WEIRD FEELING

As I mentioned in a previous post, I got clipless pedals and mountain biking shoes for Christmas. I have ridden with them a couple of times now and am still trying to get used to being attached to my bike. This morning I only fell once, which is an improvement over a couple of days ago, when I fell twice. When I fell this morning, I wasn't able to disengage from the pedals, so when I fell and rolled on my back, my legs were up in the air and so was my bike! That was weird to see.

My problem seems to be while climbing steep hills, I lose momentum and don't release from the pedals fast enough when I come to a stop on the hill. As I explained to Mel after my ride this morning, I haven't gotten used to the pedals to where getting in and out is second nature and instinct. When you have to think about it, it's too late.

The new pedals give a whole different perspective to my regular routine ride. Sections of the trail that were pretty easy before, now require concentration and more focus on timing and technique. I was pretty proud of myself though, because I went down a rocky decline that I was avoiding the other day.

I came upon the drop and picked a line to follow. I then lowered my seat to drop my center of gravity and to make it easier for me to ride behind the seat and over the wheel, literally riding above the rear tire.

I backed up a few yards and mounted the bike, clipping into the pedals as I began the descent. Once I reached the rocks, I literally hung on for dear life, trying not to let my butt hit the back tire. Once I reached the bottom of the hill, I was able to move back onto the seat and continue my ride.

Even though the trail may not seem that technical to some, it is very important to me to face my fears head on when possible. Now don't be fooled, I am not a daredevil with a death wish; I know my own limitations. I just get very determined when I know something is within my physical abilities, but a mental block is keeping me from accomplishing it. Small victories.

Anyway, I rode an hour and a half this morning, so I am close to where I was three weeks ago. It is amazing how much you can regress from not riding at least weekly. Mel and Cindy got me some cold weather gear for Christmas (shirts, jacket, etc) so I can ride comfortably in the cold of winter.

Well, tomorrow it's off to the Alamo Bowl; I am looking forward to having a good time and hopefully seeing a good game!

I WILL REPRESENT

Although Texas Tech wound up going to the Gator Bowl this year (better for them), I refuse to wear Aggie Maroon to the Alamo Bowl this Saturday. Since the game is sold out, 65,000+, I should stand out in my bright red sweatshirt in the end zone.

Keep an eye on the game and see if you see me. Bert, Mel, and I will be sitting on the Big 12 side end zone and I will be the lone dumbass wearing red in a sea of Aggie Maroon and Penn State Blue. I will of course be rooting for the Big 12 representative (Aggies), regardless of not being a fan.

If you don't see me during the game, hopefully you won't see me in any news reports of a dumbass getting beat to death by a mob of Aggie fans....

I TOOK THE PLUNGE

After mountain biking off and on the last six years, I decided to take the plunge and install "clipless pedals" on my bike. "Clipless" is a misnomer, because you actually clip your shoes to the pedals and become one with the bike, much like ski bindings. Like ski bindings, you have to practice clipping in, and getting out.


Luckily, Santa knew that I wanted to make the transition, so he brought me a pair of Crank Brothers Candy pedals and a pair of Shimano mountain biking shoes. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, it is a little unnerving to realize that your feet are otherwise attached to your bike's pedals, but once you get used to it, it is fine.



I rode McAllister Park for almost an hour this morning. Being that I haven't ridden for one reason or another in three weeks, I was starting to get winded after an hour. Since the ride had gone well with no spills, I decided to head for a more technical part of the park.


As many times before, I wound up falling twice, but more for indecision on my part than anything else. I should know by now that once I decide to head down a rock trail, there is no turning back. If you second guess yourself at any part of the descent, you will fall. That's what happened today.


I scraped my left shin, but there was no blood drawn, so I'll live. I hope the weather is good enough so I can ride again tomorrow, because everyone tells me that practice makes almost perfect. I'll keep you posted.

YO QUIERO TACO BELL

I live in the Tex-Mex capital of the world. There have to be more taquerias per capita in San Antonio than any other place in the world. As a result, I have become somewhat of a TexMex food snob, looking down my nose at Taco Bell, Pollo Loco, Taco Villa, and the like. Not only am I a TexMex snob, so is every other Hispanic in San Antonio.

The peer pressure to conform is tremendous. Because of it, I hadn’t eaten at Taco Bell in a couple of years….until today. In a moment of weakness and absolute hunger, I stopped in the Taco Bell down the street from work.

As a precaution, I wore my dark sunglasses, hoping I wouldn’t be recognized in my SYSCO CARES button down shirt. I stood before the cashier, anxious with anticipation. I reviewed my options on the menu above her and my palms began to sweat because I couldn’t make up my mind. Is it possible for so many options of culinary delight to be under $4.99?

I saw my old stand-by, the T-1 combo: a luscious Burrito Supreme, a Taco Supreme, and a DIET Pepsi. I placed my order, giddy with anticipation, then made my way over to the drink machine to fill my cup.

“Number 28 please!”

Oh my God, can it be? I haven’t even finished filling my cup with DIET Pepsi, and my order is ready? Who in the hell does it that fast? Certainly not any of the aforementioned taquerias that I frequent.

I sat down ready to plunge into the scrumptious feast oozing with sour cream before me. What should I eat first? It had been so long, I almost forgot that I always eat my taco first, so I will have the taste of the burrito as the last thing on my tongue.

I scarfed down the taco in the blink of an eye. After covering the insides of the burrito with the hottest sauce they had available, I took my first bite. I forgot how heavenly it tasted. How can one describe the leathery, chewy texture of the thin flour tortilla?

Forget the handmade tortillas from the taquerias that melt in your mouth. Taco Bell tortillas remind me of my younger years – eating anything at 2:30 in the morning, while nursing a decent buzz.

Finished with the repast, I sat on the plastic bench, stuffed and happy. As the meat sauce with too much black pepper dribbled down my chin, I thought just like seeing a movie you’ve seen a hundred times, “this should last me another couple of years”