Hood to Coast Relay
Posted on March 6th, 2008 by catalyst into the About Us categorySorry about the lack of posts lately. I am fairly busy at work, and there doesn't seem to be much religious news for me to write about.
Though, for some fun, listen to Dick Iverson's recent sermon at the City Church where he tries to promote Portland Bible College by mentioning a bunch of teachers that no longer work there or were fired by Frank Damazio. Also, when he starts listing all the great teachers, he deliberately cuts himself off as he's about to mention Frank Damazio. It's high comedy. And clearly, he is concered about the direction of that school.
However, I'm not here to discuss PBC. I'm here to discuss HTC. The Hood to Coast Relay. Basically, I have a group that is running the relay this August, and we have an opening for a couple more participants. So, I thought I would throw out an invitation to any of you runners who are interested in doing this.
If your idea of a great Summer weekend is cramming into a van with 12 other people and running in a 196 mile relay from Mt. Hood to Seaside, then email me and we can work out the details. My email is justin.morton (at) gmail.com. This invitation is open to anyone.
Thanks again to everyone who reads and participates on this blog. My intense anger and bitterness wouldn't be possible without you.
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March 7th, 2008 at 5:31 am
My wife has a friend from her work who’s in her 30s, and she was having this intense pain in her ankles. She had some x-rays taken and was scheduled for an appointment with her doctor. A substitute doctor (who didn’t personally know her) showed up, and upon seeing the x-rays said, “They must’ve gotten these x-rays mixed up.” Suspecting something, she replied “Why do you say that, doctor?” The doctor said, “Because these are the ankles of a 70-year old!”
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention…her friend is a runner.
The point is, running has been proven to create many problems in the metatarsals of the feet, as well as the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders due to the intense pressure and constant jolting. This is because running increases the weight-bearing load upon these joints up to four times.
Some of the many injuries runners are susceptible to include: shin-splints, bone-spurs, Achilles tendonitis, structural degeneration, arch collapse, back pain, etc. A 1997 study done in Australia showed that injuries from running accounted for the 2nd most common of all sports injuries.
I have a buddy who’s brother is a doctor and he jokingly says he loves runners…says they’re like cash cows once they get up into their 40s and 50s.
Who wudda thought?
While without a doubt running does provide cardio-vascular benefit, many doctors are now advising their patients to take up power-walking or cycling, both of which provide superior overall health benefits, with drastically less side effects/problems. Walking and cycling also have been shown to burn more fat calories, while running burns mostly sugar and carb calories.
I encounter runners on a daily basis, and the majority of them not only look like they’re about ready to have a heart attack at any minute, but also as though they’re just hatin’ it, and like they’d rather be anywhere else than be right there at that moment. You should see the looks on their faces
Sometimes I just can’t resist, and as I ride past them, I say, “Cheer up! Ride a bike!”
Now if this Hood-to-Coast Relay was only a randonneur… just imagine the fun we’d have!
Then, maybe Cat and I could finally meet face to face and he could straighten me out on this “touching mine annnointed” thing.
-joebib
March 7th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Just say “no”. It’s less wind-baggy.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:58 am
The thing is, I ever hold out hope that — one day perhaps — I can change the minds of the unenlightened, and just saying “no” won’t do the job.
Capisci Ho-san?
-joe
March 7th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Cat, I’m good for 20 yards, downhill.
March 7th, 2008 at 9:46 am
“I’m An Unscrupulous Man, lead singer, driver of the Winnebago.” Every team needs a Winnebago driver.
March 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Can I manage the cooler keg, too?
March 7th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
There’s no reason why you can’t join in, ‘Scrupe.
Just check out this guy — my personal favorite, BTW — Jan Ullrich of Germany. Considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time, also known as Der Kaiser.
-joe
March 27th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Hello, long time lurker here - (greetings David Mackin!). I realize there is another former PBC prez and I don’t want to usurp that title so I’ll be the ‘lesser’. I went to CBC (BT, as I knew it) for about 11 years starting in 1980. I won’t take the time to tell “my story” of the circumstances regarding my exit however I will say that over the years I’ve been forlorn by the full fledged fling into the faith fiasco. In retrospect I should have seen it coming.
But enough whining. Catalyst, I’ll keep an eye out for you. I’m a (old, slow) runner who has done H2C probably a dozen or more times and hang with a fairly large group of runners. Are you a veteran too? Every year has a story, one of my favs was when we had a brand spankin’ new Christian in our van.
There was, shall we say; a wee bit of stress exhibited by another team wherein a guy was yelling at a girl because she didn’t meet her projected pace. Our runner, I’ll call her “Bertha” lit into that guy like Benny Hinn on a dollar bill. I’ll apologize, gentle readers; in advance for some not so subtle masking of the exact language in the exchange:
“HEY, you bleepin bleep”. That got his attention. “don’t you know that God bleeping loves you? And He loves your girlfriend too? If you had any bleeping understanding of what a bleeped up bleep you are and how much God loves you would ask Him to take away your bleeping sins.”
His response (apparently as he waved hello, he had a broken finger because of it’s posture in the air in relation to his other fingers) indicated his denial to become a follower at that time. “Bertha” went on to become a wonderful, mature Christian who qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon.
I like to think that as she ran, perhaps she passed a guy who looked at her in surprise and said something like “Holy Bleep”! I can’t believe it’s you! I’m so bleeping full of the love of God that I want to tell the whole world that he saved me from my bleeping sin! Thank you!”
Now that I’ve somewhat outed myself, perhaps I’ll drop by more often. I enjoy the conversations that occur here.
P.S. to Joebib - I cycle too, and was aware that Jan “bulked up” in the off season but that pic is shocking! He was one of my favorites too.
March 28th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hello TOFPBCP —
I welcome anyone to the blog who’s into God’s Sport.
Yeah, der kaiser’s off-season fondness for wienerschnitzel is legendary, as is his gameface, not to mention his movie-star-good-looks.
You know, I’m also German.
(Which is pretty much all we have in common)
So, just for fun…what year were you prez? Or is that TMI?
-joebib
March 30th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Joebib said:
Thank you sir (making a gender specific assumption), for the warm welcome. I sense the stirring of a conspiracy - Catalyst gets me to post by referencing one of my favorite things to do (Hood to Coast). You tempt further participation by getting me to reveal another passion, cycling! We shall talk of this further, I hope. Add to these door number three of of a penchant for armchair theology and the trifecta has me hooked.
Why Mr. Bib! Our first conversation and already you are flirting with me? I’ll take a bite out of that apple and have a little fun with you. I’ll toss out a few not so subtle hints that should leave you satisifed as to my identity. I presided during the mid-eighties, I share the same intials as David Mackin, and like yourself the bloodlines of a Teutonic heritage extend also to me.
Might we know each other? I have no issues with you publishing my name should you feel confident in your answer!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:18 am
That’s what this blog is all about, which is actually run by a famous MFI SP — under the thinly-veiled pseudonym “Morton Brothers” — who’s just about gathered enough information to ruin everyone who’s ever posted here.
Thus, be very careful what you say.
Is there any other kind?
So I take it you’re female, then? (Another gender specific assumption)
Ho boy…if true, then you’re telling me that they actually allowed a female to become prez of PBC back in the 80s? Heresy, I say!
I rather doubt it, as I left BT, and Portland, for good in 1985, and although I did do a bit of counseling with the Youth/TCHS up till that time, I hadn’t been up-to-date with PBC since 1981.
You might want to re-think revealing your name around here…lotsa circling sharks.
Discretion is the better part of valor, after all.
Now, more importantly, what kind of bike(s) do you ride?
Year, brand, model, country of manufacture, frame material, type of saddle, integrated or non-integrated bottom bracket, double or triple, and retail cost will suffice. Also, I will need to know if you run Shimano or Campy.
Yes, I’m an elitest cycling snob.
-joe
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:25 am
Joe, good morning - I appreciate your warning regarding the Morton brothers! It seems your cautions have just saved me from an egregious and nefarious plot to ruin my good name. Or the remnants of my good name. Well, anyway….
You said:
Apologies for the red herring - I am indeed a man of the opposite sex - uhh, let me rephrase that! There is in my mind no gender confusion and I relieve myself standing up. But, isn’t that an intriguing thought - could it ever happen that a woman would become PBC prez? Of course, now that Joyce (shudder) Meyer is invited to cross the moat…
Would we know each other….
There remains a very good chance - we did overlap and I’m sure we share many of the same cultural influences and knowledge of certain persons in leadership. You no longer reside in the Rose City? There goes our chances to hook up for a ride I suppose! Let’s now get to the good stuff!
I have 2 bikes that I put my primary miles on (and a few other beaters not worthy of mentioning. I liken my rides to British royalty (or poseurs in one of the cases).
I’m a weekend warrior triathlete, duathlete and also ride in a competitive Pole Pedal Paddle team every year. For those I ride a Trek Hilo 2000. She sports a San Selle saddle with titanium rails, Shimano (OF COURSE!) Ultegra double ring, 650cc Rolf Vector paired spoke wheels with flat spokes, aluminum frame and Kenisis carbon fork, and a Syntace aero bar.
I had a midlife crisis in Minneapolis in 2002 (I lived in PDX but commuted to an office there). I bought her in the box and called my wife and said don’t be alarmed when a big box arrives on our doorstep. She (the bike not my wife) had been marked down to 2K.
I call my Hilo Princess Diana. She’s hot, fast and sexy. I’ll probably die astride her in a fiery crash.
My other ride is a Fuji Team Pro. Composite frame, carbon fork, Mavic wheels, another San Selle saddle, and full Dura Ace with flight deck computer (I love those). Do they make a triple Dura Ace? Anyway, a double. SPD pedals on both bikes. I found the Fuji on Craigslist in Tualatin (I live in Tigard) for $950. I went over to look at it that same night. It was being sold without pedals, so I brought some old clipless and put them on.
Went for a test ride and wow! It was awesome, and that Dura Ace shifters - mmm. I came back and said I’m obligated to offer you less than 950, would you take 9? As we talked I mentioned that I had saved my honorariums from officiating at weddings and memorial services/funerals, and apparently he was apparently touched by an angel and he offered to sell it to me for less than my counteroffer!
I call her Queen Elizabeth. Comes from a solid line of Fuji’s, a good heritage. She is stable, tracks a solid line in a hard turn, and with her Dura Ace crown the hint of royalty envelops her.
Is there any other kind? Do you get Bicycling magazine? I love reading Style Man - he cracks me up. Thanks for letting me ramble about bikes and cycling.
P.S to Catalyst - I really do run - Maui marathon/H2C last year, Shamrock run 3 weeks ago, Race for the Roses this weekend etc etc.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:56 am
Is there any other “race” besides Bay to Breakers? No.
April 4th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hi OtherformerPBCPrez! you were my president at PBC - good to hear you are doing well. I ran into Suzy D at your church awhile back when our family was visiting and she said you had been ill. I sure hope you are feeling better and running and riding again. My husband and I trained last year and did a few triathlons this past summer - just the shorty’s so they don’t really count but we were hooked. With work and two teenage boys, training is tough to fit in, but we plan to do a few again. Our favorite, Hagg Lake in Sept. It was beautiful - except for the hills!
So, if I am wrong and you are not the same DM from me and my sisters era, just ignore this post - just in case you need a hint - I am related to the other DM!
Maybe catch you at a road race!
April 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
TheOtherFormerPBCPrez–
In keeping with Dragnet’s slogan, “the names were changed to protest the innocent,” perhaps we should continue this portion by email. I can be reached at jfblodi@sbcglobal.net if you’re interested.
Uh…you’ve just violated the cardinal rule of discussing bikes, described by the internet acronym TTIWWOP.
(This Thread Is Worthless With Out Pictures)
Otherwise known as “bike porn,” ya know?
Wow. You really are a cycling stud, and I must admit I’m somewhat envious. Despite my earlier dissing of running/runners, I do sometimes put on my aero bars and fantasize about doing a Duathlon one of these days…
I checked out the Hilo and it is indeed a very sweet bike. Is yours yellow?
Anyway, I have three main rides…all roadies (just UPS’d the 4th bike— a celeste 2006 Bianchi cross-terrain — up to my eldest son in PDX, for him to use as a commuter to work and for school this fall at PSU). Unlike yourself, mr. prez, I will post pics:
My main ride is a 2004 Bianchi Eros, seen here, AKA the “steelie,” is a triple, with Look pedals, and full Campy (of course!). I log most of my miles on her just because she rides sooo smooth. You know what they say, “Steel is real.”
My second bike is a 2003 Orbea XLR8R, seen here, with scandium frame, carbon fork and seat stay, and is my only Shimano distraction, with full Ultegra (except for Cane Creek brakes), triple, Specialized BG saddle, Look pedals. She is known as “The Spanish Job,” inasmuch as I got the NOS frame on eBay for next to nothing, and then built it up slowly from there. Now that it’s done, I’m into it for about $500, and the mechanic says it’s worth about $2500 - $3000. (Heh-heh)
I went through something similar — but since most wives don’t react well to overlooking a high-ended expenditure which her husband has labeled a “midlife crisis” — my bike mechanic assured me I would do much better to describe it as “an almost enlightened moment, wherein I took advantage of an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a world-class Racing Bike for a song, which incredible deal was not possible to achieve until I reached this stage in my life.”
Said “fabulous bike” is a 2006 De Rosa Rosso-Bianco “Team,” full Campy (of course!) Centaur gruppo, Specialized Avatar 155mm saddle, carbon fork, Gommitalia Calypso tires laced to Campy rims, and white Look pedals. Retail was over $3500, but like I said I pretty much stole it from this dealer down in Hermosa Beach. When she heard what I paid, it actually went over pretty well with She Who Must Be Obeyed.
She is not-so-affectionately referred to as “The Other Woman” by my wife, and can be seen here. I’m hoping to someday be worthy of her.
Reminds me of my own personal cycling motto: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “WOW — Whatta Ride!”
Yep. Right here.
Nothing more fun than scoring a good deal on a bike like you did on the Fuji. I love their paintjobs.
Is there any other kind?
Not really, unless one is a Fred.
Sure do…he’s great. Ever check out pezcyclingnews.com or cyclingnews.com? Cool stuff there.
My pleasure. After all, it’s the 2nd most important thing in life.
“Get on your bikes and ride!”
-joeelitist
April 10th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Locutus, I had not heard of that race - looks like a great time - salmon running upstream?!? Have you run it? Did you run it sans clothes?
Setting H2C and B2B aside for the moment, I’ll offer up another classic - Kevin’s Cup. Have you done this? I did the race for about 8 consecutive years. I like it ‘cuz it’s just plain whacky. The have runners called “pacedudes” and “pacebabes” hiding in the woods that will jump out in front of you and sprint. If you catch one, you get a raffle ticket. Here’s a snippet from their promotional blurb:
Wanna run it with me this year?
P.S. to Tri4Christ - pretty sure I know who you are, and will respond to your post - you might know this race, it’s close to the neighborhood where you grew up!
April 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Greetings, T4C! It’s nice to hear from you. I bet it’s been a decade or more since we’ve spoken. I even remembered your publishing/authoring endeavors and went to your website - very classy. Yeah, as Suzy probably told you I’m an epilectic - had 3 grand mal seizures, pretty dramatic. I went through the battery of MRI & EEG tests, a voluntary driving restriction, the ‘woe is me’ feelings but I’m doing great now. The brain doc believes I have a microscopic scar that short circuits sometimes. I just flop around the floor and bite my tongue for a few minutes as I reboot, and then I’m back to normal.
I’ve been back to racing for a few years now and having a blast. I wear a cool anklet made by RoadID with emergency contact info, and a brief message. I was restricted to the number of characters allowed, so I had to make it pertinent and avoid my usual bloviation. It reads:
“Me epileptic, take drugs for me head, if me seen seizing, know me not dead”
My wife thinks I’m morbid and deranged. Most folks do too.
I’m pleased to hear that you and hubby (one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met BTW) have gotten bit by the tri bug. I was blessed to obtain a free entry into the Nike World Master’s Games triathlon which happened at Haag Lake. An amazing time to be in the company of some of the best Master’s triathletes…in the world!
Don’t decry the shorties - they still count. I enjoy the Aluminum Man in The Dalles every September - falls on my birthday this year. The next day I plan to compete in the Vancouver Triathlon, my fitness goal this year is to do two back to back triathlons in the same weekend. I’ll probably do the shorties! I would dearly love to hook up with you guys at a race. I just did Shamrock and Race for the Roses, and have the Bridge to Bridge 10K April 10 as my next event. I’m not fast by any means but I sure enjoy competing. My goal is to outlive my competition, probably the only way I’ll ever place in the top 10!
Let me know which is the next race on your calendar, and I’ll look for you!
Please greet the sisters and your parents too! Your whole family always treated ‘our gang’ with such love and I remember many fun times in the family pool.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Joebib - thanks, I’ll fling a note over to you soon. But I’m compelled to respond to a few things in your post.
Nah, no need for envy. I don’t ride near as fast as I used to. I do enjoy racing and enter as many as I can/afford, but I’m just an old guy who finishes consistently…in the bottom 25% Besides, you have 3 awesome bikes compared to my 2. You have a far more extensive knowledge and possession of various componentry.
Yep, factory stock just like the picture you googled. Forgive me for not posting a pic with the quote! It is indeed a sweet ride - in the Pole Pedal Paddle, riding down from the lodge to Bend on Century Drive I’ll hit 50-52 MPH. I even have one of those goofy time trial helmets that makes me look like something out of Area 51!
Your De Rosa and Orbea are beauties. I can see why your wife might be jealous. Their respective beauty reminds me of a loosely held rule we used years ago when I rode with a larger group. If I guy wanted to join us, we would watch him as he passed/or was passed by a girl. If he checked out the girl, he was a poser. If he checked out her bike, he was a cyclist!
Already rehearsing this to make my own as I think about my next bike!
April 10th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Like this?
There’s still time.
Thanks. I think I’m going to give the Orbea to my middle son as a Birthday/Christmas gift this year. He’s 25 and I’ve just starting to get him into cycling. Can’t keep up with the old man, though.
That’s great. Reminds me of when I’m riding with my wife and she says, “Did you see that girl that just went by? I think she was showing off.”
(Me:) “You mean that light blue and white Trek with the Ksyrium Elites and Campy Record?”
Sounds good.
-joe