World Naked Bike Ride and St Johns Party!

*********************************************************************************

                                                             This last weekend was one I shall never forget! Saturday was the Annual World Naked Bike Ride in Portland and so Dena and I decided to go be spectators and see what all the hub bub was about. Was this really that big of a deal and why was the media whipping things up so much about it? So some naked folks got on their bikes and went on a ride through town.
It is a human body and legal for one to do so in Portland. I swear, this puritanical attitude in our country simply makes me really wonder if some will grow up and get used to the fact that we are all naked a lot and that bodies are a GOOD thing, not an evil one. No, we don't go to work naked nor to the supermarket. but if some folks don't want to see the naked bike ride for one reason or another....don't. It is as easy as that. And if your children point and ask questions about it, how is this a bad thing ? Shouldn't they have had this chat already?



                                                                Anyway, here are some pics of the ride. The park was filled with up to 10,000 people with most being naked in some way. This was HUGE and reminded me of the Woodstock pics and experiences I grew up on. But what really amazed me was how there were NO fights, confrontations between participants,garbage and litter left nor anything the police had to deal with.  Warning to those with issues concerning naked people....the following photos have NUDITY!!!!  Yes, that which we all possess is on film. Er, digital CCD.  Apologies for the lowsy quality of photos as they were from my phone.

As you can see, nobody was ashamed at their state of undress. Lots of smiles,happiness and freedom at being able to participate in this.

 Now, the only one incident that was a bit negative included the above protesters . Three local Church goers with their sign, bullhorn and name calling , condemning everyone there as gay,baby killing Jesus hating freaks , stood there and yelled at the crowds. Interesting how these men who were professing to be Christians showed such a lack of love and compassion that was supposed to be part of their faith. None of that at all. We were all going straight to hell.

In the end, they eventually left after the cyclists started to hit the road and they figured they'd accomplished their mission, whatever that was supposed to be. Could they really go home in good conscience and say that  they had done God's work? Really? Sad and pathetic. After all...Jesus was naked a lot too, especially at birth.

Finally the cyclists began to move. You cannot get all 10,000 cyclists to move at once, it needs to be in small and slower groups. Took three hours to get them going on the route.




So, this was our first real experience at the Naked Bike Ride and I shall say it was a hoot! Would I participate next year and don my birthday suit to join them? Hell yes I would! Already have a few others that would too so this could be great fun.Let's see what happens next June!


Sunday we went to Cathedral Park in the St Johns District in Portland and attended a fun neighborhood party for all. The weather was a bit hot and muggy but it was nice and we had a good time.

                  A very busy weekend and one that has left some great memories for sure!!

Vancouver USA half marathon!

*********************************************************************************

                                                                 Granted, I have not been too diligent at blogging on here and I should be taken to task for it. Then again, I now have three blogs that are essential for me and so it does make the time factor in. These are the links to the other two:

                                      Shakuhachi Adventures  and Therapy via this blog!

These along with writing with pen and paper, running, biking and spending my time with family really consume a lot of my day. Still, I will have summer to get better at it hopefully.


                                                                  Last weekend on Sunday my final half marathon of the year, well in fact my only half, was raced. As I was not super prepared for this and allergies had been beating me up the last three weeks, nothing phenomenal was expected to happen and I simply wanted to finish the race and in a decent amount of time.  Before the race, there was time to snap photos of my running family. Many of these were shot by Dena and I appreciate that she not only did that, but supported me at the event. Ann also ran this half marathon and finished well.

                                                                 
                                                                  The first six to seven miles were actually going very well as I kept my pace near 8:00/mile and ran decently. When running through some cottonwood trees near Sr-14 and Pearson Airport, I noticed my breathing changing dramatically. My Claritin had kept the sniffles and nose issues at bay but did nothing as regards the breathing. This alone decimated me as I continued the race. About mile 9 or so it had gotten so bad that my running was 10:15 or so in pace and I was walking more as the inability to breathe made running impossible. At the ten and a half mile mark or so I simply knew I'd have to walk most of the next 5K to the finish, though I would run the last 500 yards if possible. And that's what I did. My hip was being really cranky with me and there was nothing I could do about that though the cramping in my calves and quads were not too bad

Finally, I was able to run the last part over the finish line at 2:28:46, the second worst half marathon I have ever run. I certainly beat myself up quite a bit about it then and for the next hour, but I got over it and was happy I had finished. Guess I shall have to just roll the dice this time of year and hope that the allergies keep at bay. Last year was a good one but the previous before that also a mess like this last race. One never knows. I shall train wiser for next June and hope that it's a better result.








 Here are some photos from that day. The weather really cooperated well and it was overcast with a slight breeze. The course was back to that of the inaugural race back in 2011, making it a new one in someways.

This year marked the fifth that the Vancouver USA Marathon has been running and it was even better than ever! Brian Davis, the Energy Events director and owner, has done very well with his company and devotes a ton of time to it's development  and continued success. Since that first year, many things have changed and from what I can see, all for the better. The shirts, medals, activities and operation have progressed nicely to make this one of the truly wonderful marathons in this country of ours. It has been called a "hidden gem" and it is indeed that. Below is a photo of the medals from the last five years and how they increased in not only size but detail and with even more love. Many thanks to Brian and his crew for this delightful race!

                                                                     After the race, the temps started to heat up. This was going to be the start of some rather hot weather as the week progressed. As most know, I do NOT do well in heat over 85° or so and melt or pass out :-P  The forecast this next week looks to be a scorcher and not at all fun. Therefore, I shall be laying low and staying indoors as much as possible. it is going to be a long, hot and dusty summer by all looks of it. Stay hydrated, cool and in A/C if possible!
My apartment has never had AC for over 20 years and so we shall cope.

*********************************************************************************

Summer has arrived!

*********************************************************************************

              Yet another summer has arrived and the heat index rises. This isn't always a good thing for me as I don't do well in hot climates, but this is a great place to live and mild for the most part. I suppose the beach would be the next best place with moderate temperatures. Alas, I cannot live there so this is fine enough.

              It has been awhile since the last blog post and there have been some delightful events since.
The Rum Run in Tualatin,Oregon was fun, as always. This was Dena's first 5K race and she did great, crossing the finish line with plenty of others behind her. Well done!!

Always one of my favourite races that Energy Events puts on and never fails to be a great time.

                                                              As I now have a new Trek bike, my mileage and exploration factors have both increased. Last week I biked 50+ miles and ran 13 to round out the week. Allergies have now made this week a bit tougher but they should be over soon enough. Here are some photos from that long 32 mile ride to Portland!

                                                            I'll be doing a lot more riding and working out towards a hopeful duathlon sometime either this year or next. Certainly is a goal I'd like to reach. :-)

*********************************************************************************