Moronacity Cycling Journal » Archive
Balance
This is really the first time I’ve sat in my new home—content, focused, goal-driven. I feel like things have been a whirlwind since I moved to Mount Clemens. I’ve been traveling a lot for both leisure and business, and my travel continues very early Monday morning—3:30 a.m.—when I scrape myself out of bed to make my way to the airport for a week of training in Denver, Colorado. I can lie to myself and say that I’m in control and living my life, but that never does any good. The fact is that I am simply rolling with the punches, not really in control, and I think I’m finally ready to get down to business and take control of everything. I can be fun and … Read entire article »
Filed under: Lifestyle
My Legs are Toast
. . . and that’s how it should be. Yesterday’s group ride was brutal. I’m pretty sure you’ve been there: one day, you have a fantastic ride and you feel like you could have gone further; the next day, you begin your ride with confidence only to realize that your legs are in the process of organizing a strike. This is when hills suck. Yes, even I enjoy riding uphill. I know: Di saying, “I like riding uphill,” is about as rare as Di saying, “I agree with Nick.” It just doesn’t happen. Right after work, I drove to the Stoney Creek High School with the idea of suffering my first lap by myself. It would have been the usual routine: … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Anxiety
Anxiety. It’s a little bastard. Why won’t I race, this year? Well, part of it is that my ego has been thrown hard down that pit of pure digression. That’s a nice and vague way to put it. I moved. I couldn’t mountain bike. I gained weight. I got slow. I am completely realistic about my “condition.” Things are definitely changing, but my confidence has not. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Racing
Art and Swill
My good friend, Mr. Wall, posted a link to The Pour Fool’s “Why I Don’t Drink Budweiser…and Why I’m Not Alone” on Facebook. My burning anti-passion for Budweiser, the King of Swill, compelled me to click on the link. I can’t possibly describe how strong was the desire in me to click on the link. I strongly recommend you drink, I mean, read it; especially if you are a fan of true … Read entire article »
Filed under: Beer
The Danimal
“The Danimal” was probably one of the nicest people I ever knew. He was always nice to everyone and never let bullshit get in the way. He seemed to know what really mattered, and that’s something we could all learn from Dan. My Facebook post: Dan Wissman, I was always happy when our paths crossed. You had a way of making everyone feel special. I’ll never forget hanging out with you on Sammy’s porch, watching … Read entire article »
Filed under: Keweenaw Tidbits
The Great Balancing Act
Until August 8, I did not have a job for two years. The MMBA does not count. Sure, it is a “full-time” job on occasion, but it is one that I can do at 2 a.m. if my heart so desires. Now, I work 8 to 5, ride afterward, and fail miserably at getting enough sleep. How do I fit it all in?Part of it is commute time. I had … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Help Me Win Beer!
Per Sherwood: CHALLENGE: Invite friends to “like” our page. Once they click the “like” button, ask them to write your name on our wall…On September 15, we will add up the names on our wall and the person who got the most new “likes” for us will win a $50 gift certificate to use toward any event at Motor City Brew Tours AND a $50 gift card to Sherwood Brewing Company…could make for a perfect day out! Contest ends 9/16/11. So be nice. Visit Sherwood’s Facebook page, “Like” it, and then write my name on their wall: Diane Ursu. Just like that. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Beer
Ridiculously, Annoyingly Happy
That’s me: ridiculously, annoyingly happy. The whole world knows it. Well, everyone who is Facebook friends with me knows it. So, if we’re supposed to have a thunderstorm during the 9:00 hour, and I seriously need to go kick my butt out at Stony. When would it be safe to hit up the trail? That was me on August 21 desperately looking to feed my crack habit. I rode with Steve Vigneau, that evening. Steve ended up breaking a spoke and had to bail, early. I rode a little longer and noticed a slowly-developing flat when I was approaching my truck. After my ride: Good ride. I did it at my own slow pace and really enjoyed the roller coaster : -) 11.8 … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
The Stony Creek Challenge—Yes, It’s Personal
I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to have to approach my comeback training as though I were a beginner. I couldn’t use mileage or speed as an indicator of my fitness—not yet. Instead, I would gradually work my way up from 45- or 50-minute rides to two hours. Yesterday was my first two-hour singletrack ride. Attempting two hours probably was not the best idea. It is quite a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
Back in the Saddle, Again
The last two weeks have certainly been worth documenting, but I didn’t really have time to do that. I moved to Metro Detroit on August 6, but promptly journeyed to Sault Ste. Marie for a conference. It didn’t take long for me to start riding after my return, largely because of Steve Vigneau, who fixed the wheel on my Jamis and gave me the lowdown on my fork, which I could still ride … Read entire article »
Filed under: Mountain Biking
