I'm back...briefly

So I've been away from the blog for awhile. The weather's been great but due to ongoing knee problems, a feeling of being dead tired, teaching a workshop here and there and rehearsing for a 1 night only benefit show for Philadelphia's International House I have had virtually NO TIME on the Catbird.

BOO!

My little borough started a weekend farmers market and I rode the Catbird up to town to buy some fresh veggies 2 weeks ago. Even though it is only a 2 mile round trip I felt SO GOOD. I can't explain why being on a bike makes me so happy. It isn't about speed, 'cause I don't have much speed unless I'm heading down hill. It isn't about endurance because I don't have much of that either. I think it is is the feeling of fluid motion and being outdoors. I ended up making it a 5 mile trip when I returned to town to get lunch, drop of some letters and go home. My first ever commute on a bike.

I've been out about 3 times altogether this month each ride for about 5 -6 miles. Easy flat ride around the immediate neighborhood.

I went to the pro cycling "Commerce bank Triple Crown race in Philly this weekend - formerly known as the Core States. It was the first time I've been to a pro cycling event. I had SO MUCH FUN! OK so the riders are going like 20- 30 mph and are virtually a blur of color and wind as they ride past, then you wait 20 mins for them to come back around but outside of going to an LPGA tournament (which I also did this week - Day 1 McDonalds) I can't imagine a better sporting event. You are SO CLOSE to the athletes and the groupies and the atmosphere.

I could only stay about an hour or so because I had to teach my improv class. Di and I arrived not too long after the start of the race so not many spectators were there yet. Walking up the parkway we saw a water bottle on the ground. At first I just thought it was normal Philly trash. I went to pick it up to throw out and realized it was an official team water bottle. OK yes it was sweaty and gross and had the remains of spit and sports drink inside but it was official team equipment! I am now the proud owner of Jelly Belly Cycling water bottle. NOT available on the team website FYI.

The SWAG and other official merchandise for sale was, imho, LAME. I think this is one area where both teams and events can improv in huge ways. I'm a cycling fan. I'm not an 'insider' I don't know the terms or the names of all the teams or the stats or who rides for what team. I just like the sport. I'm not someone with disposable income. So how about a few more 'officially licensed' items for those of us who want to support a team or teams but only want to spend $30 - $50...like team water bottles or t shirts with team logos or seat bags or posters or magnets or buttons or static cling window decals or flags. Right now I can afford socks. Socks are fine if I was completing a full team kit 'look' but not very satisfying as a souvenir. Cycling is NOT alone here-- the LPGA has missed the boat BIG TIME and I'm sure there are other sports or events that could use some improvement.

Blogging may be slow for a the next few weeks. I start directing High School Musical next week for summer camp. I have something like 95 kids ages 7 - 12 to somehow make into an ensemble in 2.5 weeks.

Yes. You may pity me.