Tough and Not so Tough Choices

Every single day of our lives we make choices.  Most of them are seemingly inconsequential, and a few, although a not apparent at the time, are of great moment.  Some are good, others bad.  You decide the answers to the following multiple choice questions:

Should the PCRs Follow BIG MAN to Ogden?  The PCRs allowed BIG MAN to be their leader (well, kind of) yesterday.  Many of them mindlessly followed him like sheep early in the morning, but it turns out not early enough.  Some of us almost missed the train ride back.  One did!

Were No-Show PCRs Smart?  Mr. MBA rebelled and chose an easier route, and did not even bother to tell his bike buddies he was going to be a no-show.  Read on and decide whether you think his classless act of not telling his buddies he would not be there was smart.

Was Failure of a PCR to Read and Heed BIG MAN's Counsel a Bad Choice?  BIG MAN sends lots of communications to his flock, some by email, others voicemail, yet others by texts, and if you are real unlucky, like Jean, some in are in person.  His outreach is so broad and continuous that one of his aliases is now “White Noise”.  So it is no surprise that one of his sheep neglected to read or followed all of BIG MAN's instructions, particularly to dress warm Saturday.  As a consequence Prez. Hale is being treated for hypothermia.

Should the PCRs Ride Down Ogden Canyon During the Ogden Marathon when the Police Order them NOT TO?  On Friday BIG MAN was forewarned that the Ogden Marathon was routed through Ogden Canyon at the same time the PCRs would be riding down that narrow canyon.  And as predicted, when the PCRs arrived at the mouth of Ogden Canyon they were ordered by the police not to ride down the canyon with the runners.  It was 11:30 and they had to be at the Ogden train station by 12:00, when the FrontRunner left the station.  The next one left at 1:00.  So there was a lot of pressure to keep moving.  Not to worry, BIG MAN's persistence, personality, humor and good looks paid off and the police gave the PCRs a police escort down the canyon. (True Story, and BIG MAN was riding shoulder to shoulder with the office yelling to the runners, "YOU'VE GOT THIS" and cheering on the volunteers at the aid stations. You would have thought he was the marshal of the event.) 

Should Bruner Allow Himself to be Separated from the Rest of the PCRs?  Once the PCRs got out of the canyon they sprinted to the train station.  After all, they did not have a minute to spare.  Bruner, rightly thinking there was a shorter path to the train station paused to think about the smart choice, which separated him from the group.  Bruner was right, but his hesitation cost him valuable time.

Should the PCRs Abandon the Pirates’ Code of Ethics?  Gordon Smith aka the “Hammer”, BIG MAN and Prez. Hale arrived at the train station.  Bruner was nowhere in sight.  Hammer, BIG MAN and Prez. Hale had a snap decision to make.  Do they wait for Bruner and be another hour late or jump on the train without tickets and beg for forgiveness from UTA.  Without a second thought all three jumped on the train.  Hammer, a Doc at the U of U, thought he could cash in on a valuable benefit of free travel on UTA vehicles offered by his employer: At last his state job was going to pay big dividends!  BIG MAN and Prez. Hale figured they could pay when they got on the train.  It turns out all of their instincts were wrong.  The police chided Hammer because he did not tap his card on the train door as he entered, and lectured BIG MAN and Prez. Hale that they should have waited another hour instead of getting on the train and riding without a ticket. Prez. Hale went to pay for the tickets when arriving in Salt Lake and the BIG MAN was thinking, "What in the Hale are you doing, let's go. We got a FREE ride." BIG MAN started to feel guilty and repentant and went to pay also and Prez. Hale said, "I've got em, Get on the TRAX, I'm not riding another mile." Then BIG MAN understood his reason for buying tickets.  Bruner, you should have known you were riding with pirates.  In case you have forgotten in your old age their code is: “Any man who falls behind, is left behind.”

Should you Offer an Officer of the Law Cash when He is Threatening to Give You a Ticket?  As the officers chided BIG MAN and Prez. Hale for not having a ticket BIG MAN offered one of them cash, to which the officer responded: “that will get you 6 months sir!”

If you want a Quiet Contemplative Ride should you Follow BIG MAN?  If you don’t know the answer to that question by now you are in serious trouble.

In all, it was a beautiful ride and one worth repeating, after a long period of time has passed so the memory of the pain has faded.          

YIPPY SKIPPY

 Can you tell who the brothers are?
(I'm cold)

 Just a reminder to some of the PCRs that don't know how to read...

 The Vistas were UNBELIEVABLE!

 Has anyone seen Prez. Hale?

 Thanks BIG MAN for making arrangements for a police escort down Ogden canyon...

 ... and recruiting some new faces to join the PCRs

 "it was his idea to ride TRAXs from downtown to Sugarhouse"

Blue Line to the S-Line

 GO PCRs!

Who knows where this is??

Sexy Legs Bounces Back From “Grand Slam”

His entire life Sexy Legs has aspired to be a great tennis player like his father Tony, who was one Major shy of a Grand Slam in the tennis world.  Realizing he was too old to conquer courts of clay, turf and concrete as his farther did, Sexy Legs achieved his “Grand Slam”, but of another sort, during a heli-skiing trip.  After three days of adrenaline highs shushing down the snowy slopes of Kamchatka, the helicopter in which his group traveled crashed on the snowy mountain leaving him and his comrades trapped in a hospital located in the remote town of Petropavlovsk (little Man, you get 50 bucks if you can pronounce that name on your first try without the benefit of Google).  Fortunately, everyone made it out alive.  

In the depths of  depression from chiding by fellow PCRs because the Salt Lake Tribune scooped the story on Sexy Legs, this Saturday PCR’s own BIG MAN conducted an exclusive, in-person, Barbra Waltersesque (he even looks like her more and more each day that passes) interview of Sexy Legs and his far better half, Dinny.  During the interview Sexy Legs beamed with confidence (that might have something to do with the X-rays taken of him with an X-ray machine of Stone Age vintage used at the Russian hospital) that he will have a full and speedy recovery and will be back on his bike in four months ready for LOTOJA and to beat every PCR--even without any summertime training.  Sadly his ambition is true.  What Old Man Bruner said during this Saturday’s ride is true: “there is no glory beating BIG MAN”.  The same is true of all other PCRs.  Dinny expressed hope that Sexy Legs will come to his senses, grow up and limit his “extreme athletic” endeavors to activities performed on solid unfrozen dry ground (Sexy Legs, tennis courts fit that description) within the boundaries of the good old US of A.  Sexy Legs became emotional as he recounted the outpouring of the moral and financial support he received from friends and family.  Our prayers go out to you and your family.  BIG MAN guarantees you that through his persistence, LOTOJA will give you admittance next year without charge.  The following is the riveting interview:

     

On a mundane note, Saturday remnants of the PCRs rode together during the same time frame, although at different locations.  The Reorganized PCRs participated in the Front Runner Century.  little Indian claims he was victorious, but he did not explain how.  The authentic PCRs started out together on their trek to East Canyon, but then the “great stratification” began early on.  Over dressed Prez. Hale had to stop to remove articles of clothing and take a picture of the beautiful sunrise. Like a true band (with high elasticity) of brothers the others left him behind.  Affected by hanging out with BIG MAN for so long, Prez. Hale went on a photo spree (see the awesome photos below). Mr. MBA claimed it was just an excuse for him to go slow.  Mr. MBA never was very good at exercising discretion when opening his mouth!  The group was also honored by special guest appearances of Mrs. Bullwinkle and her brother TR.

Saturday also marked a milestone in BIG MAN's marriage.  He was actually brought to heel by his better half.  He cut short his ride at the midpoint to arrive home safely within the period of time he promised.  Jodi, please share with the PCRs the brand name of the shock collar you used to achieve this remarkable result so that they are better able to control him during future rides.  If you do, they are likely to be home two hours earlier.  But on second thought, maybe you would prefer that he stay out longer on his rides.  They wouldn’t blame you!    

YIPPY SKIPPY

Some of the PCRs attract younger/better looking riders

 GOOD MORNING PCRs

 Anyone seen BIG MAN?

 Nice pictures, KOP!

The Best Part of the Ride - a little Choc. Milk

April Showers Bring Chilly Rides

April has come and gone and let's hope the temperatures start to warm up. This month there was a ride in memory of  Kim Briggs and Jon Cook, who left the pace-line way too early. They are dearly missed. Sexy Legs, Mike Trabert, made his way back to the states after being involved in a helicopter crash in Russia. Grateful for his safe return and wish him a speedy recovery. Celebrations/rides were held for the birth of Prez. Hale and Mr. MBA, who both now are officially old enough to buy senior citizen tickets to the movies.

Saturday's ride of Hale's Hills To HELL was cut a little short because the birthday boys were getting cold and wanted to go home. REALLY, WHAT'S THE DEAL? When you get to a certain age the blood doesn't circulate as well. BIG MAN was feeling his youth and hooked-up with Mr. T. for a second ride up Emigration, but as you will see, he too had to stop for an old man problem.

Many will be involved with commencements this coming week and let's all remember the words from C.S. Lewis, "there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." It's called a commencement because it signifies the beginning. Let the 2017 riding season begin and bring with it many miles, many memories, many vistas and many NEW friends.

YIPPY SKIPPY

 A Ride/Tribute to Kim & Jon

 Man, these guys are SLOW!

 April Showers Make It A Little Chilly

 The Birthday Boys!

Sometimes you have to get off the bike to see the beauty!

It's Tough Getting Old!

YES, the season has officially started with the 14th annual Bandit/Deadhead Marathon ride, which takes off a little early and typically is a little chilly. Prez. Hale and Mr. MBA were the only non-bandit riders and Mr. MBA missed the ride all together, not reading the date when he registered. A little trip to China was not worth canceling. (Go Figure)  A fairly new PCR wanted to join the team, but as you will read/see he missed his T-Time. BIG MAN was feeling pretty good as he got to do a little singing before the ride even started and was hoping to post a PR. little Indian got lost a couple of times, but the OLDER tribe members waited to make sure he made it to the finish line.

BIG MAN started his sprint to the finish line at mile 26, with 0.2 left thinking he might have a chance. However, Prez. Hale had a different thought. As the two of them continued to increase their speed, reaching the narrowing finishing line with barricades on both sides, Prez. Hale thought a little right shoulder nudge make help. BIG MAN's quick balancing act of avoiding going down proved to be too much for the now 60 YEARS OLD!  

As always, one of the BEST part's of the ride was the chatter and Prez. Hale introducing the group to a Kouign-amann (pronounced <kwin'aman>) a Breton cake. It is a round crusty cake, originally made with bread dough, containing layers of butter and sugar folded in....... TO DIE FOR! 

YIPPY SKIPPY

Let's Rock N Roll

 Show us your medals

 To Die For

 I might be a Private, but I'm NOT a DEADHEAD!

Some Boys Never Grow Up

<br />

A Ride for HOPE!

"Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal and new life" 

- Janine di Giovanni

This week's ride on Easter weekend was full of hope, great vistas, lively chatter and a renewal to get into better shape. A plan was set in place to depart a little later this Saturday in HOPE of luring a few PCRs we haven't seen for a while, but that didn't work and leaving later, ALSO didn't work. BIG MAN sent the email out on Wednesday for all to read and put in their calendars and by late Friday night, the "pirate" of the group had changed the plan. One of the riders even went as far as saying, "I'm going to leave earlier, because I know I can't stay up with the group" (Second violation of PCR by-laws)

So what are you HOPING for this season? Here are a few to consider:

• To NOT bonk
• To keep the 2 lives left of 9, unused
• To be KOM for one ride
• To ride with little man & Dr. J.
• To ride with Mr. T and not just have him show up on the downhill
• To ride in warmer weather
• To NOT have a flat tire all year
• To have someone stick around when you do have a flat tire
• To avoid leg cramps because you're not drinking 
• To avoid weekly visits to the bike repair shop, knowing everyone now greets you by first name 
• To see more cows
• To not tell certain people when you ride across state lines
• To tell more stories and actually have riders listen and not just pretend they are listening
• To see Sexy Legs again
• To ride with Dr. O
• To ride and play golf in the same day with SMOOTH and EASY
• To sing more while riding
• To ride more with your wife
• To ride your first century
• To ride 206 miles, 3 states, in 1 day!

What ever your dreams and hopes are may you continue to stay healthy, happy and safe. Riding is not about how fast, how far, how steep. However, it is about the memories, friendships, food, vistas, conversations and anticipation for being in the outdoors and LIVING!

The TATS this week was given by Mr. T, who had the PCRs raise their water bottles and toast, Mark A McLaughlin, who passed away this week, at a young age of 42. Our LOVE and SYMPATHY goes out to the Romney family. 

On this Easter weekend let us all pause and give thanks and have more hope!

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.... For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive"

 - 1 Corinthians 15:19,22 -

YIPPY SKIPPY

Major violation of the PCR by-laws, 

Does anyone know of an attorney?

 Mr. T  ortoise 

(and you thought Mr. T was for Tony)

Go UTEs!

5th Annual - Trains & Bikes with Your Buddies

Yesterday's ride with the PCRs was met with great anticipation as BIG MAN spent a lot of his energy, early, to make sure the team made it to the train station on time to ride the 7:11AM to Orem, UT. (In a previous year, they did miss the train due to a flat) Once in the train, Prez. Hale lead the group to the car designed for bikers. (It's much earlier riding your bike to the bike-car "outside" the train)  BIG MAN did it.... and now the question was can the team do the route planned without any problems/delays... NOT!

The FIRST little error was the excitement BIG MAN had as he lead the team off the train one stop early and realized, this is American Fork, not OREM....... GET BACK ON THE TRAIN! The SECOND, delay was when Pastor Dunn said he needed to check the landscape for Lions and Zeb Ras and took a little detour to a vacant construction site. (Growing old is not for wimps and bladders) As the PCRs started their ride towards Provo canyon, the sun shone bright and YES, BIG MAN couldn't resist in leading the group in a couple rousing verses of, "OH, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING" The snow capped mountains, as you will see, were breathtaking.

The team rode up the Provo Canyon trail to Vivian Park and took a right turn and went to the top of South Fork Canyon where they were all inspired by the TATS from Prez. Hale, who by the way was riding on a couple of hours of sleep coming back from Italy. (Now, that's a whole different story for another ride) Prez. Hale shared a moment at a recent retirement ceremony for one of his partners, who was "adamant" about, not only telling the truth, but LIVING THE TRUTH and by memory, as he always does, quoted the following from Lt. Colonel Frank Slade:

"There was a time I could see. And I have seen. Boys like these, younger than these, their arms torn out, their legs ripped off. But there isn't nothin' like the sight of an amputated spirit. There is no prosthetic for that. You think you're merely sending this splendid foot soldier back home to Oregon with his tail between his legs, but I say you are.... executin' his soul."

Now, if that doesn't get you pumped to make a quick descent, I don't know what does. Three of team got to the bottom on South Fork Canyon and turned around to see where Prez Hale and Pastor Dunn were and waiting, and waiting, and waiting... Number, THREE delay, Hale flats on the descent, As the PCRs exited the canyon and refueled at the gas station with water and "nut rolls", Pastor Dunn was starting to feel his oats and when introduced to the Murdock Canal Trail for his first time, he picked up the pace to see what these boys were made of. A 25 mph pace started to wear on the BIG MAN and so he dropped back to hear the highs of Prez. Hale's trip to Italy. 

The team made its way to Alpine, and again the snow capped mountains caused BIG MAN to break out in song, "THE HILLS ARE ALIVE". When they arrived at the base of SunCrest, Pastor Dunn, graciously said that if he gets to the top before the rest of us, (that's a given) he might continue on. BIG MAN's ride was going a little longer than originally advertised. The climb took it toll on BIG MAN and after stopping a couple times to get his bearings, he stumbled into the Suncrest Summit Cafe, where he was rescued.  Can you say, BONK! Number, FOUR! After a water bottle of Cytomax, Cliff Bar, Snicker Bar, Tiger Bar, the BIG MAN felt like he might make it home,

Remember, It's not how FAST you START, but how STRONG you FINISH!

YIPPY SKIPPY

We Made It!

 Here Comes The Sun

little Indian, thanks for STOPPING so BIG MAN could take a picture, he's DYING