catching up

Okay, so it’s been a while since I’ve posted something other than a workout log. So, here goes….

Last weekend, sprite and I went to the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. I’ll admit: I wasn’t overly jazzed about going this year, given last year’s monsoon conditions. Plus, I’d become less and less interested in the fest as the years have passed, due in large part to the fact that the lineup seldom changes.

This year’s fest was great – much better than I’d expected. Not that I spent the whole weekend at the various stages, as I went on a couple of long bike rides (already mentioned on this blog), and otherwise just tried to relax. We listened to a lot of music from our campsite, well uphill from the mainstage. More often than not, we could hear the music just fine – and be close to our comfy chairs, grill, food, and tents. It was great to see and hang out with Shelley, Mike, Daschel and Irisa, and to simply have a laid back time for a few days. I’ve posted a few pictures from the fest on Flickr.

I even got to watch some of the Tour de France while up in New York, as Bash Bish Bicycle had the Versus coverage of the time trial on in their store. I got to watch my old ski pal, Levi, win said time trial, guaranteeing him 3rd place in the grand dame of cycling races. While this year’s tour was certainly marred by more than its fair share of doping problems, the folks who made the podium all seem like top-class guys, and my hat is off to them.

It seems that the political parties and campaigns have cranked their fundraising into overdrive. I’ve been bombarded with many calls, which really aren’t effective to me. Needless to say, I’m not on any campaign bandwagon right now, so it’s a bit pointless for them to try and solicit funds from me.

The LeMond is all ready for this weekend’s ride: the Mountain Mama Road Bike Challenge. I did this ride last year – my first organized century ride – and I loved it. And this year, I’m in better shape for the ride, which will certainly help with all of the climbing. The iPod is loaded with new podcasts and music for the 3-hour drive, and a lot of my friends will be riding with me.

I also have a new, work-issued iPhone, which will be put to some use in the next while. It isn’t replacing my personal mobile phone, but it is a fun new piece of tech to use.