ducks dinking around

Sometimes you have to take a break from the bike and mow the lawn. Other times, you have to walk the dog. Sometimes you have to just chill. So that's really what we've been up. There were a few good rides last week, but some solid resting too. This week we're focused on a couple weekend rides, and maybe a group ride tomorrow if it's not too hot (or rainy).

I know you've all been refreshing your browser constantly to see if we've updated, so I apologize for the delay. You now have had your fix.

Or, if you were really craving juicy bike stories, stay tuned and we'll post more soon.

smothers brothers and sibling revelry

Tonight, the newest band of brothers was released onto the streets of KC. J-Garv finally got his bike, so we demanded that he take it for a spin with us. We went on a modified colonel. Of course, I led the way. By the end of the ride, on a scale of 1 to 10, Justin's hate of me was a 10, and of Matt, about a 7. Honestly, it is oppressively hot here. So the fact that little J got on the bike and mustered those 11 miles says a lot for where he's headed in the cycling realm. Only good things to come!

Check out the video and give the littlest (and newest) member of the Duck Dales team a big welcome!

P.S. Justin spent a lot of money on his bike. What is it with you engineers, JKG?

Blazing Saddles

This weekend was hot as blue blazes. Today we went for a morning spin to the Overland Park First Watch - about 22 miles. I think it was definitely the sweatiest day of the Summer. Sorry guys, I know you didn't need to hear that, but when it's ninety and up and you're pedaling on blacktop, it takes it out of you.

77.4 miles for the week. Fell a bit short of the 80 we were after, but I think that's okay considering the heat. We also got some hills in, so that counts for something too.

Bye!

Going downtown

When you're alone and life is making you lonely
You can always go-downtown
When you're got worries all the noise and the hurry
Seems to help I know-downtown

Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city
Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty
How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles forget all your cares
So go downtown
Things'll be great when you're-downtown
No finer place for sure-downtown
Everything's waiting for you
Downtown

Petula Clark wasn't kidding. Today we went for a ride down to River Market, made a stop at Cascone's for breakfast, then headed back South to make an unannounced drop-in at J-Garv's. We put in 22 miles round trip. We also stopped and got Matt a new jersey and some gloves on the way as well. Fun day!

Speedy Suits

Last night we went on the Brookside group ride through KC Bicycle Club. It was a good group, nice route, and lots of fun. The route was somewhat similar to the Colonel, but took us a bit farther (just under 18 miles). On the ride, we crossed paths with 3 other group rides. One such group of 10 or so FLEW by us in triathlon get-ups - speedy suits. We also had a few kids stand on the curb and say hi as we passed, and one counted us, which was pretty cute.

Now, you all know Matt's birthday is coming up. Looking for a gift idea? You can't go wrong with a speedy suit: https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/36233/

delights and disses

We know you love lists. Who doesn't?

We dig:
1. research that gets us closer to a cure for MS
2. all our friends and family that have donated to us - we're listed in the top 20 teams in KC and we have a mighty group of 3, not 30
3. our bikes - love 'em
4. belching on a ride - why are we swallowing so much air? have to get that under control...
5. sprinklers are always nice
6. finally feeling a sense of normalcy in the spandex
7. the breeze as we hit 30 mph every once in a while
8. puzzles like the one below (thanks Mom!)
9. people who read our blog and tell us they like it
10. ride-pie-ride-pie

We disdain:
1. tattooed shirtless man that cuts us off on the bike (and others that don't share the road)
2. potholes
3. tan lines
4. MS - every last bit of it, no doubt
5. riders without helmets - refer back to #1 on the disdain list - not smart

So you see, our delights outnumber our disses. And the things we're not so fond of? Some of them are pretty funny, with the exception of MS. So maybe we're using all the spandex jokes and redneck anecdotes to keep us laughing this summer, as Dale's disease keeps progressing and we refuse to stop being ducks just because things get tough.

Squeakin' up the Summit (the Sequel)

Today we decided to repeat the Grandview Mountain climb. So we headed South this morning and let's just say we were a lot speedier than last time. Part of that has to do with my new bike, and the other part is due to our cycling calves. The ride is about 27 miles for those of you that forgot, and as recommended by numerous advisors, we followed the ride-pie strategy. Actually, breakfast, then strawberry-rhubarb pie at TJs.

A bit more on this breakfast spot, according to the Pitch:
"At T.J.’s, the crowd ranges from grizzly tattooed truck drivers in tank tops to well-heeled businessmen in Brooks Brothers suits. "

Seriously, well-heeled businesmen in Brooks Brothers suits? When did that reporter go?

Weekly total = 74.5 mi
Next week's goal = 80

The Colonel

We traded wind for humidity upon our return, but we've enjoyed two rides following the Colonel route - Monday and tonight. It's a nice 15 mi ride.

century mileage sun

As promised, we now deliver the highly anticipated trip recap.

You know we went up for the Okoboji Cycling Classic, but in the process we also created some classic memories, which we're happy to share with you in the attached video. In our eight day stay in the lakes area, we put in 128 miles on the bikes.

Saturday: 50 mi
Tuesday: 7 mi ride through the woods on mountain bikes
Wednesday: 42 mi ride to Fostoria, with a stop in Arnold's Park
Friday: 14.5 mi around Big Spirit
Saturday: repeat Friday

Enjoy the footage!

Duck look-alike

There's been plenty of biking this week, but we'll cover that in a later post. For now, it's time to focus once again, on the duck. When you're consumed with being a duck dale, you start noticing how everyday objects resemble your feathered friends. Honestly, this is just as much a part of your life as considering how high cadence training ramps up production of mitochondria...

Now, the inspiration. I was hanging in my mom's kitchen, when I noticed this piece of ginger. If you can't see the resemblance, I'd say you're probably one of those naysayers that didn't believe it when the auction for the Virgin Mary toast fetched over $25,000 on ebay a few years ago. This is the real thing, my friends. No photoshopping here.

I encourage all of you to get in tune with the call of the duck. Send in your photos to kyliab@gmail.com and you could just be the lucky winner of a sweet duck horn for your bike. Act now!

_________________________________

*prizes and participation may vary, subject to availability. 48 contiguous states only.

Delirious ducks finish 50 miles

Yesterday morning we woke up, a bit nervous about the University of Okoboji Cycling Classic. We registered for the 50 mile route earlier in the week, and had planned to do it for some time, but then the implications started to sink in. It was double the length of our longest ride previously, and we weren't quite sure if we were ready. But Gus and Betty talked us into it, so we headed down and got rolling at 9. (Strangely enough, we never heard from Bus and Gutty).

We started out in a ferocious head wind, and little did we know this would pretty much continue for the whole ride - except for about 2 miles. There was actually a wind advisory, and people remarked that they'd never seen such crazy weather in all 24 years of the annual ride. As we traveled down Lakeshore Drive, we honestly wondered if somehow we'd been transported to Chicago. Our ride continued around West and East Lake Okoboji, around Spirit Lake, then back South to finish the loop. It really was a beautiful ride, even with the wind, and we had a great time.

A couple more details:

• Matt took one break to lay down in a farmer's yard on the East side of Big Spirit. Thankfully the Clif Bar provided some motivation for him to get back on the bike.
• Minnesota Ironman was our buddy, although we ended up beating him to the finish (it still took us over 5 hours, but hey).
• It started raining on mile 49, so we were glad to be nearing the end when it started to come down.
• Before you clean out your fridge, consider biking 50 miles. Anything borderline in there will be unquestionably delicious upon your return.

Today we're a little sore but feeling really happy about the ride yesterday, and feeling optimistic about our training progress to date. Ready to take it to the next level and still pretty freaked out about that second 80 mile day in September.

you like the bike?

I know you've all been sitting on the edge of your seats for the last 24 hours wondering if we found my bike. Well, we DID! We drove to Lawrence after work tonight, and picked up my new wheels. Beautiful!

Now, for those of you that don't know the rules of bike buying the right way, listen up:

1. Never buy a bike at the first shop. The 3rd shop is the best bet.
2. Always get there with only a minute or two to spare. Skate in no sooner than 20 minutes before closing.
3. Don't listen when one shop says you won't find another Trek 1.2 WSD 50 cm in the entire nation. Follow steps 1 & 2 and you will get a sweet bike. Repeat if necessary.

I'm really not sure why steps 1 and 2 work, but they do. Some people might say you have less time to get a feel for the bike if you follow piece of advice #2. Pish posh - you must be skating in. It's just the way the bike energy is flowing.

P.S. Our bikes are named Gus and Betty.

Get A Life

The best show in TV history, aside from Strangers with Candy.

duc-ky's dream

I have my eyes on this oh so pretty bike, the Trek 1.2 WSD. I'm sure you've already taken in the beautiful design - pearl white and electric blue. I need a 50cm and we're searching far and wide. Apparently everyone else thinks this bike is amazing too.

In case you want to help, we've already been to two shops in KC and left messages for the others, called all the dealers in Omaha/Council Bluffs (will be driving through later this week), and left a message for the shop in Spencer, IA. Tomorrow we're checking Columbia and Lawrence. Those college girls better not try to snatch this bike up. If they try, I'm going to tell 'em to SCRAM!

The people we've talked to aren't very hopeful we'll find one in stock, but I'm keeping the faith. Do a chant or something for me.

Squeaking up the summit

Today we rode to the top of Grandview Mountain, I mean, the city of Grandview. 24 miles roundtrip, with a nice stop at TJ's diner for some french toast. The place came recommended by our cyclist neighbor, Abby. It was a serious workout, sprinkled with hills and duck crossing signs. In fact, we passed Duck Rd on our way (no joke, we didn't know that street existed before today). Cars were generally friendly too, which was super nice. A good day!

what's happenin'

The ducks have had an okay week thus far.

Tuesday: 15 mi down Gregory, Starlight, Swope back to Plaza, back home
Wednesday: 15 mi through Hyde Park, west to Karnes Blvd, south to home - an extra couple miles thanks to chasing a run-away Greyhound that was almost hit by several cars on Wornall. We didn't catch him, but maybe we wore him out...
Thursday: off
Friday: We were shooting for 20 miles - didn't get there. The Riverfront Trail was a bit confusing. We started by the Isle Capri casino and thought we could head west for 10 miles, making a 20 mile ride. It wasn't marked well, and the elevator that would take us up and into the River Market from down below wasn't working. A walker told us the elevator doesn't always work after business hours....and that the trail only continued for about 5 blocks once you crossed the bridge anyway. It was a slight disappointment, but perhaps we'll discover a better section of the trail later, and it is good to explore and try new routes.
Saturday: Today we're going on a breakfast bike ride. Not sure where we'll end up, but need to get some miles in since yesterday we only got 5.5. Yikes!

Duck-billed Plateau-pus

We only took 1 day off this week. Actually have been on the bikes the last 9/10 days...60.5 miles this week and almost 100 in the last 10. We're a little tired, maybe a little cranky. So we may be hitting a plateau.

BUT, these ducks aren't average. This week both of us surpassed the average raised by riders last year. Big thanks go to our recent donors: Gramps, Cecilia, THE DUCK DALE & Mrs. Duck, and Ray Kuhn. The best news of all is that we have a new team member - introducing J GARV! Justin, you little bro, we're pumped you've signed up. All your kickball experience will come in handy as you flex your quads on the bike! Ride fast, little guy! (*note, Justin is nearly an entire month younger than Kylia)

Now that we've got an odd number of mates, we're going to get crazy. Gatorade AM in the PM and who knows what else!

This week's goal is more miles in fewer rides - shoot for 70?



The little guy, himself

Business of Biking

Special shout out to Ray Kuhn at Kuhn and Associates, who printed our business cards at no charge. Can you believe he even made them double sided for us? Thanks for the support, Ray! With your help, we'll be able to share what we're doing with even more people.

For those of you that don't yet know about the awesomeness of Kuhn and Associates, check them out: http://www.kuhn.com/index.html

The evolution

Today was not as much about the ride (13 miles), as it was about the process of becoming part of the cycling community. As you know from earlier posts, we're breaking in our bike shorts. Two people honked at us today, and a lady asked for some bike advice (like we know!), and we're getting more waves from true cyclists - we call them jerseys.

The wind this weekend has been fierce - good to experience it before the ride in September. Put in 50 miles this week. Not too bad considering all the rain. We've got our eyes on 60 this week.

Friendly Fortunes

Last night we had to get some miles in, but we were also invited to Emily's for happy hour. So, we stopped by and hung out before heading out for our ride. It was fun, but I feel really bad because I think Cecilia is REALLY jealous of my helmet. I told her not to be, but she really was eyeing it. At times it made me feel a bit uncomfortable!
When we left we headed west to Ward Parkway and then south for some Chinese food. Our fortune was awesome and we think it was definitely a good omen. We got home before dark and enjoyed being able to see our friends and also get our miles in. It was a friendly fortune Friday!

Ducks Crossing

These ducks crossed over a thousand bucks! We're over halfway to our goal!

Our friends and family have been so quick to respond, and so generous. Thanks to everyone - Kylia's mom and dad, Shlee, Connie and Curt, Heather, Jerri, Doug Renee and Jacob, Dan, Sue, and of course, Dr. Quacker, Daffy Duck, and Quacky Robinson. You guys rock!

Spinnin' with Spandex in Suburbia

Yo. Boy were we happy to arrive home after work to a package! That's right, our spandex arrived. We pulled on the shorts and went for a 13 mile ride around Leawood and then South KC. Some dangerous grates on some of the streets, hot hot heat (not the band), and some evening traffic all made for an exciting ride. We probably won't travel on Bannister again, but it was good to get in some hills in the heat. Challenging!

Share the road. Look twice, save a duck's life.

Smithville Lake 17

17 miles at Smithville Lake today. More bikes, less birds than last week. We did see one guy riding a handbike - he was an amputee and seemed to be in good spirits. It's hard not to be when you're whizzing around that trail! Today wrapped up 59 miles for the week.

P.S. We'd like to give a shout out to doggie drop off, aka Stella and Dale's Dog Haven. Boji needed to run around - we appreciated your help!

New Wheels

Saturday - 3 bike shops to find this sweet Giant OCR-3 for Matt. The second shop only had purple in his size... The Civic (al dente) needs freon, and it was pretty hot, but totally worth driving from Brookside to Overland Park to River Market to snag this bike before someone else did. It's that nice! We were also racing against time, since the shop downtown closed at 4, and by the time we left there it was 4:20 or so. Thanks River Market Cyclery!

MS 101

MS is really confusing, so we thought we'd give you some basic information about the disease.

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease.

MS is Thought to be an Autoimmune Disease

The body’s own defense system attacks myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The nerve fibers themselves can also be damaged. The damaged myelin forms scar tissue (sclerosis), which gives the disease its name. When any part of the myelin sheath or nerve fiber is damaged or destroyed, nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord are distorted or interrupted, producing the variety of symptoms that can occur.

50 mile week wrap-up

Smithville Lake Round 2 was good today - 14 miles. Saw two deer, some orioles, bluejays, and one tick. Didn't see the last rascal until it was too late (he hitched a ride on Matt's leg).

I feel good, but Matt's not doing so well. Here are his symptoms:

Lack of energy
Headache and stiff neck
Fever and chills
Muscle and joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Distinctive rash

I think it's probably just fatigue since we put in 48.66 miles on the bikes this week. Ticks don't carry disease, do they???

Birds of Paradise

Yesterday we did 10 miles at Smithville Lake trail. Grantmaster flash, I hope you appreciate the creative naming going on here. The air was fresh and the birds even fresher. For part of the trail you're pretty close to the lake, so even though it was 80 and humid, we were able to catch a nice breeze. The wildlife was pretty impressive too - lots of cardinals and other birds, and Matt even saw a groundhog. He told me he prefers to call them whistle pigs, though.

Today is either a day off or another ride at Smithville.

the crazy duck song

Dollars for ducks

So our fundraising pages are up. Check out the links!

Gotta get out on the bikes while it's not raining over here. The Trolley Track Trail is now open all the way to 85th, so we are loving that. Probably going to go get Matt a new bike this weekend as well as some other gear. Holiday weekend!

These boots are made for bikin'

That's just what they'll do

Day off and beer to boot!

Yesterday we took the day off. It was great. Today, we learned that Duck Dales won a Boulevard Brewing prize pack just for officially signing up last week for the ride. So, it's been a good couple days... Tonight we're just doing a leisurely ride through Brookside on the Trolley Track Trail, so no biggie.

Longview Lake

12 miles at Longview Lake today - we enjoyed it. It was a nice trail with less hills than yesterday. Nice scenery, too.

Brother Nicolai recently provided the following advice:

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after a workout, eat some food that has both carbohydrate and protein, in a ratio of roughly 4:1 carb:protein. This speeds recovery. PLEASE NOTE! This is most effective *immediately after* a workout... I'm talking the second you finish. It's slightly less effective after 30 minutes. After one hour, it's way less effective. And after two full hours, the body isn't even receptive to nutrients. So eat something as soon as possible.

So we had some chicken tacos, a banana, pretzels, and Gatorade immediately after, as per referenced brotha. Results - terrific. Anyone that doesn't eat immediately after a ride must not know the difference between straight up and stick 'em.

Mill Creek Streamway Park

After some french toast and sausage this morning, we were off to Mill Creek Streamway Park for a 10 mile ride. The trail was nice, the stench was not. Seriously, what was going on? I'm not sure, but it sure made us appreciate the clean air on the other side of the state line. Go Missouri!

Off to another trail tomorrow...

Spandex anxiety

So it turns out I have spandex anxiety. While other members of my team (you know who you are, Brother Nicolai) confidently assure me I'll get used to those thigh constricters, I'm wary. Guess I'll have to get a pretty sweet 'kit' in order to brave the spandex...

I guess the courage it'll take to put on bike shorts is really nothing compared to what it's like to brave life with MS. Or the salt it takes to be a caregiver. If there's one thing I've learned about this disease, it's that the people who fight it aren't giving up. That's why we're doing the MS 150 - because we're not giving up either.

Webbed Feet

Duck Dales. We're a bunch of crazy kids trying to beat the booty out of MS. What's with our name? Well, Matt's dad, Dale, has multiple sclerosis. He also has the largest collection of rubber duckies I've ever seen. We're talking world record size probably. So, instead of duck tails, we're Duck Dales, in his honor.

Last year we won Team Spirit award in the Kansas City MS Walk. This year, we're looking for a bigger challenge and have committed to the MS Bike Ride. We're shooting for 150 miles in 2 days. It's going to be tough, so we'll need your support. Are you with us?