The Drawing of 3

 The Drawing of 3

 

 

(Spoilers ahead)

 

Back again and what a title! You probably don’t know but “The Drawing of Three” is one of the most important Stephen King Novels to me. I bought it in 1997, I held onto it for years, I picked it up and tried to read it, but the protagonist, or one of them, was a junky, and I found him irredeemable. I put the book down. Then at some point in Sunnyvale, California, I made the decision that I had to press on, I had to find out more about the Gunslinger, his Ka-get, and the Dark Tower that had haunted me since I was 14 years old. 

 

Funny how the world works, now at 50, I’ll read anything King I can get my hands on, and it’s all because of that heroin junky, that made me out the Drawing down. To me Eddie Dean’s redemption arc became so important to me. His comical balance to the Gunslingers unapologetic sternness and lack of imagination. I cried when Eddie died years later in Campbell when I read about his passing. However, in the realms of Sai King much like in the force of Star Wars is anyone ever really gone. 

 

However, today I’m not actually here to talk to you about Eddie, King, or the Tower (which is always closer). I’m here to tell you about what I’ve been up to the last few weeks and what I’m getting up to the next 7 months. 

 

It is a new year and that means before we know it spring, summer, and fall will be upon us.  My favorite things about spring, summer, and fall are of course that is cycling season.  When it comes to cycling, we know that I have big goals of riding my bike in all 50 states. So far, we have five down: California, Indiana, New Mexico, Texas, and North Carolina.  So, we have forty-five more to go.  For sure by the end of summer if all goes according to plan that will be down to at least 42 because this year we are signed up for Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

 

The Redbud Ride:

 

The Redbud Ride is just around the corner; we are less than two full months out from it as of last week.  Taking the bikes down to London, Kentucky for 72 miles in the south.  We will be riding the green route.  We are looking about 3K feet of climbing.  The climbs seem to be short but steep and I would be lying if I said I was not already worrying about them. I always get myself worked up over these things.  Just must remember keep calm and climb on.  Climb the hill, not me.  I don’t want people climbing on me, that would just be weird.  April 17-19 should be an exciting weekend in the blue grass state. 

 

Bike and Beers Hershey:

Hershey, Pennsylvania I have been dreaming of this place since I was in like the 5^th grade.  I think it was the 5^th grade when we had to a state float.  I am not sure, it blends, when you get to 50.  Anyway, my state I was assigned was Pennsylvania.  I remember my Mom telling me to get a Hershey bar wrapper and put on the float b/c they were made in Hershey Pennsylvania.  I have wanted to go to the land of chocolate ever since.  So, when I was looking up rides, I came across 45 miles in Hershey.  It just happens to be a bike and beer. I like to bike and I used to like beer and there will be chocolate, it is Hershey Afterall.  So, off we go to the land of chocolate in June.  The 12-14^th should be a nice drive and ride in PA!

 

Peninsula Century Fall Challenge:

 

David as David often does talk with some folks out in New Mexico.  The tandem (two people one bike) couple recommended to him the Door County Century.  When I searched for this century ride, what I came across was the Peninsula Century Fall Challenge.  So, we are heading to Wisconsin with bikes in tow to do a metric century: 72 miles, and 2200 feet of climbing.  I am excited, I really enjoyed Wisconsin the two times I have been there.  What I am not excited about is that the ride states the hills are real on this ride and expect to be challenged.  Any ride that does that, makes me a little nervous about those hills.  However, we have 7 months to get ready for said hills, and I might just try to do the Tour de Ramps the week before this ride and that is more hills and climbing.  I really stress about hills.  I don’t know why I have strong legs, and I while I am slow, I usually get up them.  Either way really excited about going to Sister Bay from September 18 – 20.