Fast as lightning

No, I'm not describing today's ride, that's how I shot out of bed this morning. It was 6:35 or so and I was supposed to meet the group at 7. OH NO! I jumped out of bed, right onto one of Tucker's bones (that's great any time of day, but especially when you're waking up in a frenzy). I ran out to the kitchen, wondering why I didn't hear my cell phone alarm. Yes, I leave my phone plugged in on the kitchen counter, and use that for an alarm clock. It just works...well, if it's not on vibrate! Eh-hem. Ok, so that's why I missed a few calls/text messages last night.

Anyway, no sooner did all that commotion take place, but the phone is ringing...it's Paul...looks like I'm not the only one oversleeping this morning. So, I'm talking to Paul and I get a message on my phone. That would be Troy..."I overslept and am on my way." (So, I should've zoomed out a bit on this one, cuz Troy is pointing at Sharon's SWEET new ride...hence the facial expression!)



I called Sharon. Of course, she's pretty helpful and asks, "ever heard of an alarm clock?" Alarm what? She was running a tad behind too, so this may work out after all. Maybe I'll tell her a bunch of stuff that'll make her look like a dork on her bike...that'll teach her! :-)

Thankfully, I packed up the car last night, so I really only needed COFFEE and my clothes. It also helps that I live pretty close, so I didn't end up being too late.
I was happy to arrive at the airport and see Damon there too. You may recall a previous blog where I mentioned running into Damon in Brookside - he was going on a group ride and Jenny and I were running by on the Trolley trail. I first met Damon back in the day when Meg was teaching spinning at SPCC. We've run into each other a handful of times at different rides and such. Good to see you again this morning, Damon - hope you'll join us for future rides!

After some introductions and a rather long pre-ride coffee break, we decided to get down to business. >The fellas loaded up and headed out, while Sharon and I hung back and worked on a few things. It's a good reminder to me of all the things I take for granted now. Really, it's not such a quick start up with cycling - there's a lot to buy and a lot to learn/know - it can be a bit intimidating. I definitely remember my first rides and what a stress ball I was. (thanks to Terry, of course, for his patience and perseverence in helping me learn the ropes). It was really fun showing Sharon some of the stuff I've learned. She did absolutely great out there too! And, I'm happy to report that the ride itself was without incident. Here's the gang below - one pic with Sharon, one with me...ya just gotta have pics!!!

We got back to our vehicles just in time for a downpour! Things wrapped up pretty quickly thanks to the rain, and Damon, Troy, Sharon all needed to head out. Paul and I decided that First Watch was in order. As I got back in my car, I quickly realized that I'd made a HUGE mistake - I LEFT THE ROOF OPEN ON MY CAR!!! Duh! Seriously - why did that NOT cross my mind the whole time we were riding? Uh, the sky is dark...it rained when we first arrived, but not much more than some sprinkles...really - why didn't I even think that I left that open. Needless to say, there were puddles of water...cupholders were full...dripping from the roof, visors, etc. This would also be one of the few times I didn't throw a towel in the car. I did have a spare tshirt, and tried to mop things up with that a bit. The worst part of all? The large envelope with my Coeur d'Alene professional pics, certificate, medal and photo mat was laying on the passenger side floor. That made me a little sick! It was soaked! (I did lay everything out when I got home, and things are a little warped. I'm hoping they'll dry out ok, but we'll see).

Alright, on to b'fast! As we're heading to First Watch, I realized that my phone (which was in my jersey pocket) had also gotten pretty wet and was no longer working properly. Hmmm. Frustrating. I took it all apart and set it out to dry while we were eating. It was fun hanging out with Paul and hearing (pretty crazy...and maybe a little scary) stories from the Life and Times of Paul D! I'll be checking up on you a little more often now, Paul!