The brand new and very rare Brooklyn Machine Works...

A very rare bike. Only less than a handful currently exist in the world....

Sort of a blurry photo, but less so than seeing it blow by you on the trail.

American 178

Stretch arrives tonight and I am going to pick her up at the airport.

More than anything it marks her first trip away to California (where her heart really is right now...) since we have really been seeing each other. It really has been the last 2 weeks since we have made a connection.

I wont get into details, but I was sort of an idiot and did something I probably should not have done ...or said something I should not have. I guess that I am a little insecure with Stretch and just mentioned she may not be as forthright as I am. I Think this hurt her feelings a little which I did not mean too.

Hopefully all will turn out for the best.

Pets are people too...

Well, not quite but they can carry an immensly important emphasis and are often considered just as much a member as anyone else in the nuclear household (mom, dad, bro and sis). I mention this as there has not been a day in whcih I have not thought about the Z's.

This is a picture of the W's: recently they lost their pet dog to a heart attack and my condolences go out to them.

God love kid sisters...

you look like an armoured roach on wheels!!!!!

-Kid Sister

Mountain Creep update:

Mountain Creep update:

Yeah, that is yours truly.
Outside of 1 rotor burn, 4 guages from either crashing or slipping a pedal, 2 scrapes of note (there are others which do not register), a rash on my ass from spending the day in wet clothes (starting with hot coffee in the lap...) from the sweat and rain and a bunch of bruises (not sure if they were all from Mountain Creek) it went well. Started to ride with more confidence and even launched totally comfortably a couple of small jumps in the woods.

Monsieur LD will be annoyed with this picture because I am sure it is not to his standards. I agree, picture really does not give insight to his prowess, but it looks cool as you can really see that he is moving. Everything else is in focus but him...

The course...I think you are looking up the trail...but either way it you look at it is rocky.

There I go... Fun day on the trail.

Have more stuff to write but it is Monday and I am still playing catch up with work. Will write more later.

Work, work, work, that is all I ever do....

This week the blog has taken a back seat do to some monster work obligations: I don't do anything for months basically and then I am off to the races. Did not leave the office till 10.30 on Wednesday night.

Week is about over and I am grateful. I am wiped out.

I read a local NYC'ers bike blog and he was saying Paolo Bettini is the greatest bike handler. Now anybody who saw footage of "the race of the falling leaves" will attest that the way he came down the mountain was with ungodly speed. At one point he is cutting the apex of the turns so close he is either rubbing the metal barrier onthe side of the road or a retaining wall all with in the space of of 15 seconds. He seriously raged in honor of his dead brother, but is he the greatest bike handler? Fuck NO. I saw John Tomac come down Mt Snow (or maybe it was Hunter Mtn...similar fucked up course) back in the day. This was prior to super slick suspension and he was sliding corners and ripping the DH as if he was on a smooth BMX track that he had been practicing on for his whole friggin' life. Tomac could also ride up hill with some conviction for being a bigger guy. ...That guy is a good bike handler. The hard core Euro Cross guys also of the same caliber of a top MTB'er would shred to pieces the roadies. Remember Rune Holydahl? He won a world cup in DH and was a multi time winner in XC, he attributed his ability to gun it to cross.

And finally I have one name that will shut the pundits up: Voullioz. Nico the alien remains the all time greatest DH'er ever...I get the sense he could come out of retirement and not miss a beat.

"The mountains call, and I must go." - John Muir

"The mountains call, and I must go." - John Muir

XC Day at Blue Mountain:



It has been a awhile since I have last rolled in the dirt sans pads and full face helmet. My days as of recent have been split between either downhill daze and skinny tire runs up 9W. Both good, but XC gives you a little of both.

Saturday was XC day and overall a decent day of riding: nothing amazing in terms of a high level of quality riding on my part. LDL was smoother than ever. No big moves that stand out for him or I, but he was smooth. For you skateboarders it is akin to watching the Hosoi (king of smooth who in Future Primative made rolling down the street jaw dropping...no tricks but so smooth) instead of a super techy type skate like Hawk.

I will post some pictures in a bit.

Sort of in shock about the latest revelation about the Tour de France....it just seems as if when given the chance to start over many riders decided to take a pass on being clean. I am sure there must be some sort of mental addiction in place.

Hmmm....Great album covers

Rsmussen the yellow jersey cheat????

http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12851.0.html

I can not get over this story. I am not suprised (jaded side) but at the same time totally suprised (hopeful I am wrong).

About Last Night....

Well actually it was not last night but Wednesday night.

Not really sure where to start but I preface the story with my thoughts at the moment in order to make some sort of sense. Below are the letters I wrote to the gym and so I am sure you can piece it all together.

It has taken me a while to digest/consider the situation and while I had hoped to come to some sort of internal resolution but the more I mulled it over the more I upset I am.

I am mad at myself for not fighting and being publicly belittled (frankly I would have lost. Ever since I got wrecked a few years ago I no longer have the switch to flip and thus lost the will to fight at any cost mentality....which I am grateful for). I am angry at the gym for not taking appropriate action immediatetly. I also fear that there might be some retribution from these unsavory characters as they have access to member files. But by the same token there is no way I am going to roll over on this and would much rather face the alternative then know I did not hold my ground. I am sure I could walk away, but there is a big part of me that feels so wronged, hurt and violated that it is all I can do to hold my ground.

In the end it, no matter what happens I lose. I can not ever go back to the gym regardless of what action they take. I feel like I will have to look over my shoulder which I have never done: even when I pissed off a heroin addicted maniac in HS I never-ever really worried. For some reason I do with these guys. And finally I will never really be good with myself in some ways for the hit I took to my personal being for allowing these people to berate, belittle, demean and threaten me. I can say with out certantity that I did the right thing by walking away, but my pride stings as I never have backed down from anyone. I used to stand my ground and did not give a fuck if it was college football line man who weighed double me (wound up with a bunch of bumps after he refused to pony up on the keg at my party because he was a football player)or a cab driver who pulled out a steal pipe thinking that would deter me. I always held my own...I would have been wrecked by these 2 thugs ...I am sure of it because these were 2 big guys and I am built more like kermit the frog these days and nor do I have that anger inside that used to carry me. I know it is not worth it...But it still bothers me.

And while I am sure I could let this die on the vine I just can not stand for the violation of my person. I would rather suffer the alternative then let these people walk away thinking that this was acceptable behavior. My personal convictions don't allow me to walk away be cause it was/is wrong: how is this acceptable to the gym? How is this acceptable behaviour in general? It is not. And frankly it is not my job, but it was wrong and by letting it stand it sends the message that this animalistic behavior is AOK.

I have not really said a word to anyone about this and I just reached out to discuss with a lawyer and I have spoken to the gym management 3 times since the incident occurred.

I am just sad. I wish I had not gone to the gym that night after my ride. I was just feeling good/content and wanted to carry that energy.



The letters: I have withheld the names etc and the details as I just want to give the broad strokes.

Name withheld,

Thank you for your response.

I can not tell you how angry, embarrassed and upset I am.

In front of your own manager, J, C.S. (sp?) tried numerous times to get me to go outside in a very threatening manner as if he wanted to do bodily harm to me. NN (sp?) also made it clear he wanted to hurt me when he approached me in a very aggressive manner to let me know I had broken a rule. It seems so self evident that your club seems to like to hire ex convicts or thugs.

I now worry that, because your system is so accessible, both of your employees could get my address ( I live on east 57th) and attack me. It was that type of experience where I now feel like I have to look over my shoulder. Do you know how uncomfortable that is?

Granted, I broke a club rule by wearing flip flops, but the manner in which I was told by NN was completely aggressive and unacceptable. He made it very clear in no uncertain terms, in a very condescending and aggressive manner, that if I had a problem "we could take it outside like men." This may be a form of training for your trainers as that echoed what CS would say repeatedly at the front desk in front other members and staff.

Then as I waited to talk to J, as she was on the phone, I was then verbally attack again by NN in front of J. When NN left, CS who up until that point had been sitting quietly, interrupted J and I's discuss and made it very clear how I was in the wrong. I agreed, but disagreed in the manner and told him it lacked professionalism and that it would have been more appropriate for the manager to say something to instead of contractor (trainers I assume are contractors at your gyms). CS then went on to question my sexuality/gender by taunting me and calling me a "woman."

I would be more than happy to continue with the rest of the examples if you need them.

There were many witnesses to these event and I am sure they were just as horrified as I am.

There is no way I can return to the 59th street gym. I seriously am concerned that your employees may try a vengeful act against me so I am considering contacting the authorities and filing a report.

Please call me on my cell: NUMBER WITHHELD. While J was gracious last night she could not control her staff and I am not sure Chris will be able to address my concerns as I feel this incident should be escalated but the corporate ladder.

Sincerely,

This was teh response to my origanl email the night of the incident:

Georges.

Thank you for your email and I apologize for your experience in the club last night. You will be hearing from CR today, who manages this facility to discuss this situation. I will continue to monitor the incident until it us rectified. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

Thank You
MF
Vice President-Member Services

This was my email I sent the general gym email:
From: Georges Rouan Sent: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:54:51 -0400To: : Report of a near violent iccedent that occured at your 59th street gym, NYC
Hello,my name is Georges Rouan.
My telephone number is withheld.I was just threatened bodily harm by two of your employees: CS & "NN" and your manager J was present for the whole event and allowed it to occur. I was taunted numerous times by CS as to if I "wanted to go outside" as if he was going to fight me. This was very violent behavior. I was taunted and called a "woman" in front of many people. I could go on but I am in shock and anger. I need somebody to call me ASAP as I want out of this club if that is normal behavior. I was threatened numerous times in a very very hostile way in front of many witnesses. Please call me so I can get out of my membership. I am actually in shock that this is allowable. This is my 2nd experience in the last 6 months of having been a witness/victim of this type of verbalabuse. Obviously, you have no control over your employees.I am considering taking this matter to the authorities and/or legal action.I can never go back to any of your gyms and frankly I am now concerned that one of these "trainers" wont get my personal information off of your system and try to pull some sort of retribution.

In shock,



It all just sucks.

Quote of the day...

“Be kind to one another – everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” ~John Watson

I thinking I am starting to have just about seen everything...

Or alternate more cliched/cleaner title that does not sound as if it came from an online Korean to English translator: "Now I have seen everything!

This morning as I waited for the subway to arrive I was sitting on the bench. One of the train track MTA personal (they wear the neon vest and direct you when you are getting off the train etc...) sat down next to me.

At that very moment I was trying to drink coffee, play Tetris and listen to music . Shortly thereafter a train slowly pulled in and the MTA personal shouted out to the driver who was sitting in the first car like he was rolling in his pimped out Accura (gold detailing) with the fancy rims: He was sitting real low in his seat and had his hat forward so that it was covering his eyes.

"YO-YO-YO"

At first I thought something was wrong. The guy sitting next to me walks over and the guy in the train sits up a bit and they shake hands and start talking. I watch it with the thunder of Led Zeppelin on my headphones. It goes on for a little bit and so I then stop the music to hear what the story is. I only caught part of the conversation: it is about a girl. They laugh, say the "catch ya later thing" and then the guy in the trains continues on to the front of the track in order open the doors and let people on and off.

I just witness two train workers stop the train, slow down commuters by keeping the doors closed so maybe keeping them from making it in on time. Maybe other trains were slowed down behind this train, which ultimately means that the flow of traffic city wide may very well be slowing down? And for what? A talk about a girl. Wow.

I get on the train and ended up next to the 5,000 year old man who looked so frail and that without his cane (see picture above) I am sure he would have not been able to stand. The only person who bothers to give the guy a seat (I was standing so I ha no seat to give) was some hot Mam-eeee from either PR or DR decked out in one of those naughty-slutty-trashy outfits (Fredericks of Hollywood may have this type of git up for all you ladies who read my blog and may need a little help in the slutty look department) which seem to become the derigeur. She had her ear piece in and the slicked back hair and a little black bag...I am pretty sure I would/would not want to know hat is going on with her and her little black bag if you catch my drift. But there was a ton of young guys who just sat there and watched old man river move at the speed of a 2 legged tortoise. How is it some trashy dressed (hell if I know if she is or is not...But the outfit left little to the imagination and she looked the part) lady gives up her seat and a bunch of young strapping, successful looking, semi coherent in terms of appearance guys can just sit there and watch for at least a good minute (it was around a minute) before a woman gives up her seat?

Summary:

Me seen it all...

or,

Another day, another normal commute.

What a shame...what a shame...

Now that Stretch knows of this blog, and she has made it clear that she wont go looking at the posts, I haveto say it is sort of a shame. Not that much that I post up here is worth much more than the memory of this computer, it still is a pretty accurate and give some insite into what I am thinking.

Other Stretch news: Tonight is the first time I have ever spoken to her in the evening like in after 9pm. Not sure why I must recognize this. But I must....Sort of like I am not sure about the Tetris addiction I have. The other night I woke up in the middle of a super deep slumber and played one complete game then went back to sleep happily. Mind you one game takes me between 30-40 minutes. I really dont know what to make of that.

Spooky Cycles are back....

From the ashes they have returned bringing that hardcore, straight edge (Youth of Today) hard hitting bikes....Not sure if this just a deal with some UK importer who is looking to do something with just the brand name and nothing else...Even if they dont come back with the US of A super duper hard tails like the Dark Side, it will still be cool to have them back.

No details...sorry kids.

Spooky Cycles

spookybikes.com/

Latest RockShox XC fork...International brake mounts going buh-bye as well

Tech-eee sort of post....

The writing is on the wall as SID forks will be going away and the latest thing will be this 32MM type stanchion xc fork. Velonews reports that it borrows technology from its Free Ride line of forks and will only have post mounts. International will most likely be the standard as Fox has moved that way with its 2008 forks.

Also of not is the fact that there is no brake post mounts for canti's...canti's have been going the way of dinosaur for some time with only weight weenie types still running them .

Tuesday Night Stretch

I met up with PDB and did some grocery shopping for his big date out with an Irish Catholic girl (don't say I did not warn you...MR was from Queens which is kind like the Bronx...Sorry that is me on sour grapes)...He looked good, and sounded good. Things seem to be on an upturn for him.
Then I headed to LD place and we smoked the peace pipe and put to bed some junk. LD has a tough, no non sense exterior which I know serves him well. But for the few people he does let graciously into his world he takes down the guard and those few people know he is good,and a well meaning sensitive human being (there are not alot of humans around these days....let alone good ones). I am glad to have LD on my side.

Stretch:
I picked Stretch up and she genuinely excited to see me...she held my hand and kissed me repeatedly through out the night. She wore a beautiful dress and she was gorgeous.

She was in a great mood as she had blown the day off and gone shoe shopping with a friend. She was so excited to model them for me. I love seeing people in amazing moods. She smiled bright and was like a kid showing off her take after a great night of trick or treating. I could have basked in her light all evening but for some odd reason I wanted to run to our next activity because I was afraid of what I might say...I ended up saying it later of course. I could not help myself as while I had been managing myself well, there had been a giant weight on my shoulders about the days to come. I know that she leaves. I can even joke that she will be leaving. She even said to me when I point blank asked her if she was ready to leave NYC (and me) and she said "yes" with conviction. I have been preparing myself for it, but when I am around her I can not help but be anxious. I wish I had said less...It is not like I dropped the L word or anything, but I told her (and meant it) that I liked her allot and while this was not my A game, that I had been trying to show her this. She was very sweet and made me feel good, but I can also tell that we are not at the same place.

We ended up at Naka Naka and having another great meal.

From there we ended up kissing on the sofa for a bit...

Roam Video...

Makes my video abilities look like crap....

Salad girl, PDB, stupid pricey and other random notes...

A few inquiring minds have asked...

The Salad Girl that smiled a little too much has left and so it is well safe for me to go back to my routine. She went on to a new job that "pays much better at 10 bucks an hour..."

Later Tonight:
I am off to meet PDB shortly at Ass-whole Foods...the place is good but it is so pricey. I have not hung out with him in some time and he has a date so I said I would come meet him while he picked some stuff up for a picnic with his blind date. Actually I am sure she can see, but they have never met...I shared a few tips on my favorites for a date and hopefully I did not come off as a know it all: "hey jack-ass, I can get my own Olde English and Velveeta cheese..."

PDB then went on to bust my bubble about my Abe Frohman signature in my emails: Abe did not say it, but rather it Ferris did...Down it goes. Now I must spend a huge amount of tiem finding another quote that is just so clever as that one....Found it.

I am never sure about what I am really thinking...
Downloaded a bunch of music last night including every single Clash single along with all original B-sides....I have a problem when I am re-downloading music I already own just because it is a limited edition single collection. Oh well.

Finally...Stupid Pricey:
Not that these cats pay for their crap, but it still has to hurt to think that you just crushed a wheel on a $5,500 wheelset...Lightweight wheels does not give any team a break unless they are Unibet/Canyon...Otherwise pros are paying wholesale...even heard of certain guys pay full retail on these bad boys a few years ago when they just came out and dudes who were stalking Le Tour for a win and were looking for the next best thing along with epo....


In the end I feel worse for the dog....

"All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine."-J.S. Graduate of the Ridgemont Academy of Higher Learning.

Other Junk....

So I booked my trip to France to meet Stretch. It should be cool. Never met anyone over there so it should be interesting. I also figure by that point I should have a good understanding (or not...) of what is going on.

I am seeing her tonight on the late side for Sushi. I have to say I am enjoying the very relaxed dating pace we have right now. I think she likes me otherwise there would be no invite to France and the rest of the recent efforts she has made: It is nice and frankly pretty much spot on what I needed as I started to wonder about all this dating and whether or not Stretch was limiting herself. I know she holds her cards to the vest pretty tightly so I think her recent actions are strong signals....either way I feel better as at one point I was feeling a little out of sorts.

Here is an email from my cousin...
Dear Georges:
Doesn't sound likely that I will get you to come for a Cow visit. BUT, that being said I am very happy to hear you are having a lovely affair with an interesting smart women who thinks you are funny, and yes you ARE. Maybe you should propose within the next 40 days and see if she might be cajoled into staying with you in NYC or somewhere on the east coast. She sounds too good to let go. France could be the clincher. Nothing like the romance of France to inspire a
romance. Have fun and let me know if and when you (both) might like to appear at COW. Of course Stretch would be welcome with open arms. It's so beautiful here, a great place to propose...
All is well with us. I am happy to say Sophie seems well and Sammy is taking a stab at work. Not totally enjoying this new life style but I am happy he is working.

Have a bon voyage and keep me posted.

Much love, Wendy

She is a good Cousin.

Blah blah blog sheep...

The city is starting to get hot again...I hate the heat. Just lowered the blinds in my office in an attempt to cool down. The building I work in is complete crap...one side is way hot...the other side is a complete ice box. Kids either have fans under their desks or are wearing logo blankets.

Occasionally, I get emails that read like this: Were you able to see if there is any other way to pay back the margin for name withheld???

Are people so stupid they have never read a story in teh Journal for example about Wall Street assholes who self implicate themselves. There is no way i am breaking the law for this job...It is so not worth it. And why would you be so stupid as to write an email about it and t hen send it to me? Some people are so daft it makes me want to scream.

Saturday DH

Spent Saturday at Diablo and while maybe not as dramatic an experience as the prior weekend it was still a good day of riding. Rode solid for the most part and outside of 2 rear wheel wash outs that dumped me to the ground and hitting my shoulder at a good clip on a tree after a quick get off in a rock garden I can say I am remained in good health. My body is fatigued has that deep fatigue but not sure if that is because I have ridden 4-5 days in a row.

Some highlights:
Rode tempest a bunch of times which is such a sweet trail. It flows so nice, it is bermed with the right amount bumps, rock gardens and jumps. It has one section that you can basically let your tires roll they have banked a bunch of turns, have a couple of table tops and set of doubles here and there ...and some great fall aways along the way.

We really did not stop too much and LD had to wait a bit for me (he of course was kind enough to say ..."you are getting faster...did not have to wait as long this time") but otherwise we did straight runs without too much discussion pictures etc...For some reason we did not get a ton of rides in (hanging out with other peeps like the Bronx bombers who would drop the sickest of lines but who I could stay right on their tail. Or the "kids" who where two young rippers sans pads, were running either bald tires or small tires. Great guys and I am so appreciative that I get to ride with great riders with no attitude.) but the riding was solid. I also helped with my DH stamina. I am so tense and not relaxed during a run that I build up a ton of lactic acid in the back of my legs and my forearms. Today my hands are still tired. WIll need to get back into the habit of doing finger work outs again.

The repition in the runs helps build confidence and makes newer stuff less daunting as you have had the practice on them before. I actually felt pretty good and had semi decent speed.

When we hit the city I was sure I was not interested in doing much so I eneded up going to the gym for a little bit and then I hit the sack around 10.30PM. I ended up sleeping till 10.15 AM which is alot longer than I had ever thought I would need as I had planned to ride on auto pilot up the river on skinny tires.

I can not wait to do some XC riding: I have not done any in so long and I am starting to get some fitness so I am going to have to make a trip soon to Blue mountain.

Once, twice, three times a lady.....

Thinking you are so smart and clever one moment only to find.......that not so much.

Being the type of person who when he gets excited has a very hard time controlling himself made a classic poor form choice in 3 separate instances: the first one was fessing/showing my cards up on the fact that I had a moment of doubt. Normally pretty good at keeping it together but with Stretch I had the worst experience of anxiety and just straight up asked her if she was seeing anybody else after she asked me to meet her in France...Am I out of my mind/ Any, feel like a total jack ass for letting my emotions get the best of me.

She then went on to send me a email asking me if I remembered the conversation that I once started in which I said emphatically I would not want t oknow the answer....Yes. What can I say? I am starting to like her and I got weirded out because I had some premonition (total bullshit evidently...)

2nd thing is that through my own fault Stretch found my blog...Not that I really care because in the end I have to be honest in order to have any normal serious relationship with a woman so I know it does not matter if she reads it or not. This is me...But for a good ten minutes I really questioned that I even had a brain for divulging to much to a chicky who has the H-Bomb (Harvard.) and not thinking she would not track it down like a pooch scans for beeef.

3rd thing: so classic that I am now pretty sure I know what a dummy I am and that my only redeeming act of recent is to date Stretch. So I pick Stretch up on Friday for dinner and when we were riding over to the dinner joint (Prince 24...good) she drops a great one:"I have to confess something to you about last night and the man I was seeing....He is aged four and is the son of a good friend..." Such a great bust and at the same time letting me know that it was totally cool and that she could laugh about it. yeah i do like Stretch.

Summary:
It was just was uncomfortable in the end because I am not sure I need her to know that I really like her, to show the "uncool" side because I was having some strange things going through the mind, and finally some insight into how I think via my blog. I really do like Stretch and maybe what bothers me is that this is the most honest relationship I have ever had and I am at my worst.


Thanks LD for slowing me down so I could write this thing up....

Le Stretch...

Stretch asked me if I wanted to meet her France in August. Now for world traveler Stretch I am sure this is normal course of business to meet friends over seas. For me it is a pretty big deal...And at first I liked the idea, then I totally did not at all and now I am back to really liking the idea. I would like Stretch to be my first foreign love. I want to kiss her neck and trace her tan lines on her back with my finger in bed in France. I want to whisper ...

The thing is, I have never mixed my American cheeseburger life with my Steak Frites French world....In fact when I do go, I am normally pretty reserved and not likely to give up too much about my world here in the US....Not sure what that is about but I have a hard time talking about what I do, my family, my friends etc. Maybe because for a number of years I was close to writing them all off. I have made myself do a lot of hard things in my own life but this was one I could not do. I never gave much to them because I was never sure if I wanted to keep that door open. But it is there and I have resolve within to keep it open and do a better job.

Anyway, I am going to do it. I think it will be fun.

Anyway

Morning Run up 9W and small recap...

Woke up early and went for a ride up 9W. It is the best way to start a day.

I stopped at JB's place and had a quick chat and cafe con leche. 30 minutes later I was back on the road. The coffee was great and I do like talking to her. She showed me some of her designs, which was very cool.

After I left I checked my email account (possible Stretch email?) and got this distressing email from JR. Mind you, JR and I are not like good friends...We talk maybe twice a year at most. It always surprises me the number of people who turn to me for advice. It is like as if people know I have had few car wrecks for relationships (which I have...and I am not sure what it says about me) and they feel like I may have some insight . I think I do have something to say, and normally it is pretty sane (sage? hardly) advice, but it is as if people are willing to take supposed great medicine from a doctor who is much better at prescribing medicine then he is at taking it.

Georges,

How are you? I hope you are doing well and happy. I
am Ok for the most part, but sad, as Chris and I are
pretty much over. It was my doing, as I just
couldn't marry him, and I needed to make that
decision and get out, rather than continuing to
linger in undecided safe field of limbo. I hope you
don't mind my asking you, and I mean this entirely
on a friend basis, but I know you have been through
this misery stage in the past - any words of advice?
JR
I responded best as I could as I was on my cell phone trying to key in something good to say on the side of the road:


Miss Janet,
I have ridden the trail of tears a few many times for
my own good...frankly some of it has been my doing and
others not my own doing in which I went kicking and
screaming into the night.At first, sad, hard and
painful in all cases. But always when I look back with
some perspective I know it was for the best.

Have resolve in the knowledge that you took steps to
change your world (which is very self empowering) due
to an internal distress signal that rang loud over the
comfort of love. It is hard to hear that signal but
when it does ring one must listen and it often it is a
call to arms for action which many never answer. Most
people don't have the strength to do what you are
doing. That is important so don't forget that.

If you know that it was not right for you take solace
in knowing you are saving your life, the life of a man
you do love and that in the end tomorrow is always a
new day. New day to make yesterday better if today is
hard to cope with.

Trust yourself.

If none of these words ring true within, then you can
always drown your sorrows with younger men with harder
cocks and decent wine (save the good stuff for the
good ones).

I wanted to write you more but I am just finishing my
ride and felt compelled to pullover and write a little
more as I know it can be hard to make these choices
but I also know you are your own person, which is a
rare and great thing.

Keep your chin up and please let me know if I can help
in anyway.
Always,
GR

I am sure it will all wash out for her.

I am looking forward to date night with Stretch.

Last night after work...
I ended up in the park doing some super slow laps. I wanted to rrelax and zoneout and not really have to think much so I just spun a nice and easy gear around the park for 2 hours. I pedaled just long enough to feel slightly fatigued.

I then dragged sister out for a little sushi and then met cousin Sophie for some frozen yogurt...then I had to crash I was spanked and wanted a good nights sleep so I could be well rested for Stretch.

Best intention of getting out of bed this AM for a ride...

Instead I turned it up slugg style and stayed in bed. So much for getting it in gear and riding a bunch of laps before work....Instead I have had two cups of coffee in a row and I am still feeing super rough.

At work now exchanging emails with sister on all sorts of non-sense. Mostly my non-sense.

The sun is out and I wishI was on a ride right now...I could really be into a completely mindless road ride up to Peirmont for a burrito. Then I could really be into passing out on the grass for 2 hours before having to head back.

Rain, rain....

I had wanted to get a little ride in after work, but the rain came and drowned that idea quick.

Instead I went to the gym and worked out till I could no longer.

Afterwards I ate some sort of super protein ground turkey parmigana wrap thingy. 510 calories. Or that is what they advertise.

Now watching a little "Big Love" ...That lifestyle is so way weird.

Ready for bed.

A little conflict inside. Hopefully not enough to keep me from sleeping.

I hope it does not rain again in the AM. I still want the ride I did not get today.

New day shortly.

What next?

PDB....CD

This is how I feel right now...

Spoke to PDB (yes, like BDP. Boogie Down Productions for you all new schoolers...And don't ask who Scott LaRock is.) yesterday for a bit and we are going to catch up and get a beer I think Thursday after work.He sounded good and I will be curious to hear what the latest and greatest is going on with PDB.

Here is an email I got from him:
Georgie,Nice Blog!!!
Thanks for the props. Couldn't find her picture. Am I retarded?

I posted a picture of him and his love interest...What can I say, the picture is there.

CD:
One of the last great friends from work is about to jump ship I think. I dont blame CD at all as she needs/deserves to make more dollars...Everyone needs to have their own fistful of dollars. The CO: Pennywise...very pound foolish.

Tuesday Night Training....Wednesday AM Stretch.

Tuesday Night Training: I left work later then I wanted to because I really meant to leave before 5 so I could get some serious ride time in. I needed a solo roll in the park badly. Bumped into a few folks on the way home who were trying to get me to go out: some people have no clue who I am. For me personally, in the battle between booze and bike only a stupid man would pick booze. Stupid kids...

Normally when it is this insanely hot I just head to the park, switch on the auto pilot and roll calmly. Not this Tuesday night though....I decided I want to have a sprint session. The normal course of business is to head to the hill at 110th street and wait for the fastest kiddies to come by, and then try drop them. I like to ride next to them or right in front of who ever the prey is and wait for them to notice that I picked up the pace a little...if they try and follow then I know I have a bite and as soon as I see that, I take off full gallop. Hopefully if I time it right, right after the first bend, I can hold that person or persons off. Then I ride down the hill take the cut and then wait for my next prey(s) to come by.

The first couple were full tilt pain and I almost passed out on the first one because I really killed myself not realizing how crappy the heat can make me feel. From there on out I paced myself and managed not to get passed once. So it was good night.

Wednesday AM Stretch:
This AM I saw stretch briefly: I woke up early and went to the gym for 45 minutes. After a quick shower I headed out the door for my rendez vouz with Stretch.
Some details:
I had stopped by her office to drop something off and pick something up. We ended up sitting on a bench in front of Bar called the Ear which is supposedly the oldest Irish bar in NYC, drinking a cup of Cafe together. Stretch gave me a book called the Prophecy.She had mentioned that it was there she had gotten Epiphany as to what true love was, so I am curious to read it. She gave me some sweet kisses (and I nuzzled her neck) and I was on my way. She is a sweetheart.

She may have been a little overwhelmed by my sight etc this AM: she is an independent type girl. She really should be riding an IF instead of Ben Serotta.

Hustler now a legit rag?

I loved that Larry Flynts Hustler magazine was the source that broke this story. One can imagine it is a small world in adult/sex etc thingy that I am sure these secrets were divulged at some sort of convention....

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/vitter.madam/index.html

Monday Night and Sunday Rides

It is a little after 10.30 and I have just gotten home from a really nice night out with Stretch: I had picked her up at her place after bringing a few items to restock her refrigerator after her trip out west. Most, if not all, were things I knew she liked so it really involved no imagination on my part. Maybe careful listening, but nonetheless I was happy to oblige and more than anything it was nice to know I could do something that was for her and other than maybe a few bf/dating points had nothing to do with me. This is when I am at my best with people: It is more satisfying. I do really like being around her. And I do like feeling apart of her life in a very non obtrusive way as in I can only add and hopefully never subtract from her life. Sort of strange, I know but it is working for me and making me feel good after the X.

It was such a sweet night out. For me there is something so sweet, playful and innocent about seeing her. I even liked that we kissed goodnight after dinner because she needed to get a good nights sleep after a whirlwind tour home. The only melancholy aspect of all of this walking on air is that I only have small amount of time with her.

savory each moment a little harder.

SUNDAY RIDE:

White shoes but no white shorts

After an amazing day of DH at Mountaincreek I needed to have a day of total relaxation and decided a slow ride up to the river and over the bridge (ohh to grandma's house we go) was on the docket.



I rode up 9W at a decent pace never getting passed and passing a ton of folks. My legs felt good to be rolling in the big ring. I had planned to ride to Nyack but was having some issues with a cleat so I ended up stopping in Piermont as there was no way I was going to risk breaking a cleat. Plastic speedplay pedal cleats are finicky.

While in Piermont I stopped and got myself a Gatorade (green in honor of Stretch) and ended up chatting with a lady outside the coffee joint while I was fixing my cleat/shoe. We ended up riding back towards the city together and she showed me 2 new routes that I had heard about but never had done. I was sworn to secrecy though..


Turns out she is the sister of a high ranking public official ( I vaguely remember LK years ago mentioning she met her and that she was a cyclist) and she is pretty smart kitty cat. I have to say I am really enjoying talking to super smart ladies as the alternative young vapid chickies leave much to be desired. She asked me to write something for her website and I have been feeling more prolific (inspired by new zest for life) as of recent.

Recap Sunday Style with Mikey Dread doing "Rockers Galore" in full dub fashion

Recap Sunday Style with Mikey Dread doing "Rockers Galore" in full dub fashion
MORE Pictures to follow shortly...

LD swinging big off a nice drop...Sorry I missed the exit in this shot because it was way smooth.

Yesterday: I awoke early after a night of little sleep after the X called. I am not sure what to say anymore. I really don't know. Anyway, we spent a little bit of time talking in the middle of the night when I am not at my best and I can be cranky to say the least. It is not that she does not know that I hate being called in the middle of the night to have a way confrontational conversation, because she is not that stupid....RIGHT?
When I hung up I only could feel sad and down: It is sad when two people say they want the same thing but they can not get there together. It is really sad.
SATURDAY AM : Got my ass in gear and rode my way down to LD's casa in the west 20's. Riding in full tilt armour almost killed me: I can only liken it to Cool Hand Luke when our hero was locked in one of those hot boxes. I was sweating before I was doing anything. Drenched.

After riding down to LD's truck we made our way to Diablo. After 10 seconds in the car I started to have caffeine withdrawals. I had not had time to get one before getting to Casa del LD. I thought I was living stimulant free these days and only to find I am now addicted to the cafe con leche, Fortunately I made it to a purveyor of the golden brown just in time before I had an aneurysm. My head really aches without...That is sort of scary.

First and foremost, I want to say up front that bombing DH style is the shit. I need to tell everyone of my skinny tire brethren ( and fat tire XC geeks) that they have not lived, nor can they say they ever really have rode a bike till they have done this. That good! Yeah, seriously that good.

Here on out I am just going to flesh out the day in as matter factly as possible. No embellishment. Seriously.
It was decided on the way to the mountain that my chances for survival would increase exponentially if I rode a big bike. Although I knew the reputation of it being totally bomber, at the slight expense of weight, the Brooklyn Machine was styled totally hot and I really wanted to ride her. For some reason I could just picture myself ripping single track on it. So LD, in his typical generous fashion lent his works Race Link Brooklyn and he would ride his "big bike." His concept of a heavy bike gives new meaning to tank.
I really was not mentally prepared at all for what was to come. I was riding a brand new bike, with no clue how to really ride thing. First run I almost killed myself in the fast section by touching my front brake way soft, or at least what I thought was way soft, only to end up on my front wheel at mach 5 on a pretty smooth section for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality closer to a second. It was unlike anything I had ever ridden and felt closer to the cliche of a true motocross bike. And as it was explained to me by my father years and years ago at a shitty dirty public mx track, under the brutal Southern French sun, "Georges, you don't ride a moto, you pilot it." While at the time I thought he was off his rocker, his words never rung louder by the end of the day.

The bike was overwhelming at first and I was a little apprehensive as it was not my rig. Overwhelming as it is big and heavy and different than any DH bike I have ever ridden. Not that I really thought I could hurt the thing because I was not really sure I could get the thing up near its potential. It was allot to process.

So there I was, decked out gladiator style, full moto stlye, willing to throw myself down the hill willingly with no clue on what was going to happen. I was not really that worried, but I am often delusional and think the elephant cold be the mouse, which only fueled a little anxiety. Not enough to make me apprehensive or have second thoughts, but sort of like that feeling I used to get knowing that if I allowed myself to get tagged with a tazer stun gun it would hurt a bunch, but would no long term damage would occur. Cold winter Maine nights in college would spur a restless man trapped with a bunch of certifiable to do strange things which included pellet guns, jumping from high things, fire and alcohol, riding the elevator on the top and unfortunately for Keith, the bottom as well as a very small selection of the hi jinx that occurred in my formative years. Please note that I wrote "fire and alcohol" not "fire, alcohol" as their is a significant difference.

I crawled down the mountain for my first run avoiding obstacles that later in the day I would find myself ripping. I could not figure out how at first how to ride the bike. It was not until I let the thing run, like you would a moto, and just tried to stay on. The optimal position for me was in a modified crouch, which made my calves cramp and lower back burn with lactic acid. It was hard on the body as my body was so tense and stressed. There is little margin for era riding trails at a decent clip as one small mistake and you can wrap yourself around a tree. Downhill is like downhill skiing but on small motorcycles through rugged trails in which you are ripping through rock gardens and sharp jagged teeth like rocks. Riding the steeps to drops. I wondered to myself on the 2nd run how was I doing it. But also not caring, because I was doing it. I just leaned back and let the bike do what I could not, and rode stuff like I never had before. I had never did one of these stunts, meaning just one singularly, so when I did a series of 3 rock roll downs right in a row in what amounted to 30 seconds of riding I knew I had just found religion.

LD was a king when it came to tips and guidance. LD did one run inwhich he dragged the brakes so I could get a glimpse of lines which was helpful. I frankly did not/could not take the same ones he did, and he rode them with speed, but still it was very insightful. He pushed me to ride stuff that was far bigger than I thought I could do and pulled on the reigns at the right time so as not to brain myself on a boulder. Gracias borther.

It what was good to say the least. Summary: harder in ways I had not thought of and easier in others. All in all I would have ridden more, but in retrospect it was wise to call it a day when the lifts closed at 4PM. I really did but on our last run we really did not stop that much so my forearms and lower back were on fire, and I am not sure I would have been that safe for me to do one more.

Can't wait to go back.

Mullet choice: Italian or Belgian?

I had told Jackman that I was growing a mullet in honor of my new found white trash-ness.

His only question in true bike geek fashion (rock on bro!) was whether or not i was going full tilt noodle or pommes frites: Italian mullet or Belgian Mullet?

Give me SOME credit puh-lease....

Worse....French mullet. Can you say "neon colored bandannas"? I love that look of Faux French Cowboy...they are so obsessed with that classic American icon crap like James Dean, Marlboro cigarette, coca cola, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne type shit.

The response to my admission of new devote worship of the mullet: I'm so glad you are French / American.

Finally: While riding around in the rain last night I was listening to John Cash and the man in Black last night. What cajones that man had to sing a song as radical as that at a time when it was so conservative. I was groovin' on the tune and words only to have my moment interrupted by ABBA as the next song....How did I go from integrity to Disco?

The police walked in for Jimmy Jazz

I said, he ain't here, but he sure went past

Oh, you're looking for Jimmy

JazzSattamassagana for Jimmy Dread

Cut off his ears and chop off his head

Police came looking for Jimmy Jazz

So if you're gonna take a message 'cross this town

Maybe put it down somewhere over the other side

See it gets to Jimmy Jazz

Don't you bother me, not anymore

I can't take this tale, oh, no more

It's all around, Jimmy Jazz

Awoke this AM to the realization...

...that I am out of my brain to be chasing Stretch.

What the fuck am I thinking?

This must be a prime example of my self destructive behavior that I am so blind to, that it never dawns on me till too late. Why would I be so intent for falling for a girl who leaves in 6 weeks?

Can I drive any faster towards a brick wall? Ahhh there we go, just found the metal with the pedal.

It was fun while it lasted.

Rain ride...
Last night after work, I swapped my stem out and hit the park. The rain started to come down before I was out the door but it was dripping...nothing severe.

The rain picked up a little here and there but the temperature was still mild... It was not hot, but just sort of humid. I was wearing one of those skateboard brain buckets that LD swears by. in an attempt to look less like a XC geek. I joked that if I had an accident in one of those helmets that they were so hot with such little ventilation, that most likely my head would be fried by the heat of the thing that it would not matter if my head hit the ground.

Ended up riding, hanging and talking with LD for about 3 hours. He is a happy man, completely smitten with his new kitten...Good for him.

I had slept like junk the night before so I was happy to head home grab a bite to eat and crash.

I sit here and listen to a conference call my company is having and it amazes me the marketing spins. "This is our story for this week...check back next week for the next entirely different/new story."

Gettin' motto....

Off to do some skills work tonight in the park with the LDL. Best stuff comes in pairs.... bike wheels, grand mothers and....

Solitary 4th: Personal party

The day was spent very quietly actually and slightly in solitude. It is funny to nary speak a word in a city with so many but outside of ordering pizza and coffee not much was said and I liked it that way.

I rode in the park as the day was overcast and threatened rain so local pedal it was.

Afterwards I rested up and then decided I would go to the movies by myself. The next thing I know I was at the 7.50 showing of Oceans 13 which was not as good as the first 2.

Missed the melee of the throngs of people making the reverse exodus from the river vantage point after the fire in the sky ended...

It was nice to have a real quiet day...I even got eggs and pancakes for breakfast. Life is sweet.

Pedal under overcast...

After some intense shifter therapy I made my way to the park for some laps under what looked like not the most promising weather: Overcast. Pedal on, as another day in which I don't ride is a day I don't get back when I can not ride no more somewhere down the future. Pedal on.

I rode like an addict. I had hoped to succumb to some sort of transcendental meditative Utopian opiate through the right amount of pain and shallow breathing. How hard could I go with just regular breathing and muscling the gears. I rode like an addict. I rode up the hill at 110th street 10 times in a row. I would set tempo before the climb would start and make my upper body as rigid as possible as the stress of the hill started resist my legs. Breathe slow and shallow. No sudden moves. No shifting gear and no shifting of the upper body. Push the biggest gear as possible at no higher than 60 RPM. No exactly dynamic in any way. You just go up a hill like a freight truck. Anyway, the meditative sate I was aiming for fell short of what i really had hoped for so I just assume, since I am just as Buddhist as the next cat, that it might one of those things that can not be done. Oh well it was a good work out and every once in awhile you need that more than anything else.

Made it home as drops of rain started to fall for the briefest of minutes. I would have liked to have ridden more but the clouds gave me an excuse to relax a little and head in...I did want to ride more but was also happy to escape the park. As i left I saw the carnage of a cyclist hit a little girl on her skates (I think) by the swimming pool near Stretch's 125 CPN. I hate the park in the summer...Everyone is riding like t hey are on crack and riding full tilt, aggro eruo kermesse, with all the weaving through the rest of the people. I wanted remind them a fancy carbon bike does not make you Lance. This cause a few races up the hill at redline. I would kill myself in order to drive off a few guys from sitting in on my wheel...Or would drill myself to in order to show the wheel...so childish. Who the fuck am I kidding? I am just marginally faster than a decent shaped old man who had smoked for 20 years.

Just had 2 slices of Pizza (fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, pepperoni with a little olive oil...) and it was so good. This may be the best slice (some of the 1st tier joints only sell by the pie) in all of NYC. Pintailles had it for a little bit but their priceswere pure rape.

Resting up. Legs up. Morale up. All good.

I think I am in for the night on this fine 4th of July which is actually totally cool. I am pretty wiped out. It takes a few times to be able to get used to sleeping in a new place. Or at least that is how I am.

July 4th...Independent feelings and OK with it

A little insight....She is leaving in 6 weeks.

Salutations Stretch*,
I hope you are well and know that you are missed by a
number of people here in NYC. One individual I can
think of quite easily. I am quite certain, he is
wishing he had a little longer with you this morning.

Sadly, at this juncture, all I am left with is these
scandalously naughty teasers (also know as
"selfies") as a curry hot reminder of your beauty. I
know they were sent, disguised as pictures as evidence
for Mr. Hoss, as a gentle reminder. And while I do
appreciate you sending me these risque, no torrid,
photographs of your exposed flesh , except for a
small thin swatch of silver between you and the camera
lens, I can certainly assure you I need none such
inadequate visuals (compared to the real deal, true
blue YOU, it is as if it was the work of a card
carying Philistine who gave insufficiency a new level
in depth), as a way for me to be reminded of Stretch*. Not that the effort was not appreciated by the
recipient. Know this though, I will only have a
problem trying to forget you from my memory and
pictures will nary make the fire stoke any hotter for
you than it is already.

That being said, if you do happen across any pictures
of yourself in a modest pose, unlike these pictures
which I could not share with my family without lying
to them that you work in erotic performance art,
please forward them on.

As a holiday, the Fourth of July, was really
celebrated with you yesterday beside me. I liked the
feeling of us a couple. You are so great and I can
not help but feel ecstatic around you... I could write
more (or maybe I already did, but chose to edit??) but
more than anything I wanted you to know this: It is
nice to say the least.

Off for a pedal in the overcast...even the sky is a
little melancholy with your departure. Come home soon
as the big blue sky really does miss you.

Always,
GR





--- Stretch* wrote:

> OK hotstuff -- why are these people MY fans? I
> didn't do anything
> other than accept a really lovely thoughtful gift...
> they should be
> YOUR fans (although I suppose they were already)
>
> Here are three photos. Hope this works let me know
> if he needs more
> detail. It was kind of hard to get them in focus :)
>
> Spoke to Jack and Ginger and was thinking maybe the
> four of us could
> have dinner tomorrow since they have to pick up Max
> (or I have to
> drop him off) anyway? Probably not exactly what you
> had in mind but
> Ginger will keep you entertained. Let me know if you
> feel strongly
> otherwise... there is also a small chance that I
> will not be leaving
> until Thursday night now but I probably won't know
> about that until
> end of day tomorrow...
>
> 
> 
> 
>
> On Jul 2, 2007, at 2:50 PM, Georges Rouan wrote:
>
> > Miss Stretch*,
> >
> > Just an example of the enquiries I got today froma
> few
> > folks who were in the loop...You seem to have a
> few
> > fans right now. Even my sister is now a big Stretch*
> > fan...
> >
> > I spoke to Hoss just now and he wants to make a
> new
> > one for you right away...but he needs a picture of
> the
> > one you now have, so he can use the right stamps
> and
> > make sure there is no overlap. He called me after
> I
> > responded to the email and told him that I really
> > liked what he did but....
> >
> > Can you take a picture of it with your fancy phone
> and
> > send it to me and I will take care of the rest.
> Once I
> > get the new one back he said I could send the old
> one
> > back.
> >
> > Anyway, I hope you are having a great day.
> >
> > Humbly yours, your admirer,
> >
> > Georges

*=Names were changed to protect the innocent

Saturday, Sunday Morning...

There have been a few times in my life, when I have admittedly passed on a ride because of the warmth of the bed. Sometimes I need a little sleep. It does happen rarely (maybe slightly more this year) but historically I rise to the occasion for the pedal. I even gave up a night with Miss Divine and Miss Niagra Falls after I was invited back to their place after we had been doing the naughtiest of body shots in a little dive bar off of Houston years ago....I instead opted to ride with a balding Dr. K. at Round Valley oozing tequila in the middle of one of the hottest days of summer years ago. Chances are though, you will find me spending my weekends riding the trails or riding up for some coffee in Nyack.



What does this have to do with the price of tea in China? Crap frankly, but I thought it bared mentioning in the context of my weekend.



Stretch and I met early Saturday AM for a ride up the river to Nyack. She looked great in a pink jersey...the girl does have great taste and I have yet to see her in any state that is remotely not beautiful. She only flies one way.


I had given her an out on the mileage as I sensed she had a long week and she took me up on it: We only rode as far as the Ranger Station which was fine with me. As we pedaled river road, through he great green canopy I decided I wanted to pullover and give her something that I had wanted to give her not too long after we had met. i wanted her to know how I admired her and the way she lived. Sort of the way Henry Rollins lives his life or Joe Strummer had. They never lived for the destination but rather for the journey in a manner that one can only respect, as they remained tethered to their core. I wont get into the gory details of what was said or what was given other than to share what I wrote in the middle of the night.

Precipe of a new life, new world.

Ventured farther more frequently than any sibling.

Your parents came from OK, but how many cities have you lived in and or visited...

Who can say that they went to top schools and choose the path closer to the heart rather than the wallet.

There is sincerity in that type of life.

I think she knew what I meant...I smile a little when I think of her response.

We finished our ride and we met later in the day to go get massages together. A first for me. Massages are harder than just lying there ...they really poke and prod you. the chick who was giving me the rub down really seemed intent to push with all her might on a a very sensitive knot in my back...I finally stopped fighting in and tried to breathe into the pain...Frankly not much better. I would do it again though.

Afterwards we had Korean food as a "snickety-snack" (her words, not mine) and we then headed to her place and drank Montrachet that I had given her the last time I had seen her. The wine drank so easily and beautifully. I wish we could have had more time on the sofa, chatting, kissing softly, eyes closed and just being together. it was that nice.

But the call of food came and we were off to barrio Chino for tasty margaritas and food....What a night.

Coffee in the early AM, basking in the warmth of the sun, as it was so early that the shade was chilling. It always feels awkward the day after...at least for me it does...but it was not so bad. i am not sure what I can really say about it other than it was really nice. I am still processing and digesting our time together.

We spent the remainder of Sunday together. It felt really good at some points. She is so smart, we are not exactly cut from the same clothe but close enough to know that it is ok to be honest about some things because we were similar in many respects. I just don't know if I am off my rocker doing all this for a woman who is intent on leaving NYC in the distant near future. It reeks of self destruction.

The Sister gave me the thumbs up saying she liked Stretch already after I described her. Not sure if she said that because she was so glad I found somebody i may actually like and that I may actually be happy ...or that I am with a woman who does not make me feel like total shit.


This may just be the impossible...it may just be silly on my part. I may just be barking up the wrong tree. Still feels pretty good even though I have this reluctance. I promised myself I would live in the moment and not project/forecast anything other than the weather....and then it does not matter if you are worng because Even the experts are wrong about the weather.