Davis, California October 20, 2007
Joseph sporting his well deserved t-shirt. Isn't he "FOXY?"This is Amy...I'll talk about our leg of the race and I'll let Joseph take care of his portion. We started out the day at Brynn's soccer game and then hurried home to make our good luck posters for Dad. We then headed to the Veteran's Memorial Center in Davis where the 100 mile ride would end.
We arrived a little early so I let the kids play around on the lawn. Aaron feels liberated when he is in the great outdoors. I try to give him as much freedom as I think he can safely handle. He loved exploring and checking out everyone's cool bikes. This prompted many comments from those around such as..."I think you've lost one....looks like one got away....got your hands full?" Oh I forgot to mention that my annual voice loss happened this weekend...it has happened pretty much every year since I was in high school...always when the weather gets a little cooler. So it made it a little more difficult to keep him in line.
The century rides Joseph has done finish in sort of an anti-climatic way. For those of you who have seen the end of a marathon, Ironman, or smaller triatholon or road race you would expect the fanfare, cheering, large crowds etc. At the end of the century rides Joe has done you would probably be thinking...."that's it?...you just finish..." Yup, that's the way it goes. These type of events are typically a fund raiser, and because they take so many hours, the participants usually are spread out over many miles. I don't mind, it's just fun for me to show up and cheer on my favorite athlete and for Joseph to know that we support him in his endeavors. Well, since our children have been to quite a few athletic events including the end of a few Ironman's, they were expecting the type of fanfare present at those events. When I could see Joseph coming down the street, I yelled with my "chain smoker" voice (but to no avail) for the girls to come see him finish. I kept yelling and the girls finally came over once Joseph had come to a stop. Abby immediately exclaimed with a furrowed brow and a stomp of the foot..."But Dad, I wanted you to WIN!" I think she imagined him crossing through the yellow tape, the masses cheering, medals, trophies, standing on the podium...you get the idea. Joseph explained that he had finished before most people, but throughout the day Abby kept saying over and over again, 'Dad, I just wanted you to win...why didn't you win?" Anyone who knows Abby knows it is impossible to reason with her.
I am very proud of Joseph! I love the passion and tenacity he has in him to do hard things...and to do them well. If I were to ride 100 miles I would most likely mosey my way through them, but he pushes himself to the max, I have always been amazed at this ability in him. Way to go Joe! You are a champion and my hero!
We arrived a little early so I let the kids play around on the lawn. Aaron feels liberated when he is in the great outdoors. I try to give him as much freedom as I think he can safely handle. He loved exploring and checking out everyone's cool bikes. This prompted many comments from those around such as..."I think you've lost one....looks like one got away....got your hands full?" Oh I forgot to mention that my annual voice loss happened this weekend...it has happened pretty much every year since I was in high school...always when the weather gets a little cooler. So it made it a little more difficult to keep him in line.
The century rides Joseph has done finish in sort of an anti-climatic way. For those of you who have seen the end of a marathon, Ironman, or smaller triatholon or road race you would expect the fanfare, cheering, large crowds etc. At the end of the century rides Joe has done you would probably be thinking...."that's it?...you just finish..." Yup, that's the way it goes. These type of events are typically a fund raiser, and because they take so many hours, the participants usually are spread out over many miles. I don't mind, it's just fun for me to show up and cheer on my favorite athlete and for Joseph to know that we support him in his endeavors. Well, since our children have been to quite a few athletic events including the end of a few Ironman's, they were expecting the type of fanfare present at those events. When I could see Joseph coming down the street, I yelled with my "chain smoker" voice (but to no avail) for the girls to come see him finish. I kept yelling and the girls finally came over once Joseph had come to a stop. Abby immediately exclaimed with a furrowed brow and a stomp of the foot..."But Dad, I wanted you to WIN!" I think she imagined him crossing through the yellow tape, the masses cheering, medals, trophies, standing on the podium...you get the idea. Joseph explained that he had finished before most people, but throughout the day Abby kept saying over and over again, 'Dad, I just wanted you to win...why didn't you win?" Anyone who knows Abby knows it is impossible to reason with her.
I am very proud of Joseph! I love the passion and tenacity he has in him to do hard things...and to do them well. If I were to ride 100 miles I would most likely mosey my way through them, but he pushes himself to the max, I have always been amazed at this ability in him. Way to go Joe! You are a champion and my hero!
Joseph's Account of the Day
What a day! This was my second century event (last October "Tour de St. George") and it was exhaust-a-pating! Maybe I wasn't in as good of shape (definitely), or maybe it was the fact that I went to bed at midnight the evening before then was called into work at 4:00 a.m. because one of my nurses locked her med keys in the cart, but I was hammered by about mile 60! Of course I really only trained for 3 weeks prior, with no practice ride over 60 miles. You really do have to prepare for these rides, especially if you are going to "crank" through the course (verb: to push your physical and emotional envelope!) like I always like to do. I have this strange drive to push my physical and mental limits. I really just compete against myself...Ok, I'm lying, I am really racing everybody around me AND myself.
Just a few details: The century began in Davis, CA, then crossed through the beautiful Solano County fields and orchards then winded through rolling vineyards in Napa County wine country. It was gorgeous! Think, "A Walk in the Clouds" (for those of you who have seen the movie). The last portion of the loop climbed through the Berryessa Mountain Range passed Lake Berryessa, and then along Putah Creek road back to Davis. My body hurt!!! The day was super windy and dry, and I lost about 10 lbs. in water weight. (too bad the weight doesn't stay off:) With about 10 miles left, the 100 miler's joined up with the 60 mile racers and admittedly they looked a little less spent than myself. I finished with slight dehydration and a stomach ache. Perhaps the mixture of Gatorade, Goo, Gels, Cliff Bar's, and Cliff SHOT blocks is not a good combination after riding 6 hours hard in the sun and wind. I was thrilled to see my beautiful wife and cute kids with their signs at the finish line. I dawned my new shirt, and recouped with my kids over a delicious spaghetti and apple crisp dinner for participants and their families. I love these rides. I love challenging my mind and spirit. This ride really hurt, but I loved the accomplishment, and the scenery was tremendous.
I am rather outspoken in my belief that every adult should find something active that they enjoy. Cycling really works for me. Whatever my degree of athletic prowess, I can push myself. Definitely my next event will be something more exciting for my wife and kids to cheer on :) (See Amy's comment above.) I love cycling and I love the beautiful outdoors, but neither as much as my wife!
I am rather outspoken in my belief that every adult should find something active that they enjoy. Cycling really works for me. Whatever my degree of athletic prowess, I can push myself. Definitely my next event will be something more exciting for my wife and kids to cheer on :) (See Amy's comment above.) I love cycling and I love the beautiful outdoors, but neither as much as my wife!
Peek-A-Boo!
Our handsome little man! Check out that dimple...I love him sooo much!
Aaron Exploring
Aaron hugged this pole for seriously about 5 minutes, it was so funny!
Go Dad!
Aaron's new thing with Joe's car....what is it with boys and cars?
12 comments:
Ok, so I am just going to be jealous for a few minutes that you get to enjoy all of the beautiful California scenery that I grew up around! Amy I think Aaron has your eyes, but I think in every other way he looks just like his dad--these pictures of him are so cute.
Joe-I am always amazed, way to go!
What a race. I can't imagine biking 100 miles. Your kids are sure cute cheerleaders.
Way to ride, Joe. And way to rally the troops, Amy. It is fun that the whole family was involved.
Glad to know someone else looses her voice annually. Good luck mothering without it for a while...
Wow! Joe your comments made me want to take up cycling. You painted a beautiful picture about the scenery you saw. I am totally impressed and you never cease to amaze me. Amy your "chain smoker voice" comment made me laugh so hard. I can just picture you trying your hardest to get noise out. I love the pictures of your kiddos. Aaron is so cute and he is all boy.
So inspiring! And I love that the kids were so involved. The pictures of Aaron are too cute.
My boys were always obsessed with the car... every once in a while, when I start my van, my wipers start and all the blinkers are going crazy... and I know that Zack has been where he knows he shouldn't be. boys will be boys, I guess.
Way to go Joe! What an amazing day, and what a cute family!
Amy, Ali sent me your blog page and I was so excited to catch up with your cute family. I need to get your email so I can get in touch with you. I love this blogging world!!! Hope to talk to you soon. LINDI (Robbins) Nelson
What a fun-filled day! That's funny, I remember you losing your voice at Ricks.
Congrats JOE!! i can't believe it has been a year since you all were down in st. george for your last century race!! way to go! sure am proud of you all and amy... what can we say? you;re just as amazing! what a couple!
What a great family activity. Way to go Joe!
Lindi! I am so glad you commented! I know that you visit Ali's blog, and I have wanted to leave some kind of third party message to you when I see your name. YOU HAVE TO START A BLOG! The first thing I did when I found Ali was look on her sidebar for you. She had a Robbins and then I realized that is your maiden name. Anyway, have thought about you now and then for the past probably what 8 years since we've seen each other? Anyway, we have a lot to catch up on....too much for me to write here so email me at joeamylee@att.net. That's not my normal address, but I check it every now and then. I'll give you my actual one from there.
nice work joe. sounds like it was a great time.
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