Updates

I am going to begin updating my blog frequently via my blackberry. So this is sort of a test. Attached is a pic of my bike!

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

One week and counting/corporate interview

I can't believe that I'll be heading to San Fran in 1 week! It feels like just yesterday I hauled out my monster bike and hit the road for my first 17 mile ride in January. Now, after many many hours in the saddle, I am hitting 50, 60, 70+ miles with no trouble. Having the right gear goes a long way. I had a phone interview with the public relations rep a few days ago that went well. At first I was a bit hesitant to allow my story to be used for what seemed like corporate advertising but after some consideration this is what I concluded.
During Vietnam, Korea and World War II, everyone seemed to be involved. There were large numbers of veterans who returned home and everyone seemed to know someone who was drafted, killed, or wounded. It is different today. As the years passed from September 11th, things returned to normal. The majority of folks see the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as distant afterthoughts, something you see on CNN, maybe debate our involvement over a few beers, then forget. For that reason, I think it is important for OIF/OEF veterans to tell their story. It is important to let people know what the wars mean to us and how they have affected us. Our corporate sponsors are giving us the means for a national voice. They are allowing our stories to be told to inform the country and give voice to the few that have served and sacrificed for our safety.

Even newer bike!!!

While riding on Fort Bragg we were accompanied by an army race team who were out for a Sunday ride. We talked with them for a while and one of the guys told us he was a bike builder. Long story short, he built a custom bike for me. His company is called Irish Cycles and it is run out of his house. The bike is 16.1 lbs and fitted with Sram Rival racing components, hand made Easton wheels, and gears to get me over the Rockies. It is truly a work of art (orange white and green). Check them out at irishcycles.com.

I took part in the DC to Gettysburg Face of America ride this weekend. It was a truly remarkable experience. I met some fantastic people and true American heroes! World Team Sports really took care of Cara and me and we appreciated everything. Here are pics of the event:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jsteckbeck/2010_04_24253FaceOfAmericaALL?authkey=Gv1sRgCNG0zLzSobLTiAE&feat=directlink

New bike

Holy crap! My sponsor hooked me up with a new carbon racing bike. It ways 16 pounds and is super stealthy. I am going to head out tomorrow and see how much easier long rides will be with the right equipment.
I have a minor set back (I hope). I got a staph infection on my forearm! Ouch! It swelled up like a baseball and hurts like a S.O.B. I must have caught it at the gym while hitting the heavy bag. Figures I'd catch this when I'm not wrestling! Antibiotics and bandages and we'll see how it turns out.

Circumnavigated Jordan Lake today. 42 miles at a personal record time. It's not a race but it is nice to see that I am improving! I was heading out for a 50 miler but was gassed at mile 40. There were lots of hills. I didn't realize Jordan lake was in a valley. I guess it makes sense considering it was one of those displaced towns, vacated and turned into a reservoir. I have a sponsor who is hooking me up with a road bike. From what everyone is telling me, it is going to make a HUGE difference. Jeff Mesner, from World Team Sports mentioned that training on a converted mountain bike is like training for a marathon wearing ankle weights. I hope he is right!

Whoa, it's been a while. I have hit the road a few times for 40+ mile rides and am heading out tomorrow on a 50 mile ride. It worries me a bit because after 3.5 hours and 40+ miles, I am beat! I'd like to blame it on my crappy bike... hopefully when I get some new gear, things will get easier. A few times, I was peddling my butt off only to be passed quickly and effortlessly by someone 20 years older riding a fancy looking expensive bike. We're supposed to be getting sponsored by a local bike shop soon and can't wait to get rid of my rusty egg beater!

3 hours

I'm up to three hours on the trainer. It's kind of a rough 3 hours. I watched a movie yesterday and when it was over, I still had 1.5 hours left! Also, I am going to have to start breaking up the hours. 3 is my max at night after a long day at work, so I might have to wake up early and get some hours in. One benefit... I hit the pillow and I am out for the whole night!
Friday... weather pending... 50 miles! I'll try to hit 100 by the end of the month.