.

The ETA of Scarlet was 3pm. Two hours later after we arrived Rochester with a quick tour of the house and a stop at the shop for a meet and greet of the awesome people of Rochester Cycling and Fitness ,we headed for the metropolis Rochester Airport.

SCARLET WASN'T THERE!!

Where was she? Nobody knew! All to find out the airplane was too small to carry a bike! Hey did I say to never travel in or out of Rochester? Believe me, follow those golden words.

I needed that ride so the kind Mr B'Cubed offered his bike so Zen and I could head out. Looking back I decided that I wasn't the kindest person in the world. Fearing Zen would laugh at our terrain, being a mountain boy I decided that I would hurt him with the pace! :D Yeah I know, I have problems, muwahahahaaha.......

I took him on my super flat safe route. Salem road to Salem Corners, Cty 3 to Rockdell, Cty 30 east to Cty 15 back to Salem Road. Homeward bound.

The land being easy, lots of air to breathe there was one problem.... the man forgot to eat! Now I warned him from the beginning that food wasn't going to be my responsibility so we had a "bit" of a problem. Right as I was saying "Oh baby I'm finally warmed" up he said "You know that floating feeling, the kind that is pre-bonk? I am feeling that now." I was in horror, the best was yet to come....it was time to FLY! After his comment I said "Time to fly baby!" Then sympathy overcame me and I asked if I needed to slow down. Zen looked down, shook his head in fear of what the rest of the week might bring , gave me a "look" with permission to keep riding as we were. :D

All being said, he had a blast on that ride (I think) and we stuffed his face that night at Famous Dave's. Nothing better than bar-b-Que for a meat loving man.

Happy tummy....Good Ride.... Scarlet here...Zen was ready to settle in for the week.

How wonderful to have someone care enough to take time off work and visit me.

Oxygen for Zenland

Zenland is coming to Minnesota and it's time to ride baby!

Where does one take a mountain boy to ride in Minnesota? Sure we can do hill repeats on Genoa but I know that won't last long. The beauty of Whitewater is underwater so that's out too.

Zenland is going to kick my butt!

I don't know why I am fretting being that I have spent the last month redecorating, cleaning , cleaning, cleaning.......(got that Sugar Daddy?)..... it's not like I am going to have the legs to ride anyway. Wow that was sure proven last night. Just two weeks ago I was feeling on top of my game and now last in line. Did I tell you last night's ride sucked? I'll tell you now, it SUCKED and I couldn't even suck at that! HA I sucked at sucking.

Zenland is going to kick my butt!

Christine and I are out of sync. There must be this magical gear I am missing. Nothing is grovin. One gear too hard, other too easy. Yeah yeah, I know, "quit your complaining Blue Eyes! Just get on the bike and ride. Make sure you are unplugged while you are at it!" Sound about right?

By the way, Zenland is going to kick my butt!

The Gun Man keeps telling me this off and on riding can really f' up my performance. Get outta here man, who would have thought of that? :P Others say rest is good, builds strength. It probably would have been good if I was resting while I was resting but I've been working my @$# off all month trying to"find my house". It's been a struggle and I am absolutely exhausted.

...and get this, Zenland is going to kick my butt!

I better find strength sometime soon cause time is running out. Ride time around the corner. Sat ETA is 11. The man will arrive. What was he thinking? I sure hope he knows how to cook because all I care about is laughing and pedaling.

Must go clean some more!

Later folks.

Hey did I tell you that Zenland is going to kick my butt?