04.26.08

Regarding This Week’s Shark Attack in San Diego

Posted in Fitness, Life, The Universe, and Everything, Rants at 8:49 am

Before I begin, I’d like to send my condolences out to the family of Dr. David Martin, who was killed by a great white shark in Solana Beach earlier this week.

I’ve recently received a good number of concerned messages after Dr. Martin’s death, since I’ve been swimming and surfing a lot lately. While I appreciate your concern, I am here to publicly state that I am not going to stop swimming or surfing due to fear of sharks.

I understand the risks I take every time I don a black wetsuit and get into the ocean. The natural marine life, whilst normally shark-free, is part of the fun, adrenaline-pumping process of becoming one with mother nature and her brutal, often unforgiving power.

Let’s be clear about it – When you enter the ocean, you become part of the food chain. And for the first time in your city-dwelling life, you are no longer on top of that chain.

And for that very reason, I don’t think it’s necessary that we hunt the shark that killed Dr. Martin. It was hungry and mistook him for a seal. Deal with it – sharks own the ocean, not us.

If I am killed by a shark while in the ocean, just know that I died while doing something I loved, I was happy as hell, and that I knew the risks that accompanied this endeavor. I will exercise all caution, and leave the water when I feel unsafe (surfers often get a sixth sense when the water feels eerily “sharky”).

If you don’t like it, go ride a bicycle.
See you in the water!

Permalink 3 Comments

04.18.08

Cheers to My Personal Hero, C. Reeve

Posted in Fitness, HUMILIATIONS, Travels at 8:01 pm

Those of you who followed me during the MS150 know how I excited I was on “the hunt”. Immediately after I finished the ride, I pulled my cell phone out of my bag and messaged Eric to see if he finished yet (he had not).

In the process, my ID and the $23 wrapped around it must have slipped out, because it was gone after that. I realized this later, and had to get to the airport early to board the flight and get searched.

So guess what I got in the mail today:

A letter from C. REEVE (let’s call him ‘Christopher’, for the obvious reasons) of Bridges Fairway in Houston:

FOUND THIS DL. ON THE STREETS OF AUSTIN, 4-13-08

with my ID enclosed. How amazing is that?! ‘Christopher’, you’re my new hero! As much as I love this part of California, Texas is the only place where I see such friendly people. Awesome!

So it’s time for a new poll. How do I re-pay Christopher?

 Loading ...

Your comments are appreciated and welcome!

THANKS CHRISTOPHER!

(PS – It’s been far too long for me. We gotta file this one under HUMILIATIONS. Coming soon – my technological review of the tracker app, along with a write-up on the cycling culture I witnessed)

Permalink 5 Comments

04.16.08

Thank You to my MS150 Sponsors

Posted in Fitness at 5:23 pm

I’d like to thank all of my sponsors who donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation for my ride into Austin. Here’s the list of everyone, in order of contribution date:

• Ashley
• Uncle Anthony
• Rowler
• Jordan
• Geri
• Aunt Maddie
• Gramma
• Marilyn G.
• Joe P.
• Mom
• Brian
• Brother Nick
• Aunt Patty
• Big Mike Roberto
• Kathy G.
• Ddoson
• John Z.
• Lon
• KiRBY!
• Allison and Polly
• Jamie (donated after the race – you can do this too!)

THANKS!

Permalink Comments

04.13.08

173.29 Miles Later…

Posted in Fitness, Travels at 11:32 am

Yall know I love Austin, but never has it felt so good to get back in!

I made it in at 2PM on the nose after traveling through tons of farm country, the Austin outskirts, and then into downtown and through UT.

Results from the hunt? Success! The lion has caught the gazelle and will be eating good tonight!

Permalink 4 Comments

Lunch and the Hunt

Posted in Fitness, Travels at 8:16 am

Eric, Steve, Jessica, and Kristen are 8 miles ahead of me. There are 32 or so miles to Austin.

The hunt is ON.

Permalink 1 Comment