Weight Loss Update: Down to 175!  That's 30 pounds off now.  I'm hoping to be down a little farther this time next week. Lots of riding this coming weekend.

It's been a while since my last update.  So I figured I ought to write something.  I've been to the Oregon State Cowboy match and did ok.  Missed a few more than I should have and ended up 3rd in category and 7th overall.  Out of over 200 shooters.  I also had the help of my friend and student Steven Rupert (aka Badlands Bud) to help teach a shooting school.  We had 16 students.  One of whom took 30% off her stage times over the course of the match!  That's outstanding.

A few weeks back I went on a ride around Folsom lake.  It was only 55 miles, but it was the hardest ride I've ever done!  Most of the work/pain was in the first 32 miles.  There was a lot of climbing in the foothills of the Sierra's.  Something like 4900 feet of vertical gained over that 32.  Lots of breaks, but I didn't need to walk any of it.  I need to get some easier gearing before I try that again.  It was a very difficult ride.

This coming Saturday my son and I are going to do the Ride for a Reason.  It's a charity ride in Folsom, CA to raise money for cancer research. It was his idea and I am not going to disappoint him!  It means missing a local match, but spending time with your kids is never time poorly spent.

Sunday I'm off for another group ride. This one could be as long as 70 miles and tours around the area south of Sacramento and toward the delta. There are a couple of ferry rides too.  I'll see about taking some pictures to post.  I won't have the new shoes yet, so I'll have to cope with foot pain for yet another long ride.  I'm really getting tired of it.

On the shoe front, the guys at D2 have been quick and very responsive.  The fit kit arrived promptly and I got some help doing the foot impressions and tracings.  I sent it back within 2 days of receiving it.  It's possible that my shoes will be here in a little more than another week.  That's quick.  So far, the experience has been excellent.  I'll know more after the shoes arrive and I spend some time riding on them.

While I was getting the foot impressions done, I got some more bike fitting (same guy did both). He set up some short reach bars and a shorter stem.  I'm feeling much more comfortable on my bike.  That's a good thing!