Extreme Sports Meme

Jacob Da Jew has tagged me with the following Meme about extreme sports:

1. What is your sport?

Loan distance road biking, of course. I actually started out almost twenty years ago with biathlons. These usually consisted of running 3 miles, biking 18 or 20 miles and running another 3 miles. I loved doing those races. After a while, I dropped the biking and concentrated on long distance running. In '94 and '95 I ran the New York Marathon, each time in the glacial time of about 4:30. About four years ago I dropped running and concentrated on biking almost exclusively. I've done many centuries and three rides of over 250 miles (in five days).

2.Why do you like this one?

Besides keeping me fit, I love the wind in my face, I love the challenge of climbing ridiculous hills. I do a lot of thinking on the bike. Most of my good blogging ideas come while I'm riding (or davening). I like to sweat.

3. How long are you doing this for?

I got my first road bike almost 20 years ago. I've bought two new bikes in the last 3 years.

4. Most painful experience.

I've had a few. During a biathlon about 18 years ago, I fell over my handlebars while sliding on a turn. Thankfully, I was ok. Three years ago, I fell while riding on a terrible path during one of the New York City century rides. I landed on my arm, just below my shoulder. Another few inches and I would have broken my clavicle. As it is, my arm hurt for over a year. Last summer, I got hit by a car (entirely my fault) and sheared off the dude's mirror. Had I not swerved at the last second, I would have been crushed. As it was, I didn't even fall off my bike. Just a big black and blue mark on my tush. And, just this past Sunday, I totally bonked in the Jerusalem heat while climbing Nes Harim, a very nasty 3.5 mile climb.

5. Most memorable experience.

Three. All during my first Alyn Ride. First, the climb up Metsukai Dragot near the Dead Sea. A mid day, crazy 3 + mile climb in 100 degree heat. Second, the 18 mile ascent from the Dead Sea to Jerusalem. I cried when I got to the top. Then, when we rode into the hospital at the end of the ride, I cried again. (On the running side, starting and finsihing the NYC Marathon in '94. Watching 30,000 people cross the Verazano bridge was spectacular. Finishing in one piece was a thrill).

6. Add tall tale or new question to Meme.

A question. "What do you fear in your sport". I fear getting a blowout or otherwise falling during downhills where you can reach speeds between 40 and 50 mph. I also fear riders who ride with ipods. They are hazardous.

I tag Psychotoddler, Ben Chorin and Treppenwitz (Is bourbon drinking considered an extreme sport?)