New Year Thoughts
As I lay on the couch trying to stay awake to see in the New Year, I had this vision. The old year 2012, met the New Year 2013 passing through the lobby of my mind. As they passed, the New Year said “Hey Old Man, you look a little rough, had enough?”
“Yeah, I’m done sonny, it’s all yours now. I think I’ve left you in pretty good shape, all things considered. I mean the MS thing didn’t get much worse, might even be a couple of areas of improvement. You’ll need to keep working on that. I managed to keep the rubber side on the road most of the time, only lost it once and didn’t end up with anything worse than a little road rash and a trashed helmet. Of course, there is that whole aging thing. You’re gonna have to watch out for that one.”
“Did you accomplish anything Old Man?”
“Well young fella, I guess I did almost everything I set out to do. The only thing I didn’t do so great on was the Triple Bypass. I got a lot further than my predecessor did though. It’s a tough one and I’m comfortable admitting defeat - for now. You might be well advised to look around for something that isn’t 2 miles up and 120 miles long, at least this year.”
“Maybe third time’s a charm?”
“Ha! Maybe back when you owned the world, but that was a long time ago kid. Nah, if I were you, I’d consider something else.”
“So, what do you suggest Pops?”
“Since you asked Sport, there’s a ride in Kentucky you might try to broaden your horizons with, and you might consider doing a week or two of a cross country ride that will be passing through. As for the rest, there’s nothing wrong with the usual fare, the Colorado MS 150 - including the second day century of course, maybe a mountain ride or two. New Mexico MS might give you a new hill to climb, which should be fun. Oh, also, I set a new goal for you on the Tour de Tucson, 7:15 or better. You might want to prepare with a little speed work. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll figure it all out, just don’t forget, it’s all about the training, always has been and always will be.”
“Yeah, I know that, looks like you’ve got a pretty full plate lined up, I guess I’ll figure it out. Got anything else Old Guy?”
“One more thing kid, and this is important! You’ve been married to the same woman for 40 years now and I happen to know she’s expecting something big this year. If I know her, you probably won’t have to worry too much about the ‘what’, she’ll let you know what the ‘what’ is. What you’ll have to worry about is making the ‘what’ happen – and, since I’m pretty sure it’ll have something to do with extended travel, you’ll need to figure out how to fit a little cycling in. I’m just saying, be ready. You’re a clever lad, I’m sure you can handle it.”
“Sounds like a big one, thanks Pops. And don’t worry, I can’t wait to get started. The clock’s ticking old guy, I think we’re almost there, guess it’s time to say so long and take care.”
“You too sonny, Happy New Year and Good Luck.”
Happy New Year everyone. Take a minute if you can, and let us know what you accomplished last year and what form your plans are taking for the new year.
AMF
As I lay on the couch trying to stay awake to see in the New Year, I had this vision. The old year 2012, met the New Year 2013 passing through the lobby of my mind. As they passed, the New Year said “Hey Old Man, you look a little rough, had enough?”
“Yeah, I’m done sonny, it’s all yours now. I think I’ve left you in pretty good shape, all things considered. I mean the MS thing didn’t get much worse, might even be a couple of areas of improvement. You’ll need to keep working on that. I managed to keep the rubber side on the road most of the time, only lost it once and didn’t end up with anything worse than a little road rash and a trashed helmet. Of course, there is that whole aging thing. You’re gonna have to watch out for that one.”
“Did you accomplish anything Old Man?”
“Well young fella, I guess I did almost everything I set out to do. The only thing I didn’t do so great on was the Triple Bypass. I got a lot further than my predecessor did though. It’s a tough one and I’m comfortable admitting defeat - for now. You might be well advised to look around for something that isn’t 2 miles up and 120 miles long, at least this year.”
“Maybe third time’s a charm?”
“Ha! Maybe back when you owned the world, but that was a long time ago kid. Nah, if I were you, I’d consider something else.”
“So, what do you suggest Pops?”
“Since you asked Sport, there’s a ride in Kentucky you might try to broaden your horizons with, and you might consider doing a week or two of a cross country ride that will be passing through. As for the rest, there’s nothing wrong with the usual fare, the Colorado MS 150 - including the second day century of course, maybe a mountain ride or two. New Mexico MS might give you a new hill to climb, which should be fun. Oh, also, I set a new goal for you on the Tour de Tucson, 7:15 or better. You might want to prepare with a little speed work. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll figure it all out, just don’t forget, it’s all about the training, always has been and always will be.”
“Yeah, I know that, looks like you’ve got a pretty full plate lined up, I guess I’ll figure it out. Got anything else Old Guy?”
“One more thing kid, and this is important! You’ve been married to the same woman for 40 years now and I happen to know she’s expecting something big this year. If I know her, you probably won’t have to worry too much about the ‘what’, she’ll let you know what the ‘what’ is. What you’ll have to worry about is making the ‘what’ happen – and, since I’m pretty sure it’ll have something to do with extended travel, you’ll need to figure out how to fit a little cycling in. I’m just saying, be ready. You’re a clever lad, I’m sure you can handle it.”
“Sounds like a big one, thanks Pops. And don’t worry, I can’t wait to get started. The clock’s ticking old guy, I think we’re almost there, guess it’s time to say so long and take care.”
“You too sonny, Happy New Year and Good Luck.”
Happy New Year everyone. Take a minute if you can, and let us know what you accomplished last year and what form your plans are taking for the new year.
AMF
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