Greetings from San Francisco

What's this got to do with my bike or running? Absolutely nothing! I'm just sitting here in the airport in San Francisco - it is 7:25 PM local time - 10:25 PM back in my world - and my flight doesn't leave for another 3 hours.

I'd complain about the crazy 'red eye' flight, but I planned it on my own.

So here I sit. Tired. Hoping I can sleep on the plane. 4 hours to Chicago....a 90 minute layover then 2 hours to DC. Get into DC at 8:48 AM. I plan on taking the metro home, grabbing a shave and shower, then heading to the office. I know, I know, that's crazy, but I feel like that'll make me acclimate back to the correct time zone and sleep better Friday night. Of course, I won't be riding my bike to work!

Speaking of that, I am now commuting by bike 3 days a week. It's not a 'green' thing - it isn't to save money on gas - no, I do it because it allows me to get in 20 miles of biking in a day without taking any time away from normal activities. I can make the commute one-way in about the same time as a drive - maybe 10 minutes longer by bike.

Northern Virginia cold weather might put a damper on it, but I expect I'll ride as long as it is above 35-40 degrees.

Last week I rode 101 miles. Had my first flat. Rode 8 miles with my son (wish he'd ride with me more).

Oh, I want a new bike!! I want a 'cyclocross' bike - built like a road bike - drop bars, light frame - but beefier wheels and tires. Some even have disc brakes. Still, with it looking like Chairman Mao Obama will be annointed President and the crazy stock market, plus 2 birthdays (Alayna wants a laptop like her brother), Christmas, and a wacky stock market, I don't need to be spending $1000 on a bike. I'm watching Craigslist in hopes I'll find one that I can pick up cheap and do my own fixup.

While I've been typing (I'm a fast typist) only a few minutes have passed. I still have a long wait. I'm in the Red Carpet Club, United Airline's premium club. I bought a one day pass for $50. It was worth it. Comfy chairs, no crowds, free snacks, juice, coffee and soft drinks and a free high speed internet connection.

I tried my best to get on an earlier flight home - it just didn't exist. So I sit here and type and watch the planes come and go.

I guess that's about it for now. Miscellaneous ramblings by an exhausted traveler.

I miss my family. I love my family. I remember now something I don't love - traveling.

If you have somehow stumbled onto this page and are reading this, please know that I do not drink alcohol - I'm totally sober - I'm just tired. And God Bless You for sharing a few minutes with a lonely, family loving, bike riding 50 year old man who can't wait to see his family tomorrow.