My Single Life

2011-04-27T18:39:00.000-05:00

Moving.....Still needs work but it was time.....

More at DMC Revolution's

Old Site was getting to Much Spam

Sun will shine on my back door some day!!!!!

2011-04-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

Well the fat lady has sung and the Griswalds vacation is done except for the folding of laundry.

We had by far the best week of weather that one could have asked for in the valley of the sun.

First two days were a bit on the warm side but that was just a good buffer for some mid westerns that

had not seen the sun in months.

We got to spend a lot of time walking in the desert and

watching the flowers open.

I made it up to Flagstaff and rode with Gnome and Thom from Form Cycles on what was an amazing day of single track. With tons of climbing and miles of descending.

The desert was a bloom and nothing is better than a dip in the pool after a long hike in the sun.

The Boy was a fish and spent at time from dawn till dusk in the water.

And single track and lots of it. Thanks again to Yuri I got to ride ride ride and it was a mellow week not pushing it hard just pedaling and smiling enjoying the ride. I got to ride six of the eight days we were out there and got to ride some trails that did not exist when I live in the valley. New trails new faces and good times....

Now time to get back to work and get ready for what is to come. First Wors this weekend although it has been wet and more wet for weeks now so not sure how the trails are going to be. This same weekend here in LAX is a up hill TT and Crit so in some way and shape I will be racing this weekend.. Just not sure where and when yet..

The higher you get the higher you are

2011-04-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning at 1200 feet and found my self riding single track @ 7000+.

Left the valley of the sun this morning it was 67 degrees out and 30 up in

Flagtown. The drive up was just beautiful

the early morning sun dancing on the contours of the mountain and

clinging to the ends of the many cacti that make up the

Sonoran Desert .

Made it up to town and meet up with Gnome and

then with Thom and headed off to go and

get some high elevation single track.

Hitting up the connector trail to the bottom of Schultz Creek the

trails were just as I remember them. As soon as we hit the bottom of the climb the

speed went up and so did my HR. Legs felt great but

the recovery was tough Du to the lack of O2.

Climbed for a good bit and up dog food and one we were not sure of the name

then started to head towards Moto.

That is where I found the ground but saving Yuri's bike from

the sharp volcanic rocks.

We traversed the mountain shredding the moon dust single track till we came to Snowbowl Road.

With another climb to get to the top of the mesa we descended back in to Flagstaff.

Just under three hours and tons of great riding.

The cherry on top of a great vacation. One more ride before I give Yuri back

his bike,,,,,Then on saturday we back to the great white north.

If you did not know I love bikes and love when the wheels are

moving..

Go ride your Bike!!

Feet deep

2011-04-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

Life in the south west is treating me well.

If I have ever pick a good time to get out this is it.

Weather back home looks more like March/February.

No heavy snow here just sun sun and sun.

More single track today and then off to Flagstaff tomorrow.

More fun is in store and I don't have to shovel.

Bright Eyes

2011-04-16T15:35:00.000-05:00

After a long day of weather delays and slow travel we made it to the valley of the sun.

Some stiff drinks and food and we were in the pool.

The whole family was thankful to be here and done traveling.

I swung over to Yuri's house this morning to pick up

his SIR 9 to ride while I am in town. Dropped off a small pile

of thank you gifts and was ready to start riding.

Now I have already heard that me riding a geared bike with suspension front and rear means that I am not hard core. Not sure what that means but I am riding single track and not dealing with the weather back home.

The ride it's self was super nice could put the bike any where that you wanted on a trail strewn with

baby head and bigger rocks. The Niner seemed to float down the trail.

Felt so good to out on dirt and even better to be in the sun.

More to come approaching this week as a rest and recovery have fun week

before the race season starts when we get home.

Now time for more beverages and sunshine.

Burnt Rubber

2011-04-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

Been trying to cram as much work into my days as I can. Two solid weeks and a few more days until we head off for vacation. Been going up through the quarry more and more now that the rivers have flooded the marsh.

And after some 7500 miles and 2.5 seasons my

Bontrager hard case 28's have died. It does not help that I slammed on the brakes after I heard a motorist tell me to get on the F$#king sidewalk.

I whipped a skid around and went back to his open window and asked what?

Now I don't think that I am too scary looking... all kitted up even in the Metal kit,, but he did not have much to say when I asked what his problem was? It was a fun back and forth....If I was Pickle or Kingsberry I would have hit him.. Again I am not to scary, probably smelled bad so he went on his way.

I like when I can watch the sun come up on one side of the bluff and watch in shine down the other.

Got a ride set up next Wednesday in Sedona with Gnome then going up to hang out in the Coconino

HQ and talk bikes and old times... I am so ready for vacation and single track. It is going to be good therapy.

Speaking of Arizona picked up another new Sponsor for this season.. they are going to help keep my tires full of air and keep me in the running.

Based out of Tucson AZ they have been keeping tires inflated for over 20 years!!

Random

2011-04-07T19:46:00.000-05:00

Almost done

Up hill to fun

Big Hill

I like boxes

Metal

April Showers

2011-04-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

Now April is here and things seem to becoming together.

March turned out to be a good month, only a buck fifty off of last march and

last year we had perfect conditions. This year was craptastic weather.

In the last seven days I have had a food solid block a bit over seventeen hours of

quality work. I feel good but still need to feel better. The first test will be

May the first and then I will know if I have done enough.

The hope is to have my race bike assembled today. Still waiting for the

shifting stuff, but the single version will be complete.

And one week from friday we are AZ bound. And with the help of

Yuri I have a Niner waiting for me, so single track heaven will be

ridden until I pass out.

One hell of a amazing RvV this morning, out to train with

the Girl later in some Belgian like conditions, now if I could

only find her some cobbles.

4130 the only Way

2011-03-31T20:47:00.000-05:00

Work has been slow and @ times the days are short.

So instead of sitting around and licking my wounds I have

been get out and working on the bike.

Got the Lemond to stop dropping it's chain by changing the gearing.

So far so good put in a solid 50 miles on it and even with

the stiffer gear I was able to get up the hills.

My Spot should be done by the end of the

weekend with the new King here. And Look has some road and

mountain pedals on the way.

Just paid for my first race ,,,,the Dakota 50,, not till September

but I am in and can't wait.

Will work for Food

2011-03-30T07:03:00.000-05:00

I have got the time and miles in

but have not had the chance to go and ride in a group

setting. Got in to the TNWC's

last night and got a bit of a taste of work off the front.

Found some areas that I need to work on but overall happy

with what is their so far. Yes more is needed and that will come.

The view from up here is good..

Asshanding

2011-03-29T07:07:00.000-05:00

It is official now>>> Got my Pro License in the mail yesterday.

It is official that my ass will be handed to me.

And pretty damn sure I'll be heckled and mocked

by the cooler local's.

But I will continue to do what I always do and ride

with my good old training partner.

Now if I could only get my SPOT together

so I could start riding it and getting used to it.

Again and again

2011-03-27T20:13:00.000-05:00

Sun was out and the temps were ok.

I was able to get out and make a good effort on the hills by the house.

I even got to ride with the Young One for a bit too.

It can get warm at any time, but until that happens

I'll just keep plugging away.

Femlish?

2011-03-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

The sun has been shining and the water levels are on the rise.

Bike path is going to go missing if things stay the same.

North south may get hard to travel.

Made lots of smiles at the shop yesterday as people are ready for warm

weather and being out on two wheels.

Rest week is almost over hope for a good day spinning today

as soon as the family unit is all back together.

Dropped the chain on the Lemond 8 times on friday and

almost launched the bike in to the creek.

Ended up with a snapped QR, now think that I have the issues remedy.

French press coffee and watching the big pros racing in Europe.

Sundays are never long enough but going to make the most of what

I have.

Ride hard and Party ON!!

Sunny side

2011-03-24T17:27:00.000-05:00

Winter decided to make a come back and that came after two inches of rain. The rivers are ready to burst their banks. Some of the smaller ones are at their limit.

Only plus was that the roads metaled out pretty quick. I was able to get out for an hour at or about Threshold and felt pretty,,,numbers were a bit off my sender may not be working right.

Five weeks out from the first test, working on getting the final parts need to make my Spot a geared ride. Hoping that the work that I have been putting in has been enough hard to dig through the cob webs in my head.. Work has me all flustered do to lack of work, not sure what to make of it.

Going to make my Dark Heart shine. If Zappa had Captain Beef Heart I am Captain Dark Heart.. Don't fool your self Girl it is winking at you.

More miles more work more time in the saddle and all should mesh together.

Wet and Windy

2011-03-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

After a week of spring weather

now comes more of the cold and wet.

Still made it work on two wheels

just got pushed around by the wind. This week will be a bit of an

easy week then I am going to have to pile on the work load.

Going to be in Arizona in less than a month and then the race season starts.

Still working on getting a bike lined up for my time down there, Yuri may be able to

help while in the Valley of the Sun then going to lean on the

Mutants up in Flag town for some help.

Hard to believe that racing will be here soon, just a few more things

and my bike will be ready to.

Toe Jam

2011-03-20T18:58:00.000-05:00

It is now Spring,,,,not that the weather for the week is going to agree. But today even though it rain all night and most of the morning I was able to make it out. After Chunking down the $$ for my USA racing License I was out dodging rain drops.

Rock looks like a nose

Have had to tweak the Lemond a few times and dropped the chain once but was able to

pull the chain as tight as possible and crank on the QR and life was good.

Went and climbed some hills and enjoyed another day on the bike. Felt good ,,,real Good.. Even going up M into the wind..

Bring on what ever comes next like to think that i am ready we'll see...

a nail biting climb

Light in to Ahses

2011-03-19T19:13:00.000-05:00

Sunshine on my shoulder felt so good today.

And with the roads being as clean as they have been I opted for

the Gunnar. The past two and a half months

I have been out on my two Aluminum bikes and the feel of sweet steel was

just what the body ordered. I did have to fight through some Achilles pain but the

smooth ride of my Driven components OX Platinum melted the pain away.

At the bottom of the Tschumper a mind altering Dark Star came on the player

and moved me up the hill, finished it off with Mudhoney loosing their mind digging a hole.

Love that hill.

Got on to some Dirt roads and made me feel like these guys

as I splatted mud all over my clean bike.. I was all smiles.

Good work and good riding,, rain on the way for tomorrow, if I make it

out it is going to be sloppy.. I hate having to clean more than one bike at a time

but wheels need to roll..

Getting Warmer

2011-03-16T20:49:00.000-05:00

Two solid back to back days of some hard riding. As Tim would say I think that i knock over the china hutch. The warmer weather is making my Dark Heart smile. Spoke with CD today and a new King is on the way to keep my front end tight. Only issue is going to be once this bike is together I am going to want to ride it and ride it a whole bunch.

Stop,,,,,,,, Turnover

2011-03-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

The days are getting warmer even with the bitchass cold mornings.

Today was going to be the first TNWC ride for me in a long time.

Sun was out and temps were on the rise.

Got off work a bit earlier than I expected and was going to have to sit and

wait which is some thing that i am not good at ,,,,I am not Ian Mackaye.

So I opted for one of my favorite loops from the house. Felt good today

the Achilles was not hurting and was able to muster the LT ride that

I needed. Feel as if things are coming along would like to test

my legs out in a group setting soon,, but until then I'll just

keep it same as it ever was.

Got home to find a care package from

Feedback/Squirt

Java Java

2011-03-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

Might be the reason that I didn't sleep too well last night but it sure tasted good..

After 1/2 pot of coffee maybe espresso wasn't a good idea..

Thyme

2011-03-12T21:12:00.000-06:00

Two full days off the bike and I am going crazy.

Spent yesterday getting some loose ends taken care of

and tending to a sick boy.

At the shop today starting to see the sparkle in peoples eyes

about being out on bicycles. The James got him self a new set of

wheels 24" getting to be a big boy. Garage is clean and bikes are ready to be ridden.

Worried about the pain that I have now acquired in my left Achilles.

Goal for tomorrow is 2-3 hours of tempo nice easy riding not pushing to hard

don't want to over do it and need more time off the bike.

Coming to a Head

2011-03-12T08:11:00.000-06:00

What is in you

2011-03-10T18:52:00.000-06:00

30 days in to using Endurox Excel.

I have been very happy to be once again this year be partnered up with

Pacific Health Labs, whether it is Accelerade or R4 as the miles

start to add up and the body gets more and more worn down they have

the products to help the body recover and stay at peak performance.

Anna's Loop

2011-03-10T18:41:00.000-06:00

The weather has been a roller coaster lately. Just yesterday winter storm

and today 40 and windy. Work needs to get done when you can

and after a roller session in the garage I was more than happy to be outside today.

Been trying to do the same loop once a week and go 75-85%.

Today the wind was blowing from the north and then every direction that

I turned. But the roads were bone dry and the weather man says that

the temps are going to be going up and may even see 60 in a week.

I am so ready to peal off the layers of winter.

fragmented

2011-03-06T18:16:00.000-06:00

More hills and some had snow and most had sand.. So much sand that if you got out of the saddle to climb your back wheels spun out.

But the climbing has been good.

Sounds as if more snow and or frozen rain/rain is on the way and that may force things inside much to my dislike.

But I will be thankful for the Sunday to Sunday stretch that I had. I think that

I even saw Kevin Kern out today, hoping that he

can show his face more often than not.

Days are getting longer and that means that the nights are getting shorter. WOW.

Nailing It

2011-03-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

It is said that some day your the hammer and other days you are

the nails. Well yesterday I am pretty sure that I was the

nails. A good gray and windy day here in the land of Gov Walker, yes I do think that he controlls

the weather too.

Goal was simple take the newly brought back to like Lemond out for a good

hill work out ride. Well the the first part failed as the chain was not tight enough

and kept wanting to fall off. No big deal swung back home and got the Titus

and another layer and headed out. So far no big deal up S nice sustained climb

up to to the ridge and the fierce North East wind that only wanted to push you backwards.

It was this way for a long while until I finally got the wind at my back.

Needless to say almost home one hill left and I thought that the wind would

be blocked by the bluff.. Wrong...Not Winning.....

Got home cold and shelled from the wind and cold still good work

and there was motivation laying on the door step.

Aksalano

2011-03-04T11:44:00.000-06:00

Once again we have dodged some pesky snow and

the roads are passable. I did spend the morning

putting the final wax on the skis and get them ready for storage.

IT is CyClinG time and the skis must go away,,,,,,at least for now.

Happy for the Race Blade fenders with wet pavement it is nice

to stay dry. Nice loop from the house that lets you get two smaller climbs and

one good one. Felt good with the work that was done,,, the bike and are don't

feel like we are fighting one another. I do wounder about my higher end

but work will be done on that. For now at least this weekend I just

want to get out and log some miles and climb some hills.

Think that I may get over to Minnesota.. Nice for a change and I can

remind people over there that the Packers Won The Superbowl.

Uppers

2011-03-01T18:27:00.000-06:00

Almost 40 out this afternoon and I wanted to make up for getting so dam cold yesterday. This time armed with the Titus I was out and smiling.

Being the first of the month I wanted to see how the legs have been responding to the work that has been done. I went after a nice loop near the house that has a good climb towards the end and if you drop down the other side you can climb back up and get a two for one.

Returned home to find some goodies waiting for me. The new Northwave shoes are stiffer and lighter, with the same great fit.

From San Marco the Regal E love the profile I got to check this one out at Frostbike and

I think that it is going to be a great addition to my new ride. Bike is

coming together,,,new fork from Maverick on the way and Bars from 3T.

I am ready for spring so any day if it wants to show up that would be ok.

Chilled

2011-03-01T06:28:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when you catch a bug it takes days

or even weeks to shake it. I am not looking

to shake the bug that I have caught. Since I have gotten the chance

to be outdoors logging miles I have embraced the cold temps. Yes I so badly want

to be warm but does not look like that is in the cards.

By the end of my ride yesterday the sun was almost set and

my toes were Popsicle.

Getting the work done and shivering while it happens.

March now and I look for things to get more structure.

I also look for some warmer days.

Not a Shut In

2011-02-27T17:01:00.000-06:00

I have been saying that any weather over 30 is good for outside riding. It snowed yesterday and I was sure that I was in the Garage again.

Armed with my T6 suit and some bits of wool I headed out today sub 30.. Could not ride indoors and with fenders on the Titus work could get done.

Would love to ride in the sun but will take what I got today.. Inspired after watching two days of spring classic's.

Sophia's bike is getting a make over.. My old Maverick and Tostin built front wheel. My Paul Love levers and some new bars.. If she is real good maybe some new Ergon's.

Loving the fact that the roads are dry and some longer rides and some

more intensity will be coming as March becomes reality.

Can't wait to feel dirt under my wheels and not the crap on the side of the road.

Quite in the Morning

2011-02-23T06:28:00.000-06:00

Daylight is coming a bit earlier and earlier each day. But it still makes for some hard motivation to get out and on my way.

After getting buzzed by trucks and people in suits drinking their morning blend and talking on the phone it is always a relief to get on the path. Even if that path takes me to work.

Bits of Zen in hectic world .......I'll take it.....

Always better than the work that is needed in the Garage.

Cement Marsh

2011-02-21T20:40:00.000-06:00

After a week of dry roads and miles outside the snow came and it all changed.

The commute this morning was an interesting one.

Slippery corners and thick snow clumps.

But movement was doable. Until

I got to the un-plowed bike path through the marsh. I was able to

keep it moving for a bit but then it was just over.

Just like than the cement like snow brought me to a halt.

Off the bike running like a very long side pit in a CX race.

Legs were so happy once I as back on the bike and spinning.

Ready for spring or just warmer dryer weather.

2 Wheeled Fever

2011-02-20T17:10:00.000-06:00

Frostbike was yesterday up in the Minny Apple.

Drove up to the Hwood HQ and headed to the show.

QBP is like wonka's chocolate factory for cyclist. Booths were set up with

new and exciting stuff for the new season.

I got to shake hands and give thanks to some of the

different people that are helping me along with

this bike racing thing. Got to lay hands and eyes on my new saddle and bars

that are on their way.

Lots of great faces and funny story's about bikes and bike riding.

Even got a chance to run in to Bobke.

The afternoon goal was to make it to the Cutters Ball...After a meal at Mikes home of the

Juicy Lucy the day was getting long, and the fear of being stuck in the

cites DU to a impending storm had me heading home.

Now the whole way home all I could do is think about bikes.

Ones that I have or ones that I want,, rides that I have been

on or races that can't be missed. I think that I even dreamed in

two wheels.

Only to be slapped in the face by old man winter today.

The once dry roads are under blankets of fresh snow.

The commute to work that was once clean bike lanes are full....

Nothing left to do but sit in the garage with the door part open for fresh air and

ride the rollers to no where.

Could be worse and spring is around the corner..

I love bikes!!

Splater

2011-02-17T19:55:00.000-06:00

Legs caked with dirt and muck road spray in my face and teeth

A crud stripe running up my back.

All smiles...

Mid February melt down. Not going to last for ever

but while it was here the miles were nice.

Back to back days of riding,, hills,,, wind,,a big chicken

and even getting chased by a dog.

This is all going to make riding in the garage very hard to do.

But it is a must..

Get ME Some

2011-02-16T17:14:00.000-06:00

2011-02-13T17:28:00.000-06:00

Weather like this is a treat for February.. After yesterdays snow squall and soggy bottom boy ride this was great. Turning the cranks over and ticking away them miles. Nothing but open pave all to my self.. The roads I have to say are in ok shape but the winter has had it way with them. Spun for two plus hours and was down to base layers by the time I got home.

Anna was all kitted up and ready to go and get some early miles in. She gave out a big old Whooop Whooop as she headed out.

Now if it could only stay this nice... It wont but we'll always be able to remember how nice it was.

Good weekend and that only means that tomorrow their will be a bunch of broken shit to fix.

Bring it on!!

Put on the Belt

2011-02-12T20:33:00.000-06:00

The weather is finally shifting from the freezer to the cooler.

The morning was spent with the boy and some much needed french press coffee then I was off to ski SMU.

Fresh groom was had right from the car, corduroy and brisk temps.

Body heat made the colder temps manageable. Skiing at SMU is an up hill work out with

little to no flat skiing. Two hours and I was good and cooked.

I had stated at the Moon with Anna that my goal for the weekend was some outside miles. Got my self all prepped for 27 degrees and snow falling form the sky. Not caring all I wanted were miles and to feel pavement. Great start legs felt good even with the hard ski from the day before.

I loved it enjoy the miles and the time on the bike

things went well

until I found my self on some wet roads and

the snow flying sideways.

As the water ran down my legs and in to my shoes I tried to imagine that it was just a

cold day in Belgium.

More tomorrow but the weather is to be warmer almost 40+ a bit windy but as long as I stay dry

I'll be happy.

No football tomorrow but that is ok!!

Euro Trash

2011-02-10T20:05:00.000-06:00

Things coming together,, I wait with great anticipation of the new Dark Spot in my life. Spoke with Paul and have a Chain Keeper

coming for the 1x9 set up now just need to find a trigger shifter to move the chain up and down. I need to move a few parts so I can get a few new parts but that will all work out. The switchblade fork off of sophia's bike is up for sale and a bontager 29er rear wheel laced up to a DT 240 hub,,, and some other miscellaneous parts. Point is things are happening......bring on spring.

On that note have the day off tomorrow to go and hang out with The James @ school then heading up north for a bop till you drop ski session at ST Marys some of the best XC skiing this side of the Rocky's.

And the word is for some warmer weather 40's this weekend so out on the Titus to get some February miles and my salt intake for the weekend. And maybe just maybe if Homodepot not sure if their will be enough time.

Working through It

2011-02-08T20:52:00.000-06:00

I don't have a Coach or a Power Device.

I am working the old fashion way.

I hope that it works but only time will tell.

With all the snow I have been skiing as much as

I can if not more.

And the wheels are moving.

Would power be nice or some one telling me what to do help?

Yes

But hard work and long hours is what is on my docket.

More good stuff showed today.

I heard the UPS truck show up as I was finishing a block of intervals in

the garage.

I was a big box of Endurox products. Some R4 some Acceleraid and

best of the bunch their work out supplement.

What I have learned is to train smart and to fuel right.

One thing I do have this season is a good group of people making sure that

my nutrition and hydration is going to be well taken care of.

Green and Gold

2011-02-05T13:48:00.000-06:00

The Skis felt really good this morning sliding along in what seemed like a

milk carton on the golf course. Hard to see definition in the snow with the low

cloud deck. Still nice doing laps and feeling the deep leg burn.

Wanted to get out on the road this morning but the temps were not

coming up as fast as I wanted.

Spent sometime this afternoon doing a early spring clean of the

garage making way for good things to come.

The new Spot is on it's way along with some

bits and pieces from 3T, San Marco, and Maverick.

Can't wait to get this new bike together so I can stare at pictures of

single track and dream about riding through the woods.

Big day tomorrow hope that it ends well and if it

does I think that the whole state should get a day off of work to celebrate.

Go Pack GO!!

Feed ME

2011-02-01T16:32:00.000-06:00

New this year food from my favorite sweet treat!

Sting or be Stung!

And yes I will carry my eppi pin

Pollen-Honey-Spring?

2011-01-31T17:58:00.000-06:00

Month now at the end, and I have managed to

pedal all the way through it. Over 325 miles of commuting one fried

bottom bracket and a set of rolf wheels that some how still turn but not sure for how long.

It has been over heard a few times that commuter miles are junk miles, I don't agree.

This time of year and in this kind of weather riding the 35's to and fro is

good work.

I do long for the days when the commute can be extended up and over the bluff or through

the single track, and in DU time that will come.

Until then I will continue to ride to work and in the torture chamber of my garage, eyes closed and

dreaming of what lies a head. Getting ready for the start of the Beginning.

I am PeRson just like you

2011-01-28T06:48:00.001-06:00

Warmer temps and fast snow. I did half of an hour in the setting sun until

the darkness took over the coulee. Back to the car and put on

my light with the snow ablaze from the bright lumens

I continued to attack the hills. I have not

slid across the golf course in days---no weeks.

Been hooked on the hills and can't get enough until my

legs say that they have enough. Would like to think that

it is working what ever it is.

Tonight is wings and beer repeats important for endurance

training. Now off for the morning commute.

What goes Up?

2011-01-26T06:27:00.000-06:00

Everything seems to be in check. I

just still need to keep making progress towards the goal of being ready.

I gave it a shot of some hill climbing only to be shut down by snow,, forgot that

the road is closed so no snow removal. Still only January and damn nice to keep the

legs moving. The Blue wax and great grooming made

for some fast conditions and even though you can get a bit dizzy from

only skiing in the woods that is what i did. Lap after lap of hill after hill until the sun

went down and descending was getting a bit iffy.

Only hump day and I am ready for a break or day off but need to

keep pushing the boulder up that hill,,,,only gets tougher from here on out.

Fresh AA in my head light should make the ride in a bit brighter.

Snowballs chance in Hell

2011-01-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

All they could talk about on the news were the cold

temps that were to be here on Friday.

Sure enough when I awoke it was -16 out but their was no

wind. So like the OCD cyclist that i am I layered up a little extra and headed to work.

I made it about 5 minutes and my glasses froze over. My face was warm with the balaclava

but no longer able to use my eye pieces. Speeds were normal just plug away having

many motorist shake their heads at me as they drove by.

Towards the end my eyelashes were getting ice balls on them giving me

tunnel vision. The people at work looked at me like I was weirder than normal, nothing new there.

The way home it was great 5 degrees and felt like a heat wave.

Got home to find a box of Thomson goodness on the

front door step. Now I can set up the Titus just like the Gunnar.

Same as it ever was

2011-01-20T20:41:00.000-06:00

Recovered from sickness and slid right in

to a two day binge of a wicked sore back.

I get this lower back pain right around the

SI joint that can just floor me. It has gotten

better over the past few years once I quit my powder

skiing addiction, but when it flares man it can suck.

The January bla can really be a downer, but things are on the horizon.

My new Dark Spot should be going to paint soon.

After that it is time to build it up and dream about single track.

Until then I want to keep skiing the snow is unreal now, just have to get through

tomorrow and the uber cold temps.

I may not sure have/want to drive to work

if the temps are as bad as they say they are going to be.

Stay warm keep the Wheels turning and

GO Pack Go!!

Bug

2011-01-16T15:43:00.000-06:00

Laid out flat out sick totaly

wiped out friday night. Out of no where I was blind sided by some

stomach bug.

Went to bed 7ish and got up 8:30 the next day.

Yesterday was pretty tough with muscle aches and being tired.

But I did get to watch some bad TV and American Flyers, and watch the boy play lego star wars.

Oh and the Pack steam rolled the #1 team in the NFC.

I woke up this morning ready to eat and get out and see if I could ski.

The snow was amazing and I felt ok.

Did not want to push it to hard just wanted some fresh air.

More snow on the way and I hope for some longer skis in days to come.

More football on today,, Yes the Bears won and now the Pats and Jets.

Next weekend should be unreal with the

Pack and bears playing in the Championship game.

Going to have to ski my ass off to make up for being ski.. I always feel like I am not

doing enough and everyone else is doing that much more.

GO PACK GO!!!

Never fast enough for U

2011-01-15T09:19:00.000-06:00

Keeping my self moving and trying to

stay on track. Could not afford

a coach this year so trying to get on a program

and stick with it. A big part is my daily commute to work

and home. Not a huge amount of high end cardio but time in the saddle, and in all

conditions.

Skiing had been my primary way of changing heart rate zones and

it has been working. Full body work out on snow that seems to fall every day.

I do dream of warmer temps and drier roads but that is

still a ways out. The trip to AZ in april can't get here fast enough.

Fools Gold

2011-01-12T18:21:00.001-06:00

Changes and miscues some different perceptions?

More doors have been closed this off season and sorry budget cuts

has me scared of what the season is going to hold. Seems

like all the prices are going up and getting places are going to be harder than ever.

My dark heart may have a new black steed on the horizon.

One the third day at dawn look to the light and you will see an eclipse.

Bad Lord of the Rigs rip off their.

Can't tell if it is work the lack of excitment or the

grind that has got me a lighter shade of bla.

I'll be back just need to shake it out of my self and my attitude

will Sometime to Return

Addicted

2011-01-10T17:10:00.001-06:00

I have gotten hooked.

I used to have a bad Coke habit,,,

I loved the stuff but for a few years now I have

cut soda out of my diet unless I earned one.

So that is one every month or so.

I have been drinking this flavor Kona Cola from Nuun for a few weeks now

and enjoy the flavor and the little kick of caffeine.

But most of all the lack of sugar is win win.

Pick some up at your local bike shop

and see what you think.

think that you will like it.

Koon

2011-01-09T19:40:00.000-06:00

Drove north today to do some skiing in Minnesota. St Marys has some of the best skiing in the area. I smeared on some Fast Wax Teal and headed to the land of the Nors men... The main drag was groomed to perfection and it was nice to ski corduroy and fresh cords at that.

When I got out of the car it was 1degree out and blue bird sky's. I opted for lighter layers knowing

that with the hills the inner heat would be firing up.

An hour and a quarter of skiing I was cooked especially after yesterdays hill repeat work out.

Legs were tired and I was getting warm and frosting up. When ever I drive up there I want more more more but with all the climbing some times you have to say uncle and go home.

This guy here is one of the reasons why the skiing is so good. The PistenBully

groomer along with the fact that people don't walk on the trails or let their dogs shit on them makes for a world cup skiing experience.

Weekend is done that means back to the grind.

Need to clean the SSXC up a bit has been taking a beating from all the crap on the roads... But at least that means that I am out and riding.

Chucking

2011-01-09T09:13:00.000-06:00

I am up and I am moving coffee is good.

The temp how ever is not good.

-8 out and that is not good skiing weather.

Need to let it warm up a bit epically if I want to go ski up north.

Yesterdays ski was good not great the

snow was cold and the glide was not their.

When this happens it makes form more of a challenge.

I stayed off the gold course and in the woods where the hills

are, and just repeated them until I was a bit wobbly.

Skis still need to be scraped and prepped but not looking forward to

the cold.

Falling out the window

2011-01-08T08:47:00.000-06:00

Getting my self ready for the day

always needs to start

with something good

and nothing says good like hot fluffy waffles.

Going to be a cold one but I am looking forward to skiing.

It has been since last sunday and that was the worst ski

of the year.

Some cold air in the lungs clears the head and the head

makes the legs go and if all done in a fluid motion

fast skiing will be had.

If frogs Had Wings

2011-01-05T20:55:00.000-06:00

Only a few days in to the new year and i want

more, more more.

April is far away and I can't wait.

Multiple days in in the AZ sun

that is what the doctor order.

Even came across Raising Arizona on the boob tube

and smiled at the end when the bounty hunter blows up and I thought

to my self hey I have ridden on that rode through those hills.

Something to keep in my back pocket to remind me their is

a reason to get out of bed.

Get up and ride!

rust not want not

2011-01-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

I need to spend some time and get

this page updated just not sure where all the pieces lie.

Sunday was a bad case of could of should of would of.....

Skis were all waxed and I was ready to go to

SMU for some good hill skiing and then my brain started to tick.

Ended up going to Hixon and found that the skis trails were

nothing but large sheet of ice.

We need snow, and not much just enough to

make to the skiing better.

Staying hydrated has gotten much easier

drink it up.

Turn the page

2011-01-01T09:19:00.002-06:00

It stars now what it is I not sure

but I need to get it going.

Only missed 4 days of commuting in

december 3 due to cold as temps

and one due to skiing before work.

Not sure what I want to make happen but what ever it is

it is going to count.

Tears in my beer

2010-12-30T06:38:00.000-06:00

We have had three weeks of great snow pack.

The trail conditions here in Lacrosse have been the

best that I have seen in my four years here.

But so far today we are experiencing Shit Soup.

and it wont end until tomorrow night when they are calling for thunder storms.

Now I don't think that all the snow will go away but it is going to make our

Bing Crosby winter wounder land look like shit.

Now not being a smart man I will like I do most day gear up

for a 7.5 mile ride in to work staying dry on the inside and

crying on the outside. It

is still not even January so things can change and

we could be sitting on feet of snow again. If not let all of it melt

let the temp get over 50 and lets start riding out side more with fewer layers.

Ok I am now done whining like a little Bitch.

Laps

2010-12-27T15:54:00.000-06:00

I have been skiing as much as

I can. Not always as long as I would

like but as hard most days as I can.

Yesterdays hill repeats worked me pretty good,

and my thought for today was going to be just some Cruz skiing.

When I got to the trail head I was that the whole system was groomed

and off I went. Came across a new hill that they worked on with

fresh corduroy on it. Straight up ,,,could not help my self

so much for an easy day.

But with all the good comes some bad ,, long range forecast is for rain on

Friday WTF!!!

Rain in December this is going to piss me off and wreck the snow

pack. May just have to get on the bike.

Holydaze

2010-12-26T20:45:00.000-06:00

The skiing has been good and I have been trying to get

out as much as I can.

Other than the commute I have not been doing much with the

bike other than day dreaming.

I have heard no and we are cutting back our budget more this

year than I have in any other.

Still trying to get things lined up and hoping to hear some more yeses so I can start to

line things up.

The new year should bring some changes.

All are recovering from some post holiday bliss.

The family had a good haul and I think that

Anna really likes her new car even though she wont be driving it anytime soon.

Need to land another XC set up so the two girls don't need to share.

Go Green and Gold.

The Great Brendnie

2010-12-22T06:19:00.000-06:00

Here is to the man that they have called Grover.

I at times call him my brother.

Today he is old..... much older than me he is now

We have been though a lot together over the years.

He handed me down his bike and I taught him how to ride it.

He was the first one on skis and I showed him how they worked.

When he finished collage and needed a place to live I had him move in with me.

We've rocked out to music and slid down mountain peaks,

stood in streams and watched our children grow.

Separated now by miles and miles

we don't see each other to often but I know with skis on his feet and

some fuzz tones in his head that Forty will be a happy day for sure.

Happy Birthday Old Man

White Light White Heat

2010-12-21T19:58:00.000-06:00

Full moon ski but their was no moon to been seen after it slid in

to the clouds.

Their was new snow that was freshly groomed and it skied super fast.

I slid around at break neck speed

up and down through the woods loving the snow

and the speed.

With bright light on my head the night was lit up and I wanted more,,,,,, but between needing to get the kid from work and being tired from commuting through the snow I called it a night.

Here comes the Light!

Pale White

2010-12-20T06:34:00.000-06:00

Saturday and Sunday ski has

left my legs tender. That was the goal,

the skiing has been great even with the hoards of people who chose to

walk on the ski trail and post hole their fast asses along.

More snow is on the way and the chance of some freezing drizzle

which can make thing a bit more interesting.

Commute to work this morning will be good

could be crazy on the way home.

The light has almost returned and then

things will turn green.

onetwoone

2010-12-17T06:26:00.000-06:00

What a difference a day can make. Tuesday night

was as slow as molasses could almost

walk up the hills.

Last night the snow was lightning fast.

Their were times I felt as if I was a foot a head of my self the

way the skis were running.

Bumped in to some of the Emagers and got

picked on for skiing with my Helmet but the

brightness of my light said it all.

With that light on I can see every thing and go so much faster in the dark.

It is wort it.

Regardless I am pooped this morning and now looking forward to my commute.

Bring it on if it has not be broughten.

Soft all around

2010-12-15T06:55:00.000-06:00

I feel as if I am getting week as today is the third

day of driving to work. As usual it is a

weather determined break that makes me get off the bike.

With wind chills in the -20's and the roads still nasty

getting to work may be a challenge. I am hoping for some

good skiing. Last night was hard mixed with the cold snow and my wax getting skied

off. Every pole plant sunk in about 6" making for some funny form.

The Grooming is only going to get better as it gets more packed down.

I went with my Fp 3.1 and Cygo Light and that sure lit up the snow.

Tonight will have to be another session on the hamster rollers

riding in place and sweating out the bezeaousbelt.

White is right

2010-12-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

Their has been some snow

and then some more snow.

Had a great ski on friday up in Winona, before

the big snow hit and it was wonderful

hill and more hills.

Then it started, a bit on the ground on saturday morning and I

attempted to ski but after the van

pulled a 360 my mood was shot.

Sunday was spent moving lots and lots of the white stuff.

Ready to get back out there the Teal is on the sticks.

Under the lights tomorrow.

LowKu

2010-12-07T20:49:00.000-06:00

Night sking

out

running lights snow

scared by a blade need

bigger lights

More Laps = More Funner

Nordic Good

2010-12-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

Slow day at the shop

yesterday but the payoff was the last customer telling me how good the skiing was.

So home I went, with a much cleaner commute as all the snow had been plowed.

Need to get my bench cleared off and set up

the waxing station.

Happy skis are fast skis,, and yes they were happy today.

Best that I have ever felt for a day one on snow.

And the conditions were great for no snow to snow.

Ran in to the former owner of my skis and we slid through the woods.

I could have skied for ever today but there was way to much other stuff to do.

I can't wait for the next time out need to find my light

or more lights so I can keep going.

White

2010-12-04T08:41:00.001-06:00

Snow is on the ground and the thought of hot wax and skis race through my head.

I am at the shop today and the voices in my head say

don't drive when you can ride a bike.

Just need to

let out some pressure and I should be good.

19 days and the light returns and we'll take another

sun.

I am trying

2010-12-02T18:52:00.000-06:00

Something has got to give.... I can wait but for how Long!!!!??

Slick

2010-11-30T18:07:00.000-06:00

November is done and finding time to

ride is going to get harder.

The commute now becomes a game of

layers and what is falling from the sky and what is on

the ground.

Today was the first day that I got to feel the white

stuff on my face all be it that it wasn't much.

Trying to decide what was a dry patch and what was ice

is a true mental game. Still not as bad as coming down the

cut on my road bike the other day that was tricky.

So here is to December and the return of the light and

fast wheels turning in the cold.

Grinder

2010-11-28T14:01:00.000-06:00

The weather man said it was

to be warmer today. Still had to wear the layers even with the

wind blowing out of the south.

Bob had put out a email stating that he was

going to ride the crushed gravel and it sound like a

plan.

Good spin heading north and around the park,

hell of a head wind coming home.

I started getting super hungry on the way back

got in the house and started to eat.

Wind Soft Gravel=hard work.

Now need to do some bike maintenance too many flats.

Low Angle

2010-11-27T12:43:00.000-06:00

Being that I was anti garage riding yesterday

I headed out to the crushed lime stone not realizing that

their would be people dressed in orange and carrying guns.

So I opted today today to head over the river and through the woods.

Was not so much of a river as a creek or two.

The Cut

Blue bird sky's and chili temps. Stayed warm and climbed some hills, again felt soooo

good to be out side. Only got sketchy once due to ice covered roads.

But again can't say it enough better than riding inside.

Got to make hay while the sun shines.

Goodbuy

2010-11-26T08:56:00.000-06:00

Tempo in the garage yesterday, made

me realize why I like riding

outside so damn much.

I'll get back out today even if it

is going to be a cold one.

Need to get my work bench cleaned up so

I can start the tear down of my Spot.

Only took an hour on the the interwebs and

it sold. Time for new time for another page to

be written.

Empty Belly's

2010-11-25T07:46:00.000-06:00

Time to do the American thing and let our waistbands expand... Bring it ON!!

Gator

2010-11-23T20:51:00.000-06:00

Mid week slump

or just being driven nutz by weather.

The ride on sunday in the elements

helped thicken my skin. Not wanting

to ride in the indoors.

Stumbled across an old box of magazines and

made me think of younger days.

Crap on the way in the way of frozen rain ,,,,going to need to let out some tire pressure.

Then bring on the food I am ready to feed the tapeworm.

Rubber Sole

2010-11-21T11:12:00.000-06:00

Tires..

Seem to be to many in the garage that need to be replaced.

The Titus was the bike that I wanted with

the thin coating of moisture on the ground.

But once again flat rear. The Hard Case 28's have seen 5-6K miles and

I think that they are done for.

Think that their is one or two sets left at the shop and

I am going to have to snatch them up. Bontrager in their super wisdom

stopped making one of their best tires ever.

So with that I ended up on the Gunnar which is not normally the foul weather bike

but it was today.

Low clouds hung on the bluffs and i really wanted to go up

hill. So I did and in to a cloud that was full of wet cold water.

Thanks to the Metal and some woolie socks

I made it down the S descent the slowest I have ever gone down that

hill. But in the greasy conditions I stayed upright.

Orange Crush

2010-11-20T08:02:00.000-06:00

Another day and another

hill to climb.

No malfunctions and multi

gears.

Hunters in the woods with guns.

Time to ride the Pave as

long as layers are layered up.

Anchor

2010-11-18T17:40:00.000-06:00

Another morning of bike mishaps and

changes.

This time cleats were fine but tire was flat so I had to do a bike

and shoe swap again.

I need to spend some time working on all the bikes and

making sure that they are sea worthy.

If MTB riding is done for the year

I need to strip down the Spot and

get it ready to sell.

But first I need to do a tire inspection and see what is getting worn.

Other than that another good morning climbing the

quarry road and if I don;t do it again tomorrow it maybe over.

Gun season is starting and don't want to get shot.

That may hurt just a bit.

Cleatus

2010-11-16T18:44:00.000-06:00

I am not super hero and don't try to pretend to be one.

But this morning I needed x-ray vision to get through the fog.

Plan was to ride the bike that shifted but as I

started to ride away my right foot

did not clip in. Must have broke my

cleat when I came home with the boy on

monday. So back in the house and a quick change of

shoes and bikes and back to the plan of the

bitch of a hill the Quarry Road.

Not being able to shift was going to make the steep part hard and it did.

So a quick dismount and up to the Gate. Rest was steady as she goes.

Not sure how much longer this will last and this weekend gun season

starts so that may be shut down.

Still as always better riding than driving and better riding up

a kick ass hill then walking on a flat road.

Country Roads

2010-11-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

Saundays are for resting and for

just being a bump on a log, at least this time of

year. Out the door 9Am and well layered for a

simple loop out on the roads up north. With a coating of left over rain the

SKX Race Blades kept me dry and the Metal kept me

warm. A bit of wind and a whole lot of quite roads kept the motivation level high.

And to top it off I get to eat left over Risotto. A nice little Sunday!!

Squashed

2010-11-13T18:50:00.000-06:00

First day totally off the bike since labor day.

Had all the intentions of riding

even pulled the rollers out but never made it.

Relaxed cleaned up around the house

and watched some CX racing Live from CO.

Not sure what tomorrow brings but time will only tell.

The photos coming in from the MN CX race look

epic and not a whole lot of fun.

My dad can beat up your dad

2010-11-12T07:05:00.000-06:00

Rain is moving in and north will get snow.

I don't think that this is it and their may be

more dirt riding to come.

Not knowing I rode the Titus up the gravel road to work

always a treat to ride the skinny's on such a rough road.

If and when the snow falls that will be shut down.

The mangled cranks off the Spot are getting replaced,

which is nice but still waiting on the E13 cranks

which will have more beef to them.

Layers is the call for the day like a good carrot cake

dry warm and pedaling a bike out side.

Life could suck a ton more but right now it does not.

Fall Shread

2010-11-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

It is Novvember and the wheels are still ripping through the

single track.

Even under the cover of darkness after a big long stupid meeting

solace was found. I was happy that my legs could spin after the pain that I put them

through on saturday.

I did have to cut it short due to the fact that

I have had another set of Race Face cranks broach their spline.

Stopped for some H2o and gave them a wiggle and wow did they wiggle.

Not good good thing that I have a back up

but still hope that something else shakes loose.

Fast and Then Faster

2010-11-08T18:33:00.000-06:00

Cross racing it is that time of year and everybody is doing it. I have not lined up for a cross race since the first year of UCI race outside of Madison. Rocking the Metal suit and flying the Hwood flag I managed to find the start line and meet some of my fellow racers. Their was a hole shot prize and that was taken by Ezra Taylor while Jay and I sat on his Wheel. As the first lap shook out the positions were jockeyed for as Eppen and Casper made their presence know.

They were joined by Little Guy, and I did what I could to hold on. I got scraped off the front three and beaten by the wind. That is when Chris Alme came around and I tried to hold on but was some what shattered. Got passed one last time this time by Dan Strese and his wheel I was able to hold on to for the last three laps.

I thought I had it all figured out sit there and wait for the last 50 yards and as we came out of the drainage ditch and made the turn to the line he had already kicked and I had no match. At the line his front wheel got me and I slid in to 6th and just out of the Money.

I had a blast yes I have been sore for the past two days but have not done anything at race pace for over a month and epically have not gotten off my bike and ran with it. Huge thanks to the crew that put on the race and for getting me to the line, for all the great competition for letting me play cyclocross with them.

And Even BIGGER thanks to The HWOOD crew and to ALL AT TWIN SIX>>> You all helped me have one Hell Of A Kick ASS YEAR!!!!

PARTY ON AND RIDE WITH PRIDE!!!

2'sday

2010-11-02T19:50:00.000-05:00

I chose to ride in the woods instead of

going and playing on the SSCX bike.

I do have an impending CX race coming this weekend and

should do what every one calls practice.

But I could not pass up a chance

to ride single track.

And once again the single track was the

right call for a tuesday that was full

of crappy broken appliances.

The weather man says that a change may be coming

and that could make the commute in a bit colder.

That is why all the warm clothes are getting clean in the

new washing machine.

Table topping Low

2010-10-31T16:06:00.000-05:00

I missed out on the Night Shift last night but it sounds as

if the

LAX crew had a good showing.

They had 4-5 in the top 10 good job boys.

For me it was dinner and some Dales.

Back at it again today to end the month with a good ride.

I have ridden every day of the month.

31 days ridden and 700 miles.

Not huge miles but for October not bad.

Today's ride was nice and quite in the woods flying and

diving though the last few leaves that have fallen.

One more test next weekend my only CX race of the

year up in the Twin Cities.

Still need to sell on last set of tires so i have gas money but going regardless.

Have fun tonight be safe and and don't eat too much candy.

Baby Cheeses

2010-10-30T14:49:00.000-05:00

Was supposed to go and race in the dark

down in Iowa but with family in town and going

up to the Cities next weekend I am laying low.

Got out this morning for a nice spin in the woods.

Been a while since I went and rode my Spot in the

the day light.

Very quite in the woods and not a sole out.

As I freewheeled through the woods I could hear the

angry bee's following me along.

Just a nice day to be riding in the woods, sweet single track and

blue sky's.

Good luck to all who race the night shift,, go fast and

take chances.

Oh Shnizel

2010-10-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

Falling down sucks I know that no one really likes it.

Maybe Chevy Chase in the SNL skits but that might be it.

Heading in to work today early because we had a training in MN

on some silly new machines.

So light on and heading down the crushed gravel to avoid the

50+ mph wind gust that were blowing.

Did not take in to account for fallen branches, and was

doing good at avoiding them until on snuck up on me and I grabbed to much front brake

and down I went in a big heap and a thud.

Picking my self up I found a good gash in my knee which was covered by

my fav... fall/winter knickers that now have a huge hole.

Got my brakes and shifter readjusted and off I went in to the dark yelling at the predawn light.

Hundreds of miles get ridden and I go down going to work, and it is not the first time.

I think that I should stop going to work!

Cold Steel

2010-10-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

Something about the feel of steel hard to put my finger on it but the ride is so smooth and sweet. At the shop the question always why not carbon? Just not my style of ride I rode a Madone last summer and it was nice but it was always nice to get on some OX Platinum.

Just a peaceful easy ride through the coulees today yes I should have gone for more but sometime less is more.

Leaves are almost all down and the deer are running so you have to be on the look out.

October 24 and over dress once again hard to

figure what to wear.

It never seems right but always feels so right to ride.

Thump in the Night

2010-10-23T08:48:00.000-05:00

Friday Night Lights took on a new meaning when the wheels starting rolling. Took the normal path up through the quarry I had to tell my LEG TO SHUT UP and the gave me the middle toe and told me to HTFU. Many mile this week and up that hill a few times never get easier. I was transfixed by the shiny jewels that are my new wheels.

As the sun went behind minnesota the moon made it in to the sky. The moon was full and changing colors as it climbed in to place.

We had a good showing of people for a night lap 9-10 riding strong all lit up sliding through the woods.

Bob was the cruise director leading us around riding stuff backasswards

on trails that at night make for a good challenge.

The schwinn toyota team even made a showing riding strong and showing people how to ride.

Glad that I got out and ride due to the fact that it is now raining. It has not rained in weeks and the weather has been perfect. This is going to end my consecutive day streak of riding. I don't mind a bit of rain but 50 degrees and heavy rain don't mix for me now. So I guess i'll get a day off the bike as I sit at the bike shop and dream of single track.

New day Rising

2010-10-21T20:47:00.000-05:00

My morning as cold as they have been have been my

bit of sweet relief. All

smiles as the wheels turn until I get to the work spot.

I am not a hater but some times the life of an apliance mechanic are

a bit insane.

It is a good thing that I have moments like these to

make me remember why it all happens.

Weather is going to be changing so need to make wheels turn while the sunshine.

Zen of fast wheels

2010-10-21T06:21:00.001-05:00

Just got my wheels back after Tostin got them built up. I can't wait to spin them.. Velocity Blunt rims with the velo plugs for rim strips. DT spokes and nipples 3 cross and King front 24mm for my Maverick fork and 9 speed rear that will run single unless 1x9 set up is on the bike. These are going to be fast..

Blowers

2010-10-20T06:26:00.000-05:00

I have been enjoying the night bike riding.

Yes sometimes it is hard to get my self going

after a day of work and all I want to do is

sit and chill. But

I am glad to get out and play.

Last night was no exception. I hit the trails right as the sun went away and could not

figure out what was different.

The leaf blowers had been out and they made the trails

rippable again. Diving through every turn

able to put force in to every hill climb pedal stroke.

So good so fun.

I will return again. Maybe this morning on the way to work

on the SSCX.

My King wheels are done and that has me going at warp speed this

fine day those are going to be sweet

will throw up some pictures when they come home.

Big Foot

2010-10-18T08:28:00.000-05:00

Sunday the end of a long week or the beginning of another.

Either way it was a sunny day and another day to be

spent on a bicycle.

Anna was out of the house with a nip still in the air and she warmed up the only

way she knows how, by riding up the steepest hill in the neighborhood.

The boy and I spent some more time making skid marks in the front yard.

Nothing like laying in to a coaster brake and smelling rubber burn. He is way in to it.

When it was my turn to go and play I headed back to the HPT.

This time I changed my gear to a 2:1 knowing that the leaves were

going to be deep and that the 54inches of the other night was too much.

Parking lots were full of cars yet I saw only two people on the trails.

Bike was an extension of the body railing trough corners and flying up the hills.

Another great day to fell the freedom of cycling.

And what is that I get to have monday off of work....

I think I'll ride a bike sounds like a good idea.

Yep over there

2010-10-16T15:44:00.000-05:00

After spending so many of my weekends in

Minnesota I figured I would head over there

for a good ride.

Went and found my self a good climb from the turn to the top about

three miles of sweet smooth pave.

Quite roads and smooth sailing and heading west a direction that

I never really go to start a ride.

Gravel descent to the bottom of the valley.

More Gravel and letting the wheels fly.

Hay!!!

Mr burns Valley road fun climb with a pit of pitch at the end..

The Top looking back at Wisconsin

you can almost see my house.

A good day to be on the bike..

Now need to get the Spot ready for some leafy single track tomorrow..

Goin Green

2010-10-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

Big is Life

2010-10-13T20:27:00.000-05:00

Bike Racing Fun In Winona Mn thanks to the 29andSingle Guys.

Up on the down

2010-10-12T19:20:00.000-05:00

Back to work going up hill it is the only way. I have a lot of work to do and have need to work rest in to that but fall things first. Need to enjoy the season then put a plan together to make my Upgrade work.

Hills always seem to be what motivates me been going up on what ever bike I can watching the sun come up as I head to the 8-4 work. I wish I could turn the third job into a 8-4 but first things first.

Took the back way home enjoyed the hills on the back of the Steel road machine.

Still finding more looking around every turn.

One more test/fun ride,, @ night and the night before Halloween need to keep finding hills need to keep finding my happy place. Yep the wheels go roUnd...

Hot Lap

2010-10-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

The 29er Crew put on a little show in Ynonia Mn over the course of yesterday. Good turn out of folks from north south east and west. They even had a food vendor show up with what was some amazing Mexican food. The captain him self Hwood came down in his new Pimp ride always good for a laugh and words of encouragement.

Sherman and his crew did a great job even if Scott looked a bit silly in his Katie Compton skin suit. Between Sherman and Seve the prize table was huge and people were stoke on the turnout.

As the trails go I have been in the Lacrosse area for four years now and have never ridden the trails until yesterday. They were unbelievable.... Going after them totally blind not knowing when the climbs stopped it was a challenge. And it climbed and climbed up and up with some sick single track and loose off camber roots and rock. These trails reminded me so much of trails that were ridden out west. Unreal that this has been up the road all this time. The only down side to the race was towards the end my real wheel kick in to the frame and instead of fixing it I kept going with a loud buzzing noise. I had to ease up a bit not sure if it was a stick in the wheel or if the wheel was rubbing and not having my Leaf Monkey to adjust I kept on moving. Stopped the clock in 4th position and got to hit the prize table.

No Miles Deyoe put in a good time and slayed the trails after having a big week of riding up in the Hayward area,,, the spark is back in the boy and the Hessian better watch out. I handed over to deyoe the bounty from King and should have some new wheels soon... That is going to kick ass...

The sun is back out and it is still the weekend ,,, so only one thing to do go and ride some more bikes.

Sunnyshine

2010-10-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

It has been a cold wake up call the past few mornings reminding me of what is to come.

And by the second hour of work the air is warm and wind is not blowing.

Hard to be at work. Today got out a bit early and go to home the long way. It is has been along time since I have deviated from the path home.

It felt good to just go and wander. Up and over the hills and through the woods. Sunshine and bikes, not a bad afternoon. Bikes be Good...