Cold Steel

 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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

Big is Life

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

Up on the down

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

 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

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...

One Buy One

Two days of single track riding not to leafy yet!

Single Track Fun

!0

Almost a full week has gone by since the 

last number plate day.

It in remembrance was a tough day

sliding to mid pack and fighting the rest of the day.

All that aside I have been tired and felt 

just plain flat all week.

Now the weekend is 8 hours away and

all  I want to do is ride. No work at the shop and sunday 

football is not that important.

So Bikes will be ridden. Some dirt some road some time with the kids on two wheels.

And if just if she'll have me riding with my wife.

It is the 10th month and time is getting short.

What is left?

The 29andsingle guys have an event next weekend in Winona

then the end of the month a night race in dechora IA.

Wheels need to get built and time to start making plans for next year.

Even though it is a few Dark months away it will come 

and I will be Ready..

Now go ride your bike and work on your smile..

Anti Up

I went all IN and right from the start I knew 

that I needed to be all IN.

Soft and soggy ski trail to start.

Some bumping and rubbing Barry and my self almost going down.

Hit the  first section of single and was in full chase mode.

I could see the race all in front of me.

This was it could not close the gaps that I need to close.

Moved ok on the single that is as tight and twisty that

you can ride. 

After four laps of sluggish corners and crashes from my self

and Barry  I was fried.

Left it all on the single track gave it all I could.

Barry came around towards the end of lap four and 

I came in 11th overall on the day one spot out of the money.

Huge shout and thanks to all that made this season a

reality for me. 

Now it is time to enjoy fall and my time on the bike.

And yes to start thinking of next season.

Go fast and then Go faster.

FallOut

Friday one left just have to get through it.

I have a mountain of crap that needs to be 

worked on.

I can get through.

Not going to clean my bike as it will get muddy tomorrow.

Tight twisty and fast even with the mud.

The Notsoberfest starts today,

so watch out for puke on the side walks. 

This uplifting not came from 

Big Johnny,, I think that it speaks volumes.

Now HTFU

and get out and ride your Bike. 

View from uo HeRe

My great idea for the day was to ride up 

at the HTP on the way to work but to it on the SSCX.

With the new Small Blox 8's I knew it 

was going to be so much fun.

It was it was and the only hard part 

was climbing up the quarry hill. 

Covered by morning dew and a bit of mud splatter I was

all smiles on the way to the first job.

Hanging out at the shop second job of day

I watched the clouds roll in.

I am going to get wet.

Passing the time reading and flipping through the new Bike Mag,

I came across a Picture of Captain H-Wood him self 

in a story written by Stevil.

Almost out the door and ready to get wet a customer slides back in 

to wish me good luck on my race this weekend.

As we say good bye he slips me a gas card for the local petrol station.

It is moments like this that make realize that good people do exist. 

Thanks to you for making the cycling world spin.

Art of commuting in the Rain

Woke to the sound of thunder and flashes of lightning.

Heavy rain crashing down... I did not want 

to be reduced to using a car to get to work.

It is still a warm rain and it is only water right.

Still trying to take it easy this week not doing much 

and wanting to fell fresh for saturday.

Time for the Lemond only bike with fenders and not even full ones.

Music in my head and work a head I was off.

Now if only the people in their cars felt the same way that I do as I commute.

Getting there is half the fun.

Dodging puddles and down branches is much harder when 

people are being poop cute's while they drive.

Needless to say I made it to work and 

the path was clear all to my self.

Why can't we all just ride a Bike??

Falling in the AiR

Tired from back to back days of 

riding the proving grounds.

Need to be on full alert the leaves are starting to fall.

Made the necessary arrangements to at the 

finally. 

Sounds as if I may be flying up there solo,

the kid is not doing the work so hard

to reward with all the glory.

Rest is on the horizon now some Nuun and sleep.

Hand Up's

It is cold out 

50 degrees and motivation is hard to find.

Layers will be the key to the day.

Going to go and panhandle to 

get some gas money to make it 

to the final race of the season. Might have

to fight for one of the off ramp corners.

Ruts

Sometimes you get stuck in them 

other times you can get out.

Sometimes it is just the line your on that pulls you in.

Sometimes getting out is hard.

Laying on your back looking up 

trying to figure out how you go there and what it is going to 

take to get out.

Sometimes get out of one is 

hard. 

Stuck.

Time to climb out.

Read between the lines

Sunshie Iceholes

Today is going to be an easy day with rain in the

forecast.  I have been getting after it the past seven

days. One last big test not saying that I am training but going to be ready to take on the Sith.

Not sure that people take me seriously but at least I can put forth a good showing.

I chased down a car the other morning ,,,almost to work and some lady 

almost smoked me at the intersection of State and 4th St. Went up to her window and 

asked her why she thought it was ok to almost hit a cyclist,,,she was stunned and said she did not see me.

I think it is hard to pay attention when you are on your phone listing to the news

and putting on eye liner.

Days are short nights are getting longer people everywhere are going cross crazy,

here in the armpit of Wisco it is just time to ride and enjoy the fall.

Watch out for bimbo's they aren't watching for you.

Load em Up

Took a day off the bike last week,,it was more of a travel day 

but was still off the bike.

Since I have been getting after it enjoying the last 

throws of summer and trying to get

my self ready for the last big test.

I am tired and hungry so I think that the 

work is doing what it should.

May go out into the dark woods tomorrow

to switch it up. The MTB bike

has been making me smile new seat has the taint happy.

The rumor is that the King Jewels are to be moving on Wednesday.

Shread the Dog

The Laddies Loppet two days and three stages of racing up at Jay Richards super cool northern MN XC ski and bike resort.

Saturday was going to be a TT and short track.

The TT came about 10ish in the AM and I was ready, cool and damp so the times were coming in a bit slower than the ones from last year. I had given the course a test lap and thought that I had it down. At race pace it was another story.. Coming of the ski trail in to the single at speed was a bit of trick. Came across the line a few ticks over eleven minutes. Little mad at my self for not being faster but it going to be a long weekend. 

The short track was not till 5:30 so time to hang out and ride bikes. I wanted to see the xc race course. Went out for a spin with Hwood and Smoking Joe. The single track that they have cut by hand is amazing. Tight twisty and needing to be on it at all times.

Short track time,,,, I knew that this may be a fight to stay on. With the Road Races and cyclocross experts lining up holding on to the pain train was going to be hard. 18 minutes +2 laps. I lasted about 10 minutes before getting pulled. My 34x18 was no match for the speed up front. by the end 1/2 of the field was pulled.

Sunday brought the XC race, and an onslaught of people to the resort. Today was going to be more my speed. 

Up front trying to hang on the ski trail again the pace was flying. Got into the single track and needed to start making up some time. The trails took a lot of brain power to stay moving and stay up right. I had one lack of attention an was over the bars and on the ground.

Got the bike up and was moving not missing a beat.

Two more laps pushing through the pain. Came across 14th over all 3rd in age… one race left and the overall is still in sight.

If you have not been you need to get up to Maplelag and enjoy all that the Richards have to offer…. Party on and ride with Pride

Maplelag

I spent my labor day weekend in a small slice of Heaven.

The Maplelag Resort in Callaway MN.

Owned by the Richards family, the resort is a XC Ski mecca confrence

center and venue for the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series.

It was my first time to Maplelag (pronounced LOG)

and I was very well taken care. 

They put on a real good show, and the homestyle

meals are superb. If you are looking for something new

or have been before this is a place that is not to be missed.

Bottomless Cookie Jars and Coffee 24/7

Some of the cabins old train cars

The infamous lake jump in the setting sun

The entrance to the lodge Welcoming the Races

Maplelag — A destination cross country ski resort: overnight accommodations, American Plan, home cooked meals served family style, 64 km of Pisten Bully groomed trails.

Few More

Getting the work done when and where I can.

Been an interesting week with shorter days

and the kids back at school.

Yesterday was a wet ride to work with a nice mid day and then wet on the way home.

Getting all my stuff ready for the Loppet this weekend, could not 

be there if was not the kindness of a few good people.

I feel some what guilty for going and leaving the family behind

but it sounds as if they will go to their happy place.

Their will be a chill in the air this weekend so the 

cold weather gear will come out to play. 

It is September not much racing left weekend will be for exploring on the backs of

two wheels.

Eye AgaInst Eye

Worked the shop on saturday so not much

in the way of riding just a commute to the shop and for what it is worth

the legs were happy.

Got to ride dirt with Deyoe on sunday

thirty miles of single speed fun under hot october sky's.

Trying to keep my self in race 

mode if all things work I can be up in Maplelag.

Songs are playing in my head and the wheels are moving.

I have a new project bike in my closet.. Matt T from Durango 

sent me his old Titus Drop U and I am going to turn it in to the next single speed road machine.

Few parts needed my have some old Ultergra hubs built up.

Waiting to see what is going to be in the magic box from King.

Keep my PMA in Check.

Lay it down in Fullview

Start of the weekend and I have eaten all the food in the fridge.

A good week of putting my legs into the 

hurt zone. Good bits of climbing and 

a mid week dirt ride.

My goals are set just not sure if i can meet them.

I am tired of working and not getting anywhere.

Everyone else gets to take my money but me.

I have few outlets in life and racing my MTB 

is by far the biggest. I don't ask for much, just a chance a few days a month in the 

summer to line up and for two hours see how much punishment my body and mind can

take. When I am off the bike and take the same punishment it is not 

so great.

I could not do the racing if it was not for the support of my family and all the 

good sponsors that I have picked up over the years.

It is a symbiotic relationship, with out the racing they would have

little to no interest in me and with out them I could not continue to compete at the level that i do.

I seem to be going through a midsummer midlife crises.

The wheels spin and my brain stays quite get off the bike and the voices speak to me.

When do i get mine,,, am I doomed to fix broken household appliances for ever?

The wheels are calling....if you see me out and about and I am smiling,

their must me a bike underneath!

Dirty Humpday

Chose to take the Spot out this morning and

ride dirt to work.

Great idea just required me to have my stuff together

so I could be out the door by 6:30.

Bike was good still a bit dirty and needs to be stripped down and deep cleaned

from the weekend.

Trails were perfect fast and tacky and the small block's

ripped through every turn.

I never have as much time to ride on the trails 

work always gets in the way.

I like the trails in the early AM because the sun shine lights up 

areas that  you may not always see.

Have the weekend off from racing do have to 

work at the shop but no travel or racing.

Should be able to ride some bikes and get the work done that 

needs to get done as the end of the season approaches.

Would like to stand on top again and think that 

if I try real hard that I may be able to do so.

Work Work Work.

Now I need sleep the belly is full Hump day is over

and I am tired.

Big ass Lake

Loaded up the family truckster and head up to the land of Dylan and Big Water.

Always kills me how fast the drive is from here in Lacrosse.

Anna and the double decker

Got to Duluth to find the camp site was water logged. After an hour of trying was able to make fire, and smoes were eaten.

Race day was a clear and sunny with cool temps.

Sent Sophia off on her race, up the fire road and she was gone.

I did not see her as she came in after I had finished.

She lead the whole race till the end got beat by a local gal they both fought hard.

It was a good race for the kid one race closer to the cat1 upgrade.

The Boy did two laps on the kids race and still needs to work

on shifting he had fun and gave a big fist pump as he crossed the line.

On the line for me looking up the the ski trail wondering what this was going to feel like.

As we charged no one wanted to take the lead out till Doug S hit it hard. The ski trail

hurt me it was soft and the guys with shifters were flying.

In to the single now I could sit in and start to move.

First lap made some moves and by lap two was chasing down two local guys in front of me.

After one of the big mud puddles starting the third lap I was able to get around 

the two that I was chasing.

Now I just worked on staying in front and being smooth.

Through the muddy run section for the last time got back on cyclocross 

style and pushed through the last bit of the lap.

The finish was ski trail again with mud puddles and some sketchy sections.

Finished in the park in under two hours and seventh overall.

Happy with the work. Good race only a few left.

Thanks to all for the help keeping me moving this season.

Mud Mask

Nearing the end lots of Mud

 

Photo Jay Richards

Riding the Family

We have a new convert to the holly land of one track minds.

Boy moving through the single track, rode all the upper single today pushing only when the trees got in the way.

Riding bikes on a sunny day many miles and

smiles from ear to ear.

Redemption test this coming weekend.

Momma looking good in her new T6 Gear.

Monday is almost here and 

I am not running out of beer.

Go ride a bike.

Little wheels rolling

Slow day at the bike shop and the sun was shining.

Hpt was putting on a trail fest,

group rides and a BBQ.

I loaded up the car with bikes and took the kids on up. 

The James was all about riding some single track and that is what 

he did. He was all over the pump track and 

flying on the single. The first time that he tried this spring

to ride some of the mellow sections of trails he had to walk a bunch if not all.

Last night he was spinning and grinning, riding all but the down trees and logs.

Then it was time for some PbR's and Brats. I headed out for a quick 1/2 lap with some the 

boys beer in hand.

Towards the end of the lap we came across Pip and The James out on the single again,

having a blast.

Good fun and great to see the  kids both of them enjoying the 

two wheels and the single track.

Bottled Time

Never seems to be enough time 

to do the things that you want to do.

Some call it teeter totter and others call it juggling. 

It is hard to find time to ride between work family and the crap weather.

But when it is found I take full advantage and love the

ride.

It may be hell in a bucket but 

I am still rolling along.

Sharp edges

Roll out of bed 5AM

Espresso and out the door 5:15

Dark and a bit of fog.

Start moving fog gets worse brush 

by a runner going wrong way in bike lane.

Glasses on helmet looking pro hard to see. 

Meet the group and head out. 

Now thicker fog and spinning out at almost 30mph...Gear not stiff enough. 

Up over regroup and up again,, gear is stiff now.

Up top clear blue skies and large orange ball of sun.

Back down into the fog bars wet and hard to hold on to .....Train!!!

Glad I got out more rain to come,,, 

want to ride dirt. Cooking pork and 

that is good !!

Grow to be a

In the mind of a child

Another long week in the 

books...the recall on dishwashers has been kicking

my ass a bit and now I think that my

old man back is paying the price.

Great race last weekend followed by the fastest time

at the local dirt TT. I 

was building and getting ready for a suffer fest 

today. I had to convince my self that I wanted to

race and I was there going for it.

But last minute the young racer girl pull the plug, not sure why

but in her mind something went snap.

Hind sight probably a good thing had 

heavy rain last night and going to stupid hot today.

Next one is not till the 21st so more time to build and get ready.

The only crappy thing is the weekend is done and I did not ride my mountain bike..That

SUCKS!

Working on the weekend

Buck Hill 

Photo Dana