Best Use of a SUPERFLY!!

Down hill slide

Photo from Dana

Afton

Bike racing at the Old Ski Hill. Sunday set up to be a nice day outside with all but Anna racing. Sophia was first off for two laps of her 10 mile race. You could see that she had some nerves but knew what she needed to do. Coming through on her first lap she was down 40 seconds or so and working hard pissed about some rubbing that had been going on. With a bit more hard work on the back side of the course she was able to come in 1st again in her age group.James was next as he stood on the start line he was all smiles his goal was to take it nice and easy and make sure that his wheels kept spinning. I think that the tall guy behind him was a bit of sandbager . I was next ....A good group of guys at the line and the cool temps of earlier were gone and now it was good and warm. 4 laps 25 miles and lots of climbing. Go a fast lead out to the single track and I was sitting where I need to be going into the first climb. I made my moves and passed as I could as guys reached for gears and chains slipped. The first lap was good with gaps opening which set up some solo riding on 2 and 3. Small groups were formed as I worked with riders and tried to stay up front.It was warm and between that and all the climbing as the race went on riding strong was my goal. Moving smart and pushing it where I could. Coming in to the last lap Hollywood, was shouting encouragement and stuffed my jersey with a had full of Ice. Much cooler now I sat in and got to work picked off one or two more guys and kept moving grinding the climbs and stretching out my back when I could. Last big climb the manhandler I got nipped by a pro rider that i had been holding off I could not stay with him. Happy with my ride I rolled in 2:15 for 25 miles and ready for a beer. Good for 2nd in age group and 11th overall missed the money by 2 spots. More work to be done before the next one in Duluth.

Eat Meat

Hot Cakes

If april showers bring may flowers what does may showers bring? Got wet at the top of the wall yesterday, so no regroup just straight home. As it turns out the rest of the day way sunny and prefect. A little dirt to work this morning to get the bike ready for the next Test tomorrow.

Misty morning Fun

The rains finaly stoped and the trails were wet. So out came the road machine and hills were found. Cool misty fog laid in the valleys. The climbing was good,, helping get me ready for the test on sunday, lots of climbing. Sun is out now.

Fried Sausage

The Boys Bday was today and started off with a bang. Pancakes and Bacon with berries a good meal. Opened presents and played star wars. Sophia and I had some time to kill and needed some bike practice, so up to the HPT we went.

The Flowers are going off and so are the ferns etc.. Also going off was the Girl she was riding smooth and strong. The whole loop from the house is 23 mile and she crushed it. Riding strong and looking ready for the race at Afton next sunday.

The ergon green starts to blend in.... Finnish the day with birthday Brats and Cake. All were happy. Here comes monday- I mean tuesday you ready. Go fast and then go faster.

Run to the Hills

Yes It Is A big WEEKEND,, in my house. We headed up to the Twin Cities for some Zoo action and Mall of AMERICA. Fun was had by all the zoo was great and James who is the boy of honor was all was all smiles. My goal was to ride Sunday morning with the Twin SIX boys, but as saturday lingered on and with proximity of the hotel I went for a ride. First and for most big PROPS needs to go to the MORC group. I have heard a lot about Lebanon Hills, but until yesterday had never ridden there. As I rolled in from the lot it started right off the bat, smooth fast single track. Matter of fact it is all single track and all smooth minus the rock gardens. It is a mountain bike oasis in the middle of a large metropolis. Rolling the trails all I could do was smile as I fought to keep the twist cone down that I ate before suiting up. Got back to the hotel and told stories of log rides and big swoopy corners and rock gardens that made me drool. We all ate a big dinner swam and hit the hay. As morning came I was up and ready to hit the trails...A quick breakest and bad coffee and I was gone. Again just great flow so well thought out and so well made. I could go on for awhile about these trails,,bit I digress. If you are in the area ,,going to the airport, the mall seeing grandma what ever,, take your bike find Eagan MN and go for a ride you wont be let down. SOOOO much Fun..

Bouncing around the Room

Yesterday was a convection oven here in the Mississippi river valley. With high heat and 40+ winds it felt like you could get cooked standing outside. Sophia and I took a short ride at the HPT and life was good in the trees. I was back at it this morning dirt to work with 58inchs to freedom. Bike rode well and climbed like a beast. Fully recovered from what ever had me layout on tuesday. Big weekend ahead for the boy's fifth and the holiday that it falls on. Need to keep the wheels spinning more tests to come.

Slug

Not sure what was up but things were not normal. Goal was the TNWC ride and I had all the gear to go. But from the moment that I woke it was all down hill. Body and mind was tired, had a hard time thinking straight. I hit the bed early with little to no food. So far so good things seem to be on track. Just needed to get Reset.

Spring Cup

First dirt race of the year! The H8ter was crushed lime stone and the Decorah was a mud fest. Sophia Went off first pumped and ready to go. She grabbed the hole shot and rode hard the first lap. She did her best to hold off the charge of the other cat 2 women. Three hard laps she crossed the line 1st in her age and 7th overall. A great start to her season. For me I landed a spot right up front for the gun, and it was a fast lead out. Made it to the single track around 8th place, and was able to sit in a get a feel of what was to come. As the train picked up speed I saw a chance to move up and called out my pass, not sure what happened next but the guy who was giving me space and I clipped each other, I went down. Got up quick but enough time went by that the train was up the trail by a minute or so. The group that I caught on with worked hard through the Start finish line. I was able to pull away but not latch back on to the Lead train, they stayed in front with a minute or two gap. For 3 laps I hung in no mans land not able to get back on I could see them and faught hard to keep the group behind me away. Through lap 4 all was clear and some how I managed to get tangled up once again on the 5th lap this time going down a bit harder. Got up shook it off and finished 1:34 fast enough for 2nd in age group and 13th overall. I had a blast good race got to see old friends and make some new ones. Great to see sophia racing and kill it. The bike and all the bits and pieces work to perfection. Thanks to Spot/Maverick and Dales for the chance to represent again and to Twin 6 for the great Duds. and everyone else. The hope is that this is just the Start to a great season.

Morning Dew

Mellow ride in was the goal but someone turned on the wind machine so a bit of work had to be done, I sat and spun and smelled the great smells of flower and wet grass. Legs feel somewhat good after the efforts of yesterday. Another start to the work is here. Happy with the riding yesterday the Bike rode great and the new tires worked super. Big thanks to all the people that help make me go. More to come later plans to be made going back to the twin cities and going to ride with the T6 GANG!

Torque

Good spin of the legs with the 5:30 train. Worked on the RPM's RPM"S=MPH! This helps me make up my mind. Boy has a bug so I get to be home and Chill with him.

Torn

Bike looks good with the new tires and wipe down. Not sure what to do with the gear 58 or 61 inches, one is a masher one is a spinner. One MPH difference. It rode well up on the bluff, in the hills my worry is twisty tightish singletrack with lots of people more spin may be better?

Chunks

Rolling the big wheels to work to test out the bike and body. The silence of the woods was interrupted by the squeak of seat rails. Even with the rains yesterday the trails were in good riding shape. Big test on sunday, need to get the rest of the parts on this afternoon. Single track to work = Nice start !

Solo x Solo

The season is going to get going real fast this coming weekend. Tonight was supposed to be a TNWC ride but the talk around the shop was MTB's plus the wind was off the hook. MY thoughts were I needed some Spot time and want to make sure that all things are good to go and go fast on sunday. From what I remember the course is flat and a gears such as 34x17 or 34x16 are going to be needed. Big wind on the way to the grind of a climb ........bike was riding well and I was able to make it up the climbs in good time. Got to the trail head and no shop guys, no desire to wait around I wanted to ride. Trails are in great shape and you are really able to lay in to the coroners. Ran in to Lance and Tom K, and finished the ride with them flying down the grind at speeds of 46++.

UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Dinner Done the Right WAY!

Down with EPP

The Wheels have not been spinning as much as I would have liked this weekend but fun was still had. After work yesterday the family and i went up to the HPT and rode around. The James got to rip around the pump track and spin on some the mellow single track, while his PIP was off on a ride was a few women. My self was more of a soak it all in and enjoy, let the legs rest and more will come. Got the girls bike one step closer to the kick off of next weekend. Some new Time pedals and soon some better tires from the Good folks at WTB. My goal is to get some hard efforts in early this week and then a bit of easy stuff toward the end of the work week. The gear need for the Erik's Cup is a big one if I want to try to be near the front. The new BB is in and Saddle is on still waiting for the new brakes and depending on when they get here I may or may not ride them this weekend. A good dinner is on tap with some cold Dale's then sleep and work, I wont be attending the morning Mtb ride I have to work oh well I know when i am not wanted. Here comes some Red Curry Life is Good!!!

Duck dUcK Grey dUCk

Sometimes life comes at you pretty fast and it is hard to with what thrown your way. I go and Hide on a bike and find some inner peace all alone in the hills and valleys around the area. That is what i did this morning, a good 2+ hour spin up over and through and back to work. Excise my inner demons by riding. Dose that work for you? Get it done. Ride fast enjoy the view for the seat of two wheels.

Take A left

Photo from Tom K.. I was told the other day that I raced like a mountain biker. This gentlemen said that I wasted my race being up front and taking pulls. I thought that I was racing and looking for a good workout. This is right before I went to the gutter to force someone else around and it worked.

My little Monkey

Dirt under my wheels was a good felling. After a week or so of letting my inner roadie out it was a nice switch. I had not been on my Spot since the Dechora race and my bike could still use a good cleaning. I am going to wait until the new King BB and other goodies show. My plan is to as much Dirt as I can before the start to the Mountain Bike race season in a week and one half. Go fast!!

Crit Race

Water mark right over me but still a good photo as we head through the start finish line. I am hooked like to do another on just not sure when it is going to happen.

Nascar On Bikes

Bike racing was on tap for the whole family. All had fun good jobs were done by all. Sophia got off the front and was one of only three girls. She had the other two pretty and ended up racing against the boys. She did great 5th overall against the boys and 1st over all. I learned that she had too big of gears that their is a rule about JR's gear ratio. Oh well she did not get DQed. James was fired up for his one lap around river side park, rode great he put it in number 6 and flew around the course. He won a root beer float which came in handy later. I raced the Masters 3-4's and wow it was fast. I was able to stay near the front for most of the time and work with a few of the local speedsters. Good race stayed up right and went fast at the line I did not have anything left so I sat up with pried of a job well done. Now we have a week off before the racing starts in MN. Rest ride eat and drink some beer.

Dirt King

Got out and rode MtB's with the boy, he is really taking to the new 20 incher. He has a race on sunday. Go Fast little one.

5:AM

5:AM train this morning and felt good at fast tempo pace it is the harder push just past that, that i am having a hard time holding. Need to get all the crap out of my legs. Quite and simple in the morning until all the suv's come out to go to work. 5 bills went in to the family trukster, new radiator. Fun is all around. Now the question is can I stay with the pack on sunday? Only time will tell.

Grey Day

Eazy dose it EZ... Lazy day of easy pedals moving slow, from the look in the picture might be a bit tired. I need to grease up the BB in the Crackandfail CX bike,,, lots of miles on that bike and it is making noise. Almost the weekend, and everyone is working for it.

Hammers Thrown

Some times they are harder than others and last nights was a good one. Everyone was firing on all cylinders and the pace was fast. I had no intention of being on or near the front just wanted to sit, seeing that the legs were still worked for my bike race run. That of course did not happen, although my pulls were sometimes short I put my time up front. Got dropped once coming down Cty I to M ,,,need to work on not letting gaps form. But other than that I was able to hang all night. The bike rode well still not 100% sold on the plastic I really love my steel, and think that i'll ride that in today.

Muck

Both sophia's bike and mine took a bath in this small creek.. now they are still dirty and still need to be cleaned better than they are.. Mud sucks, and her bike has one of those shifter things so mud is good and caked in. yea MUD....

Jogging in Iowa

Went to a bike race and ended up jogging for a while. The little Iowa town puts on a dirt TT every spring and Sophia and i decided to give it a shot. With the weather that we have been having lately we knew that it was going to be sloppy. I just did not plan to have to run the side and down hills. I was ready to run up some of the hills but the trails were worked by the time I hit the course. I went about 50ish so they were torn up and the last 1.5 was an off camber down side hill that was two weeks old. Sloppy,, my back wheel stopped rolling at one point, and my bike weighed a good 10 lbs more. Good early season work more coming with the local crit on sunday, need to rest and get back to the pain train. Next Mtb race on May 17th... Need to be ready.

Sugar Mountain

Great way to start the day, riding dirt on the way to work. I have to say that I am way stoked on the step up and things are only get to better once the box of goodies comes from the Spot HQ. All alone out the single track getting my self dialed for the Decora TT race this sunday, may be a bit wet and they are claiming 3000+ miles over 9 miles sounds a bit like the Frisco to Breck TT. Next week is the Lacrosse Crit and as of now I have got my Cat 3 up grade,,, My ass will be handed to me but it will be good hard work. And I should be on the Madone by then so It will be a good test for me and the Bike. 5:30 train so bed is coming because morning comes quick. Sleep well and Dream Fast.

Tuesday Night Single TrAcK

I decided against the TNWC Ride. With the wind blowing as hard as it was I wanted to go ride in the woods instead. After a hard 8 mile ride home in to one hell of a head wind I ran in the house and changed shoes and base layers and jumped on my Spot and I was gone. Now it was a huge tail wind to the bottom of the climb up to the Proving Grounds. The Road going up was a bitch tonight hard work to get up the hill. Once I was up to the top I ran into this Motley Crew. Rode with them for a good while until one of them waked out his wheel, I need to push on so I could get home. Good ride and a grate bit of dirt riding made my legs good and tired. When I got home I made dinner which was a big Spinach salad with garbanzo beans and topped with some nice grilled Beef... MMMMMMMM food is good only problem is I am still hungry always hungry. Need more food.

Nice little Saturday

After another busy day at the Dream Factory I was happy to make it home. Waiting for me was a nice size package from T6. This worked well in to my plan seeing that the Girl and I were going to go ride the HPT's and get some dirt under our tires. The new kit from the boys in the 612 felt awesome and I was down with the all black Johnny Cash look. Off to the trails me and #1 went riding strong into the wind and knowing that the big bitch of a climb was coming . Now this climb can turn a person from happy to pissy quick not me I know the benefits of the climb, but to a 14 year old cyclist watch out. The Force flows strong in the youngling and she needs to learn to channel her anger because she destroyed the climb and the next 6or 7 that followed. Good ride all in all just great to be on dirt and great to see Sophia riding her new bike so well. Speaking of new bikes it sounds as if the Big Boss, wants to put a MAdone 5.2 under me so when I am doing group rides people can see me on bike from the shop. That should be intersting I will still ride and love the Gunnar but now I will have more options when I comes to what to ride. Well as this week comes to an end and the next is around the cornor it is time to get ready for the next test which is a week away. A dirt TT down in IOWA, should be good don't know the trails but will learn them as I rool along. Have fun stay dry if yo live out west get out the sholvles and most imporant GO RIDE A BIKE. And watch out for this guy.^^^^^^^^

Big wheels go RoUnD

The road going up to the Quarry wanted to make it's bitch this morning but i did not let it. Front door to single track 30 minutes and only 3 miles of pave. Great way to start a day, only bummer is going to work after riding the dirt is you are covered in dirt all day. So the shower that i just took was Glorious. Even had the token show beer along with it nice touch. Going to give the EmAG ride a go in the AM so that means riding the 5:30 train do what you can when you can. It has been a good week next test is 10 days away need to get more bike practice in. More time on the Spot is deffenatly what I want and need. Sleep tight morning come early, then some warm coffee some vitamin C a bowl for the dog,a bowl for the cat and a bowl for me...LETs Ride.

MId WEek

Coming out of the chunnel and over the logs, both logs and photo thanks to YoungBlood. Glad to have done the race it was good work, and my hopes are that it is going to pay off. Did the TNWC ride last night and rode up off the front as much as i could. The gunnar rode like a dream, and the shifting was as clean as a whistle. Mountain bike morning to work a good 2 hours before having to grind out a long day.. Dam bikes are a good time.

Nice Again

With the Gunnar back up and running I think that i'll throw my hat back in to the TNWC ride. My goal not to get blown off the pace line. Nothing but an easy spin today to aid in the recovery from the H8TER. Dirt is coming again and I can't wait, this time solo and no waiting for the KID. Why are Bikes so much FUn?

Getting Dirty

Recovery dirt ride with the Kid,,., She rode her new bike great,, I think she likes the big wheels.. For me just great to be on dirt. More so much more to come. Next >>>>Getting the Gunnar back together> That should be tomorrow.

Hate is Good

Well with the H8TER done I now know what i was getting into. The word was unfinished trail and I found out what that was. With a rolling start and then a Go we were off on a pave trail then on to what someday will be a trial ,,,over grown maybe single track. After about 6ish miles of that we were on to the crushed lime stone. Tires were blowing left and right, I just kept my head down and hoped for help. And that came in a good group with one power full single rider. We worked well together down and through the tunnel, which was great once my light turned on. At the turn we were only 2 minutes down off the leaders, and now need to work well together so the wind did not destroy us. With a short pave climb over the tunnel and then back to limestone. Lots of long pulls wanting and trying to save some for the unfinished. Well after along pull on the weed trail I got gaped fought like a MF'ER to back on. I did it was great the group was all back together, until I messed up and rode into a small ditch. I could not get back on had to stop twice for traffic and a stop light or two ...ended up rolling in behind the group seconds in tow. Great race and good ride happy with 9th I know what I need to work on the work that has been done is working. Thanks to the family for coming along and to John for have the event.. Now let go ride Mountain Bikes!!

Suffer

Coming togother and getting ready. Nice easy spin this morning and one more on the way home. Bike is ready and list of food and goodies from the Woodmans is made. Family will get load in to the van and we'll roll to mad town.. H8TER IT!

First Mate

Out for a cool down easy ride with dad. I let him do most of the pace setting. The highlight of the night was riding through flocks of birds, when I asked him why he said I want to squish a bird like you did a squirrel. Nut does not fall to far from the tree. New rubber on tonight,,28mm's should work well on the crushed lime,, now gear choices. Sounds as if the trails will open this weekend so the girl and I have a date for dirt.. Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fast Guys

Went out tonignt for the TNWC, and rode with the fast guys. It was a windy blast the whole time hard to fight it in and out of a pace line. I was blown off twice and fought back the best I could each time. What did i learn at bike practice tonight was A: need more work riding in a group B: need to ride with the Berzeker more often. The Boy is a machine, riding off the front the whole time wind or no wind. Good work had fun will be back for more.

Flanders Ned

They blew the call about snow and nothing fell esp. not the 8 inches they said would fall. So I jumped on the Spot and went and played on some dirt. The quarry is great for hill climbing and a nice change to get out of the wind. I long for more dirt,,it is soon coming. The tnt trail is a good substitute until the HPT is ready to go. It is a shame that this trail is nothing but a dranage ditch because it can be a lot of fun to ride. With the weather changing and snow not falling the lime stone trails of the H8ter should be good for Saturday. I may give the Tuesday night world championship ride a spin to help open the legs for the week to come.

Whats Going ON

First off I want to say that this is my personal Site and it has no affiliation with my place of employment. It has come to my knowledge that some in the area have been offended by my words, and have not come in to the Dream Factory because they believe me to be a arrogant bike snob. They are just words yes some times I may rant and rave about subcultures in the cycling world. If you don't like it don't read or call me out lets turn it in to dialogue. Come on we are all two wheeled freaks!!! And if you really don't like what comes out of me don't read,,,,,,,,For the most part I figure that this is pretty boring because it just about me and my life on a bike!!! Ok enough of that, Yesterday the boy got to try out some bigger wheels,, he did good and was able to move so much quicker. I helped out EpU at the Bike rodeo and the Rock showed up with his cousins. Lots of kids on lots of bike great to see people out and about even with the impending snow storm. Been an up and down week good rides low volume high tempo. Need to make sure that I can hold up to 100K next saturday in the H8ter. We'll see the next thing on the list is getting a set of 28mm tires. We'll have to see how every thing comes together this week. Stay warm and Ride Fast.

Rusty Nail

Gears came out today in the way of the Lemond, it is an old friend would still like to the Gunner moving,,,but soon come. It was nice to be on gears and even with the temp only being 29 with out the wind it was nice out. Good loop 4 hills and lots of rollers. The highlight came as I was rolling down Bliss RD I had a squirrel run out in front of me he ran by then deiced to come back and I ran over him at 37 mph. I stayed up right and did not get any gutz on me. One more good one tomorrow and then weather comes sounds like some snow on sunday, don't want to see any more but what can I do. Come on friday......

Willy Nelson

Back out on the road this afternoon, with the back way home. Good push and good movement, legs felt good after a day off. I think that it is time to switch things up and get the Lemond out for a bit. The Gunnar is going to be rolling again soon just waiting on the front shifter from David. After a long time of not riding what the shop sell things have changed. At first I did have the Lemond but he got fired and it is now frowned upon, Lance is better or so I am told. But now we are a SPOT dealer at the Dream factory. So now we sell what I ride. First one is out the door and I hope to see many more to come. The Next to come in is the Longboard SS Belt. Again and again more weather coming, rolling with the punches, and making lemonade. What goes up must come down.