July 25, 2010
Day 23 - 63.7 miles
I have completed the miles of the Tour de France. Really hard to believe. I was up so early this morning, 3:30 am. Went downstairs to do my crunches and push ups. Came upstairs for my traditional toast and jelly and then waited to a little light came out. Started on my bike at 5:00 am. It was already 81 degrees but with a good northwest wind. I decided to spend my last ride on Sandy Hook where I did most of my training. Was one of the first people there at 6 am. Did a couple of loops till I reached 40 miles and then headed home. I was strong and kept a pace well above 15 miles and hour. Reached home with two miles to go. Did the final 5 loops around my development. My victory laps. Rene got the pictures of me finishing. Not the crowds that the Tour will have in Paris, but for me the sense of accomplishment is the same.
There is so much to talk about that I saw and experienced and learned about myself over these past three weeks. First, there is another world out there from 4:00 am to 7:00 am in the morning. The sunrise along the shore is spectacular. The wild life on Sandy Hook is fascinating. The smells you experience along the ride are so definitive. Ride thru small towns early and you can smell the bacon and eggs. Out in the farm land you can smell the horses and the manure. Along the ocean and seaport towns the fish smell is really prevalent. Sounds are always present. Sounds of the birds at 4:30 am. By 5 it is a full chorus and by 5:30 they are back asleep. When riding inland early you hear the roosters, the dogs barking as you ride by. On some main roads the cars let you know they are coming by honking and of course you get the young kids yelling at you. Then there is the best sound of all you experience on the lonely roads out in western NJ, that is the sound of silence. How peaceful the ride can be.
Today I had an epiphany. I had asked Rene the other day why she thought I was doing this. She said because I was bored and depressed. She was right. I needed a challenge to wake me up. Today I looked back on my life and this is what I found. 40 years ago I was in a similar position and discovered the marathon. Soon after getting involved in running my life got direction and I started two successful businesses. 20 years after that I again was down and my personal life was not good. This time I discovered triathlons and the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. After completing that I was introduced to a new business that turned out to be very successful. And the challenges in my personal life were resolved for the better. Now 20 years later at the age of 64, I have completed the third leg of my athletic trilogy. Once again the challenge and success of this endeavor has gotten my juices flowing again. I am re energized and I have a business model that I will now pursue with a huge amount of focus and dedication. I am positive that this will be very successful.
Several of my friends are retired and ask me well so are you joining us. Not now. I need competition and challenges, be it in the business world or athletic world. Now is the time for me to get serious again in the business world and do something I love doing. If you love it than it is not work. I am now ready to move on.
I learned so much on the road these past three weeks. It really has been a journey well worthy traveling. Let me thank all the supporters out there. You have been the motivation that I needed. Your donations will make a difference. Let me thank Bruce Robinson, Bob Rosa, Dick Cohen and Marc Bloom who came out and road with me during my rides. That was immensely helpful. Let me thank Jim Vacarro and his Team at Central Jersey Bank who sponsored my efforts and who helped with the awareness to the public and fundraising. To the Peddler Bike Shop in Long Branch who kept my bike going and kept me supplied with whatever I needed. A big thank you to Olga who gave me massages all year long and during the event to allow this 64 year old body to keep moving. For both my daugthers and their husbands, thank you for you concern and support, I needed it. Finally the biggest thank you goes to Rene. She has given up the month of July, the heart of the summer to be at my call. She had my food always there. She was available to get me when needed and was the ultimate support person. For that a huge thank you.
That's s it. I worked hard for 11 months to be able to punish my body for three weeks. Was it worth it. You bet. If you have a dream and a true passion to realize it, than the journey is the best part. Life is out there to be experienced and enjoyed any way that is right for you. Just go for it. Make that plan and set your goal, do the work consistently and persistently, and the dream will be yours for the taking.
Total Distance: 64 miles
Total Time: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Total Distance the last 23 days: 2266 miles
Phil
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
One Day to Go
July 24, 2010,
Day 22 - 32.3 miles
Today was a real quick ride. Got up and was on the road while it was still dark. Had to be finished early as we are going to visit my grand daughter in camp. Left the house at 5 am and it was already 81 degrees outside. Luckily today was the time trial day. A short ride.
One day left. A ride of 65 miles. And then what? I will take tomorrow's blog and write down my thoughts of the past 3 weeks. This has truly been an amazing journey.
Happy Birthday to Rene. She has been the best support and wife anyone could ask for. Never could have done it without her.
Total Distance: 33 miles
Total Time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Phil
Day 22 - 32.3 miles
Today was a real quick ride. Got up and was on the road while it was still dark. Had to be finished early as we are going to visit my grand daughter in camp. Left the house at 5 am and it was already 81 degrees outside. Luckily today was the time trial day. A short ride.
One day left. A ride of 65 miles. And then what? I will take tomorrow's blog and write down my thoughts of the past 3 weeks. This has truly been an amazing journey.
Happy Birthday to Rene. She has been the best support and wife anyone could ask for. Never could have done it without her.
Total Distance: 33 miles
Total Time: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Phil
Friday, July 23, 2010
Last Long Ride Completed
July 23, 2010
Day 21 - 123 miles
What a great feeling when I finished my ride today. It was the last long ride. Imagine, I have a ride of 65 miles on Sunday and I call that a short ride. A little crazy I think. Anyway today's ride went relatively well. I did 40 miles than met my friend Bruce, who has been really great by riding with me 4 times during the event. Today he rode with me for 50 miles. Whenever I ride with Bruce he pushes it for me. He tells me to ride my pace. If I do that I would be to far behind him. So I work and it feels good to push the pace. The weather was humid but there was a lot of cloud cover so we did no have to deal with the sun. After Bruce left I rode back home and did loops to finish the mileage I needed. I felt so good that there were some kids selling lemonade so I stopped bot a glass, had my cookies and then finished up.
My only problem today was that the saddle sores returned big time. Seating for the last 30 miles was challenging and a little painful. The good news is that there are only 2 days left and they are not that long. I can deal with it.
Total Distance: 123 miles
Total Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours
Phil
Day 21 - 123 miles
What a great feeling when I finished my ride today. It was the last long ride. Imagine, I have a ride of 65 miles on Sunday and I call that a short ride. A little crazy I think. Anyway today's ride went relatively well. I did 40 miles than met my friend Bruce, who has been really great by riding with me 4 times during the event. Today he rode with me for 50 miles. Whenever I ride with Bruce he pushes it for me. He tells me to ride my pace. If I do that I would be to far behind him. So I work and it feels good to push the pace. The weather was humid but there was a lot of cloud cover so we did no have to deal with the sun. After Bruce left I rode back home and did loops to finish the mileage I needed. I felt so good that there were some kids selling lemonade so I stopped bot a glass, had my cookies and then finished up.
My only problem today was that the saddle sores returned big time. Seating for the last 30 miles was challenging and a little painful. The good news is that there are only 2 days left and they are not that long. I can deal with it.
Total Distance: 123 miles
Total Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours
Phil
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Great Ride
July 22,2010,
Day 20 - 108.1 miles
Who would have thought that with only three days to go I would have my strongest ride yet. After yesterday's rest day, a massage, an ice bath and a whole pizza, I was strong and had no pain. My saddle sores did not even hurt. Most amazing is that my legs felt fresh the whole ride.
Today I kept it completely on the flats knowing that tomorrow I will go west with Bruce and do hills and ride hard I am sure. I went to the Hook and did 10 mile loops. Marc Bloom a friend my age and athlete, met me for close to 3 hours of the ride. Really helped. When we were finished I ate my sandwich as Marc packed his bike. Luckily I stayed as he threw his key into the car and it disappeared. After about 10 minutes we found it. All things happen on these rides.
I left Marc and headed back to my area. I was going to stop at Central Jersey Bank for the last time to thank them and take pictures. Got there a little early but continued riding until they were ready for me. Got a great picture with Jim Vacarro and his Team. They have all been so supportive of my efforts and really want to thank them all. After I rode home and still felt good.
Tomorrow is my last long day, 122 miles. I plan on doing 40 very early and then picking up Bruce and hopefully he will stay with me for between 50 and 60 miles. And then I will finish the day. Saturday is 35 and Sunday 63. I now can see the finish line. Everything has gone so fast that it is hard to remember the rides. I guess when it is all done and I can take time to reflect I will realize what I have accomplished. I am really proud of the money we have raised and the good it will do. For that I want to thank everyone for their support.
Total Distance: 110 miles
Total Time: 7 hours and 45 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Phil
Day 20 - 108.1 miles
Who would have thought that with only three days to go I would have my strongest ride yet. After yesterday's rest day, a massage, an ice bath and a whole pizza, I was strong and had no pain. My saddle sores did not even hurt. Most amazing is that my legs felt fresh the whole ride.
Today I kept it completely on the flats knowing that tomorrow I will go west with Bruce and do hills and ride hard I am sure. I went to the Hook and did 10 mile loops. Marc Bloom a friend my age and athlete, met me for close to 3 hours of the ride. Really helped. When we were finished I ate my sandwich as Marc packed his bike. Luckily I stayed as he threw his key into the car and it disappeared. After about 10 minutes we found it. All things happen on these rides.
I left Marc and headed back to my area. I was going to stop at Central Jersey Bank for the last time to thank them and take pictures. Got there a little early but continued riding until they were ready for me. Got a great picture with Jim Vacarro and his Team. They have all been so supportive of my efforts and really want to thank them all. After I rode home and still felt good.
Tomorrow is my last long day, 122 miles. I plan on doing 40 very early and then picking up Bruce and hopefully he will stay with me for between 50 and 60 miles. And then I will finish the day. Saturday is 35 and Sunday 63. I now can see the finish line. Everything has gone so fast that it is hard to remember the rides. I guess when it is all done and I can take time to reflect I will realize what I have accomplished. I am really proud of the money we have raised and the good it will do. For that I want to thank everyone for their support.
Total Distance: 110 miles
Total Time: 7 hours and 45 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Phil
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Hard Rest Day
July 21, 2010,
Day 19 - 0 miles Rest Day
Today was supposed to be an easy day. First off I could not sleep last night and eventually got up at 4:30. Used the time to catch up with my personal and business life. Had a massage at 9 which was really good. Basically fell asleep on the table. After, I took my bike to be tuned up. Came home to see my grandchild and had some lunch. After that I got really tired, had a headache and felt like my stomach was upset. Lied down for a while and when I got up I felt a little better. Finally, I just finished eating most of a large Pizza for dinner.
Who needs rest days. I kept wondering when do I get on the bike and I kept looking to watch the Tour on TV. But of course it is a rest day for them also.
This has been a great experience for me both mentally and physically. People ask me what will take up your time after your done. I really don't think I will have a problem. Slowly get back into running, still bike some and more important concentrate on a new business I have started. Of course there is a growing family as my youngest daughter, Casey is pregnant awaiting her second child. I also will pursue public speaking in front of groups. I really have a lot to share about what it takes to be successful. Having spoken in front of large groups I would look forward to share my thoughts with people.
Well we are now down to the last four days. I have someone to ride with tomorrow for about 40 miles of the 110. Hopefully Bruce will ride with me on Friday for about 60 and the rains stay away. Saturday is a short day of 35 and then I have to go visit my granddaughter at her camp in Pa. Finally Sunday is the victory lap of 65 miles.
I know there are still more donations that will be in by Sunday. Right now I see $15,000 as realistic. Even if we don't hit the $20,000 mark, I know it will make a difference. For all those who have donated, thank you so much. The amount is not as important as the thought and where your heart is.
Off to take an ice bath and prepare food for tomorrow. For those at the main branch of Central Jersey Bank, I hope to stop there as a finish my ride tomorrow between 1 and 2.
Total Distance: 0 miles
Total Time: 0 hours
Phil
Day 19 - 0 miles Rest Day
Today was supposed to be an easy day. First off I could not sleep last night and eventually got up at 4:30. Used the time to catch up with my personal and business life. Had a massage at 9 which was really good. Basically fell asleep on the table. After, I took my bike to be tuned up. Came home to see my grandchild and had some lunch. After that I got really tired, had a headache and felt like my stomach was upset. Lied down for a while and when I got up I felt a little better. Finally, I just finished eating most of a large Pizza for dinner.
Who needs rest days. I kept wondering when do I get on the bike and I kept looking to watch the Tour on TV. But of course it is a rest day for them also.
This has been a great experience for me both mentally and physically. People ask me what will take up your time after your done. I really don't think I will have a problem. Slowly get back into running, still bike some and more important concentrate on a new business I have started. Of course there is a growing family as my youngest daughter, Casey is pregnant awaiting her second child. I also will pursue public speaking in front of groups. I really have a lot to share about what it takes to be successful. Having spoken in front of large groups I would look forward to share my thoughts with people.
Well we are now down to the last four days. I have someone to ride with tomorrow for about 40 miles of the 110. Hopefully Bruce will ride with me on Friday for about 60 and the rains stay away. Saturday is a short day of 35 and then I have to go visit my granddaughter at her camp in Pa. Finally Sunday is the victory lap of 65 miles.
I know there are still more donations that will be in by Sunday. Right now I see $15,000 as realistic. Even if we don't hit the $20,000 mark, I know it will make a difference. For all those who have donated, thank you so much. The amount is not as important as the thought and where your heart is.
Off to take an ice bath and prepare food for tomorrow. For those at the main branch of Central Jersey Bank, I hope to stop there as a finish my ride tomorrow between 1 and 2.
Total Distance: 0 miles
Total Time: 0 hours
Phil
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Long Hard Lonely Day
July 20, 2010
Day 18 - 124 miles
This is getting harder each day. For the past several days I was lucky to have people to ride with. Today I was by myself for the full 9 1/2 hour ride. Since the last 5 days were inland on the hills I decided to go to Sandy Hook and do loops there. When I got up this morning my back was really stiff from the hard push I did yesterday to miss the rain. I had Rene leave me water and food on the Hook. I went first south to Sea Girt and then to the Hook. Once on the Hook I did five 10 mile loops. Not easy with a strong wind blowing in one direction. It might seem that it is an easier ride because there are no hills and you have access to water and food right away. Wrong. Going over the same route again and again really tests you mentally. With my saddle sores it is better if I am constantly changing positions as I do when I go west with undulating roads. Anyway, will be at the Hook one more time on Thursday but I will be joined with a friend for a couple of hours which should help.
If you wonder what I think about for 9 hours alone, a lot of it is what will I write in the blog. Most of it never makes it to the blog because I m to tired to sit and write all my thoughts. Maybe a book someday. I am getting really tired. One week would have been great. Two weeks would have been OK. Three weeks is testing you physically and mentally. Absolutely no question that the riders in the real Tour de France are the best athletes in the world. Me, I am just one crazy old man who thinks he can turn back the clock. 4 days of riding left. Tomorrow is a est day.
Total Distance: 124 miles
Total Time: 8 hours and 57 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours and 30 minutes
Phil
Day 18 - 124 miles
This is getting harder each day. For the past several days I was lucky to have people to ride with. Today I was by myself for the full 9 1/2 hour ride. Since the last 5 days were inland on the hills I decided to go to Sandy Hook and do loops there. When I got up this morning my back was really stiff from the hard push I did yesterday to miss the rain. I had Rene leave me water and food on the Hook. I went first south to Sea Girt and then to the Hook. Once on the Hook I did five 10 mile loops. Not easy with a strong wind blowing in one direction. It might seem that it is an easier ride because there are no hills and you have access to water and food right away. Wrong. Going over the same route again and again really tests you mentally. With my saddle sores it is better if I am constantly changing positions as I do when I go west with undulating roads. Anyway, will be at the Hook one more time on Thursday but I will be joined with a friend for a couple of hours which should help.
If you wonder what I think about for 9 hours alone, a lot of it is what will I write in the blog. Most of it never makes it to the blog because I m to tired to sit and write all my thoughts. Maybe a book someday. I am getting really tired. One week would have been great. Two weeks would have been OK. Three weeks is testing you physically and mentally. Absolutely no question that the riders in the real Tour de France are the best athletes in the world. Me, I am just one crazy old man who thinks he can turn back the clock. 4 days of riding left. Tomorrow is a est day.
Total Distance: 124 miles
Total Time: 8 hours and 57 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours and 30 minutes
Phil
Monday, July 19, 2010
Mechanical I Am Not!
July 19, 2010,
Day 17 - 116.8 miles
So let me tell you what happened. Last night as I was putting air into my tires, I noticed that the rear tire was completely worn out and unsafe. The front tire also had a lot of wear. I have two extra wheels already to go so I put them on. This morning I am up and out at 5:15 as usual. It is a beautiful morning and actually cool. I rode into Colts Neck and experimented by riding some new roads. But as I road up the hills I just could not get up in the big gear and found it hard to even pedal in the small gear. I told myself that the last three days just wore me out. But something still did not feel right. I just could not get any momentum going. When I stopped for water at the 40 mile mark, I check my tires to make sure they were not going flat. They wre OK. Than I noticed the problem. When I put the new wheel on, I did not align the front wheel properly and it was rubbing against the brake. Stupid me. That is like driving your car with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake. I fixed it and off I went. Within 5 miles my legs recovered and I was as strong as ever. And I needed it.
By the time I had reached the shore in Sea Girt, I looked up and there was this huge thunderstorm approaching. To bad I wasn't riding with yesterdays group because I would have blown them away. I tried to out ride the storm. I was doing 25 miles and hour down the center of Ocean Avenue in Spring Lake. Not fast enough. I was able to get to one of the pavilions just as the storm struck. Rene said she would come and get me. By the time she arrived it had stopped raining and the sun was coming out. I rode home and then continued to complete the ride.
Forgot to tell you what happened yesterday. I was coming down a 1/2 mile hill at about 25 mph enjoying the downhill when out of nowhere comes a huge groundhog. Nothing I could do. I held the handle bars tightly and closed my eyes and prepared for the worst. He never stopped and I missed him by an inch. If I had hit him I would have gone flying. Groundhogs are to bikes as deer are to cars.
I am now down to 3 long days and 2 short ones. Hard to believe that it is almost over. Tomorrow is 122 miles and I am alone. Think I will take my Ipod and go to the Hook and do loops.
Total Distance: 117 miles
Total Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours
Phil
Day 17 - 116.8 miles
So let me tell you what happened. Last night as I was putting air into my tires, I noticed that the rear tire was completely worn out and unsafe. The front tire also had a lot of wear. I have two extra wheels already to go so I put them on. This morning I am up and out at 5:15 as usual. It is a beautiful morning and actually cool. I rode into Colts Neck and experimented by riding some new roads. But as I road up the hills I just could not get up in the big gear and found it hard to even pedal in the small gear. I told myself that the last three days just wore me out. But something still did not feel right. I just could not get any momentum going. When I stopped for water at the 40 mile mark, I check my tires to make sure they were not going flat. They wre OK. Than I noticed the problem. When I put the new wheel on, I did not align the front wheel properly and it was rubbing against the brake. Stupid me. That is like driving your car with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake. I fixed it and off I went. Within 5 miles my legs recovered and I was as strong as ever. And I needed it.
By the time I had reached the shore in Sea Girt, I looked up and there was this huge thunderstorm approaching. To bad I wasn't riding with yesterdays group because I would have blown them away. I tried to out ride the storm. I was doing 25 miles and hour down the center of Ocean Avenue in Spring Lake. Not fast enough. I was able to get to one of the pavilions just as the storm struck. Rene said she would come and get me. By the time she arrived it had stopped raining and the sun was coming out. I rode home and then continued to complete the ride.
Forgot to tell you what happened yesterday. I was coming down a 1/2 mile hill at about 25 mph enjoying the downhill when out of nowhere comes a huge groundhog. Nothing I could do. I held the handle bars tightly and closed my eyes and prepared for the worst. He never stopped and I missed him by an inch. If I had hit him I would have gone flying. Groundhogs are to bikes as deer are to cars.
I am now down to 3 long days and 2 short ones. Hard to believe that it is almost over. Tomorrow is 122 miles and I am alone. Think I will take my Ipod and go to the Hook and do loops.
Total Distance: 117 miles
Total Time: 8 hours and 20 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 9 hours
Phil
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