Two weeks ago today, I lost a very dear friend.

I had taken my 2 yr old Dobermann 'West' out for a run at the local 'Horse Trotting Track' on Monday afternoon (as I have done many times before). I had let West out of the car and he was running ahead of me as I drove slowly around the 'outer' training track: We would do this together a few times each week. I have previously done this while riding one of my bikes but since my accident (see post), I have not been back on my bike(s) much and had been using the car instead.

On this occasion, a young man was driving around the track, in the opposite direction, and going way too fast. By the time he spotted West, it was too late. He could not stop on time and the vehicle struck West on his left side, breaking his leg and 'tossing' him to the side of the road.

My wife and I rushed West to the Vet but there wasn't much they could do. After taking X-rays and exploring a few options, the very difficult decision was made to have West put down on Tuesday afternoon. I brought him back with me from the Vet and buried him in our yard.

Things have been a little 'quiet' on this website for the past few months... I tend to go through phases with this stuff but this time I have an excuse.

Back in November last year, about a week before I was due to start my 'Long Service Leave' (six months away from my regular job!), I went out for a (bicycle) ride with my Dobermann, 'West'. We headed over to a nearby Horse Trotting Track, where I would take him a few times a week.

Having done most of our first lap at a relatively slow pace, I decided to get into a bit of a sprint and see if I could outrun my dog. I had done this before (the dog was off the lead) but on this occasion I was using a new lead I had purchased earlier that week. I wasn't paying attention as I got into a sprint (about 35 km/h) and didn't notice the lead slipping down off the handlebars onto the front wheel...

It's been a while but I finally found a little bit of time and 'motivation' to make a few changes and do some updating of my site...

Recent updates, include additions to the 'My Family', 'My Jobs' & 'My Interests' pages, while I have also started to re-upload 'My Writing' to this site (these have been living on 'taekema.com' for a number of years) because I believe it'll be better and easier to manage with everything on the one site.

As always, feel free to comment or to send feedback..... It's always appreciated.

Was 'chatting' with my mate Graeme on Skype earlier this afternoon when the subject of a bike ride came up. Graeme mentioned that it was raining and said something about not wanting to loose any skin on the road today.... Fair enough. He went off to do some house work, so I got back to what I was doing on my computer...

Next thing, another mate, Damon pops up (Skype) and invites me out on a ride with him.... and Graeme!

What?

So now he does want to go? "Ok, but only if you both come and pick me up" I said. 30 minutes later (or thereabouts) we headed out on a 'slow ride' together. I went out in front.... making the best of it, as this was only my second ride on my Giant OCR Zero since April and I probably wouldn't be in front for long. I had only gone about 100 metres when I heard Damon calling out and turned to see him and Graeme about 50 metres behind me...