A Little Inspiration from Ed

While we all continue to practice deep-restful breathing; while we drink so much pre ride H2O that we can personally refill Poland Spring;  While we consistently stretch our legs, back, neck and arms to the point where everyone around us at the grocery store and restaurant thinks we are weird; while we check our pile of gear for the umpteenth time to assure that we have helmet, shoes; 24 GUs, extra tubes, pump or CO2 cartridges, sunscreen, I.D., 6 packets of Butt butter, cash, bottles filled with ice and water, etc.  While we overload on Ronzoni, Ragu and Spinach salad,  while we prepare to get 12 hours of restful sleep and think back to...."when the heck is the last time that I even get 5 hours of restful sleep?. 
While we ask ourselves..."what the heck am I going to do now that I am not training for Closer to Free??"

I would like to offer you a few inspirational quotes for your ride day.  I wish you all a safe enjoyable ride. I thank you all for doing what you are doing and hope that you accomplish what you came out to do.  May your legs be as strong as your hearts, May the wind be always at your back, and Please Lord or Please let the hills be as pancake flat as Guido said they were.  I hope that at least one of these quotes will stick to your memory and help motivate you up a steep climb or through out a long flat.  Ride safe......and most importantly.....stay ahead of me so that I can draft off of you!!!!!

2013-8-31 Shooting the (Whirlwind) Monster in the Closet

Whirlwind is a monster of a hill in Connecticut. Many of us fear it. And then one day, Ed sent us an email suggesting we shoot this monster in the closet...

So we came with our weapons, made of carbon and steel. The monster leered at us but we pushed on...

Suddenly, Ed attacked! The monster groaned!

Next, Karen came swinging. She hardly broke a sweat. We knew then the monster was trembling...

And Diane attacked too! Five times! The monster began to wobble...

Victory was ours! It took 10 full-on strikes, but Whirlwind was vanquished. We will never fear you again. (Thanks, Ed, for suggesting this great ride.)

-- Ben and Betsy Kunz

2013-08-24 Before and After

Uncle Ed and Eric "Figo Goncalves  "Damn Are Keith & Becca ever gonna get married????"

Uncle Ed and Eric "Figo Goncalves . YEAHHHHY! Keith and Becca are married!!!!!!do you think they will ever ride with us???? probably not....but we will make sure their kids do.!!!!!

Ed and JD   "Can't wait for Dinner!!!!" photo

Ed and JD " Can't wait till our next ride" photo

Bela, Little "A" and Papa on a nature ride....Little "A" directing traffic!. "Daddy go that way!"

My wonderful wife Bela and I "thank goodness for Weddings or we would  never dress up, I feel balder without my helmet"

                                    

2013-08-25 A- Group 75mi. Closert to Free training ride

A few photos from Sundays Yale Smillow Closer to Free training ride. The A- Group rode 70+ miles from New Haven to Durham then to Madison waterfront and then back to New Haven.  I must say that this was the most cohesive group ride that I have ever marshaled.  Between the phenomenal leadership, directive and appropriate pace-making of Keith Watzl, the sweeping of no one left behind me (without my knowing it) Ken Zaldo and the patience of all riders who put up with my loud obnoxious CAAARRR BAAACCCKKK!  

I couldn't figure how to upload and share the photos (on my schedule) email me  ed@barrosian.com and  let me know that you want a copy of the photos.  Give me your email address and I will forward.  Thank you all for what you do and I will see you on ride day on the 100 mile loop.