Yup, it was cold, but it was cool

Yes, the ride today was a bit chilly.
My toes are still cold and they hurt.
I hear they make boot like
things to wear on your feet...lol.

If not for the exercise at least
some bragging rights to say
that I made it out in this weather.
Stupidity comes to mind, but it
didnt at first. Come on, its a bike
ride - nothing stupid about that.

Did you get out to ride today????? I hope you did as it was cold,12 deg when I left, but it was cool. My daughter loves the camera - but we need to make sure she holds the camera steady. I was just heading out for a lap in the park. It seemed to take about 4-5 miles to just get the core temp up a bit. Some off road, mainly on road - one heck of a day. The after picture would have been less optimistic - I had the classic frozen snot all over that mask and I could barely walk once I got off the bike. The looks from people on the street getting to the park was priceless. Yeah, I am hardcore....lol.

What was really neat was the ride through the 3 foot deep snow at the ski area. They had all the snow makers running at full tilt. I stoped to talk with one of the guys working on one of them and he was glad that the weather was like this...I am too. My entrance back into CC skiing starts this winter - thanks to Neil, Jay and it seems everyone else I ride with in the summer...ahhh, the fellowship lives on.

The ride back home was less than enjoyable. That pit-stop at the snow machine cost me valuable heat and my little toes were numb - i need the boot things. Every mile seemed slower and slower. I tried to set goals - just make it to the next turn, just make it over the next hill ... and so on. I was afraid to go down hills as the heat loss was worse. Frozen snot, frozen tears, frozen sweat in my jacket crinkled and cracked as I moved. Was it worth all this? Oh yeah, every bone chilling mile. With a few extra miles here and there - a pit stop at Dunn Bros for a hot cup of java juice - 22 miles never felt harder to complete. So yes it was cold - but really cool!

Cinderella Man

I never thought the days would come when I would be once again - stationary on a trainer....okay, I know we can still ride in this weather - and it aint all that bad really ... yet. For some of the hardcore cyclist like Bernie and John - winter is just a time to not put the bike away but to rather get the other set of tires out. Well, last night we ( Bernie, Neil and I ) logged about - oh say just over 20 miles and we didn't move an inch. It was funny....just when someone would get out of the saddle to either stretch or push a bit harder - instinctively we all did - ya know- bridge the gap. funny. The movie...Cinderella Man. Good flick. First time watching a feature film while training - sure makes it easier. I felt like we were actually watching Jumangi with the river of sweat running out from under Neils bike through Bernies house and into the back yard. lol. Hey, if you want to see a good movie - Jumanji is worth the rent - you will get the illustration of Neils sweat if you havent seen it. Man, that guy can really loose the water weight. Neil, we love you and we kid cuz we care. Dont worry, any words we use as an attack - you later beat out of us on the bike - its all good.

All in all, good to be back with friends again. It had been way too long with all that has been going on. Life can get busy so take the time - when you can - to let the brain breath a touch. The best thing of all was watching Neil do that Dancing Game on the Xbox over at Bernies - Neal has all the moves.

Good to see you guys and thanks for the invite Bernie - your hospitality is appreciated.



Andy

Like A Kid Again!

So what do you do when it is too wet outside to go for a ride?







Easy, you go for a ride. It is that simple....and if you pick the right terrain - you will remember that smile you had as a kid after a big rain storm and the sewer drain plugged up. Don't get me wrong....the road bike is a blast. The lessons that the body learns are priceless. Endurance, speed, long term conditioning....ride with the right crew and you will be trying to catch your breath...believe me, I know. The Tues/Thurs Loons - especially Jay and Neil - like to pound the road. BUT - take what you have learned on the road and take it off-road....now it gets interesting.

The last few weeks have been a bit of a liberating experience. I dusted off the Mt Bike - took off all but one gear and hit the dirt....mainly mud and I found some freedom. Elm Creek has way too much to offer - road, trails and skiing. The usual route is really not usual - with all the different trails, you can mix it up. TT, fast, technical, clean and dirty - it is all there. My starting point is easy to find....go up Super Preme and at the T intersection - keep going straight. Start there, or anywhere and soak it all in. The northern horse trails are rough and filled with land mines that smell really bad. The mud holes are many. I love it!

You must not forget that cycling is about your own achievement. Taking what you know and building on the last ride. Beating your last time. You dont need the latest Voodoo bike to make it work - I am riding a 17 year old full ridged, beat up old mt bike and my smiles are many.

Take a ride on the dirt and see a side of the world that many dont ever see. Take that road less traveled...you may find that what waits for you is more than mystery - it's your childhood all over again.

AC

my new favorite picture.....

Outstanding Ride - wow.

this pic is for you Jay

If you have not had a chance to take the road less travled in Elm Creek.... I mean those dirt pathways you catch a glimpse of every now and then while on asphalt. There is a whole new side to the park that you just don't see. As a side note....My neighbor Gary told me that many many years ago you used to be able to go down pineview - and after super preme the road used to go straight through where the park is now. It used to pass by some apple orchards. He has lived here a long time. I thought this was very interesting. If I am not mistaken , there is evidence of this on some of the wide open pea gravel parts of the park trail system. Jay, you probably know of this....

I took the new single speed out for a run. I found out that the 38x19 works pretty good. There are some interesting hills to navigate with one gear. I was wincing up one hill and there were some hikers at the top watching me come up the hill. I had no choice but to get up without getting off the bike - vanity I say. Once I reached the summit - they asked why I didn't shift to make it easy - I was so proud to say, " that would be the normal thing to do but I only have one gear." They asked if that was by choice. " Yup, ( breathing heavy ) that was by choice." I thought it was cool that I did it.....they probably thought I was nuts!

I flushed a few grouse, saw three fawns - spots almost gone. Almost went extremely horizontal on the wet grass at unsafe speeds - slicks were not the best choice. LOL. I then got lost and then caught a glimpse of the path and other people. I careened through the brush and emerged blasting onto the trail - dragging some vine thing wrapped around my rear hub. I am not sure what the people thought of that but I was glad to be heading a direction back towards civilization. I really like that you can loose yourself out there - not really loose as you are always going to find a road. Take a ride anywhere in the park and stop every now and then and just breath deep - God made the small details in life and sometimes you have to slow down to see and enjoy them.

Enjoy the ride. I was glad to get back into the woods - it has been too long since I got in touch with the Thoreau side of things. Addicting. That is how it should be.

AC


ps. got a wonderfully kept bridgeston MB3 with deore group stuff on it....for free! now, my wife is excited about biking as it looks " stylish " and it has shiney things on it. this is one nice bike. finally, my wife likes biking - and all it took was the right color....lol.

the birth of the Rat Bike.....

I created a new blog for my single speed project. I have affectionatley named it...

Rat Bike


Tonight was the first innagural ride through the park to TH Backdoor - Thanks to Justin for showing me the correct method to alligning brake pads....i should have known how to do that.....at least i got the low down on Mosh Pit, Razor Pit physics. The ride back home was very dark - no lights and all I saw was a deer run across the trail. very cool.

click here to see the project


www.mysinglespeed.blogspot.com


ac

the great Champlain get together

Well, we all had the invite and if you missed it.... you missed a great time. I will take my hat off to Erik for a great party - talk about a spread! the food, beverage, fun and fellowship was unmatched. Then Neil found the electric guitar - oh my. The distortion was high and the already crazy Neil turned into a weird cross between Dylan and VanHalen - it was hard to tell when that line was crossed. The Loons were represented by Erik, Jay, Neil, Diamond Dallas Dave and me. The rest were friends and family of Erik. It was a real blast.

I kept wondering about the ride home - that's right, Jay , Neil and I rode to Eriks house and by the time of 10:30, I decided to embark through the park to get home. This was a bit spooky. I was given a light to use but found it best to ride without. The fog was at eye level the entire time and all I could think about was the movie American Werewolf in London.



If you have seen it, you would know my hair was on edge. To top it off, I was passing lifetime fitness and then down into the fog and I heard something running along side me in the grass. I have never sprinted that fast in unsafe conditions. I spook easy. Then like a knife, this howling rang through the night air from both sides of the trail - I about wet myself. I did not know that there were some form of wild dog in the park. I am not making this up. I turned on the light to see a pair of eyes running with me on the trail. I did not want to stop to pet it. I found that I was going a bit too fast after that as my computer said 25 mph and my heart rate must have been around 500 bpm. I came cruzin into the Hayden lake road parking lot and almost nailed the gate on the trail and an old couple out for a night stroll. There were screams and swear words yelled as I rode on. Getting home never felt so good.

Thanks Erik for the great time - we must return the favor.



ac

Incredible!

I didn't know I had that many sweat glands! wow!

did we miss this sign? it looks like a nice place to visit.
Skibby, I like the choice of shirt and saddle bags - nice touch.

Yeah, that's right - IT WAS HOT. Okay, to get a feel for the ride today - you can simulate to some degree right at home. First, turn on your furnace and direct all the air into one small room in your house. Put on some winter clothes and run in place for about....say, 5 hours. Secondly, while running in place - take a hair dryer and turn it on hot and high and position it to blow in your mouth and nose. Thirdly, give yourself some charlie horses on the thighs to simulate muscle fatigue. Doing this might get you close to the joy we felt on the open road today.

100 miles - a Saturday from down under. We got an early start at 7 am and had 14 riders! Way to go. We headed out through Dayton and had some Rubaix style cyclo cross - that was for Bernard. Out to Albertville and then headed south to Buffalo, Rockford, Delano - I am not really sure all of the cities but it ended up being 93 miles back to the shop. I had to tack on 7 more once I got home as to not be the guy that didn't quite make it. I had to do it on my wife's mt. bike as mine had to see the pros at Trailhead for some hub grinding thing. It was really warm especially after 10 am. I added up the ammount of water I drank on the ride and it was over a gallon consumed. I did weigh the same after the ride which means I sweated out about 10 pounds of water! That is amazing! Great ride everyone - Great effort - an effort even Sean Kelly would be proud of.

I also want to thank all who gave to help Adam. He was surprised and grateful as he could not understand why people he had not even met would be so generous! Adam is a man that will not give up! What a better inspiration for today's ride? There is none. Just know that you can look inside and know that you are BBA! Brilliant Beautiful and Amazing! Thank you on behalf of Adam.

As for the title, it is true. Once you stoped it was insane how every inch of your body poured out sweat - I really didnt know that the human body had that many glads. Gross? Yes. Fulfilling - 100%. Keep up the good riding and be safe in the coming days.

AC

ps. Skibby - that is about as close as I will get to your suggested title. lol. nice to finally meet you.

Viva Los Americanos

Ahhh, the topic today..... a little old school Raul Alcala. ( take a look... Kelly with the toeclips - did that guy ever get clipless? - I love it!!!!)

As you can guess, we had our own Alcala of the Loons today on the ride ... that's Mr. Jorge to you. lol. Four of us embarked on a absolutely gorgeous ride this fine 4th of July. I am so used to riding in the power heat that riding in the cool morning was a real blessing. I was also pleased that the pace was not at 22 mph. I had a restless night and some of us didnt have a night at all to sleep. We put on 35 miles out past Fletcher, added on the TT route and back on 144 through Rogers and Dayton. The ride was well enjoyed. Think about it, dragging yourself out of bed and waking up to the cool breeze and flawless coutryside. What worries did we have? Our Nation's birthday and we spent it over the road. The 4th foursome included Dave (Thor) Henningsgaard, Eric J ( a.k.a. No-Doz ), Jorge and me.

Also, with Eric loaded up on No-Doz, we took a side jaunt to the sports center and Eric showed us some great moves on his Trick Orbea.... amazing what recreational drug use will do to a man. Take a look at Eric's great aerial move.

Kudo's to you Thor for the Super Prime. I was surprised that a man that tall was that unnoticed over my shoulder. lol. I should also mention Eric and his persistence in draggin his butt out of bed, eventhough he worked until 2:30 am, just to go biking. Eric, you said you weren't going to break any records? Well, the fact that you showed that early and then attacked up super prime says enough! Thank you all who rode today, it was a real treat to meet you all. Hey Jorge - I will try the Acapulco out....thanks for the tip.

ac

Mt Goat

Amazing, I remembered my new password to change this thing. Way to go Jake! You deserve the poka dot jersey tonight....the smiley faces are a nice touch. Great ride.

We took a trek northward to Monticello and back to Dayton. I know I put on 62 miles and went through one CO2 - Tube combo. It looks like I may need a tire too. Dang, just got them too. This sure is a nice route to take. Predictable primes which is cause for mass sprints. Just a note -- make sure to look over your left shoulder prior to busting out for a sprint or a pass. There are cars back there and if you are not cautious you may get the finger or worse a bumper. It has a few nice long but gradual climbs - perfect for laying on the speed if you like. We also had the blessing of having "Heavy D" Delaney with us tonight and his Retro Loon garb which was right up there with his Zebra outfit.

Again, I am reminded every time we ride that we have a great group of people. I cant think of a single person that isn't a blast to talk with - yes, even you Bernie. The encouragement, the excitement - getting to know people. Each and every person on the bike tonight put a great effort out there - they left it all on the road.

Hey Hogland - you were missed. It was good to see you the other night. Get better so you can kick our butts.

So What's With The Finger?

You have been there. You know that of which I speak. Maybe they just dont know. Maybe they wish they could too but instead they lash out in anger and frustration. Okay, at times, we give them good reason to do so but for the most part - I dont get it.

Picture the evening ride tonight - a cool 70 deg. no wind and a wide open road. I had no choice but to ride from work up in Forest Lake for about 20 miles. Plenty of shoulder and wonderful scenery - the ducks, the deer, the wild turkey that I saw. It was as if God brought out His pallet just for me and converted the passage way just to my liking. Nothing tough like the Stone Arch ride but more along the lines of consistant pace, flat and enjoyable. Then there it was...like an ugly mark upon the face of God's creation. The finger.

Whenever I get this, I reflect back thinking I had swerved into traffic. I would deserve this but I didnt do that. Maybe this person knows me and dosnt like me - but I am unrecognizable in a Loon outfit. What possessed that person to flip me off? I know I smelled but there is no way he could smell my BO with his windows up. Maybe he wished he could enjoy the same joy I was feeling but he felt trapped in life. All the same, there it was - lingering like the sunset hanging over the horizon of his bench seat.

Well, I wish them all the best. Too bad they cant see the things we all get to see. I am also reminded that the attitude needs to be right, and not just on the bike. We all define who we are by the actions we take so make it plesant and inviting.

Have a good ride and smile the next time the finger goes up - its best not the let them win by getting angry. Be BBA and not CBA - you owe it to the people around you!


ac

A Special Thanks to Trailhead Cycle and Fitness

Long overdue - let me take a moment to thank the crew at Trailhead - for those in the lower regions of the metro, it is one heck of a shop with a crew that really gives all they have to make your ride the best it can be. It starts at the top - Larry and Pam. We all have our allegence to a particular shop or mechanic but if you are looking for a warm welcome and top rate info and advice, you owe it to yourself to come see TH. The sad thing is that I dont even know all the names there but not a single person is crass, stand offish or not interested in helping - kind of like our Loon group up here - great people havin a great time.

Being in sales, I see the value in getting to know my customers - not just the names but also the lives they lead. This is what brings them back time and again. This is exactly what Larry and Pam do for all who have darkened the door at TH. Kudos to you Saylers, you are doing a heck of a job making your shop a place of refuge for cyclists of all calibers.

ac

Tuesday night Neil Honorarium Ride

Is He Doing It For The Points?
He's Doing It For The Ride!

I hope that we all remember this day - like the one above. The day you set yourself free and found the open road - or driveway. It grew from there, being more bold, more daring - and yes, sometimes more stupid. But all the same - you got hooked. Don't forget that feeling - for the lucky ones ( most of us ) that feeling has never left -- feeling 5 years old and free!

Good ridin' tonight boys and girls. We had a 60 mile ride down to Rockford back up to Albertville and through Rogers back home. Hot and muggy - couldn't ask for better weather. Make sure to pack the GU and Superman Drink stuff - bonking and dehydration happens alot. First off, the Butkus award to Ryan - man, way to hang in the whole way - and with a smile! It was tough today as the heat was intense. A total of 7 riders tonight - good turn out. If I am not mistaken - Melinda taught Jay a lesson on the Rockford prime....Here's the deal, if Melinda leads out - you're gonna have a tough time drafting behind her - her profile is paper thin. I don't even notice a difference in a head wind if I am in front or right behind Melinda - completely not fair....Not fair at all.

Ya know, I was curious why we have to go all over to race. We have it all right here on a Tuesday / Thursday night ride - this is for you Neil - SIGN RACING - it is free and exceptionally competitive! Okay, so you don't get points - big deal - you do get the belt however. Hey, we are all in it for the ride - so get out and ride your little heart out and enjoy the experience! We are all a bunch of friends out for a ride!

Be Good

BBA

221 Primes - yeah, yellow sign riding in Afton.

Okay, so 221 may be an exaggeration but it seemed like it. The ride today in Stillwater was exceptional and grueling. 50 miles from the Depot to Afton and a few extra hills in Afton. Four of us let out and Neil was in true retro form - toeclips. It sure is nice to make sure you bring the right shoes. Riding in the NW Metro is great - not many hills and certainly not a bunch of killers in a row. This was a taste of yesteryear for me as growing up in LaCrosse was just like we had this morning. The ride had a quick tempo and the weather was cool - good combo in my opinion. If you get a chance, take a ride to the Stillwater area and ride the hills - your ability will soar and your legs will too. As a side note, every yellow, orange and well - it seemed like every sign was a sprint - thus the random number of 221 for the primes. The Stillwater Interval Vertical Challenge - seems like a fitting name. Thanks Neil for being the tour guide - we should do this again - I will remember to bring an extra set of SPD's for you!

How About Helping Someone Who Really Needs It?

Okay, I am not sure how to do this but it sure makes sense. Remember Adam Prest....look below, he is the bald guy with cancer - innoperable and unable to work. Now,take a close look, he is smiling and has a wonderful wife and new baby. No guilt here just a radom act of unselfish kindness. Let's have a bennefit ride and raise a few bucks for Adam and his family - how do we do this - I have no idea whatsoever but the word can get out and maybe dedicate a week of rides and raise some monetary aid for him....I am thinking just give him the cash. Trust me, he is my friend and it isnt the best of situations. He smiles, laughs and jokes at the funny biking clothes but there is a large ammount of fear in his not to distant future.

So, what do you say, how can we do this? A goal? Whatever the Lord may lead but let's put a number out there.....$1000 to start. Any suggestions on how to get the word out and get something put together?

as a side note..........------------------> rule number six...see links - it will help us understand.


Andy Claflin

It will bring you up a few notches!

Neil's new Time Trial Bike

Yeah, the Thursday night ride was interesting. We had 8 riders and I was in full Loon regalia. Yes it is now official. Okay, so now that I have my fast shirt, I am at LEAST 22% more efficient. Just kidding. Riding with superior riders can be frustrating - most have egos that don't quit and would not want to compromise their ride time with the lesser bunch.....Not tonight. I would like to think that our core group of riders are all great, in fact I know they are because it isn't the ability that makes them so. We have to remember that cycling is a fitness sport yes but the ride is a fellowship enjoyment. We had a mix of both tonight. If you were there tonight, you know of whom I speak.

Again, a life and work lesson in full play. How many have ever excelled in an area, take your pick, only to really step up the game a notch when a stronger ability steps in? It is neat to see that happen. We see it in schools, work, life, church etc. I try to make connections with the bike and life as much as possible as cycling lends itself so well in this area. Example: in cycling you are alone but when you need the team, they are there - willing to help, to encourage and lead. Sound like life? Also, when you attack to do it on your own, you succeed sometimes and other times you are taught a valuable lesson...

Tonight was fast....Most of the time. We incorporated tactics, team effort and encouragement - this brought us all up a notch - going home with a bit more achievement for sure. Some were missed on the ride but not forgotten as the fellowship will again be there soon. So, to the Loons of tonight's ride - I thank you and to the the Rocket Man ( you know who you are ) - we all thank you.

Have a great week all and ride on


Andy

A More Serious Note....if you will.

I hope you have one of these....it is rather important in life and it is also a tremendous barometer of who you are. Simply put, a friend. Okay, we all have one or a few but do we have one that you would put your life in jeopardy for? Ahh, now it gets a bit serious and the list shortens up by a few. Well, I have a few like that. I am not bragging, just thankful. The bond is strong, the trust is lasting and the loyalty is endless -- and it is now tested. Though I cannot give my life for his nor take the pain away for another, in this case, I can give my best through the trial - happy with the outcome knowing that all was done.
My friend, in this case, is Adam. Strong, cheerful, giving, a bit too serious at times like the time I caught him taking inventory of the crabapples on his tree. Funny. He is like this. He is also very ill - cancer ( soft tissue ) stage 4. Just found out about 4 months ago. Had a chance to see him yesterday after 3 bouts with chemo and to my surprise - smiling, joking, making fun of me in my cycling shorts and so on... Adam is like that. Though the growth has stopped, the pain is subsided and the odds were beat - the chance of relaps is great. A friend I wish I could change places with...but I cant.


Tonight at church was a time for me to reflect on life...Rule #6 was in full effect ---> SEE THE LINK ON THE RIGHT <---- issues are big, strong, ugly issues. In fact, I am not sure how to actually face my not too distant future - it is serious. But all I could think about was - " am I that self-centered that I only think of me....what about Adam, his wife and baby?" Wow, good ol' number six - smacked me right in the face.

I leave you with a hymm written in 1912 that made me realize that I need to do my best like Adam is doing right now - and take your pick as to which area of our lives it is referencing - all areas are under construction.

Our Best Hear ye the Masters call, Give me thy best..For, be it great or small, that is His Test..Do then the best you can, not for reward.. Not for the praise of men, but for the Lord..Wait not for men to laud, heed not their slight..Winning the smile of God brings its delight! .. Aiding the good and true, Ne'er goes unblest, All that we think or do, be it the best

Our best...well, Adam still gives his best and his chips are down and the sunset of his days may be at hand...how much more can we reach out with strength in our fingers, hair on our heads - you know? Why does it have to take extreme folly and tragedy to bring the best in us out?

Keep Adam in your prayers - it is needed.

Is it the rider or the bike...lets take a quick look back.

In case you're thinking it was slower back then - check the stats:
Gent-Wevelgem, 2005: winner Nico Mattan, 208 km @ 42.577 kph.
Gent-Wevelgem, 1974: winner Barry Hoban, 244km @ 44.383 kph.

doing the conversion.....44.383 kph is 27.58 mph for 151.6 miles!

Holy crap - Hoban did it with his downtube shifters not working -
they kept ghost shifting and had to ride it with his hand on the shifter most of the time on the climbs. There, I changed it.

read this article - and dont worry, it mentions eddy and roger - a
rare loss.