Squid on Wheels -- The New York City Century 2008

Today was the 19th annual New York Century , A century, for those of you not in the know, is a 100 mile bike ride. The New York Century ride features five routes, ranging from 15 to 100 miles. This is the third time that Team Squid has participated in the ride and the furthest that we have ridden. We have now done the 35, 55 and 75 mile portions and no, we will not be doing the 100 next year -- we have an affair to attend that weekend , we'll try to find a different Century to ride -- maybe the Covered Bridges Metric Century in Lancaster.

I'd be lying if I said the ride was perfect. The kids got tired but were determined to finish. We offered to abort several times but they both insisted on continuing. Even after a bike fell on Squidette (she was sitting on the grass at a rest stop and my bike tipped over on her) she kept going.

Injuries were minor -- a branch scratched Little Squid's arm and I have some friction burns where my legs meet my saddle. (There is also some mild sunburn. Even our super duper sunblock can't beat 11 hours in the sun.)

Equipment malfunctions were non existent. 5 bikes (we had a friend riding with us), 10 tires and zero flats. Pretty amazing.

Now we are a bit sore, a tad tired but hey, we did it! 85 miles total including the ride to the subway to get to the start and the ride all the way home.

6:15 a.m. (Notice the new jerseys -- large Squid on the back, of course)Times Square -- about 7:00 a.m.

The Cyclone -- around 11:30 a.m.

The Kissena Park Velodrome (that's Little Squid on the track) -- around 1:00 p.m.

The Finish Line, 79 miles later -- about 5:00 p.m.

Honorary Squid -- He planned on riding the 35, maybe the 55, and stayed with us for the entire 75 (really 79).

Squid on Wheels -- Just Peddling Around

Thank you to all who expressed their concerns, relief and general good wishes following my little adventure the other day. It is heartwarming to know that so many people care.

***

We went for a breakfast ride this morning to our new favorite breakfast spot, the Red Hook Fairway. It has a nice patio in the back where you can sit and eat while enjoying the view of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The sun was shining and the temperature perfect for riding in shorts and tee shirts.

After dispensing with our baked goodies and beverages, we tried to find an esplanade that was just a bit further off from Fairway. We apparently overshot it but did find the Brooklyn Ikea so we are now planning some summertime lunch rides for Swedish meatballs.

The weather was lovely, the streets practically traffic free and we were all happy to be alive. It was a good ride!

Squid Pace Line

Total mileage: 16.5 miles

LoJack Works ... Sort Of

Apparently LoJack is only good for locating your car if it is actually stolen. They cannot help you locate your car if say ... it is relocated by the police because a crane fell and caused your car (with you in it) to be damaged by falling debris resulting from said crane falling.That's just one of the "dings." Something hit the second row door on that side with enough force to damage the runner and there is a nice dent over my gas tank door. There are some other minor dents and scrapes. Yeah, I have absolutely no idea what actually hit the car. I saw the crane falling, swerved to avoid it and, apparently managed to do so.

The entire incident, including my swerve and the crane missing my car, was witnessed by an angel looking out of her apartment window. She saw the car stop and ran down to the car, and stayed with me for a good two or more hours until just before Mike arrived. Yes, I sent her flowers.

Yes, I'm o.k. and the damage to the car is totally repairable and, except for my deductible, covered by my insurance. And GEICO says that they will attempt to recoup their outlay and my deductible from the responsible party. Yup, sometime 10 years from now I'll get a check for my deductible and Mike and I will have a very nice dinner. 'Cause that's as far as it will go that far down the road.

*The title of this post is due to my LoJack going off and calling me to say my car was in motion. That was about 40 minutes after the Detective called to say that I could finally have it back and about 5 minutes before I actually arrived back on the scene (by bicycle, of course). Took another hour and a half before I finally located my car. LoJack only works if you actually report your car stolen. Not if the police relocate it for more benign reasons.

Thank You

I have been a rotten communicator lately and have not been responding to people the way I should. This morning I received an e-card from Ann that summed up my year:


Life is certainly filled with challenges. Just when we think that things are moving along at a steady pace a speed bump jumps up and gets our attention. Perhaps that's a sign to slow down, reflect on life a bit and to appreciate the people in our lives that add joy and laughter to our days.

Two weeks ago I got a letter -- HAND WRITTEN! -- from Susan, also lending support.

To all of my readers out there -- THANK YOU! I am taking pleasure and joy in my family and friends and you all are a HUGE part of that.

My lack of posts has been from a desired to keep the tone of this blog light and so what you see are brags about my family. Since most of my post are in the early morning or early evening, my feelings at that time of day influence my writing. Hence my lack of writing.

Now that the weather is nice and I have biking to write about again, I'll try to get back to a more regular posting schedule. Now, however, I have to jump on my trusty steed and get to work. Have a wonderful day!

Buildings, Blankets and Friends

Yesterday I set out in search of fiber. My information was flawed, however, and I could not find it, despite walking a block east and a block west of the original designation. Oh well, I did get a nice walk in and snapped some interesting photos for my faithful blog readers.
Would it bother you to learn that One Fifth Avenue is not the lowest address on Fifth?

But I'm pretty sure that One Half Fifth Avenue is the lowest.
And then there are the Mews. Scroll down in the link. Formerly stables, they are now residential and form a quiet, private, street just north of Washington Square Park. They are, by the way, situated between One Half and One Fifth Avenue.

***

I did promise work on the blanket, and 8 rows were added last night. More rows were added to the rib warmer but then there are only 30 stitches per row vs 270 for the blanket.

The evening concluded with a phone conversation with Susan! It was great to put a voice to the blog presence and we talked like we'd known each other forever. Thank you, Susan!

Picnic on the Sheep Meadow

Yes, the Sheep Meadow in Central Park was once used for grazing sheep. Now, however, it is used for quiet recreation such as picnics and gentle games of catch, frisbee, etc. One group even brought their own cornhole set up.

We headed out with neighbors and feasted on pasta salad and cranberry muffins. Balls and disks were tossed around, ice cream was eaten (an smeared over small faces) and a good time was had by all.For your pleasure, the southern view from the middle of the Sheep Meadow.Happy 4th!

Good Friends, Good Knitting

We spent practically all day, yesterday, in the apartment while Squidette and her friends worked on their science fair project. Little Squid and I took a couple of short walks and accomplished a lot. Little Squid is leaving tomorrow for a three day- two night trip with his class. Luggage is packed and he is both excited and nervous. I'm just nervous because, hey, I'm his mom.

In the evening I ran out to hook up with an old college friend (the friendship is old, the friend is my age). She was leading her daughter's Girl Scout troupe on a tour of NYC. I joined up with them in Times Square and partly tagged along, partly played tour guide for a few hours with the party of four girls and three adults. It was great to reconnect after so many years. Neither of us had even met the other's kids even though we were at each other's weddings oh so many years ago. It is wonderful to find that we are still so compatible after so much time. Her daughter and friends are lovely young ladies and were a joy to meet. I will make an effort to get out to her place this summer and share my family with her.

In knitting news (this is a knitting blog, after all), I started my newest project.

A stole. 180 stitches of spindle spun, triple plied, cobweb weight silk on size zero needles. I have about an inch done. Pattern stitch is Old Shale with a 12 stitch repeat. Any guesses as to how long it will take if this is my main t.v. knitting and I only watch about an hour of t.v. a night? There is already about 2 hours worth of work in it and it is about an inch long. I promise that I have other projects to take on the trip to the wedding.

Today was the spring Mitzvah day at our synagogue. Squidette was once again my able assistant, winding yarn, knitting and teaching other tweens how to knit. Love that kid!
We brought home enough squares to complete a blanket and I will alternate my teeny-tiny lace knitting with crocheting the blanket together.

This will be a short work week due to the need to travel to the wedding. I try not to take the kids out of school but this is a special and once in a lifetime occassion. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. My brother is getting married!!! Go Josh and Jaye!!!