Saturday, December 31, 2011

Day 9 - The final km's

Well, that was sure something. 1,000 km's is in the books. Today's ride was not without both shenanigans, caffeine and excitement. The shenanigans came in the form of fog. Lots of fog. All day. I thought it would burn off by 10am. My theory really didn't pan out. So we rode to Starbucks and waited for the fog to at least thin a bit. The stories Adam had really aren't for public domain, but they had me laughing obnoxiously. As did Jeremy's stories of passing out trampoline belly hugs to his wife. It's a wonder Lisa hasn't smothered him with a pillow while he sleeps by now. The excitement was that pit bull puppy that was on the loose and refused to leave Adam alone. In the panic of a terrorizing mutt trying to snack on his leg, Adam smoothly asked "Why me dog? Do I smell like beef jerky?!" I guess you had to be there. Anyway, I'd like to say thanks for all those people who came out and rode with me this week. It was a blast, and kind of a silly insane challenge I did kind of just because "it was there." A special thanks to Adam and Marcus who rode a large majority of the miles with me. Also to Will Jones, who will be receiving his limited edition (as in 1 of 2) 1,000 Christmas K's t-shirt. Details and pics of this shirt to follow. As for now, I'm kind of at a loss of creativity for what to do next. Something equally fun, equally ridiculous, and equally easy to photo the whole thing.

Today's ride - 45.6 miles (73.5km)
Total for the whole challenge (Dec 23 -31) - 630.5 miles (1,017km)

This was an omen of things to come. All foggy all day 

Adam with that goofy grin. At least his helmet is straight this time 

Adam and Jeremy who looks more contradicting. Roadie gear on triathlon bikes 

Theme of the day. Fog 

A haven in the fog. Good coffee, good stories 

Jeremy, your orange mocha frappacino is ready. But that matching kit is sharp! 

The miles are adding up for young Adam 



Contemplating life, and New Year's eve plans 

I've tried to find better, but damn these shoes are comfy! 

I know this is a gratuitous product shot, but they make some awesome stuff. The pro tour bib short and lightweight gilet are staples of my cycling wardrobe

Looks like that house in "Misery" 

The swamp 


The horses did not warn us of the pit bull puppy ahead 

The comedy train, rolling all day long 

That look says "This was fun, but I'm looking forward to a nap." 

I saw this view a lot this past 9 days 

We almost got shot over this photo. Yep, that's strollin' around in a bath robe and hair in a towel with shower shoes on. You only see this stuff on a bike 


 The surprise of the day. Showing the guys the deer farm. People would kill for those bucks






This beauty deserves a day off, and a bath.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Day 8

Man, the 1,000 Christmas K's is so close, I can almost feel it! Before today's ride, I was 130km away from busting this out, and today and tomorrow's weather is just superb! Today started off foggy, but a later start and shorter route was very welcome. Marcus ventured out with me on one condition, that a coffee stop was on the menu. After a doppio espresso, it was time to log some miles. Overall, it was nice to have an indian summer day. 70+ in late December?! I'll take it. Only one ride, and 57km left to complete the 1000 Christmas K's. I'm looking forward to putting this challenge in the completed column.


Today's ride - 46 miles (74km)
Total so far - 585 miles (943km)

Lafayette Parish ordered 15 of these signs. 8 of them are on Bayou Tortue Rd. 


After 1,000 Christmas K's, the hay will in fact be in the barn 



Marcus soaking up the sun. kid is gonna crush dreams in 2012 

Yes, that's a dog tag. Chances are if you get hit, your iPhone will be toast. Make it easy for even a stranger to get you help 

The Chastant's rapunzel tower 




Day 7

Anne made an interesting analysis that cyclists' have little to no understanding of distance or time. Well, I went ahead and added another example to this list. I convinced Eric, Adam and Scott that the route I had in mind was only about 60-65 miles. Well, I was off again by 10 miles. And before you suggest, yes I know what map my ride is. Mainly I just pick a general loop, and freestyle from there. So anyone in the future riding with me, be warned. Every mileage and/or distance I quote you  is 'ish. As in, the ride is 3 hours (really means the ride is 3'ish hours). Anyway, here are some pics from the ride today:

Today's ride - 74.5 miles (120km)
Total so far - 539 miles (869km)

Easily the best (and one of two) grocery store in Coteau Homes 

Gene, sir, you have been outed. 

Adam simultaneously eating and oogling the El Camino 

Eric was either complaining or eating on this ride. Here's an action shot of him stuffing his face 

Action shot of Eric complaining. Yes he's telling me I'm #1 in route picking 

Scott overdressed and hanging tough. Who knew it would warm up to 70+? 

 Rare self photo

Adam pondering all the planning he hasn't done for his upcoming wedding 

Heading into downtown St. Martinville 


So cable as in Cox cable? 



Sure the porch is structurally sound 


WTF?! happened to this photo?


 Finally a cup o' joe on this ride

My reward if I finish the 1000 Christmas K's 

 This guy was VW before VW was trendy. Check the dead head window cover
A new trail. I have no idea where it goes or what it is