Ford

Raise your hand if you want to see pictures of the undercarriage of my 1991 Ford (Ironman sponsor) Exploder as I lay on the frozen tundra replacing the starter motor?

Didn't think so.

As a result of this unfortunate maddening mechanical malfunction, RCVman found himself without wheels to transport his sorry sack of bones to spin class this morning.

His options:

A) Call the local guy (RCV assistant RG) for a ride.
B) Take a cab.
C) Ride a mountain bike.
D) Walk.

Remembering the good ol' days when workouts during Ironman (sponsored by Ford) training included riding to work at the gym, an hour on the elliptical, a five hour shift, riding home in the dark, five hours sleep, ride back to the gym for a 0530 spin class, ride home (5 miles) and then start the editing day, I decided to choose option D. For a couple of reasons. A wasn't valid as I didn't want to bother RG at 4 in the morning, B is too expensive, C, although tempting and challenging, wasn't perfect due to the 35 degree temps and icy roads, so, D it was.

Nothin' like a nice little two mile hike at 0420 to start your day, I always say. With the head-torch illuminating both the road and each breath, the roads were mine. 37:26 and we were ready for the two thirty minute hill-climbs that constituted our spin session this last Monday of 2009. Then the return hike home as sun was just starting to turn the sky a somewhat lighter shade of sooty smoke. I will admit that I liked it. Walking across the golf course, through the park, adding some cross to the high intensity of the spin, and most importantly, not getting beat by a bad Ford (IM sponsor) starter.

So today I am a mechanic. The Exploder had 225,000 miles when I bought it six years ago. I told RG (assistant mechanic) that when the new tires we had installed when I was in Europe last year hit their guarantee delta of 80K, that we would retire her to local light-haul duty. Then I am going to have to make a HUGE decision.

Did I say that I like walking?

Pix: The start of the run in Kona, sponsored by Ford. Me & Junior warm feet by fire after a chilly ride in the park yesterday. The Exploder (with cam) is an official sponsor of the Ironman Triathlon World Championships (mechanic not included).