A year on the bike

A good year on wheels could always asks for more but happy with what I had. Bikes= FUN....!

sKi

My ski this morning was a test of mental anguish. After hearing reports that it was not to bad on the golf course I went out. What I found were conditions that reminded me of skiing the south side of peak 10 after the sun baked it for a week. The work out came from trying to not go down on hard ice. Snow is falling to the north and the family and I have plans to head to the twin cities in a few weeks, that will allow me to give some of their trails a shot. So I guess it is back to riding in place until we get some measurable snow fall.

Program?

Ski volume has been good always would like more. The PROgram will start soon, need to get a few things in line and I'll be ready to go. Looks like more weather coming and ski time will increase. Need to suck it up and ride the rollers more just not fun going to see if I can get some of the work done outside. Still could use some direction. ?/?/?

Most

The weather has my modivation going sidways. We had the most snow on record for December, I just can't play in it now because of the warmer temps, then freezing temps. I have been riding in the garage but, that is not always my cup of tea. My fingers are crossed and I hope to see more of the white stuff, I try not to be one demoniacal but skate skiing is so much fun and great work this time of year.

Tears of rain

The weather in my world is a roller coaster ride. We again just went from some of the greatest snow pack to rain and warm temps. My want to go ski today is a wash, and i have no desire to ride in place. Then to spice up the punch 5 more inches of snow tonight. Can we just stick with one style of precip? Another day of work then my weekend comes, coffee is the elixir of champions.

Boxer

The kid are happy and the bellys are full. It is all over but the cleaning up. More white stuff on the ground, and another day at work,,,,what will that bring? Found this little gem, and it rocks.. Have Fun. First track is the intro and then they start rocking!!!!!!!!

White Christmas

The snow keeps on coming and piling up. More skiing to come before we take a long winter nap.

Stay warm stay happy and enjoy each other. And if you can take A Snow Day...

One Year closer to Death

A little mad scientist in the garage and I came up with the right mix of wax. I had the woods all to my self and if it was not for work I could have skied all day. Just need to get through the day here at work then off for two days. Some Dale's and burgers tonight and another ski tomorrow. The form is coming around and efforts are getting easier. Have fun, and the light is back, so nothing let to do but smile smile smile.

Good morning..

We want to be free...............Free to do what we want to do ....We want to be free to ride....Free to ride our machines with out being hassled by the man..........................................And we want to get loaded!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Yard

Waiting for the sun

The skiing was good once again with lots of fresh snow.. It is a full on winter wonderland. For now the snow has stopped and the cold has set in -36 with the wind chill this AM,,so my plan is the cold wax and hope that it warms up a bit. I wanted to go up ski and do some knee drops up in the quarry,but I don't think that i want to go solo esp.. with the temps. Enjoy the shortest day of the year,, For light is to return and spring will not be to far away..

DU you remember when?

Roasting

Over heating for the first time in a while. 6 inches plus and fresh groom in most places. Hard ski but good slow form coming together. Nothing else that I would like to be doing. Movement is good gliding is better.

Knocking on heavens door

It has been four days since my last ski. The conditions are still a bit rough from the warm weather and all the assholes that walk run and snowshoe on the groomed trail. I still managed an hour of good work in the cold temp, it just felt good to be out again. More snow on the way could make for a good weekend of outdoor fun. That should help keep the mind off the financial difficulties that plague my home. Hope all are enjoying the weather, the Light returns beginning of next week.

Are U Driven?

A good review.

Been Spotted

Once again for next year I will be flying the Spot Colors. Along with the good people of I will have some good backing.

BWR will be another piece of my puzzle. My hands will be full with a full race calander but with all of these folks I will have a great season of bike racing. Go Fast,,,,Then Go Faster..

Crud

We went from great skiing to 40 and rain... Now it is -24 outside and I am doing a snow dance. I want to ski some more.

Teal was not it.

The right wax was not the right wax,

the snow was cold and I felt like I was fighting them the whole time.

Body is tired this skiing is good work.

I now can feel my toes, must fill the furnace to help warm up.

Got to ski with some of the fast guys,

nice to move in a line.

Now if we can find a way to keep the

walkers and runners off the ski trails

we will all be happy..

Worked @ work

Cooked!

Great wonderful total awesome ski today.

With the new groomer firing on all cylinders

new stuff was rolled out and many K's

were had.

Still need to get the ski legs in better shape

but I think that they are coming around.

New poles come today!

Fun to be had..

Now I wanna be your...............................................

Teeth as white as snow

Starting to frost up a bit on the ski this morning with the temp only at 3 above. The snow was cold and my wax could have been better but the skiing was great. Quite and all to my self. A good way to start the day.

The new groomer is doing a smooth job and the new snow we

got is what we needed.

Now if the Asshole who let all of his snow in my drive way

would come and move it I would be having the best day Ever!

Up on the down stroke

On up ski , need a bit more snow with all the under brush coming down might be a trick. But it is getting deep and the skate skiing should be going off soon. Now need to find some new rollers.

Crossing

Glide Glide Glide !

Good ride..

More snow on the way.

Need longer Poles.

Felt good to Slide!

HookEm

They start young,,,,,,,,,,,James like the idea of riding down the stairs from the get go. I could not get him to stop. The skiing was not what i wanted but still good,,, the Groom needs to come. I also got one of my tele set ups ready to go so I can start up skiing and try to find some powder stashes. Not going to bet my life on it. I may ski up and hitch hike down and then ski back up.. Bazaro!!

Santa if you are out there can I get some!!

Sorry not trying to be a total downer and I don't want to chase away the few people that read my rants. Sometimes I just need to vent,,,,,, So that being said here is a wonderful thing to lift everyone's spirits even dark hearts like me. Chocolate covered Bacon.

Creamcorn

The first line says it all to the way I feel. I am not unhappy with the way that I lived in my 20's. And now almost mid 30's other than great stories and some achy joints I don't have much to show. But I did what needed to be done. I need to figure out the next chapter. Not pissed just lost and not on some cool tropical island. Cold as a mutha fucker this morning zapping and will or drive.

Colder than a .................................

7 is the temp outside and being the forst week of December this is my first week off a bike this year. My mind is not ready to ride inside and after my adventures on Monday I am ok with this. My boot comes back from the cobbler today and I can start doing some skiing. Might do some night time skiing in the field across from the house. Sleep has been good only problem is all my dreams are of me on a bike in places that I have lived before, so when I wake up I am not sure where I am. Weird.

Homeward Bound

Made it home but it was not easy. Some places had me going sideways as I went forward. I did stay up right the whole way and was happy to be in the warm house when it was all over. Their were times that I thought that riding in to traffic could solve all of my problems. Nordic boots should be fixed this week so might get to ski soon.

Sketchy

Sometimes riding

into work is not the

best Idea.

Today would have been one of them.

The worst plowing of snow I have ever seen.

White knuckled riding the whole way in.

Now I hope that they clear it some more

so I can make it home in the dark,

That is going to be Fun!

Time to get the Groomers out

and the gliders on.

He heard our call

The snow fell and the kid and I went out to play in it. A bit more and we will be able to ski in it. The even better news is Dales is now sold at the Woodmans!! Good Shit!

Man Cave

With music now hooked up in the garage the boy and I got some waxing done. Some wishful thinking some snow to ski in would be nice. We are supposed to be riding bikes in the morning but I think that mother nature has other Ideas. James was way in to the melting of the wax and wax left overs. A good helper. So Let it snow. It is time to glide.

Fat Sat

Not sure how much longer the nice

road bike can be out.

The roads now don't have much in the way of crap on them.

With Bliss open again I was able to take the back way into

work. Good movement, and with the time crunch

I had to push it a bit more than I would have like for this time of

year.

But dam it was good,,,,,,,,Fast and body responded well.

Mountain bikes were supposed to come out tomorrow, snow is to come.. I think that I'll give the skis their first coat of wax tonight,

maybe the smell of burnt wax will make the snow fly.

Here come December and one more month of

R&R, then it is back on like Donkey Kong.

HUH?

Boredom make people do weird things.

Lately it has me running.

Never have wanted to run just had one

of those forest gump moments and gave it a go.

Not as fun as rolling on wheels just different.

Still think that gliding would be better.

One more month

Out again for some mountian bike fun. Lots of layers on the body and on the ground. Between the frozen ground , leaves and light dusting of snow control was a fine line. I love the way my Spot rides it holds it line no mater what the dirt below is like. The photo here was to show the guys in Orange behind me as gun season opened yesterday. Go some funny looks, for being out in the woods, but at least my bike was blaze orange. Now I need to find some things to be thankfull for?

Lights Out

1 mile in to my 8 mile ride home form work my lights crapped out. I guess after 10 the battery is not the same. Going through the marsh was interesting and riding along with traffic with only a red flasher dressed up like Johnny Cash, took some deep breathing. If I can rub two nickles together maybe I can get a new system.

True dreams

Mellow pace and warmer temps,

if 32 is warm.

Thoughts drifted off to sandy

places with sunny rocks and funny trees.

No trips on the horizon so here will have

to do.

Movement is good at any temp?

It would be nice if the snow came I want to glide.

Lobster

Sub 20 on the roll in so I broke out the warm

gloves. Sun is out and that

is a change.

Big Wheels

The goal was to ride on dirt but the skies had another idea. With a mix of snow leaves and dirt traction was the hard part. If and when the ground freezes the riding up at the HPT'S will be good. I would love a large dump of snow skiing would be fun, I have my tuning bench all set up in the garage now just need snow. Shout out to Roy for his 2nd place in the MN cx champ race. Monday is here so grab a hold and settle in the weekend will be here soon.

Any which way

I can get lost in the directions at times,

and with the lack of commitment to fall racing I

think that I can say the end is near.

One CX race under my belt and wanting more,

but with the current situation not sure it is going to happen.

It may be time to reflect and get ready for what is to come.

To all of those that still have races on the calenders good luck and keep the fire burning.

Like so many it is time to go underground and start planing for

the next season.

When the snow falls it shall be time to take to the silent

sports and glide once more.

Now get out and ring your cow bells,

go fast and watch out for frozen snot rockets.

Totem

We all know how it works the ones on top

get all the credit and glory,

but it is those of us at the bottom that

hold it all together.

Just like in mid -evil times the surfs were the

ones that kept things running.

I know my place.

Food for thought

Stold this from Yurib

Make up your mind

Had the right tools to

stay dry on the way home last night.

The weather here has been shit,

it can't decide if it want to rain or snow.

I would rather have snow than rain in Nov.

I made it across all of the slippery bridges

and was almost home free when by some

crazy twist of fate the powers of the force

moved me out of the way of a snow fence the city had put up.

It was not there in the morning and I missed the T stake by inches.

That would have hurt, between the foggy low clouds and poor lights

the force of OH shit is all you have sometimes.

My weekend plans are in limbo with kids that

are not totally healthy. Not sure if

making them stand in the cold while daddy races is the

best idea. More to come on that, just have to wait and see.

It is cold in this dam building.

Iceberg

Cold spin in to work

was warmed up by some

fast crushed gravel and soft

single track around the marsh.

Topped it off with a bit of pave then

hot coffee cherry muffin

from the hippy mart.

Some of my co workers don't like the peace coffee

from there they say it is to bitter and

acidic,,,,I like it and I

take it Black just like my

HEART!

Rocket

Riding with this guy was more fun than the afternoon ride at race pace. That hurt. Here comes MONDAY!

Weather or Not

Not the weather event they had called for just a few flakes in the air. Wait for the warmer time of day. Then hell of the north,, or just ride north and then back. Gravel ummm.

Sloppy snowballs

No run in's tonight I stuck to the rail trails. The light that I have is enough to get me home. Sloppy on the way in but warm all to change the storm that was in the 80424 is on it's way here. Sunday may be the first ride to Trempealeau a bit of snow and mud. Still have plans to get to MN for the State CX race. Got to have goals.

Sugar free jazz

Off to work yesterday I got to test the rain cover on the Ergon pack,,,the inside stuff stayed dry. On the way home under the cover of darkness I was almost creamed twice. The movement was good wet under foot with lots of leaves to trample. What will happen today, more bike builds can't say that I like every thing that the big company is doing with their bikes.

It could............

Be the last time that I can take the long loop to work. It was a nice warm loop with some good wind. Nice to ride in short sleeves on November 4th. Today will be different with weather coming I'll have to have clothes for what ever comes. I may even ride the Lemond. Change is good. Snow this weekend? We'll see!!

More Thanks

I don't want to leave out the good people at Twin 6. Brent and Ryan have changed the game when it comes to cycling clothing. Now the options for cool and functional clothing are filled by these two Bike Geeks. Thanks to them and the support that they gave me this summer my feet stayed covered with style, and I had nice threads at podium time. If you have not been to the HQ get over there and take a look buy stuff look good and have fun on a Bike.

Greatful

It was a nice day out in the woods today quite and it seems like someone has been raking the leaves off the trail. Also got to ride with Dan P. nice to have company, he lives right across the street from the HPTS a nice place to stop for a beer after riding. If today was the last time in the woods I would be ok with that. My Bike rode sweet,,, I have had a lot of bikes in my 20 years on a Mountain Bike, and this one is by far the best of all. I would like to give a big thanks to all that have helped keep this rig rolling strong. Dave at Thomson solid parts, and very strong. Jeff and Ergon, I thought that the grips were great and then I got some ones with bar ends and it changed climbing all together. Ron @ King Cage never once lost a bottle and TI is better than carbon any day. MD and Velocity, the blunt up front handled any thing that I could throw at it. And Spot and Maverick, Gavin stepped in and got me on one sweet ride. The boys at Maverick make the best 29er fork smooth and responsive. It makes one fast Team! And one fast BIKE!

NO vem Beer

Pumpkins were carved and we saw some nerds... Then bikes came out and they got rode some on pave and some on dirt. The small one even rode some of the pump track and had some fun. Glad that Halloween is done, not one of my favorites. Tomorrow brings more bikes this time on dirt, I love the dirt even when covered with leaves.

Me + Big Wheels

With the weekend off and the temps in the right spot time to spend some time with my two friends. Coffee goes in and the wheels will go up. November now not sure how much longer the weather will hold. Got to go watch the Smurfs.

Maple

I have been on a kick for some time now eating waffles every morning. Good 10 grain fill your belly waffles. The question is will this help me be faster in a cross race? Now how to get the good syrup.

Anchor

The long way in was not long enough

to quite the voices.

Sorrow and boredom still fill my bloodstream.

Need something to happen something to spark a tired being.

Happiness can be found on two wheels I am looking for it.

Just feel like i need direction.

Wheels did move ok the cross winds worked me more than

i wanted. I am going to try Coffee and a Scone and see

what becomes of it.

Now I wear my Dark Heart Smile and

get through the day.

The Big wheels will carry me Home.

Mr. T says Ouch!!!

Even if it sounds like a good idea keep your fingers away from spinning rotors. Heal soon little man.

Down turn

25

was the temp rolling in this morning.

By far the coldest yet. I had to pull out most of the cold weather

gear for the first time. It took a good while for the body to heat up.

Still as always better than driving a car.

Tostin and my self spent the better part of our day on

monday pealing up all the old tile in the mechanic area.

What a mess,, now the new stuff is going to get put down and we are told that

it can take a hammer from ten feet up.. Can't wait to see that demo.

Warmer by the end of the week time to get back out in to the woods and play in in the leaves.

Leafy

I made the right call to get out and ride. The Beach Boys have a song about how much they like being in their room and the Descendants sing about being in their van... Me it is all about being in the woods.With high winds blowing I turned the tunes down so if a branch or tree was coming down maybe I could hear it.

With the Leaves falling and the trail covered speed was to be used with discretion. Saw one or two other riders but that was it.

Great to be out on the bike flowing up and down and loving every minute of it. After getting home the clouds came in and the temps started to drop and the snow may be on the way. Rest of the week is going to sunny and nice.

Go fly a kite

Winds are blowing and blowing hard the sun is out and they who every they are are calling for snow showers. Sounds like a good day to go ride single track. Just need to layer up.

CH CH CH Changes

Weather is changing here in the great white north. Time to winterize some bikes and get lights. The lights are needed with daylight savings coming in a week. This week the volume is down with the K's just not adding up. This weekends weather is not looking to nice either. Motivation is going to be the big factor. Now i need to fight the wind and get coffee, then we can unload the 190+ bikes that are coming to the shop today. Live Loud !! Ride Fast!!

A least I am Fu*%en Trying

Coffee Good !!!

Layering

First of what should be come many cold morning rides in to work. The layers are coming out as needed. Today my legs were calling for the Rodie and a light spin. This can be hard because all that bike want to do is go fast. When it is 30 and you are not used to it yet fast is not always the best idea. Warmer clothes may be needed like a nice wool hat from T6. Some more sunshine and days off will yield some time in the woods.

We are DeVo

A pair of good rides in the woods this weekend helps settle the brain. Days are shorter and the leaves are falling, I think that winter is coming. I could not make it to the Fore Bye Fore non event up at the trails but it sounds like the guys had a good time. I did get to see the black bear and oh boy he is big boy lucky for all the Bikers he has no hunger for them. Here comes the start of the week are you ready. More food and more sleep and I will be ready.

Look out

Even with the sun up it was cold this morning. 35+ was the reading and it was chili, nice to get out and feel the legs move. Life comes at you fast and for some reason it keeps trying to knock us off our feet. Not having all the same in's that I did at 9600 feet it can start to mess with my head. At least I can look at some nice views. Charlie Brown once said, AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Smashed

Nice having the extra road bike in the quiver.

At the time of going to work it was still

raining and wet out so I grabbed the #2

bike and was off. Cool wet and quite, anything to

get my mind off being stuck in the middle of no where.

Not no where just not close enough to make it to the race venues for cross.

I spent the summer traveling for racing so now it is hard to justify.

Until I can figure it out I will drowned my sorrows with time in the woods and time on bike #1.

A nice cool ride home and do it all over tomorrow.

I get to smash some more bikes that is always fun..

Lost in the Woods

Off in the woods to do what I do best....Riding bikes

by my self.. Good company and good trails, I did see a group of guys coming out of twister as I ducked in.

Yes I rode stuff backasswords, but I feel that this time of

the year you can get away with it. My legs felt good and I rode well ,I had done a lot to have my self ready for cross racing today. I just could not justify the cost of getting there. Even with gas becoming cheep I can afford to travel would love to. Waiting for my Golden Parachute or bailout package.

Until then I'll do what I do work eat sleep and ride a Bike..

Where are you

Out for another good ride with my new friend. The weather is great for long rides, even if the end leads you to work. Smooth roads and great climbing, is a great way to start the day. Now Coffee and single cross and back to work, then to the shop. It is sunny out do you know where your bike is.

Color slips into the sky

Glad that I did my work this morning because, this eve was full on down pour. I was happy to be on the single cross, nothing moves better when it is wet. Warm on the inside and wet on the out even hit the crushed lime stone to get some wet slick mushy under the tires. Would love new wheels but with Wall Street the way it is not sure if I have the $$..

Skipper

Skipped the Hudson cx on sunday. I was a bit burnt from the Demo day and being on a bike all day on saturday. It was cold and wet up in the Twin Cities, so I stayed warm at home. Getting the work done when I can quick starts and cruz intervals to and from work. Hope it pays off this weekend is the wirth park race and would like to do well.. Plus Trader Joes is near by so I can do some shopping. Sleep eat and Ride, Take it as it comes. Just love being in a saddle. Go fast and have Fun!

Do you know Where

You are going to be next labor day.... I do ..... HERE. Most fun I have had in a long time!

Demo this

It was a bright and brisk saturday morning at the Proving Grounds when the Trek Van showed up. As the sun warmed the bluff the people showed to ride. There were Superflys and 69ers and someHiFi's and even some Madones to take out on the pave. I know Which one I want to ride!!! Sophia got to do a bunch of riding and even made it out on a single 69er and she killed it amazing what happens when the choice of shifting is removed. Even got to ride with Chris Ames, he is the son the late Donny Ames. When it was all done everything went back to it's place Ken has a system and all the bikes are happy. Lots of people lots of bikes and smiles all around. I know I was happy to ride my Spot after weeks of being on the single cross. The mountain bike felt like a speed freak ripping up the trails. I love riding on dirt.