round 1, done

If you've watched as much ESPN Classic Boxing as I have, you know that Muhammed Ali, past his prime after a three and a half year lay off from the sport for his refusal to join the army, after having chalked up two losses to Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, was supposed to have no chance against the monstrous George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle. After all, Foreman had man handled both the fighters that had beaten Ali and his knockout percentage was unheard of.

In interviews now with a much jollier, tubbier Foreman, he recalls that Ali, in round 1 of that fight, after withstanding a barage a punches in the ropes, said to him at the bell, "I made it." Fast forward to the eighth round and foreman, all the lean, powerful muscle, is crumpled on the canvas, winded from heat, wasted punches, and the psychological beating from the great Ali.

Well Pennsylvania, round 1 is over. I made it. Who climbed whose hills, bitch?

In Cleveland, OH now, a state that was supposed to be flat (that's all anyone in PA would say, "all down hill from here"), but certainly didn't feel that flat when my gears stopped switching. Climbing hills in the highest gear, I tried distracting myself, praying the Our Father as many times in a row as it took to get up the hill, then tried reciting the names of all the girls I've kissed, but unfortunately, that did not take very long, then wondering how the Little Mermaid, if she lives underwater, could have such bouncy, luxurious hair? Shouldn't it be a mat of seaweed covering her face?

Hope to make Chicago by next week. I know I'm not very good about blogging regularly; considering I spend about 12 hours a day biking, it's not a priority. But if you'd like more up to date info on how we are doing, check Ross' blog (http://www.bicycletour07.blogspot.com/) or Julie's blog (http://www.platonicandgin.blogspot.com).

To wrap up the Ali story for those unfamiliar, he didn't choose to retire after gaining the belt back from Foreman and instead fought for another five years or so and eventually develop Parkinsons Disease as a result of the repeated head trauma. So, after I cross the Rockies and I have uncontrollable body twitches, you can tell me I should have quit in the midwest. Champions like us don't stop till we see ocean.