Monday

I want to give my heart-felt thanks on this day to all the men and
women who have served, and currently serving in the Armed Forces
of these United States. I salute all of the Brave, it is your courage,
sacrifice, and hardwork that enables me and every American to
have the freedom and participate in the activities we all so enjoy.
This weekend I rode my bicycle, crewed at a race track, and ate
BBQ with family and friends. I watched the Indy 500, the Coca-
Cola 600, and the Monaco Grand prix. it was a fantastic weekend.
I am lucky to be able to have done all these things, while my fellow
countrymen are out across the globe fighting and defending the
way of life I, my family, friends, and every citizen currently enjoy.

On this Memorial Day, I decided to ride a 31 mile, hilly route.
I knew it woud be tough and tiring, but it was my very small way
of suffering in honor of War Veterans and Soldiers. I rode out of
Basking Ridge, into Far Hills, up to Mendham, then on to Ralston
and finally, Peapack-Gladstone. I climed nearly 2,300 feet, and
ascended Douglas Avenue in Far Hills, which must be around a
10%+ gradient. It was tough, the tarmac was bumpy, riddled with
pot holes, making for a difficult ascension. With ever SLOW pedal
turn my legs were burning, my lungs trying to inhale oxygen...
just feeling like I was not going to make it to the top. But each
time I wanted to give up, I thought about the battlefiled and what
the agony, suffering and bloodshed must be like, and I realized
I couldn't begin to understand. I realized how easy I had it. I could
stop at any time, I could turn around, I had a choice, I have the
freedoms to make those decisions, I love that freedom.

Sunday

The day started late for me, at 10 am, where I rose and had the
afternoon planned watching the Indy 500. I would watch the race
and then head out for a quick bike ride. Well that plan changed a
bit when the race was stopped about 3/4 of the way in, due to rain.
It would be at least two hours until the race re-started, indeed, if it
even did re-start. So, I figured that was my window to get on the
bicycle and get some miles in.

The sun was shining brilliantly, so there was no way I was not going
to ride the bike today. I didn't have a route plan, so I just winged it
from my door. I wound up riding through Bernards twp and Harding.
I had never riddne through Harding on Route 202, so I gave it a whirl.
I rolled along the "Country Mile" as it is called on 202, past two farms
and lots of wooded land. It was a slice of rural life in the suburbs.
I really enjoyed riding on new roads, and seeing new sights along the
way. Sometimes it gets a bit boring riding the same old routes...
The ride didn't throw too much climbing at me, but there were a couple
of nice rollers, that had me over 35 on the short descents. But those

same rollers had me at 12 on the short ascents too! I rode about 27
miles and was out on the road just under 2 hours. All in all, a very nice
ride. I got back home, and turned on the race and bingo! The re-start
was coming up in 10 minutes! What timing. I relaxed on the couch,
watching the rest of the race. Later on I cooked up some burgers and
dogs...and sat down to watch the replay of the F1 Monaco Grand Prix,
perfect. Ocassional switching over to see who was leading the Coke 600.
It was a great day, out on the roads, and spectating my favorite sports.

Saturday

No bike riding today, it was just a lazy Saturday for me...Although
I did make my way up to my cousin Joe's house to have dinner later
in the day. I ran a few errands in the early afternoon, and that was
about it. Ate a lot of food, talked a bit of mocking mafioso wit
Joe and Fat Tony...and had some laughs! Aaa...Oooh, Capice!?

Friday