red zone

last night was an event for me - red zone the entire ride. yes, it hurt and yes I wanted to go home and cry to mama but then the ever soothing voice of reason - NEIL - said no way - lets ride together. It is good to have days like this when you think it is all over but you keep rolling. I admire this group of men and women - the best around. Bar none. I guess that sometimes you need to be reminded that preparation is an important thing and when you are not prepared - learn to make it work anyway. Thanks Jay and Neil - you have a way of turning lemons into lemonade.

MEMORIAL DAY SOLO RIDE -

Having fun with the camera and the video option...
Have a great Memorial Day and remember our soldiers and citizens overseas not only today but every day. Did 29 miles in the park looking for those who "said" they were riding in the park...no chance...all solo and that's just fine - early morning ride and I got a great pic of a deer. That deer was only 15 feet away and didnt mind a bit - it was closer than the picture really shows. Amazing!




Memorial day ride - solo - perfect day!

Cruzin' Cali Style

My next purchase - for sure. have you ever tried to steer one of these things? very strange.

In the Morning...

I have been riding my bike to work alot lately and if you have not done it - you really should. First of all - you have to get a good nights sleep to do this so no late night cyber surfing. Gettin' up super early, the cool breeze blowing through the house, the warm cup of coffee, light meal and the wonderful workout on the way to work. The best feeling is the look in people's eyes when they look at you at a stop sign or passing by ... you can almost hear "awww I wish I could do that..."

Well you can. Granted, I am in a position at work that I dont have to be around the client in person but many have facilities at work so you can clean up prior to the day. Just think...riding to work and adding an automatic 30+ miles every day thus saving some $30+ dollars a week in gas. Green is good and if it makes you stronger, more fit, alert for the day...its all to your bennefit.

I have found that if I ride to work - my workout is done if I choose...then my family isnt wondering if I live at home or not. you know the feeling. Take today - 4 deer, 2 wild turkey's, 1 eagle, 3 dead Canadian geese, a whole school of fish flopping on the coon rapids dam ( lots of fishermen this morning ), and one elderly couple holding hands watching the sun come up. How COOL IS THAT!!!! Beats staring at the lic plate of the guy in front of you. Today it was about the ride - the experience - the reasons why I love biking...you get to take it all in... the only thing i missed today was a bad start to the day...

see ya on the road!

zuko

andy

Gears? What gears? I only have one

What an interesting ride and thank you Jay for the inspiration. Don't get me wrong, it was difficult with the one gear option on theThursday night ride. 45 plus miles - perfect weather and tons of wind. What gear is best, better yet...are my legs ready? How about my mind - that's a better question. The psychology of single speed is complex in that you are always aware of 200 yards up the road...simple in that you know you have to make it work no matter what. Sprint up or power up each hill to keep the momentum up...enjoy coasting and find that happy medium of speed vs. uber max heart rate. There were times when I was watching the shadow of my legs and all I thought of was a sewing machine - I had absolutely no more pedal - you all know the feeling - descending down some massive hill in your biggest gear and you cant eek out even a touch more power. Riding like that everyday...will either kill you or cement your future strength.

Ill admit - it is fun to blast away with the lead group when I can but knowing that the workout was that intense - no matter where you ride...that my friends was priceless. Yes I love the Bianchi I just bought but that 1989 Cannondale - the first bike I bought - still hums along with the same memories as it did back then. I will never give up this beauty.

So, if you plan to SS anytime soon, give it a whirl or... just let the few of us do it - we enjoy knowing that each ride is about 30% "or more" a harder work out on the same miles...

See you all on the road -

Is there a Loon rider that does this?

Why you do what you do...

I am sitting here listening to Yanni - you know, the familiar music of when alot of us got hooked on cycling. Early 90's, Yanni, LeMond, Bugno, Alcala ( that's for you Jorge) - the list continues. For me, it was a glimpse into the competitive world of something so fascinating... watching Greg and his comeback from near death. Watching cyclists fly over the top of towering mountains when I struggled over Grandad's Bluff - wondering how they did what they did. I still wonder actually. This song from Yanni was my favorite - I still remember having it on my walkman with it tucked into the back of my make-shift cycling shorts sprinting down west ave in LaCrosse - imagining taking the lead in the final stage...I always won by 8 sec.

That desire, passion, whatever you want to call it was a way out, a way to be the best, a way to push myself in something. It was unique. It was painful and I loved it! Once in college it was a chance to skip class to ride and ride alot. I remember heading out early with my roomie Jay for endless rides, getting chased down by the same dang dog on Cty Road C - he got me once. Between citizen races, local mt bike races and racing jay down waterstreet (looser bought wings and beer that night) - I remember the ride - the open road so to speak and the gift I was given to enjoy this wonderful sport.

Now - I see that gift giving back. Now, I see four guys giving their love and devotion to make a difference...not for their own glory but for kids who need help. How remarkable - touching and impressive. I happen to see a blog from an old friend with a picture of Steve Prefontaine on it...it reminded me of a quote that I love so much and was glad to be reminded of it - thanks Nomadgirl...

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift."

To the RAAM guys - your motives are pure and your friendship is priceless. Your obstacles are many and the pain will be endless but I know you - it will be met with a smile knowing that you will not allow this challenge, this gift to be sacrificed. Dont worry, you have given your best already - you have decided to give to those you do not know for reasons you may never understand - and you ask nothing in return.

I am proud to know you, glad to ride with you and honored to be your friend. Camp Odayin couldn't have a better team of riders and for certain, they could have better people out there than you. My hats off to you.

till the next ride....


andy

WHAT A RIDE!!!!

How many people did we have???? Something like 10? We had it ALL and then some. Erik - good to see you dude - you have been riding alot havent you? We saw the unmatched glory of Neils Colnago tonight...Sweet ride man - very cool. I will pit that over the Merckx with Camp for this reason....origonal old school componants...Evans bike is rather impressive though but seeing that I have never met Evan my vote is with you.

The ride was flawless - Hot, 50 some miles, great route, even better people and where was Bernie? After Otsego he and a few others launched for super preem...holy crap. I was rather spent from a full day of riding on Wed and I toiled with riding the group ride tonight as I was not ready but I am sure glad I did. I have tan lines again...sorry, status lines as Bernard put it...marks of valor - bragging points.

It seems to me that everyone is a few notches up from last year - I mean, the ride was quick and that is great to see. From what I have heard, many have some serious racing/riding goals this year and with that comes a new attitude early on. Take for example the RAAM guys - they are ready. I have Fat Tire to look forward to and if all I did was to prep for that - I would be happy. Many new bikes, new shoes, new gear, more ride time etc...

I am exceptionally glad to be given the chance to ride - just ride. This summer should be a blast!

Keep your families, friends, loved ones and our troops in your prayers. They deserve our best.


ac

I GOT MY SHOES!!!!!!

DOMINATOR 5 Mesh...
and a fancy pair of socks to match the ensemble...these shoes are so freaking comfortable and they fit very tight - hitin' the trails tonight. should have brought the road bike - I will have to play with cleat position a bit. Thanks Jay for the advice, Larry for making it happen, Stew for playing with my mind and Ed for keeping me focused on goals.

I know they are just shoes....but they are nice shoes.

Going Endo

Thats right...right over the bars. Gotta love it - especially when you can still function normal activities after the wipe out. Took off in the rain yesterday after work on the SS Mt Bike and headed to Elm Creek. I figured that the equestrian folks wouldnt be on the trails so I hit the entire loop off road. The best part is on the western trail heading south - near the wood bridge that turns...you come down that hill pretty fast and there are a series of puddles - one of which is mightly thick with slimmy, stinky mud...and that is where my bike stopped and I kept going. No harm, no foul but that weightless feeling is unmatched...until you smack the ground. Good thing for sumersaults and helmets...Dont worry, the bike is okay.

There are some really nice and destructive short climbs when you ride that off-road trail - not to mention there really isnt a trail to ride on - if you have loose fillings - get ready to have them replaced.

I would highly suggest riding in the rain out there - no one is out there and you are covered for the most part...just you and the worms...and the mud...and the sore shoulder. Top it off with a pit stop at TH for some conversation and to clean off the water bottle - set to role again.

Just thought to share - have a great day!