33 miles in 102 degree heat ... what was I thinking?

In the continuing process of getting ready for my riding with the Amputees Across America gang in early July, I decided to go all out on this afternoon’s ride. My new route to the Boomer Lake Kameoka Trail is 3.75 miles, one way.  Each lap around the lake is 3.2 miles. After eight laps and a return ride home, my new bike ‘computer’ trip odometer showed just over 33 miles, with an average speed of 14.5 miles per hour.  I knew it was warm outside, and I was going through the H₂0 pretty quick, but I didn’t realize it was 102^o until after the ride was over.  The humidity wasn’t too bad and there is always a good breeze when biking at 15–20 miles per hour, so I wasn’t totally drained when I got home.

One thing that is really nice about biking at that time (and temperature) is the fact I had the trail practically to myself, if you don’t count all the geese that tend to get in my way as I am riding.  I think the guy below has a few geese in his way, considering the look on his face!
 
share on: facebook

There's a baby in the house

Before any rumors get started, the baby is a non-relative.  Unless you count the fact that the mom is like an adopted sister/daughter of the family.  Remember the new baby announcement in March?  While daddy is on a business trip, mommy and baby came to Oklahoma to see friends (us and others) as well as family.  Renee was so excited to see them, she volunteered to drive to Tulsa to pick them up, and of course Sarah and Hope volunteered to sit with Deacon to keep him occupied during the ride back.

While this is said about numerous little baby boys as they are growing, Deacon really looks like he might grow up to be a linebacker or something.  It’s been a little over two months since we saw Stacy and Deacon and this little guy has bulked up, but I’m not referring to baby-fat.

BRB

bnvmbnb jbngnb bnfjngn

Back now.  That line above was Deacon’s first ‘official’ blog post  I finally got a chance to hold him and then the cameras showed up.  As such, I had to post this image, to show me using my wireless connection (power cord doesn’t count) to post this blog entry and holding Deacon at the same time.  It was just after the picture was taken when Deacon decided to add the above entry.
share on: facebook

Gaining Sponsorship Rox!

Alright! Alright! I realize it was just a few weeks ago I wrote about 'gaining sponsorship sux!', but when you get a "Yes, we'd love to sponsor you" response, it really feels great.

In this corner, all the way from Copenhagen Denmark: Reelight, the company that pioneered the reliable electrodynamic bikelight!. I had a little difficulty getting the request to the right person, but within just a few hours of sending it to the right person I received the "we would be happy to sponsor you" message. Normally I would wait to post about a new sponsorship until the product arrives, but this one is just to great to put on the post-it-later shelf.

These aren't headlights for riding at night, but more of 'daytime running lights'. Check out their website and this press release. This animation from their website pretty much sums up the product:


share on: facebook

Have you got an ICE?

I was talking with a buddy the other day and somehow we got on the topic of emergency contact notifications. During the conversation I mentioned that I had both an ICE1 and ICE2 in my phone address list, one being my wife and two being my mother. He instantly had a 'deer in headlights' look on his face and asked what I meant by having an ICE in my contact list. After the explaination, he thought it was a good idea and decided to do the same in his phone.

If you aren't aware, ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. If an emergency service worker (police, fire, ambulance, etc) is called to a situation which involves an unconscious victim, one of the methods of identification is to look for a cell phone and attempt to locate an ICE in the address list. If one is found, they can call that number, describe the patient to the person answering and be able to inquire about existing medical conditions, etc.

In my address book, I have the entries input as:
     ICE1 - Wife (Renee)
     ICE2 - Mother (Bev)
I decided to use the numbering system, to indicate the need to call Renee prior to my mom.

If you don't have an ICE in your contact list, you might think about putting one or two in there. It is a pretty cool idea (did I really just type that?)
share on: facebook

welcome to the 21st Century

As I posted in Sept 2003, my home connection to the internet has been dial-up ... until today!  For reasons beyond just getting tired on waiting for webpages to download, we have moved from dial-up to DSL service.  For the first year, it will only cost about two dollars more a month than we were currently spending.

So, being that I decided to go the extra distance and splurge for the wireless access point, this post is being posted from the comfort of my recliner in the living room. 

Have a great weekend!

share on: facebook

Can I have $5 worth, please?

share on: facebook

You may have noticed something missing...

In the past few days I have actually had a post or two, but then decided to remove it afterward. One was removed because it was a video that started automatically and that was annoying for each time the blog is openned. The other was removed just because it was a stupid post, even from me.
share on: facebook

Gaining sponsorship sux!

As I have mentioned (I think) previously, I am joining up with the Amputees Across America (AAA) riders in OKC on 03 July. We will be biking to Ardmore that day and then on to Dallas on the 4th. (The next three days we will be conducting visitations at 5 area hospitals).

I have already received sponsorship for my financial expenses for those five days (food, lodging, share of fuel for chase vehicles, etc) from the Barr Foundation. I have also received product sponsorship from 3rd Eye Mirrors. However, I have hit a few brick walls in regards to the big sponsorship ticket: a better bike! My current bike is a full mountain bike, instead of a hybrid or street bike. It is extremely heavy and has lower gears for power, instead of higher gears for speed. My sponsorship thru the Barr Foundation will allow for sponsors to donate to them and the the BF will transfer the donation to me for the furtherance of their mission. Since they are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the donations would act as a tax-deductible action.

Regarding the bike- I first contacted a local bike shop and provided the following scenario: If they donate a bike, they would get the tax-deduction, I would build them a new website (market value: approx $300-$400. Their current one is plain vanilla, to say the least) & I would share about them being my sponsor as often as possible. After two weeks of discussions, the last phone call consisted of: "we don't think we will get get enough publicity to justify donating a bike" click!

Next thought was the OSU Foundation. They are also a 501(c)3 organization, and federal regulations require 501(c)3s to donate some to each other. I called a friend at OSUF and ran the idea past him:
-501(c)3 donation credit
-OSU angle of sponsorship (staff member for over 16 years)
-Ride will begin at OU Health Sciences with my surgeon also riding. We expect a good amount of media coverage since there is an OU&OSU angle. (An additional reason for media coverage is the fact my surgeon's name is Ertl, the same as the name of the amputation method (Ertl Procedure) of the majority of the riders. It was named after the surgeon who developed the procedure, my surgeon's grandfather.)

My buddy initially indicated this sponsorship would be a no-brainer since there was to be plenty of media coverage as well as the 501(c)3 bonus. A few hours later I got a phone call indicating that my activity didn't fall under the 'normal' OSU type of function and as such, they would not sponsor me. However, they did recognize the potential of the event, so they will assist me with locating an alumni member that could assist. If I do get an OSU related sponsor, I would get this jersey to wear during the ride and visitations.

Why would I seek sponsorship like this for two days of riding? This event is (hopefully) the first of several in the coming years. My amputee 'mentor' Dan is looking to organize an all amputee race across the US next spring. We won't be breaking any records, but would attempt to complete it in 30-35 days (averaging 100-125 miles per day). There is also the chance to join the AAA ride for the complete route in 2007. So, the initial sponsorship I receive now will go a long ways.
share on: facebook

Quick Post

• Extremely busy at work ... even being given additional 'extra' little items to resolve
  
• Quick trip to Colorado Springs for Renee's "Mother's Day" went great (Sunday thru Wednesday)
  - will post more items on that later
  
• Attempting to dig out from under the email and vmail piles in my office

share on: facebook

My below knee has a first name...

A buddy of mine received this from a mailing list he is subscribed to:

************************************************************************
FROM THE "LOOK WHAT I HAVE TO PUT UP WITH" FILES
Several years ago, I was employed as a surgical technician in the operating room of a local hospital. A new secretary was assigned to our department whose job was to listen to the dictation done by the surgeons, type it up and place it on the patients' chart.
 
One day she asked me: "Bob, what's a Baloney amputation?" We had just done the procedure and when I finally caught my breath from laughing, I explained to her that the surgeon was saying "Below-Knee" amputation!!
************************************************************************

Everyone sing with me:

My below knee had a first name, it's O S C A R

My below knee has a second name it M A Y E R

Oh I love to wear it every day

And if you ask me why I'll say

Cause Oscar Mayer has a way of helping me get around all day

Original Oscar Mayer jingle

share on: facebook

A fun Saturday Morning

As some of you may be aware, I turned in my radio, sidearm & commission card to switch professions and become a computer geek some 12 years ago. I have always remained close to my old PD buddies, offering to provide assistance and support as needed. On Saturday, I had the privilege of working the 'eyes' of the Command Post (CP) involved with the protection of President Bush during his visit to Oklahoma State University (16 years ago I worked along side Secret Service agents at a metal detector when Bush Sr was here for Commencement 1990). My assignment was to work all surveillance cameras in and around the stadium where the commencement was being held. This included observing the graduates, stage, attendees inside, protestors (er, observers ... more politically correct term) outside, club house and suites, as well as the LZ (landing zone) for Marine One and the support choppers. In all my previous assignments, I had always been a field officer, never allowed into the inner sanctuary of the CP. After Saturday, I am rather thankful for that. Having to be the eyes for the command staff of two police departments (OSU & Stillwater), the Ok State Bureau of Investigation, Ok Highway Patrol and the Secret Service can get a little busy! Since I had to be at the PD at 3:00am and didn’t get released until almost noon, I wouldn't want to do this everyday, it will be something I remember for several years.

No, I didn't get to meet Dubya, nor did I get to meet his daddy, but that doesn't really matter.

Everything went smoothly, including the numerous protestors who where holding up signs ranging from:

• Who would Jesus bomb? (hmm, Sodom & Gomorah come to mind)
  
• No one died when Clinton lied (well, nothing but the death of honor, trust, dignity, need I go on?)
  
• No more blood for oil (that must be the reason for the high price at the pumps, we are squeezing the Exxon, Mobile, etc executives to death)
  
• and others too numerous to mention.

For the record, Bush didn't come here to create a political debate hotspot, but to honor the graduates who have been working their butts off to graduate. However, the protestors would rather attempt to turn this day into one of protest. I hate to say this, but Bush has heard, seen, read it all. I doubt one more sign in the buckle of the bible belt is going to make him do an about-face and change everything that has been decided up to this point!

But realize this ... if Bush comes to your area and you want to protest, have at it. Just remember these things (in no particular order):

1. Stay in your designated area! You aren't being shunned to the north 40, but will (most likely) be in an area without direct line of sight of the president. This is for the safety of the President. While this may be a 'free country', it ain't totally free!
   
2. If you leave the designated area and continue to act as a protestor, obey the law enforcement officers when instructed to return to area. (I don't care what they say, the handcuffs aren't new and they won't stretch a little to become more comfortable in a few minutes)
   
3. Don't try to pass yourself off as a Secret Service agent to a uniformed officer, especially if you have been drinking a few minutes/hours before (see above reference about handcuffs)
   
4. Common sense, while a diminishing commodity in many today, is your best friend!
   share on: facebook

Silence

It is amazing how loud silence can actually be at times. In my office, I have (had) an external 60GB drive on my desk primarily for backup purposes. Over the past few months it started to generate a very low volume but high-pitched whine. It was always more noticeable when the drive was being accessed, but the noise was always there. A couple of weeks back, it got to the point where visitors to my office would inquire what was making that 'annoying noise'. Being that it started slowly, I became accustomed to it.

As I was more concerned with the fact the drive was giving signs of a future failure (something was obviously wrong with it to sound as it did), I requested a replacement drive. It arrived today and I took a few minutes to swap out the drives. I had already made a copy of the data on the external drive to my primary computer since I knew I was going to have a replacement within a few days. I am currently copying the data back over to the new drive and if it weren't for the "Copying..." dialog box on my screen (with the flying paper animation) or the "Access" light flickering on the front of the drive, I would have no way of knowing the device is in use!

Silence can be a golden thing ... now if I could just get some replacement co-workers!
share on: facebook

Positive proof of global warming

share on: facebook

Third Eye® Mirror

As I posted a couple of weeks back (ex-games) I have some major incentive to get to a competitive fitness level. As a result, I have taken to riding my bike as often as possible (post 1, post 2). Since I am biking on streets like Hall of Fame, Perkins, Lakeview and Airport Road (to name a few) I decided to research various bike mirrors.

There are four major attachment methods: helmet, eye glasses, handle bar & frame (view to the rear is between the legs - not for me). I could find a dozens of web sites that would either praise or condemn any type mentioned, but several sites seemed to mention a single supplier - Third Eye® Mirror. After looking around their site, I sent them an email introducing myself and asking them about their mirrors. I never received an email back, so I thought they were either very busy or ignoring me (I leaned more toward the first option). Yesterday when I got home, I had a small package from Bicycle Safety, Inc, the parent company of Third Eye. In the box was not only their Pro Mirror, but also their Eyeglass mirror with an extra template piece. I think it should go without saying that after dinner I was more than pumped to go ride.

Due to time constraints, I was only able to ride about four miles, and I think I was looking more behind than to the front for the first 1.5 miles. Once the 'new toy' feeling wore off, I got down to a regular pedaling pace and used the mirror as designed (quick checks every 10-20 seconds for cars, confirm clear lane behind me before swerving around road-kill, cracks, limbs, occasional chasing dog, etc). The beauty of this mirror is the fact there really isn't a blind-spot. A simple (and slight) turn of the head allows me to 'sweep' the area behind me to see everything. The fact the mirror itself is about 3x the size of a dentist's mirror doesn't hurt either!

If you or your friends have any plans to start riding frequently, I recommend a bike mirror ... and without a doubt, I recommend you visit the Third Eye® site first.

share on: facebook

1010 words worth

share on: facebook

Renegade 1, Chainsaw 0

Well, if I hadn't already been an amputee, I might have been a statistic this fine Easter weekend while doing lawn work.

After several trips around both my and the adjacent neighborhoods on my bike for both pleasure and errands, then changing out the wind turbine on my sister-in-laws house, I proceeded to undertake some much overdue lawn work. About three and a half hours into the work, I decided to shorten an old cedar tree stump to a safe level for a lawnmower to pass over it. I have used a chainsaw since I was a teenager, without so much as even a scratch. However, today was different.

Sitting on the ground and bracing as I normally would, the chainsaw kicked back on me (it caught on a knot). Being that my right ankle (pros leg) doesn't allow for my foot to be flat on the ground, the edge of my workboot sole slid forward when I pushed off in response to the kickback. That put my leg in the path of the bar and chain.

Needless to say, the sound of the saw attempting to bite into my pros wasn't a sound I would like to hear again (but it was better than if it had been the other leg!). Once my heartbeat returned to an almost normal rate, I checked the chain and decided I would need to spent some serious sharpening time before attempting any more work on the stump (cedar tree stump that is).

While there aren't a bunch of perks to being an amputee, having a 'steel toed boot' that reaches up to my knee is definitely one of them!

Note: "Renegade" is Freedom Innovations product name for my foot
share on: facebook

Bring on the nice weather!

Except for Monday, I have rode my bike to work each day this week. One of my buddies asked me to go bike riding after work with him last week, but every attempt got canceled due to other scheduling conflicts. We decided yesterday was the day to make a quick lap around Kameoka Trail (a 3.2 mile loop around Boomer Lake). So, after riding to work and back home again, Todd came by to pick me up for the ride. We finished the loop in just over 15 minutes, so we ended up keeping a pretty decent pace for two middle aged office workers. Due to the time constraints, I decided to ride back to the house while Todd did one more lap before heading to see his family.

Later that evening, when running errands with Sarah, I decided to find out the distances for my ride to work and the ride home from the Kameoka Trail. From my front door to my office building is slightly further than two miles and the trip to the trail was 2.25. So, yesterday resulted in:

2.00 - to the office

2.00 - to home

3.20 - around the trail

2.25 - back home

9.45 miles - not to shabby for the first real day of riding since I was in college!

No, it wasn't all at the same time .... give me a little break, would ya?
share on: facebook

Just gotta share some seasonal funnies

share on: facebook

Should I stay or should I go?

I got a very intriguing email yesterday. It was a proposal from Tony Barr of the Barr Foundation offering the possibility of sponsoring me for an upcoming 3 day event in Orlando Florida called the Extremity Games. Ex-Games is extreme sports for amputees (actually: individuals living with limb loss or limb difference).

There are 4 sport competitions:

Wakeboarding (not interested, I don’t have a water leg)

Skateboarding (not interested, would end in a divorce)

BMX Biking (now your talking)

Rock wall climbing (where do I sign up?)

I replied back that I was very interested, at least in two of the four competitions. I guess it is time to kick it into gear for getting into a competitive fitness, as opposed to simply everyday fitness.

share on: facebook

It's been a while since I posted an entry

My brother IMed me yesterday to inquire about my recent lack of blog entries. While I can't claim "writer's block", since I'm obviously not a writer, how about I just claim "blogger's block"?

What all has happened since my last post?
Tuesday, March 28: A half day follow-up appointment with Jonathan (my CP) turned into an all day affair as I was asked to check out new pressure sensing equipment at the local VA hospital. Jonathan (et al) just received a 7 figure federal grant for testing residual limb pressure within prosthetic sockets, and I was assisting them with the initial setup and configuration of the machines. (After the initial check, they had to reconfigure their scale matrix, because the amount of pressure I was able to apply to the end of my stump was far in excess what is the norm ... Thanks Dr. Ertl!)

Wednesday, March 29: My family and I attended the funeral of my uncle Kenny Lott. I could write numerous entries about the life of this man. He was not only a great family man, he was also an avid sportsman (hunting, fishing, golf and rodeo to name a few) and a man who enjoyed giving. His home town pretty much closed up during his funeral to honor him.

Thursday - Saturday, March 30 -April 1: Trip to Midland Tx to see some friends before they moved to Boston (they stuff was already in transit, they were flying out on Saturday). Spent some good quality time with them and got to see their 17 day old infant (Deacon).

Sunday, April 2: Replaced the wind turbine on top of my house. When we got back from Midland Saturday evening, our wind turbine was in our front lawn. Luckily we saw it and had enough time to put plastic and duct tape over the 12" hole in the roof before the rains came in that night. What should have taken about 5 minutes took almost an hour, because our 12" turbine is actually approx 12.25", and the replacement didn't want to slide on easily.

Monday - Today, April 3 - 7: Playing catch-up at the office. After reviewing March, I realized that within that 23 work day month, I was away from the office (annual or sick leave) for 13 days. Nice work if you can get it fairly regularly. However, as a result of so much time away from the office, I have had to spend a bunch of time playing catch-up.

Long story short: I have been swamped and blogging didn't make it high enough on my priority list!
share on: facebook