Monday, December 29, 2008

11 Days and a Wake-up


I just got my new LG Bikechain.com jerseys today, and they are real nice.  Thanks to Kent and Mark for all the work to get these together before the Tour De Felasco (does Felasco mean sore balls in another language, someone should look that up).

Felasco is 11 days and a wake-up away.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Nailed



As some of you already know, my birthday usually falls on or around the Felasco weekend. Well, I assume you are all trying real hard to come up with that perfect present for me. For this year, I decided to make it easy on you. No subtle hints or suggestions. I'm gonna get straight up down on the level with you. I need some fingernail clippers (the big kind for toes). I probably own 10 pairs (or sets, whatever they are called) but can't find any of them. I have been letting my nails grow because I can't find clippers. And, I apparently can't go to the store and buy some more for some reason. I have tried scissors in the past, but didn't like the cut. My new thing (see pic) is to use dykes, aka wire cutters. They work allright, but still leave the nails a little rough. I figure that I need about 30 pairs of clippers, so I will always have a pair on standby somewhere. So, I am asking you - all of my friends, to chip in and help me get 30 pair. If I did the math correctly, that should only be 15 pair each. Thanks.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Don't reply


Please don't reply to this post. I would hate to think that someone actually cared about what someone else had to say. Don't even think about it. Well, its okay to think about it, just be sure you don't do it.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Cruisin'


Just a note to tell you about how fast a cruise ship can take away any expert potential building blocks. I haven't ridden a bike in almost two weeks and have barely exercised at all during that time. I weighed in before and after the cruise - whoa!. First let me say that the first thing I did when we got on the ship was to eat. Since you can't go to your rooms yet, the casino is closed and there are no shows; the only thing to do is eat. So, I ate. For forty five minutes straight. I started with dessert, then had three plates of food, then dessert. THEN, saw the hamburgers and fries area. So, I had a hamburger, hot dog, french fries and onion rings. Then I topped it all off with ice cream. I was bloated the whole time and all of our cruise pics make me look pregnant. So, back to the point. I put on eight pounds on the cruise. That means I ate an excess of approximately 4000 calories a day; which sounds about right.


Other than that, it was a great time. Perfect weather, perfect ship and perfect itenerary.


See y'all suckers soon.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Rare Species


See my blog for a rare glimpse of this endangered species.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Felasco Assessment Ride

With the Felasco ride on the horizon, I decided to see how much more riding I needed to do to be in good enough shape to enjoy the event.  After getting off work at 2 AM, 5 hours of sleep, and only consuming a 45 gram protein shake before the ride, I decided it was going to be a 4-5 hour road ride to see what was in the tank.  I ended up doing 4 hours and 58 minutes, burning 4233 calories, and riding 72.9 miles.

Here is what I learned:
- 5 hours on a road bike is a long f***king time to be sitting on a bicycle seat.
-Chamois cream does not last that long.
-A Banana Bread Larabar is the "best thing in the entire world" at the 2 hour mark and I am an idiot for only bringing one.
-No matter how tired you are, catching a stop light next to an attractive female with her seat belt on never gets old.(separation!)
-I have renamed my road bike the "Devil's Chariot", I hate it.
-At the 4 hour mark, a $2.00 vending machine 20 oz. Coke knocks the Banana Bread out of the "best thing in the entire world" contest.
-A 20 oz. Coke seems like it is  8 oz.
-No matter how many times you try to lower the volume or change a song on your ipod shuffle by hitting the buttons on your heart rate monitor, it will never work.
-One of the most disappointing things is that the germ infested water fountain at the public park does not work, so you have to tap dance your way into the men's  bathroom and fill your water bottles from the sink, also known as the "bum shower".
-No matter how many times you take your empty water bottles out of the cage and look at them, they never fill themselves up.  There are no magical water fairies, sprites, or trolls that come from another land and fill them for you while you are riding.  You can wish all you want, again, not going to happen.
-I wished I had a fillet knife and a cast iron pan on the ride to slice my belly fat so I could cook Ron Bacon on the side of road, I was really hungry.
-Quad cramps really hurt.
-If the wind was against me on the home stretch, suicide would have been an alternative.

If I learned anything on this ride, it was that I am going to put a Coke in my Camelbak for Felasco.


Friday, December 5, 2008

Bikechain: The New Revolution without Prince

I had a great ride yesterday, not long, just everything was flowing.  I had no mechanicals and was not suffering from steering retardation.  I usually ride solo because I work when everyone is off, but I am good with that.  My pre-ride ritual is to call some of the old Revolutions crew and try to irritate them just like it was a Sunday morning ride out of the old shops.  Down here you have to ride in circles to put in miles on the dirt, your mind can wander.  Every time I ride I think about the "good old days".  I remember the first time I met the Revolutions crew.  I walked in wanting to get wheels built and there was this pale half-balding guy sitting in a folding camp chair sitting in front of a glass showcase with more purple and green anodized parts that one should have.  He was not known as the Red Dragon back then, just Kent(not sure what version of Kent he was on back then).  He invited me on the Sunday group ride, the one where the Red Dragon slid down he biggest hill on Mahan Drive on his Camelbak like a turtle on the road because some d-bag with yellow tires bunny hopped into him.  I kept showing up at the shop and rides for the abuse.  I am probably sure that is how all of the Bikechain/Revolutions crew members became part of the gang.

I had this whole post in my head yesterday when I was riding, 200 milligrams of caffeine while trying to type this does not help with keeping me on track with what I wanted to say, it was a lot better that this.  Basically, after knowing these guys for fourteen years, I am amazed at the Red Dragon's and Bikediet's commitment to the bike shop dream, I am not brave enough to try it myself.  Their commitment to world bicycle part distribution domination is impressive.  We have to support their efforts in anyway we can, because they have to succeed, otherwise where are we going to hang out and avoid real life for a while.

Bikechain.com link tattoos on the other arm and leg?  Come on Bikediet, I am in.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

nite ridin' ediket


For those of you who do not know, let me point out a few tips for proper night riding etiquette.


1. bring you own lights

2. put a full charge on your lights

3. never leave a lightless friend behind


If you find yourself on a ride without a light, don't panic. There are ways to make it work. Make sure you have been assigned a riding buddy, and stick to that wheel like Chris on M&M's. Look at what they are looking at, don't look at the void between your wheel and the lighted wheel.


Now, if you have two non lighted bikes, per one lighted bike, the rules are different. You have to split up and run the lighted bike in the middle. If you try to stack two deep behind a lighted bike, the loser in last place will surely fall off the back as soon as you hit a rough section.


To the guy who is smart enough to bring his fully charged light to the ride, but not smart enough to find friends with operational lighting equipment, here are a couple of tips.


1. Slow your pace down a touch

2. Call out rough sections

3. If you have a lightless dummy in front of you, be sure to shine your light on his trail (if you have a helmet mount).


There, hopefully that helps you out some, and hopefully it will help me out on the next ride (in which I will surely forget to charge my lights or forget them alltogether)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Flip your rain


Well, bikechain went to Felasco this past weekend for round #7 of the Florida State Championship Series. David won again. Darien and I were unable to race our wave. Unforseen events had us leaving the park early. The weather got rough, there was sideways rain, tornados, damaged merchaindise, mud and grass everywhere, it was great. Oh well, I guess all of our competitors can thank us later for saving them from the beating we were going to bring. The good news is that 180 drinks are good, and the tent is awesome. We are lucky to have them as a sponsor.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

'Cross Style

I know the post is a little late, but I didn't have all of the pics ready to go yet. Local guys did well, and my hat's off to Jim and Kristen for putting on a fine event.







Silk flatted about a half second after that picture was taken. He soldiered on to catch all the way back to 2nd, in B race on Saturday. He bumped to the A race for Sunday, and pulled out a very respectable 4th.









Little Ball had no intention of racing, but after much harassment from your's truly, he antied up. He rode a strong race at the front, to finish 3rd. All that on Taco Bell and Mountain Dew!












Local road legend, Tom Gillis put cross tires on his 29er mountain bike, and threw his hat in the ring with the rest of the master's crew. Here he's climbing Bigworm Hill. This hill was a beast on both days.










Ice Berg and Bigworm getting their spectator on. I'm sure we were heckling someone.





Even Cliff broke free of his anti race stance to join in on Saturday. He may not have won, but he had the best chest hair display, hand's down. If he just had a big gold cross...


>Here's a short clip of Bigworm Hill on Saturday, during David and Zac's race.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Lets Run Turkey


Aren’t you tired of sitting on that saddle? Have you been thinking that a little cross training would be a good thing? Well now is your time to try something different. Thursday is the Turkey Trot down at Southwood. There are several options to choose from (5, 10 or 15k). I’m going to lace up my running shoes and give the 5k a try. Come on out and join me. This is how I will justify eating that second piece of pecan pie.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

This party is for you



In keeping with the theme that BJS laid out, here is my fire picture. Hopefully after his relaxing camping weekend, he will come back ready to contribute to the bikechain blog. He is the best writer in town ya know. RD, you're not completely off the hook either. Vulgarity is not an excuse. Anyway, its party time. Pizza burgers, beer and video games tonight. And no, I didn't leave out a comma. Dinner tonight will be pizza burgers. The real ones too. Not some fake pizza burger that is no more than mozzarella and marinera sauce on a hamburger patty. This is a burger, with a slice of pizza on it. May not be the best choice for the weight watchers out there, but it will go good with Busch Light. Maybe we can offer up a Boca Burger option without a bun, and only a small slice of pizza for those who are really concerned. So, Steve, get up out of that dark room, blow out all of the candles, turn off Chris Isaac and c'mon. This party is for you.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Carl won't call


Well, looks like I missed out on some good rides this weekend. I was in Destin on a mini vacation so I didn't get to join in. Apparently, Carl came to town this weekend and went riding with the boys - both days - on mountain bikes. It would have been cool to see Carl, and witness him in person since I cannot ever get him to call back or reply to emails. In fact, now that I think about it, maybe I didn't miss anything. Anyway, it sounds like there were a couple of challenges to see who could rip off who's legs. Man I wish I coulda been there. Was not for me though. Instead, I tried to eat everything in sight and have yet to be on a bike in three days. I did, however, run both days and I can hardly walk now. Oh well, it sounds like the cooler weather has everybody fired up again so there should be some more good riding to come. Oh, BTW, David won again down in Tampa this weekend.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

I've got a golden ticket!


We did it! We now have an account with the Willie Wonka of bicycle parts. Their offerings are so many they actually send two catalogs. Getting ready to order early next week. If you need something, speak up - just don't be drinking the fizzy lifting drinks.


Red Dragon

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I like my friends


Today was another spectacular day at the bike shop. A big lunch crew showed and we all had a great time cracking on each other. We tried on the fit kit for the vests and jackets so the clothing orders should be settling down. Looks like we are signing on with the top wholesale in the business which should enable us to really expand the types of products we offer.


I weighed in today and the scale says I've lost 4 pounds - which is about what I'd expected. My short term goal is to solidly dip into the 170s. Hope to do that before the end of November - 6 pounds to go. It is tough because pretty much all I think about is food and I love chicken wings - hence the photo. The point I am not getting to is that depriving yourself for a greater good really sharpens your focus. One of the benefits for me is that it has me motivated to simplify my life. Clean all the crap out of the garage, clean my car, get organized etc... I know if I make some sacrifices now it will pay off later. I'm on "New Kent" # 93 of the year so let's hope this one really takes.


The other thing about setting goals and simplifying your life is you start reflecting. Instead of blabbing away the whole time at lunch, I actually sat and observed a few times. It was a neat experience and makes me realize how I have a cool bunch of friends. So to all the bikechain and extended crews, thanks for all you do.


Monday, November 10, 2008

Ring a ding ding

Wow. I am really tired. Saturday was a very cool day. We held a birthday party for Ice Berg and myself at bikechain. The day started with a big off-road ride. By the time we got to the start of Cadillac, I had flatted twice. Fixed the flat and everybody took off. I gave chase and was blown up by the end of the roller coaster section. I was worried about making the rest of the ride. I caught an early second wind and pushed on with the "A group" out to the drop off. Pleased with myself, I could have easily turned around but silk had this evil grin that said it all - we will be pedaling. He led us out on a route that had me turned around. Big Worm weighed in with the best quote of the day - something like, "it may be soft and grassy, but it least it ain't fun."


The worm and I prefer single track but I was game because this type of riding is what I need. Finally we pop out and I figure out we are headed toward the greenway. To this point I had embraced the "miles" of pedaling but now I just wanted to click my heels three times. We get to the greenway and it was decided the A riders are going to head out for another 20 minutes. I filled my water bottle and looked towards town and realized my B rider crew had already pedaled out. I mounted up and gave chase. After about 20 minutes I had pretty much given up trying to catch Wrecking Ball and the worm. I finally reached the greenway parking lot and was looking forward to some easy miles on pavement. But wait, I spy my prey, and duck behind some cars. Slam it into the big ring and hammer. Wrecking Ball's startled look when he realized that I was drafting them was priceless. The double take and burst of laughter was worth the price of admission.


The after party - so we roll into bikechain and Wrecking Ball fetches some platters from Tijuana Flats. Ice Berg's mom soon arrives with a huge spread of food (Thanks Mom!) and a cake from Cupcake Steve. As the A riders trickle in we fire the grill and everybody has a good ole time telling stories of the day. Truly good food, good times.


Highlights for me - Berg wheelie'ng into and out of the shop, prank candles on the birthday cake and a really cool bike picture frame from the Bergs. Thanks to all - Red Dragon.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Gotta Go!


So yesterday I’m sitting in my windowless office moving papers from this stack over to that stack while dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s and then , all of a sudden, the urge just hits me. I could feel it welling up inside all morning and even though the urge was great it did not appear that relief was forthcoming. However, last night around 5:45 the flood gates opened and relief began. I’m talking about nighttime mountain bike riding of course.

The bike posse was out in force last night and we were able to get in a really good ride. Even Big Worm, who has been nursing a bum foot, was able to join in the fun. It just doesn’t feel right when Worm’s not a part of a ride so it was definitely awesome to have him back. The only real excitement last night was Marko trying to impress us by trying to throw his bike, like a Frisbee, while still being attached to it. Now that was impressive, but not as much as his imitation of a major league baseball player sliding into third base.

The only thing missing last night was Wrecking Ball and the Red Dragon but both had domestic obligations.

So there it is, and this morning I’m feeling relief because sometimes you just gotta go!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Enter the Dragon


Today is the day. Today really starts the hurt. I am now focused on the March 3rd AMBC in Gainesville. I fully expect to win this race going away. This is one of those deals where I know what I have to do - now I just need to do it. I will be looking to bikediet and ricky silk for advice. The first step is to up my capacity for exercise while trying to lose some weight. I ride maybe once a week and over the last few months it was once or twice per month. So ramping up to 5 days a week will be a chore. Looking back at the original posts to this blog I had been feeling like a failure. I weighed last night on the scale and realized I have actually lost 16 pounds this year. I impressed myself while realizing I must have been really fat. I did not reach my goal of "training" so that is a disappointment. I am not nervous but I am uneasy about the sacrifices I am going to have to make. For me, this will be a major change because I pretty much eat whatever I want and a lot of it is junk. I have been here before. Current weight 186 (down from 202). Goal weight 160.


"You are either a winner or a participant, and I'm not participating" Kent Whittington, circa 1989 - backyard football game.


Red Dragon - out

Monday, November 3, 2008

Weekend Race Report


This past weekend, bikechain.com had to split up teams. David Berg and crew represented in Miami, FL for the Florida State Championship Series, and we had a crew throw down in Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Well, David did what he likes to do; win. An early encounter with another racer left him racing as a singlespeed in the rear, only able to shift between big and middle ring in the front. An additional crash put him finishing out the race with a pretty banged up shoulder. Tom and Graham Gillis put forth a solid effort until the sharp coral took care of their tires and caused them flat induced DNF's. Tony (Atomic junior) had a strong run and finished in 4th.

The PMC (Pine Mountain Crew) posted a first place in expert (Darien), a first place in sport (Mark), a second place in beginner (Kent), and a DNF(Jim). This course was super fun. It was all double track which goes against all traditional singletrack mindset, however, it was fun none the less. The climbs were not as tough as Bump and Grind in Birmingham, but they were definitely tougher than anything in Florida. The descent was so fast that you were glad it was double track, just so could stay out of the trees. It was a 27 mph big-ring small-cog 2 mile descent over loose gravel, roots, through creeks, over water bars, etc that had a pretty good hold on your attention. The rocks were so unforgiving that they caused flats for all of us. Jim flatted and DNF'd because of it. Darien flatted, changed tubes, and still won. I partially flatted, but since I was running Stan's, I hit it with a CO2 - two times, and rolled to the finish line with 15lbs of air in my rear tire. Kent flatted, but it must have been a slow leak, because he didn't even know it until after the race was over. Jim was in the lead when he flatted, and with less than 15 minutes left in the race, he was pretty confident that he was going to win. At least he walked away knowing that he was riding strong enough to win, and he learned a little lesson about flat tires.

Well, there are too many stories to tell, and not enough typing ability. So, there ya go, thats the gist of it. If ya need more details, you're gonna have to get them on a ride. Charge up your lights........

Friday, October 31, 2008

Throwing Down the Gauntlet


So I have been known to throw down the gauntlet. There has been boot camp, focused and disciplined, 12 minutes, red dragon and more. But this time it's for real. Prompted by the "new guys" thinking they are faster than me; the "old guys" knowing they are faster than me; my cousin weighs 40 pounds lighter than me; my 20 year high school reunion is next year; we now have a regional race team; and many other selfish reasons - I, Red Dragon, here by throw down a weight loss challenge. Weigh-in is November 6 at bikechain. End date will be negotiated at that time but a good bet is March 1. Terms are percentage weight loss. We do need a name for the competition so give me some feedback. Reward/punishment TBD. March 3rd is AMBC # 1 in Gainseville. Get your popcorn ready.


Red Dragon


BTW - that was my dinner last night. Carbing up for Callaway Gardens.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

The Loneliest Number


This unusually early cold snap has given the feeling of the Holiday season. Only 4 weeks until Thanksgiving then before you know it Christmas will be here. Man this year has flown by. According to the “elders” in my family, the years do seem to fly by the older you get.

Now on to bikes. Trying to find someone to ride with lately is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Big Worm, our unofficial ride coordinator, is injured so he’s out (get better dude). Marko can’t stand the cold so he gets on the trails early; Wrecking Ball has turned into Mr. Mom and has had “domestic obligations” lately; Berg will only ride when/where Marko is riding; and who the hell knows what lil’ Ball is up to; and the Red Dragon, well the Red Dragon can only get a kitchen pass from Mrs. Red Dragon about once a week. With the time change coming this weekend I am hopeful that the crew will start getting some organized riding in. After all 1 is the loneliest number.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Sidelined




Sitting on the sidelines sucks! It's the perfect Tallahassee mountain bike season, and it looks like many of the fair weather crew members have come out of hibernation. Red Dragon is regaining his wings. Micro's attendance is growing. Even an out of town, old schooler was here this past weekend. It's killing me not to be there, but I finally heard from the doc's office yesterday. I've got an appointment at TOC next Thursday. My ankle has been feeling better, so I may even try an easy ride later this week, or this weekend.


I'm stoked to see the weather has the 'posse out en masse, and if I don't see you folks on the trail soon, I'll see you at the Sweet 16 Double Header, at Bikechain, Nov. 8th! Kent and Mark have been working hard to make the shop space look good, and there efforts are paying off. Come check it out, next weekend.
ps. Keep a close eye on Big Jim Slade, I think he has been up to something. Here me now. Read his later.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Stupid Bike Sunday


Stupid Bike Sunday was a new idea, and may not take off as planned. We had an out-of-town guest come in who wanted to go ride and wanted to keep the pace down a little. We decided that it was a good time for everyone to bring out their dusty bikes - the ones that don't get ridden very often. So, the invite was for (no offense) singlespeeds, cyclocross, retro builds with rigid forks, etc. Since we don't normally ride these types of bikes out on the trails, the pace definitley stayed down, and there were a few crashes and flat tires along the way. All in all, it was a good ride and good company, however, there are some sore body parts and bruised egos. Looks like these will get hung back up for awhile so we can get back to what we are used to. The good news is that we came up with a new saying. I can't remember what it is right now, but it will resurface, and it will probably be said way too often on future rides.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Lil Ronnie and Sister Amy










Ain't no sunshine when it rains

Don't really know what the title has to do with anything, the weather is perfect around here these days. Anyway, a new author here, just trying out the new blogging thing on this old blog. I keep getting an error message that saving and publishing may fail, therefore, I will not be typing much more.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Ouch

The GOOD NEWS - I felt really good on the bike tonight, especially on a ride I was not going to be able to make. It's the Thursday night Joe's ride. On the first lap Ice Berg went off the front motivated by verbal jabs by apebike and all-pro (aka cuz). I was scared so I just shut up (rare) and made jokes in my head about Berg's pink socks. The Church section surge starts slow which was cool so I was able to hold on into the long downhill. On the first tittie hill I had to hold myself back from jumping on the gas - I sat in. Second tittie hill hurts a little - I'm still sitting in. Cuz has been powering the whole time with a little help from ape. I'm about six riders back and I'm thinking of the bricks sprint. Now we're on the false flat and the speed ramps up. We drop some guys and I'm the last in our six man race. I'm in danger of getting YoYo'd off the back but HotRod bridges back up and I'm able to hang. Getting closer, planning when I want to go - Uhgh - Rod sits up enough to slow us where I have to make an effort to go around. I can't bridge to Big Jim but I pass yellow shirt and my cuz (who sat up on a nutritional). And I stay close enough to see ape and berg fighting it out. Berg won. I'm breathing pretty hard and the BAD NEWS is I'm dreading the climbs because I still haven't fixed my brothers bike - it's stuck in the big ring. Cuz says it's good for training. So I grunt it out pass Red Dragon climb and going in to AJ Henry Park I sneak off the front. Not to break away, but merely to go up Gardenview at my own pace. We regroup at the top of Gardenview and much to my dismay, ape powers down when we round the corner at the church. This is much quicker than the first lap and I'm already hurting. The church hurts, the golf course hurts, the downhill hurts. Riders are getting shucked but I'm still here - weird. First tittie hurts bad and I know I'm losing it. Ape and cuz are powering but keep pulling over just enough but nobody's pulling through. I'm about rider five and I know I don't have much left. Near the crest of tittie two, I stomp on the pedals expecting to at least provide a halfway lead-out... BOOM! I came completely apart. Ape powers by and says to dig deep, but I've already got a chop stick hanging out my ass. I chalk it up to half nutrition/half bonk. All in all a really cool ride and somewhat encouraging. Even though this was a slower ride, I did a lot better than earlier in the year. It was a smaller ride so I'm thinking it is about even. The running is definitely helping. bikechain out

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

OK, so I should be have about 3 % body fat by now. I have lost just over 15 pounds so I'm on my way. I shall refocus my energies. Big Worm (aka ApeBike) says that boot camp and red dragon are played out. I shall reincarnate "focus and disciplined" Later. K

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Wagons at Altitude


Yes, a vacation to Breckenridge and I fell off the wagon. Not in the cokes and candy in the middle of the night way, but massive breakfasts at the Blue Moose kind of way. There was a time my guantlet was aimed only for bigworm, but now it is aimed at the drummer formerly known as Intense Terry. Seems as though he doubts the red dragon. That's really OK by me. It will be nothing to move my way back into the nutritional program. And maybe I'll ride more than twice in a month. I will not be denied. Victory or death. My name is bikechain and I approve of this message.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Detox - the hurt before the storm

So I did it. Laid down the gauntlet. This time it's really, really different. I decided late last year that I would actually "train" on the bike this year. I reflected on my "racing career" and realized I've never really trained like you should. Sure, I've ridden more than my current once a week average. But never have I done the interval, rest day, hard day bull shit that you have to do to be competitive. It's not that it really matters, but I'd like to see what would happen if I put my bulldog mind to it. First phase is the diet detox with a dose of running and riding. That sucks because I hate running and love junk food. Not the cliche' junk food eater, I'm the real deal. It's not uncommon for me to wake up at 3 A.M. for a candy bar or sour patch kids, washed down with a coke. Coke for breakfast? Fried chicken? Wings? Pizza? - It don't matter. And as bigworm (aka. apebike) says, it's the sauce that gets you. Sour cream, marina, blue cheese - bring it on... and strap on your seat belt - you've never been on a ride like this before... (Dr. Dre). This shall be the year of the red dragon. KW