Oahu biker

Lake in wahiawa

2010-07-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

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2010-07-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

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2010-07-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

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meliafrontstroke

2010-06-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

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2010-02-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Kualoa Ranch-Feb 14

It was the first cyclocross race of the calendar year 2010. I, on my new bike, warmed up for about 1.5 hours... The race was originally slated for 10:00am... after warming up and taking all my caffeine drinks/pills, I was informed that it was going to start late, at 11:00. So after riding, sweating, and using my caffeine up we started.

I was feeling especially good this morning and promised Robyn that I would kick some ass. I used her as my motivation, and did kick some!

I could write about the race details and bore you (whoever you are that reads this... anyone?), but I wont. (unless you want me too)

Oh yeah,
I won... :)
D

Hummer lift

2010-02-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

Pretty sweet ride flew by me this morning
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2010-01-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

The first picture is at 6:45 in Honolulu starting my saturday ride of 6.5 hours. It was a sweet sunrise. The other one is just Melia and I messing with the flash...
This week I am back on my eating program that Robyn is guiding me through. She tells me what to eat and I follow it 90 % of the time. She rules and I have been feeling really good ever since I started it. I think I get some slow cooker chicken with beans and salsa this week... MMMM I am starving already..

2010-01-22T00:54:00.001-08:00

Thursday January 21, 2010
First of all I can't beleive its 2010 already, time is really going by fast isn't it? I am working on my application to medical school tonight. I should be finished up with almost everything soon and after I take the MCAT in April I will be all ready to start at Harvard in the fall!
Today before school I went by the gym and swam for 500 warm up, 250X4 fast, 50x15 fast, and 25 X 4 as hard as I can, 500 cool down.
Next I changed clothes and went upstairs to the cardio room and ran for 80 minutes on the treadmill. I did 10 minutes warm up at 6.5 mph, then 4 X 10 minutes at 9.0mph with 5 minute breaks at 7.0 in between, and a cool down on the spin bike.
I feel great running, actually better than I can remember! March 6 is the test of my manhood and I hope I can be ready for it.
Saturday is a workout I am really looking forward too... 6:15 with 4X8 minutes in there of crazy fast kick ass pedal mashing. I know it doesn't mean anything to 99% of people, but my power goal for the intervals is 300 and average goal for the entire ride will be 210-220. After I get off the bike around noon I will have to run for another hour. Ideally I would also swim for a half hour beforehand, but there is nowhere to swim near the start of my ride.
I have lost about 6 pounds total in the last 15 weeks since I started running and now that I am swimming more I am really feeling good about everything.
School is hard again, I am taking Physics, Microbiology, labs, and Caribbean history. I don't really need to take any of them but physics is fun, micro is interesting, and I have always wanted to know more about the Caribbean ever since last semesters class on African History and all the time we spent on the Atlantic Slave Trade... Did you know that the USA and capitalism as we know it was founded entirely on the plantation system set up by the early settlers to the Caribbean? ... Here is your history lesson everyone...
In 1493 on Columbus' second voyage to the new world he brought with him cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, women and children, and most importantly---Sugarcane... Sugar was to be the great crop that would make the European powers all their money to build their nations with and evolve from middle/dark age states, to the great colonial powers that they have become. Sugar was the crop that required alot of labor to grow... The natives of America worked at first, but they died off from overworking, bad nutrition, and disease mainly... so after the Europeans wiped out the millions of natives, they decided to enslave millions and millions of Africans! A man named Las Casas was a Friar that helped the natives gain favor in the Euro's eyes. He believed that they were not savages after all and that they simply hadn't had the chance to accept Christ! So he convinced the powers that be not to further annihilate the natives (who were pretty much wiped off the earth completely) and use real savages--- Africans! After all, Africans had at one time been strongly christian from about 200 AD to about 850 AD when Islam swept through Africa converting many (except Ethiopia)... So he and the Euro powers agreed that African would be the new worker!...(slaves).. Hence the Atlantic slave trade changed from shipping Indians to Europe, to shipping Africans to America!
In order for the sugar plantations to run smoothly they used slave labor, and basically worked the slaves to death...literally. The fact that the Caribbean is still populated by African descendants is testament in itself that they beat the colonial powers. I am fascinated by stories of slave rebellions in Haiti and on other islands (Maroons). Brothers who had been stolen from their families and homes in the motherland, uniting and fighting the euro's who had stronger powerful weapons, money, etc.
Anyways I will stop here as I have probably lost the majority of readers after the first sentence of this blog.
D

2010-01-17T01:12:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post some of the pics from my phone, Melia in the diaper box, Robyn praying for the cowboys (eating mexican food) and the best is the one at the top, Melia took it of herself with her hair all crazy.

2010-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

Busted

2009-12-19T10:42:00.000-08:00

I was climbing mariners ridge in Hawaii kai at the top my chain just snapped! I have to find a ride now...
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2009-11-21T01:31:00.001-08:00

I got my bike back ! Will tell the story tomordow, its awesome !
D
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2009-10-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write about a few things.

First of all yesterday was fun,
I got home from school late at night via my freind Casey, and Everyone was waiting for me with a candy lei, balloons, and a cake. Melia had already started eating the cake... the candles were trick candles and wouldnt go out. it was really cool, I have always wanted trick candles!
Then we went out to outback and I got a new york steak and a baked potatoe... I got the blooming onion, and the free ice cream desert with the awesome well sung jingle.
IT was a good birthday and I guess I can embrace turning 30 instead of hating it. When Casey turned 30 he said he went surfing, and hurt his knee... took like 6 months to heal. Funny thing, I crashed my bike wednesday and I am now paranoid my leg will take a long time to heal now that I am so old and withered! lol
Thanks for the fun night Robyn, Melia, Troy, Nana, and Casey... and thank you Patty, Karyn, Libby, Jeni, Grandad for calling/texting me... I left at 7 am and didnt get home from school untill 6:15pm and wished I couldnt have spoken to you all when you called or msg'd me...

Wednesday night update:
It was the 3/3 cross race at Sand Island state park. I won the first two, but the 3rd was a little different. They added three or four more 180 degree turns, another dismount hill climb and some difficult sections that weren't there last week... Also the compitition was great!
This week was the Halloween race and we all had to wear costumes. I was Ironman because it was a great movie, (and one of my favorite songs). I got a 12 year old boys costume at party city and stretched it over my gut... it ripped all over, I guess it was like the Hulk more? anyways we all dressed up and raced. The start this week involved sprinting 100m to our bikes and then we were off. I was up at the front again for the first lap and everyone was really pushing hard. I felt really out of shape from the last two weeks of not riding too much. So my HR was really high and my legs were not very powerfull and my team mate Carl seemed to be riding for the win. behind him for most of the race was Hawaii cycling legend Ray Brust, and I was on his tail. On the second lap we had to go over two hills in a row that were very steep and at the bottom of the 2nd hill was a 90 degree turn. I went down on my side and scraped up the side of my leg, and ripped my shoe. Within 5 minutes my shoe had fallen apart and I was forced to rip off what was left of it and ride 1/2 barefoot! So bloody and barefoot I remained in my position untill we dropped the other 35 or so riders and were alone with a minute lead on the next group. We stayed like that for about 5 more laps when Carl who was looking really strong flatted and started trying to get someone to help him out with a bike change... Ray took off--- I was redlining already and just kept going, not knowing what Carl was up to behind us. I fought hard to stay with Ray for the last lap and my foot was hurting so bad, and I couldnt pedal with my leg very well. With about 1/2 mile to go some idiot on his derelict bum bike and shopping cart started running at me with a loud alarm ringing from behind the toilettes/shower area. I had to swerve hard to miss him. We made it to the sand pit and dismounted and started running with our bikes through the sand and I almost fell over again ( I tripped and fell twice earlier that night). I got back to the grass and jumped on the bike and smashed my foot onto the pedals and went hard... a minute later I was looking back and Ray who was 100 meters back and I crossed the finish line... The Tri Race winner!!!!! So now I have won three races in my life! Felt good untill I had to shower my leg wound... anyways I am sore today and hating school...
Here is a link to some pics... my crash is on there

link to pictures.... click here... click here...

D

2009-10-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

So I just got this emailed to me... Its an article posted about the first cross race here. My name is mentioned and a picture too. !!! Cool, just thought I would post the link if anyone is interested.
D

http://cxmagazine.com/cyclocross-goes-hawaiian-style-cristina-begy-races-men-for-nats-training#more-5848

2009-10-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Cyclocross baby!
This month we have been fortunate enough to have 3 cyclocross races down at sand island. For those of you who dont know what this is, look at the pictures... kind of a mix between mountain and road and crazy.
I love it, and maybe its because I have won both of the first two, but I just had lots of fun and I think I would like it even if I lost them bad... which I normally do in every other race i do...
So here are some cool parts of last weeks course, wooden barriers, and really steep hills. There were also concrete steps to go up and large concrete barriers to jump over.
The wood barriers sucked though and I pulled my hamstring on them and hobbled my way through the next 20 minutes to win by over a minute over Ray Brust, and Carl Brooks. They are awesome cyclists and I reckon they weren't trying...
D

2009-10-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write about last Wednesday before tomorow rolls around. I decided to check out this new race series call cyclocross. Its like a circuit race that is almost all off road, with logs, sand, mud, steep hills, and you can you use a special "cross" bike which is a road bike with big tires, or a mtn bike. I borrowed a team mates ride, and tried it out. We did 6 laps of the course, and every time we had to go over the lumber, the stairs, or the sand, we jumped off the bike, picked it up and ran through the obstacle, then re-mounted. Cyclocross = really fun.
The race took me 41 minutes to finish and about 35 people showed up and competed. The only thing I could think of afterwards was when the next one would be! So tomorrow evening I am giving it another go, and hopefully I can improve on last weeks.
Today I rode in to school and my legs felt like lead, and I had trouble pedalling. this is not good. I think its because I have been running more and more and maybe riding much less. This weekend I ran for 6 miles and walked one afterwards to cool down. I felt good running and averaged around 8.5 minute miles. Dad told me he went out for 8 miles! Good job dad, you work harder than me. oH yeah, after a while I realized my legs were ok, but the wind was really strong and blowing against me the whole way in. I sometimes hate the wind, but I should love it on the way home tonight as it should push me all the way... With my luck it will die down and/or change direction.
two weeks ago I flatted up in Haleiwa and some people driving past saw me break my wheel in frustration and throw my pump... they stopped and gave me a lift over the island almost home. It was really lucky for me as I had already used 4 patches up on my tires, and finaly had broken the air valve...
Then monday afterwards I got like 3 more flats riding in to school! When flats come they come all at once, or bad luck I should say. .. Well I just bought a new tire and hopefully it doesnt happen again for a while.
I will be starting up some swimming soon and I found my old speedo, but not any goggles yet. maybe this week I will get some and take a dip.
In case you all were wondering, I am planning to compete again at the old triathlon... maybe will blog about my plans for next year...
Rite now I just finished taking another MCAT practice test. I have taken two now and my scores were not so good. I need to do lots of work in order to increase my score... LOTS OF WORK... ok I better go.
D

2009-09-23T22:32:00.000-07:00

A new day,
I built up the "Ol' Grey" Khs bike I have in the arsenal. I needed something to ride so I used the khs frame, old carbon crankset from my first triathlon bike I got in 2004 for ironman. I used an old rear wheel, and a really really old front wheel. The rest of the drive train came from misc. parts that were sitting around. So its not the bike it was when I first got it but it rolls, so that is good enough for me I guess... I have been driving/riding in to school, as I have not built up much motivation just yet to ride in again, going to probably take some therapy... I just can't beleive someone robbed me like that...
Ok new topic.
I have to write a 5 page paper tonight on this "epic tale" from the old Mali empire. Its for my African history class obviously. It was a pretty interesting story about a great King named Sundjiata. Most the history of Africa is oral, meaning its been passed on from one generation to the next father to son, mother to daughter. West africa has many people called Griots, which are oral historians, and many elite people have their own griot who not only guides the individual by using histories important lessons, but passes important stories to their children about them. This way great memories do not die with the person. Their are so many facts and stories that have died with us westerners, or histories written in journals and books that nobody reads, and I think its sweet how African griots and village elders pass it all on to every new generation.
So anyways I just wanted to make a little entry in here..

2009-09-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well I was going to post about the last race, Dick Evans Memorial, that occured this past weekend (112 miles around island), and the crash that still hurts.
Instead I will Post about my beautiful bike that was priceless, and now belongs to someone else. That is right, it was stolen 2 hours ago from bike rack at school in broad daylight with hundreds of passer by's, 2 chains, and 2 locks. I dont know what to say. I reported it to the Honolulu Police, the campus police, Craigslist.org, and emailed all the bike shops on the island with the details. I have no insurance on it, as you cannot insure bikes even if they do cost more than a car.
I feel very sad and I dont feel like typing any more. I have to try to find a way home now.
:(
:(
:(

Looking over 1200 foot cliff

2009-08-31T12:53:00.001-07:00

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The ladies at the buffet !

2009-08-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

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Haunama bay

2009-08-31T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm just posting some pics I took yesterday
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The willows

2009-08-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

All you can eat Hawaiian food! Mmm, three plates of kahlua pig, poi, and lau lau, and two plates of Mac nut pie and ice cream
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The room

2009-08-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is where I spend my afternoons. A fun small cubicle !
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2009-08-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Haleakala 2nd Try

Last week out of the blue Robyn asked me some very random questions about stuff I may say or fill out on bike race entries. I thought they were weird and random, but never thought about it much. Then I got an email saying I was registered for a race... then I got an email with flight information! I was super stoked!!! Robyn had gone and sent me on a sweet race trip! Robyn, you are the best... The best.. and these lyrics are for you. You should know where they are from... :)

Try to be best ‘Cause you’re only a man
And a man’s gotta learn to take it
Try to believe Though the going gets rough
That you gotta hang tough to make it
History repeats itself
Try and you’ll succeed
Never doubt that you’re the one
And you can have your dreams!
You’re the best!
Around!
Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down
You’re the Best!
Around!
Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down
You’re the Best!
Around!
Nothing’s gonna ever keep you dow-ow-ow-ow-own
Fight ‘til the end Cause your life will depend
On the strength that you have inside you
Ah you gotta be proud
starin’ out in the cloud
When the odds in the game defy you
Try your best to win them all
and one day time will tell
when you’re the one that’s standing there
you’ll reach the final bell!
INSPIRING GUITAR SOLO
Fight ‘til you drop never stop
can’t give up Til you reach the top
(FIGHT!)
you’re the best in town
(FIGHT!)
Listen to that sound
A little bit of all you got
Can never bring you down
You’re the best!
Around!
Nothing’s gonna ever keep you down
You’re the Best! Around!

I went over to Maui this last weekend and raced in the annual "Cycle to the Sun" road race. It starts at sea level and goes up the mountain for 36 miles while climbing 10,036'. Here are the details as best as I can remember...
Left saturday noon from honolulu, and upon arrival, went to the car rental place and rental a Dodge Charger for 20 dollars... My buddy Jimmy was there too and paid for half. We drove to the hotel that some team mates were staying at and after driving past the camping beach and seeing all the people there, and after feeling the 90+degree heat we decided to split a room at the dumpy hotel... I mean the Maui seaside hotel... It was A/C'd and had two beds... figured we would race better with a semi-good sleep. After assembling the bike I went for ride up the north coast just west of Kahului. I had never ridden, or even seen that part of Maui... after 20 minutes came to a hill with a nice little 10 minute climb. Passion fruit everywhere... tons of glass too.
Ate Italian for dinner, talked to Robyn on the phone and then passed out in the stale smoke room. at 5:15 woke up, drank muscle milk and drove to start line. Exited car, slipped clothes on, rushed to start line and as I budged my way to the start line at the front the gun went off and we were on our way.

1000' felt good, still riding a good pace my team controlling front end. Carl, Rick, Joe, and myself.

2000' felt good, few attacks, still at the front, Tony Lang from Oahu breaks away, Colavita sutter leading group, with Ray Brust...Old japanese man straggling behind us

3000' first steep section at Makawao, bit of an attack, and only ten of us left together, I am still in front
4000' Carl decides he cant keep the pace and falls off the back, I slow down to help him back to group, but he soon quits race due to illness.

4500' I drop out of lead pack and start to tire out bad, then Carl drives by with cold beverage, and fakes me out by pretending to try and pull me a little from the car.

5000' I get passed by 4 and try to ride with last of them, Jason from Oahu... cant remember his last name but I remember that he rode with me for most of the way to the top to Mauna Kea three weeks ago.

6500' Ride through the Ranger station, still with Jason, now I bonk... Hit the wall... DIE!!! at this point I realize that my Gel pack of sugar I eat every 30 minutes is not enough, and I eat a powerbar, 4 gels, and a salt tab. I also drink 34oz water, and within 10 minutes feel good again and pick up the pace

7000' want to quit, nobody in sight ahead, or behind, lots of switch backs, grass, feel like on mont ventoux, wish I was skinny, wish robyn was next to me, Want burrito, drugs, water, bed etc... lots of emotions here... beautiful sky...
I cant breat well, my legs are burning and I am not getting enough oxygen...

8000' first female in race is a few minutes back and I see her below, Ive been pulling jason along since about 5000' feet... He tells me that I am strong and he cannot keep up any more. I tell him to shut up and ride and stop thinking and talking about quitting. Cant breath, elevation is getting to me.

8500' Woman aproaches from behind with her two pace rabbits, and Jason decides he isnt going to let her beat him, so he attacks me and I am all alone, then passed by the three.

9000' I feel no wind, hear no noise, rocks, no grass, remember last time when I almost fell over at 9000 and sat on side of road for 20 minutes. Keep going on keeping my pace and my legs moving.

9600' pass the lower parking lot and finally get some cheers from the fans waiting for their family members to ride up. Feel good, but realize its not over!
I ride through the narrow gate up the lookout access road and shift into my easiest gear... This is when i really felt terrible. I barely moved up that last really steep section. It was about 12-14% grade, and sparsely lined with spectators. 25 minutes earlier Ray won the race by out climbing the old Japanese guy here... I stood on my pedals and danced for the last 30 feet. The only dancing I did!

10,032' I finish with a time of 3:26 in 22 place overall, and 4th in my age division... after overalls were awarded I was 2nd! The first time I did this mountain my time was 4:30, with multiple breaks along the way to catch my breath and eat etc etc. Felt great
The rest of the weekend was a blur, but thanks to Robyn I was able to ride in an epic, difficult, crazy race I will never forget. Haleakala is translated to mean "house of the sun".

I love you Robyn!

Pizza lunch

2009-08-25T16:54:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had a bad experience at subway, so today I was really hungry and I was faced with a choice between the hut and a sub, the pizza won. It is a vegetable pie, but not the best I've ever had. The beverage is Pepsi. Yeah that's rite, no more diet soda.
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Tantalus morning

2009-08-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

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Sea to stars

2009-08-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

Today I took a quick trip over to big island to race up mauna kea.
I missed my family a ton and wished I had more airmiles to take them. Rite now I am on the plane writing this and Robyn is heading out for dinner. I am going to try my best to meet her there.
So just a little about the race,
It started in hilo and finished at 9000 feet at the mountain visiters center.
I started the race by pulling at the front on the first big climbing section and pulled so fast and hard that when I finally looked back the group of 40 people had almost all disappeared. Only 5 others could hang in there with me. We rode hard but when the road got to 18 % grade for 4 miles I died and only managed about 3 mph till the finish and finished 6th. I won my race cat though and felt so good! I was supposed to get 70 dollars but only was given a shirt and a bag of coffee and a framed picture of the mountain, which is kind of cool, but I wanted money $$$
So I was out of it at the elevation and had trouble breathing and hurt so bad from no air, I just out my head down on the ground and laid there for a good two hours untill I made it over to the food tent for some... Clam chowder... Yeah not the best race food, I told Robyn I wished it was prochiudo and cheese, but oh well Hawaiians aren't on quite the same level when it comes to food. I didn't get to the bottom of the mount untill like 5 and I pretty much just rushed over to the airport after packing up my bike. So I'm on the plane now just wishing I was eating with Robyn... Ok I got to go now.

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2009-08-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

Don't know if you can see it but is it a man or woman ?
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2009-08-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today is such an awesome day! One of the best I have ever had! I feel great!

My legs are really sore today and I drove to school... I am just studying now for my 3rd math test...
My final is in a week as well.

Last night Melia was up like 10 times because she has a sore canker on her tongue, and I think she may have an ear infection too... The poor little thing kept crying all night long in her sleep and wanted baby Tylenol... Don't worry I didn't let her O/D on it but she did max out her allowance!

This weekend I am using some air miles to go to Hilo and hang with Casey. We are going to ride up Mauna Kea (13000' elevation)... its a race yes, but its not really... a 34 mile race with only like 20 starters total... I guess its so hard that it scares lots of people off so only a few people have the guts to do it. I have been scared off many times in the past... but this year I feel like I am in good enough shape to finish... obviously not to win, or even come top 5, but finish yes. I feel so good today in fact that the thought of winning is actually crossing my mind now. I wish Robyn could come with me and be at the finish, as that always helps me mentally to push harder and ride faster. So I leave Friday and get back the next day, hopefully I will make it for dinner because I know what Robyn is cooking and I want it!!! hummus pita wraps and a tai chicken salad. MMM! so good!
So I just want to let you know Robyn, I am going to miss you alot this weekend while I am gone. I love you... I wish we could all go camping in Waipio!

I love this blurry picture of melia !

2009-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

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Tile around toilette

2009-08-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

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This is a shower I remodelled last month

2009-08-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

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VID 00009

2009-07-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

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2009-07-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

I ride.
When I need to get somewhere and its not a super big emergency, or even a small one, I ride. When I go to school I ride, except yesterday when I took the bus thinking it would save me some time... It didnt and it took almost 2 hours to get home from school... I ride.
This last weekend I flew over to Kauai for saturday and sunday morning for the first ever kauai stage race. It was really fun to race there and its a beautiful island, but honestly I felt lonely and missed my fam pretty bad. We had originally planned on going over there together months ago when I mentioned that I wanted to go over there and race, but for whatever reason it never happened and it is too bad. I rode.
I dont ride because I think I am Armstrong. I dont think I am pro, or even remotely close to pro. I cant even win a weekend crit in what is probably the state with the fewest cyclists in all of america. In fact I cant place in the top three, but its fun to lose too. When I think about why I ride my bike all the time I guess it comes down to one of a few reasons... I like it, its fun to do and zipping down the road feeling the wind hit my face, and taking turns fast and leaning into them, and flying down, or even going slow up a hill its exhilerating, sometimes painful, but I like it. It helps me stay in shape and not gain too much weight, this can never be a bad thing. It saves money because one trip to school from our house costs 16 dollars in gas and 4 on parking, so I save 20 dollars a day, which amounts to 400 dollars a month in savings for us, and lots of saved ozone! So yeah that is why I ride. I dont need to, but I like it. I dont have to race either, but if I get the chance to race, cool! This last weekend during the road race I was able to have confidence and I almost won for the first time... I didnt, but i was close... it came down to the sprint at the end, but I was rite in there! It felt really really good. I wish Robyn could've been there!
So I have been in summer school now for two weeks and its hard. I wake up at about 6 daily thanks to the kids, and try to get it together and leave by 730, but its usually not till 8, or even 830 that I get out the door. I make it to class at 1030 and stay at school studying until 5:00pm every evening. I ride home and eat a delicious pasta, or curry that Robyn makes, and kiss the kids goodnight. Then go to bed. Its a long tiresome day and I really wish it would go by faster. I really miss the kids and really never get to see them that much. Melia is tired and ready for bed, or tired from waking up to early, so I dont really get to play with her. I am looking forward to tomorow and sunday! Two days of full play time. I left my books at school just so I would get to spend lots of time with them. Troy is getting enormous and Melia is started to really say lots and lots of sentences. she is quite the copy-cat! THey are the coolest smartest little kids!
I ride, Study, play, sleep, and eat.
Have a good weekend everyone!

Overheated!

2009-06-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

So here I am stuck on the side of the highway. The jeep feels like overheating on me, and since traffic is so bad it can't cool down by driving fast. So in an effort to stay in one price and not make traffic any worse I pulled over from the far left lane across five lanes to the right shoulder. This will be a fun night I think ...
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2009-06-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

I rode up Haleakala thursday morning. I had the most amazing time and I should probably write a little bit about it. So the pictures are all messed up in their order so sorry about that.
I started the morning at 5:10 in Kihei which is on Maui. I wanted to make it up as high as possible for the sunrise, but after the kids woke up a few times during the night I was too tired to wake up at 3, so I had my night light ready to go. By the time I got to kahului the sun was already starting to rise and I knew I would miss the rise on the slopes.
In order to make this ride legit, one must dip their toe in the water before you start to ride that way you can be at the lowest point, and the highest point without cheating. So the pictures of the beach are when I dipped my foot in the water and the sun was rising up on the north shore of Maui in a little town called Paia. This town was the best place to start the climb according to others and the race in august follows this route. It was about 6:30 when I actually started to climb and I made it to 1000' and left Paia in about 20 minutes. In order to reach my goal of 3 hours for the climb I needed to average this speed, which was about 12 mph. I was feeling great at this point and after another 10 minutes or so I saw another rider up ahead. I caught up to him in no time and we rode together for the next hour. He was from Utah and was named Lance. We had a nice chat about whatever and by the time we reached 5000' the trees were gone, just a grassy hillside, and lots of cutbacks in the road. The picture below was from here... Well it was just about this time when I began to run out of water and food and started to bite the dust, but i had averaged 12mph. I couldnt keep it up however and stopped on the side of the road. I drank the rest of my water and ate a powerbar and took a good look around me, then got back on the saddle.
I carried on alone for the next 3000' of elevation untill I rode into a huge set of clouds and then past the ranger station. where I was finaly able to refill my bottles and resurect myself. The station was at 7000'.
I need to note that there must have been a few hundred people riding crappy bmx and mountain bikes down the mountain. They were wearing crappy rain slickers, winter gloves, and motorbike helmets. It was funny cause they would all look at me and some would even say it out loud..."holy (&^%), you are going the wrong way! WOW". so that made me feel good, but I was just thinking to myself... why would anyone pay 200 dollars to have someone drive them up the mountain slap them on a bike and then coast down the hill... Kind of a waste to me I think, but I guess it is like paying for a ski lift... well not quite... But call me crazy I just feel that those people are cheating God. You should have to suffer and endure the climb to really appreciate what He put there, then after all the pain, you can ride down having earned it. Whatever, I am a nut... back to the story...
So I was averaging the same heart rate at the ranger station, about 160-170, only being dehydrated I could only ride at about 8-9mph. So I was losing time to Lance, and not reaching my goal. I ate two more bars and kept going.
I had to stop at 8000' to stretch and take a few pics from the phone and text Robyn to let her know I was going to die up there.
I carried on alone. This is about the time I noticed a few things: I havent been up a mountain that high since I climbed mount temple with Dad many years ago. The air is thin. I cant breath very well. There is absalutely no noise up here!
I loved it. I was now averaging the same HR but was ony able to go about 6-8mph at the best and was really dying and feeling like quitting. Robyn sent me a text to keep on going so I did. At 9000' I could see the observatory and the top. The sign on the road said 2 miles to go and I was at 3 hours and 45 minutes. already long past my goal of 3 hours flat. I put my head down and tried not to fall over. Lance was on his way back down and stopped to see how I was doing. he had just reached the top and turned around immediately before he got cold. He gave me some gummy bears as he sipped on his ice cold gatoraid. I thanked him and tried to block out the voices telling me to turn around and go home.
I finally made it to what I thought was the top. It was a big visitors center with a bathroom and parking lot full of cars and tourists snapping pics and heading out on hikes. I looked at my altimeter and saw 9800' This wasn't the top... I had 200 more to climb and I saw the road continue on. I felt a rush of energy and flew up the last 3/4 mile to the summit. I saw the sign SUMMIT - 10032' and almost started to cry. I was finally there.
I took some pics, chatted with a few strangers and followed Robyns recomendation and laid down up there and took a nap. There were no clouds that high up, and I could see Mauna Kea 100 miles away looming above the clouds at 14000 feet (my next feat). So nice, quite and sunny.
Well the next hour was a blur. I raced down the slopes averaging 40 mph and passing about 8 cars. I shot out the bottom only to find an italian gelato shop at the bottom of the road. I went in and ate a bowl of pistachio and drank down a cold water.
I finally made it back to the hotel about 3 hours later than I thought I would. I got back at 1:00. I rode 110 miles in 7 hours ( 36 miles uphill and 10500' climbing). I must say it was an experience that will be hard to match... that is untill I ride the next mountain !!!
If you actually read this whole thing thanks... althought I bet nobody will torture themselves enough. enjoy the pics of my first really EPIC ride...
Dan

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2009-06-05T18:39:00.001-07:00

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2009-06-05T18:38:00.001-07:00

Melia and I went to the one ula beach park this afternoon for a dip. In the distance was a cool looking boat. This morning I did a little hour ride over on the old base. Lots of turns and corners, flat, and no cars.
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2009-06-01T22:44:00.001-07:00

Its been really hot this week. Having trouble staying energized. Not the best times.
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2009-06-01T01:32:00.001-07:00

At the end of June there is a stage race called the aloha games sr. It will be held up on the air force base at the top of kunia where I ride by all the time. There will be a hill climb tt and a crit and road race. I decided to do a pre ride of the course as it is really tough with five 1020 foot climbs. I ended up riding 75 miles in 4 hours.

Today Karyn and mike ran in that marathon in California, and some of my friends in kona did the 1/2 ironman yesterday. Good job everyone !
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2009-05-27T09:43:00.001-07:00

This morning I rode to makaha. Here is the beach there. No waves in site.
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My first sunrise this year

2009-05-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

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Nice long waves this morning

2009-05-22T18:34:00.001-07:00

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Riding up to the north western most point on oahu

2009-05-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

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End of a sweet day, this of the sunset

2009-05-10T22:20:00.001-07:00

Aloha, have a good week everyone !
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Happy mothers day at beach

2009-05-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

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2009-05-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well Its getting down to the weekend and I just wanted to talk a little bit about the mothers in my life.

-Robyn-
You are the love of my life. You have been by my side since the day I met you and you have been more supportive of me than anyone I know. We have been together for 4 years, 8 countries, 9 addresses, countless bike races, two universities, and two beautiful children. You have sacrificed much in your life for the kids and I, and I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and appreciate you. I have in no way been able to support your training and racing, and hobbies as well as you have done for me, and for that I ask your forgiveness... Without you I would not be able to go to school and potentially become a doctor. You are the glue that holds our family together... the kids and I will be forever gratefull to you for all you do for us. This Sunday is your day, and since the kids are too young to tell you, I will... Happy mothers day!

-MOM-
I love you too! Happy mothers day!!
-Melia-
You have been a good mother to your meow meows! Keep strapping them into your brothers car seat and stroller for safety, and keep feeding them your dinner! And thanks for the nightly hugs and kisses after your nightly song time! I love you too... :)

I finally got a descent bike to ride. Its a Trek, and I have always said that I would never ride a Trek, but I have to admit, its pretty awesome. Its a much smoother softer ride, and I feel faster on it (although I am the same speed)...

Pushups

2009-05-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

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2009-05-02T13:54:00.001-07:00

I wanted to just post about this weekend while I take a break from chemistry for a few minutes.
Friday night after Melia went to sleep, and after dinner was finished, I headed to the airport for a 10:00 flight to Kona on Hawaii. I got into town about 11:00 and went over to Tiffany and Sherman's place for the night. They talked about everything with me and we caught up... haven't seen them for about a year. I finaly got to bed at about 12:30 on an air mattress. I woke up at 5:00 and after a whey and oats shake, I headed up the coast to Kawaiihae for the state championship TT. I built my bike on the side of the road with another guy from Honolulu (Mike Zagorski). I changed my handlebars a little bit, tuned everything up and even had to change a flat tire... Then I registered, got my start time, and started my warm up. I wore my swami's skin suit and aero helmet and looked really really fast, and nerdy!!
So I did everything perfectly and went to start the race. Felt warm, clear lungs, lots of energy (caffeinated energy shot) so I was ready to race!
This is when everything started to go wrong...
I started the race keeping my heart rate at around 165-170... low zone 4... Basically I was going 90 %. So I felt great... then at about 10 miles felt decent, then at the turn around-bad. I was hoping to average about 26-28 mph, and hit the turnaround at 30 minutes or less. Well I reached it at 35 and knew something was way off. The initial downhill felt good as I was hitting speeds of 46 mph. but then people started to pass me and I instantly was crushed. Then I noticed my feet were losing feeling, and then my hips and legs were hurting bad... I gave up trying to hammer and just focused on finishing. When I saw the finish line I had resorted to just... Crossing then line without quitting. I finished... 8 minutes slower than I had hoped... I got off my bike then... OUCH! my hips gave out and I fell over in terrible pain. Both hips were so incredible sore that I couldnt move my legs an inch without wanting to scream! I got my phone and called Robyn to whine to her and I lost it and started to cry a bit and stress... Was I going to be able to walk again? I know it sounds stupid and wimpy but that is how bad it hurt. She wasn't super impressed with my pain as I was lucky enough to travel and race in kona and I was calling to complain to her about the race. So I got off the phone and laid there on the side of the highway. That is when I took the picture above. I couldnt move well and in lots of pain I put my bike in the car and drove to the airport from the finish line. I had been left there by everyone at the race and felt stupid for even going to the race in the first place. I want to my stupid TT bike and never sit on it again! So Today I look at the results only to find I was placed in 1st place in my division. Masters men category 1,2,3...age 30-35... They threw that age thing in there to give out more awards I think... but in reality I was in 14th overall and got beat by everyone in my actuall USA cycling category being in 5th or 6th place I think...
So I lost alot of motivation this weekend and dont really want to race in another TT... ever.
So thats that. I need to get back to chemistry.

2009-04-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

I reached 3000 miles, since Jan 1, this morning on my ride to school. I am tired and starving today. I am just having a normal boring day at school sitting in chem class while my teacher blabs. I brought some Target brand protein cereal to school and a little milk box from Melia's stash... I am off to eat it soon. This weekend is a Time Trial in Kona that I originally wanted to race in, but I am not sure if I will go. Its a long way to go for a 40km race... so I am split on it now. I need to register for fall semester in 20 minutes and get my summer schedule sorted out as well... Hopefully I will graduate this christmas... Well I am out of here.
Dan

Melia played at the park tonight on our walk

2009-04-26T21:33:00.001-07:00

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The long road.

2009-04-26T19:12:00.001-07:00

A beautiful day. I feel better than ever on my stupid creaking bici
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Running

2009-04-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Melia is getting so fast !
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Aquarium trip this was melias favorite

2009-04-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Cute little melia giving her mom some love
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2009-04-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

Got a flat tire ... Always fun times in the morning
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2009-04-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Robyn !!!!!
Today Robyn is 30 years old!!

I love you Robyn Miller!!!

2009-04-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

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This is the view on top of Kunia behind the military bases... (they are off to the left). I am looking up at Mt Ka'ala, which is a mountain I would really like to climb on my bike. It was a beautiful morning and I tried to get my shadow in the picture... This was the first time all year I have felt really good climbing. I told Robyn I felt like I was dancing on my pedals! I am a dancer??? ha ha yeah It was a good morning ride.

Riding kunia hill early morning.

2009-04-14T11:56:00.001-07:00

Nice view up here
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Robyn is riding hard today

2009-04-13T20:47:00.001-07:00

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Happy easter from Troy

2009-04-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

I ended up getting 3rd overall at the race series in kaneohe despite the unfortunate broken wheel coming into the finishing stretch of the last race.
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2009-04-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Melia and troy were hanging out in the baby beach tent. It has an inflatable mattress and a fitted blanket too. They were pretty snug in their... Melia is almost too big to fit in it.

2009-04-07T08:45:00.001-07:00

April 6 2009

Regards: Congratulations you made the Deans list

Good Afternoon Daniel,

Congratulations! I am pleased to inform you that your grade-point average for Fall 2008 semester qualified you for the Dean's List. Inclusion on the Dean's List recognizes your discipline, dedication, and effort to excellence. Your success brings honor not only to yourself, but also to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I am pleased you have distinguished yourself, and I wish you my best in your student and other endeavors.

Sincerely,
Ronald E. Cambra
Assistant Vice Chancellor

Weekend update

2009-04-06T08:03:00.001-07:00

I am laying in bed feeling sick this morn. Its only 4:30 am but I can't sleep. Last night was long thanks to a midterm I have in about 3 hours. I have had some weird dreams and melia wet the bed too so I'm not looking forward to today !
Those pictures were of kailua and of the marine corps base. I raced there yesterday but had a bad experience. On the last turn coming into the finish the guy on my outside shoulder pushed me hard and I moved my front wheel into someones derailler and bam! My spokes hit just like a wheel on a Ben hurr chariot and my wheel was ruined and my claim at overall win was lost. At least I didn't crash though or get hurt. So no races for me for a long time.
I have fingers that are blackberry challenged! Ha ha
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2009-04-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

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The other side

2009-04-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

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Race medals

2009-04-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

I will get lots of these this year hopefully
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Fw: got roach?

2009-04-01T23:22:00.001-07:00

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

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Rooftop

2009-04-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

I found myself on the roof of my chemistry class and it had a nice view
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2009-03-31T18:40:00.001-07:00

Robyn and I went to the pool today and I held a sleepy Troy while she swam a 2000. She is so smooth in the water and looks effortless. I had studied in the morning and also stopped by Whole Foods to get a few little things.
I've been tired this week and its been hard to move (sore legs). Hopefully I can recover for the weekend. The wind has been crazy this week and it blows me around all over the place.
Last week I was working on my climbing... Didnt think I rode that much (only about 30 minutes a day) but I guess I climbed 10,500 feet in total! It is 3x more than any week this year!
Robyn convinced me to eat better last night and get ripped again, as I am getting a little soft. Its hard to have so much control, but I am going to give it a good try and see what happens. I want to feel better and more energetic in the day, I know eating better will help. I usually eat like 3 protein bars, two protein shakes, and then dinner is my only real food meal... Going to try to eat only one or two supplement meals a day, and at least three real food meals.

2009-03-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

This is at 500 feet elevation, you can see the water in the distance... that is down near our house in Ewa Beach.

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2009-03-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is the lake at Puuloa where I just did a triathlon yesterday. I haven't run in 12 months except to run up the stairs at our house! I was second fastest bike averaging 29 mph. It was my best TT speed ever. I broke my handlebars during the race! I ran 7:56 miles for the run, and I didnt drown on the swim. Robyn dared me to do it, and I couldn't let her down! I dont think I will do another one of those for a long time... maybe next year!
Melia and Troy and Robyn were at the finish line cheering me on as I almost passed a 14 yr old rite before the finish line! I didnt pass him.

2009-03-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of a funny road I found on my ride today. Its up Kunia hill. Sunny day beautiful as usual, although a few to many clouds and tons of wind. We were going to go to a triathlon today. It was a kids triathlon, just to let Melia and Troy play at beach and watch the action, but the kids slept rite through it... So we are just having a lazy saturday afternoon.

2009-03-19T17:23:00.001-07:00

Just a little note to all of you that may not know... I am not a polygamist. My church (LDS) does not believe this is ok to do. If someone in the LDS church does in fact have more than one wife, they are kicked out of the church. Don't believe everything you see on TV. The polygamists you see on TV are members of another church, a sect called FLDS, or RLDS, or something like that. I dont know much about them, but its not the same as LDS... They may even call themselves mormons... We prefer to be called LDS, not mormons (even though most everyone calls us that). And just to remind you the full name of the church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints". I would rather be called a christian than a mormon. Anyways just a random blog entry... This isn't personal to anyone in particular (with the exception of the guy in my bio lab that asked if I have more than one wife, and if they all live in Utah)...
Feel free to comment...
Dan

2009-03-16T02:00:00.001-07:00

I raced today. Got 3rd. Won the group sprint, but couldn't catch the breakaway. I feel really strong on my bike now. Think I am doing good at school. Always tired, but nowhere near as tired as Robyn.

2009-03-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

Its 10:45 pm and I just wanted to write a little something before I forget too this week and its too late.
I feel really sick tonight... Got up really early this morning after a night of no sleep thanks to organic chem homework and Melia having a rough night. I had a tiring ride to school with no real food, only power gels, and energy drinks. I wrote a midterm for ochem and then rode home into the really strong winds. After jumping on the tramp with Melia for a few hours (and the neighbor kids) I made dinner for Robyn, Melia, and Robyn's friend Katy. Then I got Melia ready for bed, came downstairs and wrote an affidavit for Robyn. She had to do it for the neighbor who is being accused of beating his kids. Katy just left, and Robyn is getting ready for bed and I just feel like sitting on the couch and watching tv... CSI maybe, or the BYU basketball game. I know they lost today to San Deigo State in the playoffs, but I still want to watch the game.
I have the worst stomach ache... Its a different kind than what I usually have, not like the ol' "i ate something bad, or spicy" its more like a cramping in my lower abdomen and if doesn't feel that great.
Well that does it for the week. Fun with kids, they are awesome. School is hard and is going ok.
Good day
Dan

2009-03-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Friday morning in library at school studying.
Last weekend Mom and Dad came out and we had a fantastic time together. I love their visits, and Melia absolutely loves G-Dad... Its too bad they cant come out more often for her sake! Well don't worry Melia we are trying to plan a trip to canada for 2009...
Feeling pretty good lately. I have been putting in about 150-190 miles a week the last three weeks which is only about 9-10 hours a week. My goal was to be doing 12-18 hours a week, but then again I must put my priorities first, and riding isn't a priority, its a benefit to living in Ewa beach and needing to get into town everyday. I am fortunate to have been able to stay in shape these days with all the work I have to do for school.
I ride three days a week at night in the garage on the trainer. Last night I did a time trial workout from about 10:15 till 11:20pm. Its hard to wake up after those workouts, but I need to ride that late if I am to get in the miles. Robyn wakes up at like 4 everyday to workout before I leave, and I reckon if she can do that, so can I...at night.
This week has been rainy and windy and no fun to ride or do much of anything. I will be pretending to race tomorow sometime over in Makaha. There is a sunday morning TT and I want to do it on saturday to be able to see how I would fare against the TT'ers here. I dont think I am too bad so we will see. Its a 10 mile out and back flat course.
Well I am off to study, then get home for Pizza friday with the fam.

2009-02-27T11:51:00.000-08:00

This morning I had to relieve myself, so I ducked under an overpass where I was out of site and laid my bike down on the ground. I accidently scratched up my rear derailler, but thought nothing of it. I got to school and as I was riding from the locker room to my class when I shifted gears to a higher gear. The scratched derailler was really bent and it sent my chain into the spokes. the spokes snapped and the chain got jammed between the cogs and the spokes. So now the wheel is seized up, chain jammed and spokes gone. I will have to haul the bike 5 miles to the bike shop somehow with my bag and gear and then I dont know what I am going to do...
Why do my parts always break?

2009-02-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Learning about aldehydes and their reactions with Gregnards reagants, thus forming alcohols... (and the stereochemistry of course)
Very interesting.
Good ride this morning, but very very windy with some rain. I ate a subway double egg on flatbread with some tomatoes, olive oil and salt. It was pretty tasty. Then I bought some oatmeal to mix my protein with for later today.
I have to go write a bio paper after this class. Bio lab is my hardest class because of the homework I have to do there.
Yesterday was Melia's birthday and we had the funnest day with her. She is rad!!! I will let Robyn write about it though cause I have to get back to classsssssss......

2009-02-23T11:54:00.000-08:00

New school time record!
1:08:45
Got to the bike shop in 58:00... about 10 minutes faster than a month ago. I feel good riding in the morning now... afternoon is a different story. I think I am fast in the morn because the wind is coming in same way as me. Anyways I just heard Melia cracked eggs into a bowl this morning and was so proud to show her mom... It's so funny how she wants to be just like her mom. She even tried to get rid of the yolks and only keep the whites. I am sure she wanted to cook some oatmeal and sweet potatoe as well but she cant reach the microwave. lol

2009-02-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday night just folding laundry and getting my chem lab ready for tomorrow afternoon. Today was last day of T.o.Cali and it was a sweet race to watch. I wish I could have been able to be there for every stage and watch the riders, or better yet be in it and compete. If I had started riding as a youngster I am sure I could have had a chance at it. I am happy though that I am where I am. But it would still be cool to ride next to those guys! Anyways Just leaving a post for the weekend... Mom and Dad I am excited to have you come out for next weekend... Will be fun! And I am mostly excited for Tuesday this week...Melia turns 2!! She is getting to be so big and saying so much now, and i love playing with her in her little make beleive kitty cat world... She and I play a game where every time a plane flies over head, or a fake cat meows she jumps in my arms and says SHHHHH!! and we hide from them... I love her.
Well I am off to bed...gotta wake early for school
Peace out

2009-02-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

I got into school this morning in a record for 2009: 1:12:20. I stayed in my zone 3 HR, which means that I am getting faster! I also was on time for my Bio Exam which went pretty good. Yay... now for the bad news... I was coming up from the locker room to my exam and a stupid head with her coffee just turned and ran in front of me trying to impress the four guys that she was standing next to. They all laughed as I slammed into her. My left leg came off the pedal and the pedal rammed into my calf which is all bruised and cramped up now. My handlebars got flipped around and rendered my brakes useless. So that was fun being laughed at and still having to run to get to class on time for my midterm.
The bike is fine... May have to replace yet another part however as the stem shouldn't allow for the handlebars to twist like that. Perhaps it is worn down and needs to be retired... It wouldn't surprise me cause it is about three years old...It was a replacement for the one I had in Italy that delaminated and twisted off during the Davide Casani classic near Bologna. I raced the last 80 miles having to hold onto my stem with one hand and the bars with my other so I could stay in control... was really fun... ;)
So after school I will try to swing by the shop for the part if I can finish before 5:00. I will be tired and hungry though and most likely will just ride home to Robyn and the crew.
Did anyone watch todays stage? sounds like it was an exciting one full of crashes.

Can I just say that Versus sucks? They cut off the finish yesterday for hockey! man what a lame station... nobody needs to see the begining of the hockey game! besides nobody likes the habs anyways.

2009-02-18T00:35:00.000-08:00

February 17, 2009
Robyn and I just watched American Idol. I am tired and I have an exam in the morning and then I have to write a biology lab paper which is due a few hours after the exam. I am so sick of biology labs, and I dont want to do any work for it. Melia fell out of bed tonight (she does every night) and she called for "daddy" for a few minutes untill I went in her room. she just wanted me to kiss her knee better cause she must have landed on it or something. She also put a doctor pepper in the freezer today and then later got it for me! Could she be any sweeter than that? she knows how to make her daddy happy, that is for sure!
I did a workout on the trainer monday night and it killed me. It was a very hard workout from a Chris Carmichael DVD. I cannot focus on my training that much right now due to my family and studies, but it always feels good to ride even if its in the garage. I have to hit the hay... falling asleep here at 10:30 (early for me).
Tour of California is killer this year! just wanted to say that I have been enjoying it as much as the tdf. Maybe its cause all my favorites are racing together again (Boonen, Cavendish, Leipheimer, Landis, Armstrong, Hamilton, Mancebo, Hushovd and O'Grady). Boonen looks like he is losing his hair though, and Hamilton and Armstrong are just super domestics this year... But I am thouroughly enjoying it.
I'm out, word to your mutha

2009-02-10T15:26:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I raced in the second of four criteriums (circuit races) at the Marine Corps base over in Kaneohe. Good stuff happened and bad stuff. The bad stuff is that my wallet was stolen out of my truck. The good news is that I had a pretty good race. I finished 4th overall and even though I was bummed that I didnt win, I did beat some very good riders. Here is a picture of the race... I am in a new jersey...black and red. I like it better than the last colors I had.
Friday last week I was hit by a car and flew about 5 feet, landed on my wheels and kept going. The car stopped by my bike was ok, so I didnt see the need to stop. Monday I almost got hit by some dude texting someone on his mobile. I rode up next to him at the next light and let him have it. He started swearing at me and called the cops. I threw my water bottle at him as I rode away... some people are jerks... They have a thousand pounds of metal wrapped around them, I only have a thin layer of fabric. I wish drivers weren't so stupid. Anyways I am worn out and I need to study some organic chem.

2009-01-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

January 28

This morning was kind of slow going. I need to leave at 6:45 to make it to school on time but due to unforseen stuff I never made it. I was pretty late and missed my first class. My legs felt weird though when I was riding. They have been close to cramping a bit all week and they kind of just ached a bit this morning. I have been trying to stay in a zone 2 which is like 115-130bpm, but I have trouble moving days like today unless I get up into zone 3 and sometimes 4. I know its bad for me, but sometimes I have no other choice.
I did some one leg drills yesterday and this morning too. That is where I ride with only one leg for a minute and then switch... X 3. It feels good and other than today I have been pleased with how I have been feeling.
On Wednesday I have to stay at school until 5;00 because I have a late bio lab. It sucks to not get home until 7:00 having left at 7:00 this morning, but its good cause I have lots of time to study from my last class until lab.

So these last five days Robyn and I have been slaving away trying to get our house spotless for Patty's visit. She came in yesterday from San Diego to see the kids.

I must get back to work on my bio lab ...

2009-01-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in Chemistry class and I am bored so I thought I would post;
The ride this morning was alrite, I have been trying to stay in HR zone 2 and just take it easy pretty much as I ride into school and home at night, but I have refined my plan a little bit. I will be trying to do the following for the next three weeks:

Monday- Track bike working on pedaling speed
Tuesday- easy aerobic zone 2 maybe a trip up Kunia hill for an easy climb
Wednesday- single leg drills
Thursday- easy ride with 2x20 minute tempo efforts
Friday- easy ride
Saturday- easy 30 minute spin or test my LT levels
Sunday- Rest

This is kind of a base training month and I am trying to set up my aerobic base for the rest of the year.
I have been feeling pretty good and havent been too tired at all since I started school.
I have also been calculating the calories i have burned each workout.
Here is the average per week: 16000, per day: 3000, per ride; 1500
This is making me hungry just thinking about it.
Gotto go eat

2009-01-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

So this is pretty much how I felt today about our country. I got these quotes from a respected news site, but I am too lazy to properly quote them. anyways enjoy, and I will not speak of this stuff for a while and just stick to my training, and racing and wonderfull family life here in beautiful Hawaii.

Look for the slow but steady erosion of rights you have enjoyed for your entire lives–all the while being told it’s “for your own good.” Restrictions on gun ownership, home schooling, encouraged dependence on the ever-growing federal government. More nanny-state provisions will be put into place to protect the “disadvantaged” and the “poor,” (read: lazy, uneducated, unwilling to better themselves) even while groups like the unborn, the mentally handicapped, elderly, and terminally ill are slowly pushed toward euthanasia. Of course, this will be done with feel-good phrases like “death with dignity,” “not wanting to be a burden,” and “merciful release from suffering,” all of which ignore the basic fact that we are killing people without their consent for the “good of the people.” Before you tell me I’m crazy, let’s just remember that Barack Obama was the ONLY senator in the Illinois state senate to vote against providing medical care for babies who were inconsiderate enough to survive an abortion. Also, look for taxes to go up. Yes, they’ll go up.
So, liberals, enjoy your victory. Jump around. Have a party, file for your free grants. Scream “Gimme my handout!” and make fun of those of us who fought to make sure your “messiah” didn’t get access to the most powerful position in the world. Just remember when it all comes crashing down: You own the White House, the Congress, and soon the Supreme Court. You have no one to blame but yourselves for the mess you just created.

2009-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the great new world!
Last night Obama made a public announcement that his going to sign the Freedom Of Choice Act, which will allow all types of abortions including partial birth abortions, also allowing babies who are born alive due to botched up late term abortions, to be set aside withoutany medical care or nourishment and left to die (most of these babies haveno medical problems and most of the ones that do, have things like cleftpalates, club feet, things that are correctable, still they are murdered inthe most cruel and inhuman way. They feel everything that is happening tothem. There is more mercy for dogs that are put to sleep) This Bill alsowill make it mandatory for doctors and nurses to perform this murderous acteven if they do not want to do so. This act also allows under age teens tohave an abortion, even partial birth abortions, without parental consent. Catholic Bishops have pleaded with Obama not to go ahead withthis horrible murder of innocent babies. They have also told Obama that ifhe persists in signing this Bill which would require even Catholic Hospitalsto perform these acts of murder, they will have no choice but to close allCatholic Hospitals. Please let us join with these courageous Bishops whowill go to any length to change Obama's mind. Please take a minute to signthis statement and let our voices be heard. This is a great, informative website. You can> click on the video ofObama's speech to the Planned> Parenthood group where he promised that thefirst thing he would do if elected President would be to sign the Freedom> OfChoice Act. He isn't even in the White House yet and he made a statementlast night that he will go forward with his plans to sign this outrageousbill. He still can change his mind because the Bill cannot be signed until he is actually the President. Please let your family and> friends know about this Bill and ask them toalso sign this petition. Even those who voted for Obama would not want himto sign this Bill. May God have mercy on our country for the sake of themillions who would never agree with this Bill if they fully understood allthat it encompasses. Please> click on the web site below. It will take lessthan a minute of your time, doesn't cost anything and God will bless you forstanding up for Him and His teachings. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing" http://www.fightfoca.com/http://www.fightfoca.com

2009-01-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is on the backside of the course, I am 4th wheel back, this is the lead group.
Here is me in front on one of the laps
Here is the finish line, almost won... 37.5 mph

2009-01-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

This was a fun weekend, I raced on the marine base in Kailua and did alrite for such an early season event. I havent been training just rode to school a few times this last week and thought I would give it a go. After hanging in there for an hour at an average of 26.5 mph I sprinted and almost won at the finish line with a speed of 39mph! Here is the coverage I found on the sponsors website:

Aloha, Thanks to everyone for making the first Momentum Criterium presented by
MCBH such a success: we had great weather, a spectacular venue, safe competition
between 70 participants, and lots of wonderful fans! The volunteer Marines
helped make the event run like clockwork, with no traffic or safety incidents.
The course on the airport tarmac was wide and smooth, making for great racing
against the spectacular backdrop of the Ko'olau mountains. The mild wind and
sunny skies on the morning of the event tempted some to try their luck in
breakaways, but almost all the races ended in field sprints won by patient,
cunning sprinters who spent most of their races safely tucked away in the
pack.
The Expert race started at 9:00am with 15 experienced racers (those
holding USA Cycling licenses of category 1, 2 or 3). Alex Eiler didn't take long
to go to the front to speed things up after the neutral lap, then Carl Garrison
took an early flyer before being reeled back. A couple others tried their luck,
just to check out the new course and the conditioning of their competitors. The
most significant break went well before mid-race with Tony Lang of the Hele
Cambio team initiating a very long solo attack that lasted about 1/2 of the 1
hour race. His teammates in the pack had fun frustrating the chasing efforts of
the Tradewinds team, sometimes leading to vociferous objections. How does one do
such blocking? By subtle getting on the wheel of the front rider and not pulling
through or by letting a gap slowly open so that when the front rider gets tired,
there's no one there to pull ahead, thus wrecking the work that had been done.
The best blocking, however, was accomplished by Kevin K. who would sit on Alex's
wheel and not pull through despite his teammate's pleas for assistance (a good
strategy given the end results).
With little more than 10 minutes to go,
some concerted effort by Alex and his teammates and a tiring solo rider off the
front, finally brought the group back together. Then the counter attacks shot
away, with the Cambio team launching Ed K., David L. and Nguyen in successive
solo attacks in the closing stages of the race to force Alex, John and their
Tradewinds teammates to chase. On the final lap, Alex pulled the group around
with Kevin on his wheel followed by Tony, Dan Miller, Ed, Ray Brust and the
remainder of the group (Nguyen had tired after a solo attack on the prior laps
and took a short-cut to the finish line to watch the sprint). In the tricky
final corner, Tony missed the opportunity to come around Alex and pull his
teammate Ed to the line. Instead, Alex motored on with Kevin on his wheel. Kevin
launched his sprint, crossing to the inside of the course, while Dan Miller gave
chase. Ed came around Tony and closed the gap to the two in front, but he
couldn't come around before the finish line. So Kevin won the race with a strong
sprint after a great lead-out and race long protection by Alex and the
Tradewinds team. Dan Miller rode a smart race to place second.
Congratulations!
The message below from John Girmsey provides highlights of
the other races. A link to the complete results and pictures of all the races
can be found at: http://www.momentumhi.com/Events.aspx
. We also tried to upload some of the HD videos, but alas those files were
too big. You can stop by Momentum MultiSport anytime to watch the videos on the
big screen.

2009-01-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Today I was messing around with some stuff on the old computer with Troy and Melia as they sat with me on the bed. Here are some cute pics of them and some bad ones of me.

Melia loves watching herself on the screen in real time. She could stare at herself for hours on screen or in the mirror.
troy at one month

2008-11-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

November 24.
Yesterday after church we went to Ko Olina for a few minutes to relax and have some family time. I sprinted down the grass towards the water and jumped off the lawn's edge (a big ledge) onto the sand below. OK::::::>the sand looked so soft and inviting, but it was hard as cement! Needless to say my foot is now very sore and bruised and swollen. I cant walk on my heel and all day I have been limping around. Its funny though because Melia saw me walking on my toes on only one foot yesterday and she started to walk around immitating me! Pretty funny but yeah I am sore! Last night we took a family drive as well and went up north shore to see the huge waves left over from the triple crown event that finished up that morning. We sat in the sand and watched the sunset. It was a really nice night. Melia of course had to go to the bathroom (she is part cat and bathroom and sand always go together) So we just had to get in the ocean and clean off. I just happened to be wearing my swimsuit! Lucky me! lol

I only rode 50 miles last week and in case you are all wondering, I am not staying in very good shape. In fact all my shorts are a little too tight now.
I just finished my organic chemistry exam about ten minutes ago. I never know how well I really did untill I see my grades. So I either got a really good grade, or a zero... I really have no idea... Even if I feel good about a test, if I make the smallest error I get zero...not even partial credits. So anyways its good to have that one finished. Now its all just gearing up for my finals which are all the second week and third weeks of December.
I am heading out in about an hour to pick up my mom from the airport, then I am going to fix the toilette at home which I think I busted by being too rough with the lever, or else it was Melia.

2008-11-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

I rode into school today and discovered a few things:

1. I get out of shape fast. I have only been riding once sometimes twice a week for a total of 30-60 miles a week, instead of the maximum 250 miles a week. I have been cutting back for the past three or four weeks now and I just have lots of trouble keeping up the old speed.

2. I stopped the bus driver near my house this morning how long it takes to get downtown and he said only 45 minutes... I have trouble believing him, since I passed him and never saw him pass me again, and it took me 1:10 to get here, but anyways it may be a good alternative to get to school. I will probably buy a monthly pass and try to get some extra study time in on the bus this month.

3. I decided to run 60 miles before Christmas. I think it may be a good time to start running again and try to stay in semi-racing shape just in case a race comes along that I want to do, I wont have to train. Plus I just want to feel better...by the way, giving blood last month doesn't help my situation.

I read today that Jan Ulrich is getting half a million dollars that is owed to him from 2003 tour de France. He wasn't paid because he had been accused of doping... He is clear and never cheated I guess. I am glad, because he was one of my favorites. Which just reminds me that I wanted to mention that the Italian cyclist "the Cobra"...is a loser, if you know his real name I will give you a t-shirt.

2008-11-05T12:14:00.000-08:00

I was going to ride into school today, but I had a midterm in bio first thing and I decided to drive. Isnt that exciting? I did bring my bike however so that I could ride from my truck to the bike rack a block away and then walk to class from there. I can still feel like I am doing something physical if I roll this way, even though I am not.
Test went ok, hopefully I passed it blah blah.
We talked to a Doula last night, she was cool and we both really liked her. I can't wait for Robyn to have our boy!!! She is still running and lifting weights and swimming like a mad woman with only 3 weeks to go in her pregnancy. I look up to her for that. You rock Robyn!
Well I have to get back to studying.
Here is a pic for you all...

2008-11-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

2008-10-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

Its Monday and I am in the school library. I just gave blood to the blood bank and I am feeling a little light headed so I thought I would do something that doesn't require me to think. like post a blog. So the nurse is taking the needle out of my arm and blood splatters all over my shirt! I am pretty traumatized now from it all. They gave me a shirt though so that was cool, cause all my shirts are t-shirts that are like three or four years old. I am pretty stoked that I got a new shirt. I will probably wear it on Monday and Thursday for school, cause my Monday/Thursday t-shirt is covered in blood now.
Robyn almost ready to have our baby, and she looks awesome. I dont understand why she keeps getting darker... I take a day out of the sun and get as white as a cadaver... I am jealous Robyn.
I rode the old bike in again today. It is getting to be quite the monotonous ride and I am not sick of it, but it really is boring. Today I was trying to eek by a bus that was stopped and I fell over and hit it! everyone inside was probably laughing at me, but I took off and they never saw me again. Looks like the joke is on them! Ha Ha...I am logging all my miles on mapmyroute.com

Well Last week Mom and Dad came to Kauai and I got to go over for a weekend and hang out with them a little bit. the most memorable times just happened to be a good and bad one. The bad first...
We drove up to Waimea valley to check out the scenery and the views. I didn't know we would have to climb up like 5000 feet. On the way down Robyn and Melia got sick and Melia through up all over the place, and Robyn's ears popped and put her in excruciating pain. The road was winding all over the place and I was feeling sick as well. When I was a kid I guess I got sick on road trips all the time... so that sucks that melia got my genes in that area. But the good memory was in the pool with Melia and Nana. Melia is the coolest little person! She must have jumped into the deep end to me about 30 times! She dives everytime...only head first, and she kicks to me about 6 feet away. I was underwater looking up at her and she swam to me underwater with a huge smile every time. The pool was sweet cause it was salt water that doesn't hurt your eyes, just like Mike and Karyn's pool in Poway.
The last three weeks I have been eating tons of food and junk food too. I have probably gained a pound, so I have recommited to my diet. Since nobody really wants to take me up on my strength challenge I will just have to compete with myself once again.
I took my second midterm in O-chem last week and got a B. It is sweet cause the class average was 51 %. I feel smart! cool...
Well Too much words and not enough pictures is boring so I will stop now.

2008-10-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post some pics of Melia in her rain coat from yesterday in an effort to get more comments on this blog. Thanks to all of you who dont need pictures from me to comment! Enjoy the smile of the little Miller girl.