This is Encouraging

From the TourDivide website:

Divide racers must not only be conditioned to endure weeks of consecutive 16+ hour days in the saddle, they need to bring other skills to the trail. The Route is unmarked and circuitous, requiring navigational acumen. It travels through remote backcountry with Grizzly and Mountain Lion density. Intervals between services are frequently 100+ miles and demand calculated food/water resupply - or else. Riders must also find shelter each night or bivouac trailside. In minutes the Rockies' dynamic mountain weather can wreak havoc on route surfaces, skewing even the most near-term travel projections. Of course, it wouldn't be a grand tour without the geopolitics of negotiating the, albeit lower-security, international border crossing at Port of Roosville, Montana.

Hardcore!

Merlin Titanium: Last of its Type

I took this pic on Sunday after my ride. I was just goofing around with the camera's settings.

I have several bicycles but this one is still my favorite. It is a 1996 Merlin titanium mountain bike. It was given to me as a warranty replacement after I cracked my 1993 Merlin, which was also a warranty replacement to the original 1990 Merlin. The original Merlin had a 3 digit serial number. This one has 5 digits. In 1997, Merlin was sold and Rob Vandermark started his own company, Seven which has taken titanium bicycles to another level.

This bike has been many places; a true adventure bike. I've really enjoyed it.

Fitness in Tigre

My dad died of heart disease in his mid-60's. He never exercised, worked all the time, and lived alone the last 20 years of his life. I don't know if I'll drop dead tomorrow, but I am trying to keep my heart and body in decent shape. I am trying to stay happy and enjoy life. Let me explain the "trying" part...

Now I am working/living in one place during the week and my wife/bike/and condo are 180 km (110 miles) away where I only get to see on weekends. I've been living in this arrangement for about a year now. It has been mentally and spiritually challenging to say the least.

Being here, one of my big concerns is trying to stay somewhat fit. When at home, I have/had I my bicycle. I would/could ride it after work everyday. It is/was a great routine that I started taking for granted. Now without it, I had nothing to do. I am not a runner, I hate running, so I eventually brought down our Orbitrek, a cheap elliptical trainer. This elliptical trainer might not be the best on the market, it seems to be working okay. I racked up about 1300 units on it (btw, I do about 11 units per 20 minute session).

1279.4 Units (whatever they are)

Anyway the point of this ramblings is, this torture device is working in keeping me somewhat fit. I've been using this thing, then walking to the Italian Club to lift weights in the gym to with Daniel (he runs laps before lifting). This is working. I feel better. I am riding better on the weekends. I am sleeping better during the week (and weekends).

Unfortunately I still only get to see Tania on the weekends and that's sucky. I like being with her. She's a funny woman! She makes me very happy.