Thursday, September 28, 2006

Truth Patrol

Thanks to my cousin he said I could put his words of wisdom on my blogspot. Thanks Ryan I thank you for all your wisdom and being a leader for Christ!

To Be Like Jesus
A Christ follower needs to follow the example of Jesus Christ daily. He or she must without hesitation take up the cross and follow Him each day.Character of ChristHumble service (John 13:1-5)Holiness (I Peter 1:15-16)Righteousness (I John 3:7)Purity (I John 3:3)Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)Compassion (Ephesians 4:32)Endurance (Hebrews 12:2-4)Submission (I Peter 2:21-4)Humility, obedience (Philippians 2:5-8)Kindness (Luke 6:35)Generous giving (II Corinthians 8:1-9)What a responsibility the church of Jesus Christ has to be an example to those inside the church and outside the church. May you seek to always glorify Him in the church and out.“A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.” C.H. SpurgeonAs one seeks to live a Christ-like life each day, he or she must do so with a thankful heart to God. Praise His dear name for what He did for us while we were dead in our sins and trespasses. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates or shows His own love for us in this that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.RepaymentThou the Cross didst bear: What bear I? Thou the Thorn didst wear: What wear I? Thou to death didst dare: What dare I? Thou for me dost care: What care I?
posted by Ryan Carpenter

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Labor Day Weekend Final

Last race for me, I told myself before the race started today. I felt good during the warm up and felt like I could hang with the group today. It did have a hill on the backside of the course, and it was a little to long for me at 210 pounds.

With my Grandparents at the race, my Parents, my Wife and Caylin, I wanted to do real good.
The first 15 mins of the race were fast.... real fast. Lots of racers, 141 was a number I heard today due to crashes. 80 riders had gone home due to crashes for all the races. Well... we are coming down the hill at 40+ mph at the start finish line and guys start going down in the front of the 141 rider field. I start to go to the left to avoid everything and so do others infront of me. At that same time I am sliding the rear wheel and have to turn even more to avoid them. As my leg is burning from the asphalt I try to push myself up off the ground with my left hand. It almost worked like a pop up slide but failed. My leg continued to burn as it hit the ground again.

It took 4 laps on a one mile course to get all 50 riders back into the race. Of course with my wrist hurt maybe broke, more on that later, I was last to go back in. Big mistake, the longer I waited the more my wrist hurt and when we jumped back into the field it took my legs 5 more laps to feel better. I made a few moves and was feeling great other than the wrist. Once I got into a break with 3 others the field pulled us back after 3 laps. Then I stayed at the back of the field and watched more wrecks unfold infront of me, which I went around them with ease since I was so far back. With ten to go I moved up to the front slowly but with ease. Then I wanted to attack and when I tried my chain went off the bike! I went in for a mechanical. They worked on it and I was debating whether to go back in or not.

I got back in and it seemed to be working better so I went to the front 15 and when the hill came riders wanted to move up so I got stuck behind somemore crash dummies with 7 laps to go. I went down again but this time I almost stopped before I hit the pavement. Sounds so much better, but I took the fall with my left wrist more than my right.

I called it a day instead of taking a free lap went to go get cleaned up early and headed home wanting to get ready for next year.

Update on the wrist: has hurt ever since and continues as I type this. To late to go to the Doc's and won't go due to how much it will cost. I will go next year if it still hurts by then. I have been doing great on my spiritual growth and mentally. I haven't started to do anything physically but plan to in Oct.

I still ride my bike to work more than I drive to work so that's good.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Labor Day Weekend Part 2

After I ? my race tactics, I thought I should have worked in that situation. After all worse case would have been 8 place maybe better. I wasn't to sore and the bike looked good after the crash at 11:30 at night. So Dad drove me back to the hotel and on the way back he told me Brad was in a bad crash. My little Brother Brad who is 6'5" 250 and can bench almost twice my weight. He was with his girl friend Jessie and 3 others. Jessie is such a sweet person I pray for the best for both of them. Some guy cut off there car and they hit the concrete wall... at or around 60 mph. People stopped to help them right away and the car that cut them off never stopped. All are doing better now but still need prayers.

Woke up the next day thanking God Brad and Jessie are alive. My race will be at 7:30 tonight so it will be dark again at the finish. Had a good time at the Zoo with Family and that took up most of the day. It was free at St. Louis and Parking is free also. Also it was a beautiful day so there was traffic! Caylin loved the animals all of them!

Becky, Dad, Caylin and I went to my race that night. I was tired but managed. I go to warm up and I got about half a mile from the van and the saddle breaks. O....No I used my quick thinking and go straight for my Dad. The rails broke clean off on both sides so what he do? He pushed the saddle back about a 1/4 of an inch and we tightend it. It worked, thanks Dad now I can suffer for an hour and a half.

The race had 2 hills in it that I knew would slow me down. It was fun but I knew I wouldn't last.
I couldn't hang on with only 4 laps to go. At least I wasn't in the race on the last lap. Guys went down in the last turn and one rider broke his hip.

Please Lord help heal all we mentioned and others. We will never know when our time hear on earth will end. I pray that you help to use us as your servants to help others come to know you more. I thank you Lord for Brad and Jessie. Continue to let there lights shine for you Lord as well as mine.

More to come...

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Labor Day Weekend

Ok so I took some time off from Nationals, and thought I would be rested up. Well I was sick during that rest and didn't ride hard for the whole time since. I was hoping I would be ready for four days of racing in St. Louis. This trip would be great no matter what happened in the races, but it would be nice to bring home some money? Mom, Dad, Chris, Amanda, GG, KK, Becky and I all made it to St. Louis safely. There was Grandpa, and Grandma waiting with open arms, so great to see them again. We all got into the hotel for the next 3 nights and went to eat. By that time Friday night Dad and I went to the race at 7:15 for my 9:30 pm start.

We get to the race and look for parking, Wow no parking at all. We go up next to the course and the guy working there says you can park it here. We made the course a little smaller but no one would notice. warming up in the dark without a trainer, how do ya do that. I found 20 guys warming up together on the main streets with lights for the sidewalks. Kind of cool riding behind some of the big Pro racers warming up.

The Race is about to start and we all line up, all 151 riders. Big field! The race starts off at 30 + mph and does not let up until 70 of us hit the pavement less than 10 miles into the race. Maybe it was only 5 miles into the race, things can be quite a Blurr in pitch darkness trying to stay close to the racers wheel inches in front of yours. Back to the crash, it was coming across the finish line with over 500 people in that area. Fun to watch, but not to be in it. I had no where to go, I slid my rear wheel for over 60 feet. I almost came to a stop when the racers in front of me went down hard. Thanks to them going down it was my turn. I hit someones body and flipped over onto my back. I just can't stop as some of the other racers, after all I am 40 to even 70 pounds more than them. The one guy may not have liked that I was behind him when I fell onto his $1,500 wheels. That's bike racing for ya! Thank the Lord I have sponsorship!

It took me 4 laps to get back in the race due to my Helmet broke, shoes needed fixed bike shifting was off and oh yea I'm bleeding. When a racer is bleeding they let you back into the race after everyone else is out of the way, and it helps to have a cool sponsor. I think pictures of me are at www.stlbiking.com gateway cup photos I am in there for a couple of races.

Back on the bike and here we go. I stay at the back until we are close to the end. Another break goes up the road I am feeling good so I go with it. We are still avg around 30+ mph but I feel good right? Well I get out there and start to work in the break, not good! 8 of us have a big gap and it does stick till the end. But only 3 of those guys make it. While 8 of us are in the break Steve Tilford, an awesome rider who is 46 years old pulls off letting 3 other riders go while I am stuck at the back. Great, good job Steve! I was hurting really bad at that point and if I jumped across who knows what would have happend but I sat back waiting. Chad Cagle worked hard and another ABD rider pulled through but not as hard as us. Steve sat at the back not working the whole time, good job Steve! We got caught within the last 5 miles of the race and I didn't have enough for the finish.

Thank you Lord for keeping me safe and no broken bones, help heal the others that went to the hospital.

More to come.....

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Service For US!

I read this and I believe in asking friends to do this. All it asks is a few minutes of your time. See the 5-day forecast from CNN.
5 DAY FORECAST
Saturday 113°F (45°C) 81°F (27°C)

" width=1>
" width=1>
Sunday 111°F (44°C) 81°F (27°C)

" width=1>
" width=1>
Monday 111°F (44°C) 81°F (27°C)

" width=1>
" width=1>
Tuesday 113°F (45°C) 82°F (28°C)

" width=1>
" width=1>
Wednesday 113°F (45°C) 82°F (28°C)

Politics aside -- PRAYER REQUEST According to the weather reports, it is 122 degrees in Iraq right now - and the low will be 111! Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance, and safety. If it be God's will, give these men and women the strength they need to prevail. I am sorry but I am not breaking this one.....Let us pray. Prayer chain for our Military...please don't break it...<>Please send this on after a short prayer.
Pray for our soldiers... Prayer "Dear Father in Heaven, Holy is your name, we come to you, petitioning for your grace upon the troops that are in Iraq. We ask that you keep them in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Please help them to make it thru the weather extremes. We pray also that you will give each leader wisdom. Lead them not into temptation but deliver them from evil. Please heal the broken hearted and encourage the down cast. Please bring this war to a quick resolve. I ask this in the name of our Lord . Amen." Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and sa y a prayer for our troops around the world. There is nothing attached.... . Just send this to all the people in your address book. Do not let it stop with you, please.... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine & others deployed in harm's way, Prayer is the very best one!!!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Thanks Leslie!

Written by Leslie Pearce-Keating

Thank you Leslie...

I pray that all will read this and help inform our medical field. Please pass this along to every one you know or come in contact with. For more info. please call me or e-mail me 330-683-5303 JCGrimm7@aol.com

Thank you!
Sincerely,
Jeremy Curtis Grimm

Jeremy's victory over lyme by Leslie Pearce-Keating


If you saw him today, you'd never believe where he has been. For he appears to be an athlete in top form, with movie star good looks to boot. But Jeremy is someone who has endured the toughest physical challenges that can face a young man, and he has emerged triumphant. This is his story.

For those of you who have read my recent series on Lyme Disease, you know that my 10-year-old daughter was diagnosed in November after a three-year search for answers. When Jeremy and his mom read those columns, they called to lend a helping hand. It was a blessing from God. I asked to write their story.

It all started when Jeremy was a student at Orrville High School in 1991. He actually remembers the day he first took ill...on a white water rafting trip with his church youth group in Pennsylvania. One day, Jeremy was a happy, healthy teen who excelled in every sport. The next, he was bedridden with a high temp and countless ailments. The problem was that those symptoms didn't abate in the months or even years ahead. In fact, they increased. The star pitcher who once threw 89 mph was rendered too ill to lift his head from his pillow.

Like any devoted mom, Rickey wanted answers. Over the next three years, in fact, she and her son consulted 27 doctors about his worsening health, none of whom had answers. Rickey recently shared her son's medical chart and hospital records with me. There was documented proof in black and white of the ER treatment and hospitalization for myriad conditions that plagued her son. Some of the more serious conditions were: loss of consciousness, excessive pulse rates, vomiting blood, blinking uncontrollably, severe dizziness, relentless fatigue, blinding migraine headaches, twitching, dehydration and horrific nose bleeds. Rickey's worst nightmare was happening right before her eyes: her eldest son was terribly ill, and no one could explain why. She confided," More than one doctor accused me of simply wanting attention." But no matter what steps they took, Jeremy's health deteriorated.

However, when Jeremy went to Youngstown State for college, doctors began to listen. Because Jeremy was getting worse, and ambulances were being called to the freshman's dorm on a regular basis. Oftentimes, Jeremy awakened in a pool of his own blood. Or his friends found him unconscious. As Rickey told it, " people started to listen when I wasn't the only one calling for help. Everyone around my son realized just how sick he was."

But it was Jeremy's grandmother who helped put the pieces of the puzzle together. At a routine physical, the caring women told her doctor in Missouri about her grandson's failing health. The doctor asked one magical question: "Has your grandson ever been tested for Lyme Disease?" Rickey's mom immediately researched the disease online and found Dr. Joseph T. Joseph, a Lyme specialist, in Hermitage, PA.

Although Jeremy's initial tests were negative, as Lyme tests often are, Dr. Joseph felt sure of the diagnosis and put the young man on 4000 mg of Amoxicillin a day. He was certain that Jeremy was in the final stages of the disease. One year later, the veil of illness finally began to lift from Jeremy.

As Jeremy, now 30, related, " I often wondered why this happened to me. I prayed and asked God for answers. But now I know, I was meant to help people, people like your daughter, to find her way." And tears clouded the young man's eyes.

Today, Jeremy is still a star athlete. He is an elite bike racer, in fact, who has won many events. But his greatest joy is his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Becky, and his baby girl, Caylin. Jeremy said, "Dr. Joseph always told me, "You can't live in fear." And so I have chosen to live my life fully. And I thank God every day for the second chance He has given me. I am truly blessed."

What Jeremy may not realize is that he has already won the toughest race of his life...against the most daunting opponent he will ever face... Lyme Disease.



To Laura: You are a beautiful young girl, very intelligent, artistic and I am so happy we met. Things will get better soon, continue to be strong and I will always be there for you.

Jeremy



Thank you Jesus for each and every person that has been there for me. I pray that you heal Laura and take away all the pain and suffering she has endured. Give her strength each day to continue to live for you Lord. Amen...

Thanks Stark Velo!

Join Stark Velo, Feb 24-Mar 4
Energizer Batke Brian Batke Interview
Into the Inferno Shawn Adams interview







An interview with Jeremy Grimm, December 29, 2005
Everything is Permissible
Runner-up at the USCF Masters 30+ Criterium in 2005, Jeremy Grimm aims his sights on more success with his ambitious new team, Abercrombie & Fitch Cycling p/b Inferno Racing, in 2006. He also works to spread the word about Lyme disease, after his own 4-year struggle with the illness.
Jeremy Grimm
Jeremy on the attack
Residence: Orrville, OH Height: 5' 11" Race Weight: 197 lbs Race Age: 32USCF Cat: 1Specialty:
Teams: Orrville Cycling (2002), Team Akron (2003), Savage Hill (2004), Inferno Racing (2006)
Jeremy Grimm is no stranger to racing at a national level. He raced as a junior between ages 6 and 12. "My dad injured his knee while playing semi-pro football, and started cycling for rehab. He got me involved in the sport", Jeremy recalls. "I remember racing against George Hincapie frequently [as a junior]."
But Jeremy left cycling for 10-11 years, getting involved in more mainstream sports like baseball and football. He had success on the diamond, throwing an 89 mph fastball and hitting a few 450 ft home runs.
In 1991, however, Jeremy became ill. He struggled with serious illness for 4 years, before finally being diagnosed with Lyme disease, a tick borne illness more common on the East Coast of the United States, but less well known in Ohio. A previous article by Leslie Pearce-Keating describes in more detail this four-year ordeal. Eventually, with treatment, and much help from his family, friends and faith, Jeremy recovered from Lyme disease. Today, Jeremy works to inform people about Lyme disease. See the following link to the CDC for more information.
CDC Website on Lyme Disease: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/
In 2000, Jeremy's father returned to cycling. "My brother started riding in 2001, and I couldn't let him beat me", Jeremy says, betraying his competitive drive. In 2002, he started racing with the Orrville Cycling Club. In 2003, Jeremy moved to Team Akron. He was recruited by Savage Hill Racing the following year and was competing as an Elite amateur. In 2005, he was runner-up in the USCF Masters 30+ Criterium while racing for Savage Hill. In 2006, he'll join Inferno Racing, a new team with high ambitions - the team hopes to eventually attain UCI Continental Pro status. [See also a previous interview with Shawn Adams for more about Inferno Racing. -ed]
Inferno, which is already supported by Masi bicycles, recently reached a title sponsorship agreement with Abercrombie & Fitch, a major milestone on their quest for UCI Continental Pro status. (See a brief Dec 21 release at Cyclingnews about the deal, 8th news item.)
About a few of his new teammates on Abercrombie & Fitch Cycling p/b Inferno Racing, Jeremy says, " Todd Shaker is going to impress a lot of people next year. He's also putting in some big training hours. Chad Thompson is very good - he's been racing for 19+ years."
Jeremy explains that together, Chad Thompson, team director of Abercrombie & Fitch Cycling p/b Inferno Racing, and Ryan Rish, Elite rider for Savage Hill Racing, approached the other riders on Savage Hill's Elite team about the possibility of joining Inferno. "I'm really excited about the new team", he says. "But I feel like the low man on the totem pole. There's a lot of talent on the team. I'm anxious to lose some weight and help the guys any way I can."
Jeremy admits that his weight has been a struggle. When he returned to cycling in 2001, He says he weighed around 280 lbs. More recently his, race weight has been closer to 195, and his target is 185 lbs. "I'm now really focused on diet. I've made a big change to organic foods - it's difficult and a bit expensive. I try to get whole wheat bread, eggs, chicken, a protein drink. It's hard to eat enough vegetables. I really like chocolate, pizza and ice cream. But I have to avoid them."
"'Everything is permissible', but not everything is constructive", Jeremy says, quoting Corinthians, and hinting at how important his faith is to his cycling and life in general. "The way I eat is a sin. People may laugh at that but deep inside I know I need to quit!"
Faith and family are the first priority for Jeremy. He met his wife, Becky, while he was ill with Lyme disease. They have 1-1/2-year-old daughter, Caylin. Today, Jeremy still often trains with his father, Bob, who now races for the Summit Freewheelers of Akron. "I ride with dad this time of year. We try to ride together as much as we can. He rides 12-14 hrs per week on average."
"There's just a time when you have to [attack] - when the pace drops for just that second... I've even ridden off the road to attack"
- Jeremy on his racing tactics
Regarding his own strengths, Jeremy says "my decision making ability, tactical skills, are probably my greatest strength. There's just a time when you have to go - when the pace drops for just that second and you have to attack. I've taken chances, even ridden off the road, to attack if I have to."
Many would probably mention his sprinting ability. "I can't really call myself a sprinter", he says, "because I don't feel that I've proven myself yet." We might disagree with his assessment, but Jeremy obviously has more he'd like to accomplish.
"When I feel good, I go hard."
- Jeremy on his training methods
Jeremy's training is relatively unstructured. "When I feel good, I go hard. There's not a lot of structure. For me, the best recovery is off the bike totally. I can't go day in day out with back to back intensity in training. But I can race that way, if I'm motivated." He averaged around 7-8 hours of weekly volume last season, although this average includes a significant period that was interrupted by illness.
"I'll target 12-14 hours weeks in the next three months to focus on my base fitness and weight loss. I know the fitness will come back. It might take 4-5 NRC races before it comes back, but I'll stick with it."
"Last year the longer road races killed me. I lacked the endurance. This year, I'm a little overweight, but not like previous years. We have a number of guys on the new team who can train a lot. I just want to help them. I want to lead-out guys when I can and to race smart. I usually know what to do in the last lap, probably because of my experience racing as a youth."
"Robbie [Ventura] described the move as 'kind of dicey'"
- Describing a key move at Crit Masters 30+
In 2005, Jeremy was runner-up in the USCF Masters 30+ Criterium, at Downer's Grove, IL. His tactics during that race apparently made the highlight reel. "Robbie Ventura made a training video out of this year's race. My move in the second to last turn, on the last lap, shows up in the video. I passed 15-20 guys before the corner, and came into the turn pretty fast. To keep from laying hard on the brakes, I had to pass Robbie on the inside. Robbie described the move as 'kind of dicey' in his video." [Robbie Ventura's "Race Day" video is available at this link. -ed.]
Regarding risks, Jeremy says, "I do think about them ahead of time." About his move at Maters Nationals, he says, " I tried to stay out of the wrestling match [near the front during the last lap]. It was so fast, you had to use a lot of energy just to stay in position. The whole last lap was over 32 mph. That's why I had to come from so far back - I was sitting 15-20 guys back in the pack. I passed a lot of guys into that turn. I knew I wasn't going to crash, but I was worried about wrecking someone else. I'm typically more afraid of crashing someone else than actually going down myself." He added, "there are some guys who are deliberately physical. I try to avoid that. Although, I have bumped elbows occasionally with friends at the Westlake training series."
Ironically, he says "I hate criteriums. I love road races." One highlight from last season came during a road stage of the Tour Ohio. "There were five guys ahead of the pack, including [new teammate] Andy Applegate and Caleb Manion [Jelly Belly]. They were 50 yards ahead of the chase group the whole time. I was in the field and didn't realize they were so close. I decided to do something with 2 laps to go, and tried my hardest to bring back the move. Eventually, I get up to the break, and there were two riders just ahead of us. Caleb and Rozdilsky finished 17 seconds ahead of the pack." Jeremy was 7th at the finish.
"I wish I could do more races like that. I kept getting stronger through the season - probably because I wasn't getting much training volume. I could race into fitness."
Jeremy tries to train outdoors as much as possible this time of year. When training indoors, he likes to listen to Christian hard rock - Toby Mac and Skillet - or to watch the "Race Day" video by Robbie Ventura.
Our interview was coming to an end, and we were grateful for Jeremy's time. But before we concluded we had to know… had he ever actually broken the cranks off a bicycle? "No, never the cranks. I broke apart a bottom bracket. I've also snapped a steer tube, and broke a fork while attacking on a climb during [the] Wilkesville [stage of the Tour Ohio]."
Before we parted, Jeremy added the following comments " I want to give special thanks to Ryan Rish, Abercrombie & Fitch, Masi Bikes, and Chad Thompson. Also, to every racer who gave me some advice when I was sick this year, [Stark Velo] teammate Jim Flesher who is my brother - he prayed with me and for my family. But most importantly God, [his wife] Becky, our daughter, Caylin, [father] Bob, [mother] Rickey, they all have helped me do what I love to do."
"I would also like to thank [Stark Velo] for writing about Lyme Disease, it means more than anyone will know, please help spread the good news about Jesus and [information about] Lyme Disease. 'Everything is permissible' — but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'— but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)"
Thanks, Jeremy! And best of luck to you and your teammates in 2006.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

New Start!

I need to change the way I eat! So as of yesterday I started my diet. I will not race another race until I feel I am mentally, physically and spiritually sound. Yes I may not be the next Ohio State Road Race Champ but I will try to fight for that one!

These goals need to be met before my next race: Pray every day. Read the Bible at least once a week, should be every day. Once a month Bible study with wife and or friends. Go to Church more.

185 pounds or less. Don't worry Mom I have been there before in the last 5 years and I can gain weight back very easily. I won't tell anyone what I am shooting for but here is a hint: it is below my high school weight just before junior year. Again Don't worry Mom I know what I am doing and I still need to keep my power and find more somewhere.

That brings me to my next Goal, do some different exercise like jump rope, swim, golf, run, cycle cross, mountain bike, lift weights, sit ups, push ups and or all of the above. Or my other secret trainning method. Notice I didn't say walking that will happen more than I hope with wife and Caylin.

Beat all my secret times other than Deerfield hill. Deerfield hill is more like a 1 min and 30 sec sprint up an 18 % climb. I will try and do it but not full out cause of the weather.

Stupid stuff! Don't ever climb any mountain in the months of Dec-Feb unless it is warmer than 50 degrees at the bottom of the mountain.

Last years racing season was not the best year for me. On the fun scale as a matter of fact it was the least fun I have had out of the last 5 years of cycling. It was because I put to much pressure on myself and going away from home to much. Also it was a new year because of the level I raced at. I want to race at the National level again but in order to do that I need to have all my goals met before I do. I know that if I accomplish these goals God, Family, Friends, Teammates and myself will be rewarded.

So that said I have a lot of work to do, I may give a progress report once a month. If I stick to my goals 2007 will be my best year all around as long as my family, friends, teammates and I are all happy and healthy.

So good luck to all in 2007 and may all the other riders in the area come back stronger than me!