So where was I…

Been a few days of “quiet” here on the blog… it’s not you, it’s me. (Man, if I had a dime for every time I was given that “Dear John” line…) I know I mentioned it before, but it’s amazing how busy one gets while unemployed! My poor mother had surgery to her foot a few weeks ago- fusing some bones in her ankle to allow her to (hopefully) walk without pain again. Since she’s been recovering, Ann and I have been trying to spend as much time with her to help her out at home during the day. A great side effect has been getting a lot more time with my mom, as well as just “hanging out” with my wife and daughter. I’m trying to make the most of this rest period between jobs because I know that when I am back to full time work again, it’ll be back to the regular spastic schedule of long hours and lots of travel… tis the nature of the beast. 

After a few weeks of improving form on the bike, the past couple of weeks have seen a plateau and slowing, complete with some really dead, wooden legs. This weekend saw a slight return to something resembling fresher legs and hopefully the beginning of some increased form again… I hope. State Masters Track Championships are coming up towards the end of the month and I have been intentionally attempting to pile on the workload- as much as I can with limited training time. I’d sure like to move up a step or two at Masters this year, but at least defend my 3rd from last year in the Match Sprint. It’d be nice to move into the medals for the Kilo too… a boy can dream, right. 

As much as I want to slow time down most of the time, I’m really looking forward to July right now. The “job” with Dealer Camp is very exciting. I’m really looking forward to working with the Lifeboat Events crew in Park City. Brand Ambassador is the job title, but it really feels a lot more like Arch Duke of Fun. Bike rides. Beer. Great after hour events. Beer. Bike people. Beer. It’s gonna be oh-so-much fun! I also get to ride on bikes from other brands that I have not had the chance to ride before. I’ve been so focused on “my own brand” for so many years, it’s been rare that I have been able to ride bikes of brands I wasn’t working for… and I love to ride different bikes! Also, stay tuned for more here, I plan to do regular blog updates- hopefully even some video- detailing the bikes or other products I get to ride/ use during the event. My “employers” at Dealer Camp don’t know this yet… but that’s my plan for my week in Utah.

There’s an Industry Challenge short track dirt race that I might even have to do a few laps in… before I crash out or pass out from the altitude. The altitude might already be getting to my head, because I might even try to race the Hillclimb road race put on by my friends at Mercury Wheels. I know I’ll get my ass handed to me in each event, but as the Arch Duke of Fun, it’s my “job” to give it my best effort in the name of Dealer Camp!

Another busy week ahead. Trying to continue the heavier training load, trying to enjoy family time, trying to get some much overdue writing for the Active Times done, and trying to follow up on all the leads and contacts that have been coming my way… I need a vacation from my unemployment!

Tim