Old Man to the Podium

No, I didn't stay for the ceremonies yesterday at the Glacial Hills Challenge in Bellaire, MI, but had I, the 3rd place step for the AARP class  (50+) medal ceremony would have been occupied by yours truly. I don't think I could have rode any faster and the bike/body performed admirably so I couldn't be happier with the result. It felt good being the passer as opposed to the passee (not sure a word) as I've been in most races I've entered. My first pass of the day yesterday (shown first in the attached video) set the tone as the guy I passed unfortunately bit it behind me and slowed a bunch of riders trailing me. I shadowed a rabbit rider for awhile after that, he tired and it was open season from there on out. It's all about timing in these races as getting stuck behind a slow rider (or 1,000 slow riders as is the case in the Iceman Cometh race in November; blah) without being able to pass can be the difference. You almost have to be a dick and shove your way past but I at least try and give the formal "large melon coming through" call. 

The video captures some rare passing by this scribe and some views of one of my favorite trails in the state.

Trail Head

fire danger was extreme - very dry/dusty

Bald Mountain Music Festival - the lost tapes

My video from yesterday initially had two more songs but had to be shortened to get loaded (can't complain, its a free service) so here are two more from the Leechbombs: Gimme Three Steps and Stop Draggin' My Heart Around.

And thank you to the wonderful technology available that allows me to edit my mug out of some of the band views. It was fun rush with that harmonica though. Still a work in progress.

Trail Head

 

Bald Mountain Music Festival

It was a celebration of music, friends and food at the Bald Mountain Music Festival last Saturday in Auburn Hills. I am still in search for said mountain but haven't located it yet.

This year's festival was in danger of being put off as schedule conflicts had band practice at a minimum for a few of the bands. Band mates were able to practice alone but its about connecting with the others in getting the proper sound. Another wrinkle in that Leechbombs' drummer Kevin had surgery related to his aorta in the spring. I'm not a doctor but believe anything related to the aorta is a pretty serious deal so Kevin is going to go down rocking. Not a bad way to go and rock he did as the Leechbombs can never finish a song without his ending closure on the skins (seriously, the band could not finish a song).

I've attached a sample of the day from all of the bands at the festival. The song list is as follows:

Running on Empty - Three Legged Dog (3LD)
Rock & Roll - Leechbombs (LB)
Not Fade Away - The Greg Ochs Band (GOB)
You’ve got to hide your love away - The Mike Weaver Experience
My Own Worst Enemy - 3LD
Get out of Denver - LB
Up on Cripple Creek - GOB
One Headlight - 3LD
Suffragette City (intro from Champ) - LB
Mercedes Benz - GOB
Rain - 3LD
Johnny B. Goode – Tosh version - LB
Midnight Special - GOB
(I’m not your) Steppin’ Stone - LB
Last Dance With Mary Jane - LB

Spirits Playing with my Mail & Finance Tips

I think my dad's spirit is playing with the mail as I recently received two invitations ("special" invitations at that) offering a chance to have a tax free retirement! Ummm, who wouldn't.  

The invitation adds "Sit back and relax, nothing will be sold at this educational event." Nothing will be sold at the event but as my mom used to tell me from my dad attending them (he hit many); the presenters will tell you anything to eventually sell you something next week.    My dad was in sales, did very well for himself financially and knew the game but you got him to take the bait by overly praising his financial acumen. "You're the smartest person here John." 

A diverse portfolio is a strong one, however, if your family has to go looking under every rock after you pass to settle up because you had so many out there, that is no fun for anyone. We thankfully haven't uncovered anything too out of the ordinary. 

Stop playing with my mail AAA insurance spirit and sorry 'C. Curtis' but I will not be attending your seminar.

Trail Head