Denine make her big jump today. It was a perfect morning to do it and she did great. I'll let you know when her blog post is up. Meanwhile, here is the video link.
Link-O-Rama
- Friend of Missional - What is a Missional Church?
Church can be different - Seth Godin: Author, Agent of Change
When it comes to marketing, Seth gets it. - Nooma
The short Rob Bell videos are deep. Try a few and share them with your friends. - Paul's Funky Stuff!!
Because Paul's got it going on!
- A bit of this, a bit of that...
Our Baby Girl is a blogger. And she's saying some interesting stuff.... - Happy Feet!
Greg thinks he has a weird sense of humor. I agree! - Ever Wonder
My wife has a great writing style. She's finally making more of it public again! - Rules for my unborn son
Great advice for any man.
She did it!
Denine make her big jump today. It was a perfect morning to do it and she did great. I'll let you know when her blog post is up. Meanwhile, here is the video link.
Go Gamecocks!
When we moved to SC everyone in the upstate wanted to know if we were going to be USC or Clemson fans. I said I could be bought. Our friends Kevin and Julie took us to the Gamecocks ball game today. It was a blast from the tailgating to the close finish. I caught the failed Kentucky two point conversion in the 4th. quarter in this photo. We can now say we love SEC football and USC football even more.
At the USA Cycling Pro Road Championships
We headed up to Greenville after church on Sunday to catch the big boys racing. Local favorite son, George Hincapie, pulled out the win and gets to wear the Stars & Stripes jersey wherever he races over the next year.
Denine was a good sport to go along for the afternoon. The set-up is nice with time to visit vendors and local shops between the race laps that went out over Paris Mountain. We ate at a Mexican Cantina and were still there when the peloton sped by on one of the laps back through town. At the next table was another couple where the wife came along to humor her cycling crazed husband. It felt very European.
The Characters of Tour de France
Like most cycling enthusiasts, I have watched as much coverage of Tour de France as time and my marriage will allow. One of my favorite parts is seeing the rabid fans that camp out on the mountain stages to see the epic battles as the competitors race up the climbs. This is where the 3-week race is decided and the fans love it. Some of them dress up in outlandish costumes and attempt to run along side as the cyclists pass through the crowds. It is quite entertaining.
By the way... here is a great report posted by ESPN writer Bonnie Ford about one of my favorite cyclists. Jens had a massive crash this week while riding at about 50 mph off the mountain.
Photo credits: Ed Hood @ Pez Cycling News
The Ugliest Event Shirt Ever
When cyclist or other athlete enters an event we like receiving a t-shirt that signifies we were participants. It is kind of a trophy or conversation piece that is portable on our back. Yesterday Jordan and I, along with our cycling buddies, received the ugliest cycling event shirt ever. Denine blamed it on Clemson fans. I blame it on bad judgment or a very attractive offer from the t-shirt vendor. In any case, I am not sure I can bear to wear it in public.
Tiger or Gamecock?
When you move to the upstate in South Carolina, you will likely here these questions on a regular basis right after you are welcomed to The South.
-Tiger or Gamecock?
-Clemson or Carolina? Note: Any reference to "Carolina" can only mean South Carolina in these parts.
-Orange or Garnet?
-Dabo or Steve?
Come fall flags will fly. People will wear "their colors" more often. SUVs and pick-up trucks become rolling billboards. The loyalties are fierce.
Our main man at Laminex, Tim, is a Clemson grad. Can you tell? Yep, the bird gets it.
You can not be everywhere at the same time
Good friend Eric reminded me that I missed the Greenwood Mud Bog event last weekend while we were out of town. All I can say it that after reading the news report I know that I could have obtained at least a month's worth of Redneck Tuesday material!
Turn up the sound to hear the announcer's comments.
I think the second "swimmer" needs to learn "shallow diving" technique from Steve. Oh, you don't know about "shallow diving"? You can ask Steve...or maybe he will blog about it.
Helpful tips for watching a bike race
One of the great things about spring for any avid cyclists it the opportunity to get back to regular outdoor rides. Good bye trainer, hello open roads. As we spin into shape we tend to start talking about cycling events for the season and which ones we may want to give a go alone or in a group. It's fairly often friends and family of riders mention seeing an event in their area, but they did not quite know what to make of it.
Scott Martin, writer for Road Bike Rider, wrote a nice little commentary for bike race observers with cheering instructions. I think you will enjoy as follows:
Helpful things to shout:
---"Your teammate is bridging up to you."
---"Four riders have a 15-second lead, but two of them aren't pulling."
---"Take turn 1 wide. I sprinkled carpet tacks on the inside." (Best said sotto voce.)
Unhelpful things to shout:
---"Go faster!"
---"You're getting dropped."
---"Boy, do you stink."
How to answer when bystanders ask why you're not racing:
---"I put the 'cry' in criterium."
---"I get dizzy riding around in circles."
---"I prefer it when my skin is attached to my body."
What to yell at French riders:
---"Allez, allez!"
What to yell at Italian riders:
---"Forza, forza!"
What to yell at Spanish riders:
---"Venga, venga!"
What to yell at American riders:
---"Get outta the road, you spandex weirdoes. I'm late for work."
Know your victory salutes:
---Two arms upraised: Classic, says it all.
---One arm upraised: See above, only too tired to raise other arm.
---Rocking imaginary baby: I dedicate this win to my newborn daughter/son.
---Pointing index finger skyward: I dedicate this win to my deceased teammate/coach/bike washer.
---Pumping a clenched fist: Take that, you disbelieving team manager/cycling journalist/boy- or girlfriend who dumped me.
---Firing invisible pistol: I'm the baddest hombre in town.
---Shooting invisible bow and arrow: I'm the baddest indigenous person on the prairie.
---No salute: I hope there isn't any drug testing.
Cycling Tips....from a car driver
PS: Mr. You-Know-Who, get a hat!!
