The most wonderful time of the year for me. College football kicked off Thursday and today it was in full swing! Got to watch my Nittany Lions play a good warm up game and the Michigan Wolverines take a LOSS to Utah! Couldn't ask for more.
When the game was over I put the American Flag skully on, the Total Skull skull face cover, and hit the road on the bike. Did a 15 mile loop on the back roads by my house. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, sky was blue, and the leaves are falling on the pavement. Something about being free and out there with nature, nothing but you and the road. You see so much more on a bike. I am getting used to the bike, becoming like one and getting more acquainted every day I am on it. It has been forever since I have rode, but it has all come back to me. I encountered all obstacles today, dog in the road, wood chuck in the road, gravel on a sharp corner, cars in my lane, horse shit in my lane, etc. It is this stuff that makes you a better rider. That young boxer didn't stand a chance, I slowed until I got to him and when he perked up to give chase I mashed the throttle and hit 60 in about 3 seconds. The V Star 1100 MOVES when you give it juice.
I went through a small town on my ride and an old man on a lawn mower with 3 big American flags in his yard gave me a big grin and a thumbs up. Something about a bike, people love you. 10 minutes later I crossed paths with a big ole' chopper. He extended his hand and I extended mine, instant friendship and instant respect for living free. That shit is just fucking awesome. I liken it to powerlifting. Everyone on that platform respects the next guy for stepping up and testing himself. Riding a motorcycle is much the same.
September 12th I start my 3 day riding course at the local Harley shop. Should be very cool and should help me meet some local riders and get some new skills which will make me a safer and better rider. Next summer is going to be the summer of the bike, I plan on going all over the place and maybe traveling to Colorado, Florida, etc.
I went back to the gym last week. Had 2 really good workouts and surprisingly I did not lose much strength. I inclined bench 225 for 8/3/2 with the DC training. Not too bad. The local gym is moving their stuff downstairs so I will be without weights for awhile. The machines will be available, but the free weights will be unaccessible for a few weeks. Such is life I guess. I will adapt. The wife started lifting again. She has been off for a few months, just lost interest. She was still doing tons of cardio, but didn't want to lift. She has a new fire for it now as well, so it should be an interesting fall.
Work is well. I am doing Hostage Negotiation at the end of September, it is a week long course and 40+ hours of classroom and simulation drills. I am trying to branch out and get some new things under my belt. This will all help me move up the ladder of the DOC. I just have to keep my nose to the grindstone and keep plugging away, surrounding myself with good, hard working people.
My good bud Jedd called me tonight after GGC. He took second to Chad, again. 3 years in a row for Jedd and Chad. 1.9 points separated them this year! We are going to get together some time this fall for a weekend of lifting, gripping, and beer drinking. I am very much looking forward to it. I haven't seen Jedder in over a year and I miss his long haired ass! LOL! Maybe we can even convince smitty into coming over as well. 3 crazy fuckers lifting weights and drinking beer. That is my definition of a good weekend!
Speaking of the Diesel boys, watch for their new stonelifting DVD to launch soon. Great stuff, and I am in it, so you know that shit is GOOD!
Well, I must wrap this up and drink a couple Coors Originals. Tomorrow is supposed to be 80 and sunshine, so I am going to take the bike out and check out the country side. Be easy, and GO GET IT
-Rick
