thanks

two sets of thanks today here in new orleans.

first, thanks to all those folks who helped me get set up for this ride.  thanks to michelle over at equinox for helping me get my core, my arms and my legs in shape, and for developing a set of stretching exercises for both pre- and post-rides.  and yes, michelle, i promise to use the stick!  also thanks to jay and all the folks at sid's bike shop in nyc for getting my bike all fitted and kitted for the ride.

and, in memoriam, a very special thanks to hercules, our 11-year old jack russell terrier who passed away yesterday.  from the very moment we picked him out of the litter, a puppy small enough to fit in the palm of our hands, hercules actually had us in the palm of his paws.  lori always liked to say that, for all other dogs, they love it when you let them into your life.  with jack's, it's the other way around.  hercules let us be a part of his life.  hercules and our family were a perfect match.  with energy and the calamities and excitement of a house filled with three young kids, hercules fit right in.  whether it was his doing laps around the house whenever we came home or running down the stairs to greet you and lick you all over, he was four legs of scruffy, unconditional love.  you will be missed my friend.