Solvang 09'

Finally got to ride Solvang again. I forgot two things, how nice it is to ride w/ your friend and how many hills there are in Solvang. I recall the last time I rode this I was in much better form and really did not suffer. Different time this go around. I had only done minimal riding and I was sick for the past 2 weeks. I was actually feeling better and convinced myself that all the down time from the bike would only make me stronger. It really doe not work that way and after the first climb...I knew I was in trouble.
Thankfully Chris was in the zone and he saved my arse a few times when I started to drop. I felt ok on the "flats" but the minute we turned uphill, I was toast. I used to do well in the hills and now I turn to mush. Not sure if I will ever get that back living out here in AZ. The last 15 miles I just locked into the final three climbs. I knew when they were and where they were. I knew if I stopped, It would be too difficult to stop. We actually did a pretty fast 75 miles despite the hills....now all we had were the final three. The first climb was just DIRTY. Long and steep. I passed Beecher as he was taking a "nature" break and yappin on the phone for who knows how long...waiting for me to catch up. I told myself do not get off the bike and walk up the hill like some others were doing...just keep grinding. Who cares if flies are landing on you. Beecher passed me up only a few minutes up the hill and he was gone. I finally made it to the top where it was COOOLLLD and I needed a few more layers on my body. The next hill was not as bad as I remembered. It is much steeper but shorter and you can see the end. I actually felt better on this hill then I thought I would...but it still hurt. Final hill was the one they ride on the TT for Tour de Cali. All I kept thinking was these guys did this at an avg of 28mph on their time trial bikes...you can do it......I even passed a few folks. Riding into the end of any race is always a high. I always picture the end and it is even more special when family and friends are their to cheer you on. Kristin and Christine were with us all the way. Thanks K for coming out and sharing this with me....She knew what I needed right after the race...massage...but not by her...she sent me to the tent and I got hooked up. I get a pinched nerve on the left side of my neck when I ride for more then 4 hours.

After the ride we found a Schnitel Haus and ate some good German grub. It was great to eat w/ our German Beecher friends and just soak it all in. I am typing fast right now cause Will is screaming and I am watching him....

I will post some pics later...

Play time is over

It has been a good break. I took two 5 day weekends between Christmas and New Years. With little time in the bike due to rain and a ton of food in my belly...I have had some good QT with the family. I have however dusted off the shoes and went out a few days last week and will try to get out at least 3 days a week and mingle in some weights here and there. My goal this year is to do a tri - of a decent length. Not sure yet which one but it will keep me motivated to swim bike and run. I will also mingle in a couple of centuries this year as well. The first will be in March...back in Solvang.

We have been doing some house cleaning this week and Eryn and I went down to the dump the other day. Eryn likes to hang with me and she is at a fun age where she asks really honest questions and begins to care about things more and more. Well, we have a plan to purchase a puppy when William turns 3. The kids always talk about it and I have asked that they do there homework to see what kind of dog they want to get. I guess Eryn has made up her mind that she wants a Husky. Here is the conversation we had on the way to the dump:

Eryn: Dad....Do bee's sting dogs?
Jens: Not sure. I guess so.
Eryn: But what if the bee stings our HUSKY?
Jens: We have a husky?
Eryn: No...when Will turns 3.
Jens:Ohh...well you don't need to worry about that until a few more years
Eryn: (Crying softly)
Jens: What is wrong?
Eryn: Now we will need to get a new HUSKY when our other one dies!!!!

I could not help but laugh that she was worried about replacing a husky we don't even have with another husky due to a bee sting. The way she was saying "Husky" was also funny. Like a friend told her about this type of dog and she is not really sure what it is.

Eryn also got up today to share her testimony. I went up with her but she has been asking to do it on her own for the past few months. All my kids are such great examples and love to share their testimonies. They are great missionaries and invite all their friends to church activities.

We had a good night yesterday with Oma. She came back from Germany and we watched a slide show on the Wii. it was really cool. K made some Chili and cornbread and the kids showed Oma what life is like when you have the "Eye of the Tiger" or what Eryn calls "I am the Tiger". Santa dropped off Guitar Hero World Tour for the kids...as well as Briggs,Eryn and Reagan. I went a purchased another guitar so we could all jam. Good times for all...

Well....back to work and a new year. I look forward to the challenge....BRING IT!!!

JD