Ready to Ride & warming up to Blog!!

Face Value

It was my intention to write a Blog about finally getting back in the saddle after spending two weeks nursing my badly torn hamstring......... I was going to Blog about how much fun it was to get back on the road with my buddies Sean & Andy and congratulate each other about our average speed and how well we have been progressing.
I had the whole Blog churning in my head as I started my car in Zube Park while chugging down my recovery drink and pulling out the parking lot.

After a mile or so down the freeway I had already thought about some funny one liners for the Blog and those "Longhorn Cows" that were more horn than Cow......

By the time I had pulled onto FM1960 (Farm to Market Roads) my Saturday blog was all but published in my mind......but then I got distracted!! My car needed washing

The Farm to Market Roads of the old Texas South,were interesting roads, roads that Willie Nelson used to sing about, where trucks laden with livestock and families headed into town.

Now the newer versions are littered with Strip malls, Starbucks and Fastfood establishments. One thing that hasn't changed over the years though is the American entrepreneur spirit
I remember many years ago when my father was stationed in Texas with the Royal Air Force, my brother Phillip and I sold lemonade on a street corner to make some extra money.

Today was no different, when the sun is out after a rain drenched week you will see a multitude of organisations offering to wash your car for one cause or other.

On the first of many blocks there were the Jessica Simpson like Cheerleaders, waving there POM POMS!! and luring my car to get a wash while sponsoring their Marching Band. Next it was the Men's Lacrosse Team Fundraiser (However all the team were again dressed like Cheerleaders and doing a number on my cars psych.)

Then I passed the:

• the basketball car wash
• the softball car wash
• the frisbee car wash
• the soccer car wash

I had just about decided that I was going to get the squigee and sponge out myself on arriving home when I saw a young lady standing on a street corner with a very simple but poignant sign. "Car Wash to raise money for a Kidney Transplant". This was it!!

I turned off at the next street proceeded to get lost and finally found my way back to the designated Car Wash Area.

I must say it was a privilege to be in the company of such magnificent "Texans" This whole family and friends were making every effort they could in raising money for a family members Kidney Transplant. We chatted a while and very soon I started to understand a lesson I learnt a long time ago while helping with United Way Charities in San Francisco.

" We can add monetary value to any charity we wish by a simple click of a mouse, but its the true "Face Value" which really has the most significance. By simply letting people know that you care is a gift in itself and one that requires so little effort. My car looks great!!...and feels fantastic, and I am determined to experience more FACE VALUE to the charities I cycle for. And to my new friends, my heart and prayers are with you.

My Mule....Beauty and the Beast

I first set my eyes on my "Rowley" in Cairo when the geriatric hay burner was munching on some poor chap's dress socks. It soon became evident that "Rowley" was a true character. Apart from being uncomfortable in the middle and dangerous at both ends "Rowley" displayed a unique resemblance to my old school Latin Teacher - Mr Jones. They both knew when you weren't paying attention and usually took advantage of this opportunity.
Being blindsided by a blackboard duster is as equally painful as being bitten on your backside by a Mule, especially if you tie the beast up to a granite rock. "Rowley" is all about comfort and by that I mean whats comfortable for him. With his Pith Helmet and desert issue Boots he certainly isnt in the mood to sacrifice practicality to style.

"Fuji -San" has similar traits to "Rowley"!! She will gladly dump you on the asphalt if you misbehavior. Unlike "Rowley" she is blessed with great looks and is as light as a feather and does not like anything attached to her unless they are part of the riding process...... No Tassels or Bells! Panniers are strictly forbidden however like Rowley a small compass or Garmin is acceptable. She has no problem letting me take her anyway I like as long as the road is smooth and the pace is fast.

"Travel With my Mule" Website

When the first pioneers opened up the great continents of the world they were never alone.Without the roads or highways that we now take so much for granted they made their own trails.They were accompanied by mules that carried all that they needed to survive, as well as the weight of expectation on their broadest of shoulders.
Whether through deserts or over mountains the mule stubbornly resisted the concept of failure and brought their masters home.
As the world has moved on, we have had to adapt to new challenges. My challenge which is mirrored by my twin brother Phil and a small group of individual riders is outlined in our new Website http://www.travelwithmymule.com/ Our aim is to set out on new trails to: Raise awareness in environmental issues Participate in charity fund raising events. Promoting a more healthy lifestyle. The faithful four legged creatures are now replaced by our two wheeled cycles, but we still carry the same weight of expectation.

The website is intended to provide as a focal point for cycling charity events where like minded people will be invited to post blogs or become involved in discussion groups. (The Trading Post) and The Stable

The Blacksmiths Bin where we will record our cumulative ride tallies and monies raised.

Our ultimate aim is to form our own social International cycling team/membership called ‘Travels with my Mule’ to collectively take part in international charity events. Although there will be no costs for membership there will be an opportunity to purchase team cycle shirts in due course depending on level of interest.

Each of our Mules depicted in the Website have their own unique personalities that are reflective of their rider.........see next weeks blog!