Happy Birthday Jesus! may all

Happy Birthday Jesus! may all be richly blessed as we remember Him today and always!

enjoying blogging from my phone.

enjoying blogging from my phone.

test from my new phone

test from my new phone

PRV 2008

Links to VIds on Youtube....pics on facebook - not uploading them here.

PR V vid one

PR V vid two

PR V vid three initial break away

PR V vid four skibby

PR V vid neil dropped cleary

PRV you want food?

PRV winner

i tagged the vids as

Prairie Roubaix 5

Wii biking

New game for Wii has me hooked. I put my bike/trainer in front of tv - select my favorite Wii game and away I go. Spent 1.5 hours this evening and had my butt handed to me in golf - it is not easy to continue 90 rpms while putting in that game. I am sure with practice all things will even out.


Andrew

15 in 15

Had the chance to ride outdoors today and jumped all over that...just wish it would have been earlier in the day. Headed out at 415pm for a lap in the park on the single speed 36x20. it was sooo much fun to make my way - seeing trails i had never seen, wondering where the foot prints are going...where they came from and so on. Winter solitude was mine....and so was the bite of winter air on my body. as long as i was maximizing my effort - I was staying warm. the coldest was coming back down super prime to head home - that downhill about killed me.

the park was great - it was a 15 mile route from home and back and when i left the house it said 15 deg....when i got home it said 11 deg. I believe it. saw one set of tire tracks on the east side of the park...nothing on the west side but shoes and hoofs.

enjoy the week.

another wonderful day - but a bit colder...

dont worry - i wore a helmet...this was after the ride.

36x20 today
Good gear in this stuff - no need to blast that fast. The snow on the outer loop was not bad - hit some of the snowmobile/horse trails here and there. Turned out to be 20 miles all in all per the map thing online. Took a while in that gear but it was still a great workout. I really like biking outdoors in the winter - it is fantastic. Its quiet, smooth, solitude....but man, the cold...my body has NEVER done well in cold. Its like I am in slow motion.

By the time I made it to the ski chalet - I was huffing pretty good. High rpms kept me warm. The snow machines were at full tilt today at Elm Creek. There was a point where it looking like a white out snow storm coming off the trails - then poof - clear. Weird.

Got home in time for about 2 lbs of spinach, protein supplement, lasagna and orange juice...and a warm shower. Hope you all had a good day.

ac

wonderful day

heading out - new bluedog jacket from Borah

navigating the loop twice - the snow barriers are all up now - save a few. be careful!

stop at the ski chalet thing at elm creek for some water - lots of skiers out there and a one puzzled guy who was blown away that Colnago made a steel frame single speed. LOL

Map quest said 40 miles outer loop twice and urban riding in Champlin. Nice day for riding and I will remember to put a bit more air in the tires next time. Got home in time to play uber Uno mania, movie with the kids, legos, dinner out with the kids...Tina had to work so I turned into a 5 year old....gosh, I love being a kid!

The route. I did the outer loop twice with brief stops at the ski area thinking i would for sure see Neil or John or a Loon State jersey - I thought I saw their cars there but didnt see them. There is only a small section of the ski lanes open so I was sure I would at least run into them - no dice. Each loop consisted of riding to the shop on 109th and into Champlin and up w.river road and back into the park - it was a nice change up. the snow barriers are up and I ran into one of the guys on the north end putting them up - he said to be careful..no kidding. they really dont mess around - lots of them and they make it really hard to get around them - I guess thats the point.

I had some new Puddle of Mudd playing and kept my pace medium with high spin and sprinted all hills - so I got a good burn in. I left with no food in the belly so I was seeing stars about 2 miles from home.

All in all - grrrreat day and wish all winter days were like today...but Jan/Feb will not be so forgiving. Enjoy the week and the rest of the weekend.

spin class

did a great job last night for the 4 of us that were there. we did the spinervals that incorporated the squats and isometric holds - my legs BURN. had a nice time with John at moonrock and headed home to catch up on needed family time. I got there early and had 1.5 hrs of spin.

ac

Pass along of cyclilng quotes I found funny and true

"Cats don't like riding on a bicycle....no matter how much duct tape you use."
-- Anonymous

"What's with these recumbent bicycles? Listen, buddy, if you wanna take a nap, lie down. If you wanna ride a bike, buy a >#*%^* bicycle."
–- George Carlin

"The world is my church, the wind in my ears is the choir and my handlebars are the alter I pray at."
-- zcubed

"Cycling is just like church - many attend, but few understand."
Jim Burlant

"My favorite courses are nasty, technical downhills that frighten my mom."
— Josh Ivey

Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world.
--Grant Petersen

thanks A.Anderson

crazy stuff...scary.

Rick Warren - pretty amazing to say the least. this is a spiritual opinion post so stop reading if you dont want to read on.

I was reading through a pass-along of information by a linguist friend of mine who was a convert from islam to Christianity and had to flee their former country as a result of their choice - in fear of their life. this linguist called me up and was livid about this guy named Warren and what he was doing to promote the union of islam and Christianity. I really didn't know what she was talking about so I read through the info - checked here and there etc....it was not good.

Here is an evan. pastor of a mega-church asking Allah for forgiveness, citing Syria as a peaceful moderate nation etc....at well, it is NOT at all. there is NO connection of islam to the gospel of Jesus Christ and in reading through - you can search it out on your own as it is not that hard to do so - the material - i was disgusted that a pastor of the gospel of Jesus Christ would promote the union of islam/Christianity.

so - here is another fine example of the truth be distorted, twisted and tucked away. spiritually speaking - there is a vast difference between Christianity in the born again sense and islam - there is a reason why in many muslim countries that one would be put to death for converting to Christianity - they know the difference....where did Warren get messed up?

never have been a fan of Warren in the past - this really set me off - why is this nation and/or its people continually blurring the line of right and wrong? this is another prime example of infiltration.

interesting site...

another one.....

feel free to vent any personal opinion - bottom line is even our churches are being led down the path of compromise and being told to be tolerant of false doctrine.

cold...

enjoyed 1.5 hours in the park. outer loop with a shot out to the shop and back and a loop each in the n.lights and the diytt mtb loop. by the way - the snow machines are putting snow down already - climbing that hill from n.loops up to the warming house by the snowboard hill is tough on a single speed in the snow...max heart rate in about 30 ft.

note to self - once that sun goes down behind the trees - start to hurry home...it got wicked cold really fast tonight and I was about 60% ready for the climate drop.

enjoy the week

ac

from cycling news

kinda chuckled when i read this. though not a big fan of Armstrong - he does have an amazing ability and this was kinda funny.

Who the hell is Linus Gerdemann?

Recently, German rider Linus Gerdemann said that Armstrong's return may not be in the best interest for the sport's credibility. "He's right, I am older. I raced with Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche, Miguel Indurain and Greg Lemond of all people. I have been around a long time and I don't know who the hell Linus Gerdemann is, but I know that when I rolled up in 1992, I started winning races. And when I roll up in 2009, I am gonna be winning races. He better hope he doesn't get in a breakaway with me because I can still ride hard," said the Texan.

Thanks Guys

I had a blast today - 3.5 hours with the guys in the cold/sleet and snow at times. mainly urban ride today and we visited the cyclocross race in blaine - got some coffee and had fun. I was chilly but the new duds were just fine. Me, Neil, Jay H and Dave G. Thanks for the ride guys - good times, back in time for the wife, hope you faired well Neil on the 144 loop...

i almost forgot how slow things can get when its cold outside. think i will hit some single speed mtb tomorrow...and i will have the foot covers on for sure.


enjoy the weekend.

I find great humor in this..

Know the source - the Onion.

Land of the Free.

this has sparked in me a re-newed determination to care more about what we do as a nation - just for the record - it wasnt McCain that i voted for - as many have made comments here and there. Not that anyone should give a rip what i think anyway. i am excited for change - and i am not hating that word. it was going to change no matter what.

I work in a place where people show and tell me of their former country - and all it takes is a few moments to realize that America is blessed and wonderful. I fear for what lay ahead in the area of National identity - I fear that this country will slip through the fingers of rational thinking (Erik - i know you will disagree on that) - i do hope that I am wrong - i really do.

Change for the sake of change, something hip, young, inexperienced, questionable background and associations is, in my mind, a bad idea....but i am just Andy in Minnesota and no-one reading this is an expert either.

I believe, through the people I have talked with as friends and family, that many think that Obama is the black knight saviour that is going to bring stability, jobs, money, lower taxes - heck there were people out there saying they are glad b/c they "wont have to worry about paying for gas in their car, paying their mortgage.....we helped him [obama] and he will help us." i have the link. amazing - is this what he instilled in people is the image of - "gov will take care of everything?"

Again - i do hope things improve but he will fail like all have. He will dissapoint like all have - he is human. the supporters of obama have put in their minds a level of expectation that is so high - even he stated that this will take a LONG time - opposed to the campaign of " I will change the white house overnight."

Oh well, off to the bike I go - going to watch either braveheart or gladiator on the spin bike and enjoy every moment of it. and if it matters to anyone - i have been in contact with the person that posted on the comments about abortion and mends are made - she is a good friend of mine and dear to my heart - enjoy the day and pray for this nation.

My Hats....

Off to the people of America for their turn out in this election and making their choice - the people have been heard. May God bless this great nation.

So many ask...

So, who you gonna vote for?

Well, seeing that so many in politics are of the same ilk - with no grasp on the middle class no matter what they say - i have to boil it down to some basic key points that means something to me. After all - it is my vote - my opinion etc.... looking back after writing this - it is more like free-association more than collected, organized thoughts. feel free to criticize.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Declaration of Independence - 1776

Life - point one for me. This is simple to me and complicated to others. I have a real problem with baby killers - thats right - abortion. Anyone that promotes this - especially partial birth abortion as it is wicked and evil - God pitty their soul. black and white to me - and i think that all that are reading right now are glad that they were not aborted.

Liberty - the freedom to act. Go to a third world or socialist nation - heck leave America and see what life is like without Liberty. We have been blessed in America with Liberty and our fore-fathers died for this right against the guns of Brittan. We have liberty to live without the government paving each step we must take. we have free enterprise to ensure good services rendered....let gov take over sectors of private life and then we can belly up to the government trough...not my idea of free...it is bondage.

Pursuit of Happiness - not the promise of happiness but the ability to pursue a dream. tough to do when your daily and life's work is being undercut. free market enterprise vs. socialistic ideals....create a more socialistic nation and you squash the very happiness out of most. I fail to see the advantage of letting gov control and govern over the daily on-goings of private enterprise. I am not an expert at all - just fed up. do i think its perfect now? Nope...just saying to promote more control by gov...take more from us to pay for such things "charity at gun point (socialism)" is not my idea of what is good for the people. just me and my untrained thoughts.

Other than the these - and I may have miss-represented them - is the character of the person and their background. In my line of work - this means EVERYTHING as it is a measuring stick for ones intent or long term goal. I am actually surprised that Obama has made it this far to be honest. there is no way in God's green earth that he could be hired in our circles yet he is running for office? i wont get into this. ... ok a bit... a good friend mentioned - in so many words " so he had a wacky pastor in the past..." well, this wacky pastor was about as un-American as it gets and very vocal about it...this alone would in any other security cleared environment - exclude him from gaining access....I guess being a God fearing - Christ loving man - the litmus test is the Bible and in the case of "that" church - for this thoughts sake - I would have to say - yikes.

Aint to keen on McCain either as he is pretty liberal for republicans sake - so where or where is Ron Paul? At least he stood on the Constitution and the founding principles by which this nation was built. I dare say that this is becoming American the Unrecognizable.

I think we all know that once in the office - not many have been able to make the changes they "say" they are going to make - we have checks and balances to even the power and not have one sided options. What I would say is 'what has this person done with what is lay before him? ' I love the ads about - Bush being so horrible - ok...you try leading a nation in the face of attack on our own soil...have we forgotten this already? oh, and the one about how the economy is horrible? really? the stock market turns south - its a gamble anyway - and all of a sudden, Bush is the martyr hung out to dry? You could have had Gore in there 8 years ago...and would it have been different? sure, either good or bad. would we have had more attacks on American soil? who knows. Good thing for the employment of spooky intel operators that protect our boarders. shoulda, coulda, woulda....

Change will happen no matter what - which is why I didnt understand O's campaign. Geez - McCain is pretty far to the left as far as Republicans go....now, if we could have another Reagan - that would be worth a thousand elections. This nation is slipping away from its identity and former self - its like people are following the yellow brick road to Oz to only find that the dream they were following was just a normal person with smoke and mirrors.

The next 4 years should be interesting and I fear that we will be the next Canada, Sweden or KSA...

For Sale - Vintage Groupo.....a craigslist parody

I love craigslist - I really do. We have all gleaned the c-pages looking for that nugget of gold/unobtanium alloy do-hicky we cant live without....in the world of cycling however, there sure seems to be a lot of mindless crap being pawned off as being much more than it really is....such words as vintage, classic, timeless, single speed and Italian are being mocked in every way possible.

So to add to the mix of the worthless being marketed as something you just might see Sotheby's, I give you my old groupo of rare parts - "much like what Greg LeMond used"...but not so much.

Avoid scams and fraud by dealing locally! Beware any deal involving Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfer, cashier check, money order, shipping, escrow, or any promise of transaction protection/certification/guarantee. More info

Dia Compe BRS Blaze brake set - complete with OEM Suntour Vintage DT Shifters (North Metro) $175

Reply to: sale-Isellcrap@craiglist.crap ^[?]
Date: 2008-11-02, 10:37PM CST

I recently upgraded my out of date but highly functional Cannondale (circa 1990) with STI shifters and new dual pivot brakes. What this means to you is that you have a chance to bank on some classic components for that long overdue frame-off restoration that has been looming in the dark corner of your garage. For sale - Dia Compe Blaze brake set - both front and back - single pivot with heavily worn pads and matching brake levers - I will throw in the orig cable guides for an extra $5. Perfect for completing that perfect old-school look. If you look at old pics of Greg LeMond - you will see similar style of components used. Also for sale are the original DT shifters - these are a beauty...Suntour levers that have seen better days. Index shifting at peak form - good luck finding a matching cassette. If you are building that single speed of dreams and need to add in a front or both brakes - these Dia Comps will fit the bill and retain that vintage look that so many are paying top dollar for.

down with the sickness

yup - i got some weird head cold bug...at least i got it now instead of feb...knock on wood. went for 10 miles today - planned on more but with a headache the size of king kong - i was in no position to push it. took the golden boy on the ride and I was impressed with full carbon - pretty nimble and smooth. with that - my set up in the basement is done - and i will be spending more hours in front of a tv than i have ever done before. the rat bike is now set up as a six speed and that should be good enough for winter riding and commuting if need be. thats about it as i sit here waiting for nyquil to take affect.

is it possible i am back in the market for a bike with gears???

sure.

found myself...

riding in some slippery spots today. left the house at 2 pm - walked in the door at 5 pm. Rain, no rain, standing water, standing mud - lots of wet leaves and absolutely beautiful in the woods today. I had a lower gear today and went for high heart rate at extended intervals. well worth the ride - totally covered in mud - worse than Cheq - man, it was so cool. In fact, it was so muddy, it was not easy to tell what jersey I had on - well, it didnt matter the clothes I wore - what mattered is that I was out today. Rain Rain Go Away.....????? No way - rain rain come my way and give me another reason to get on the bike today.... hope you had a chance to ride today as it was worth every second.

ac

5 hours in the park

Crazy Lady Maria and scared David (above)

Maria and David (above)

Peter on the trail (above)

No discomfort today - perfect day with the kids!

Headed out with the kids today about noon with the bikes on the rack...thanks Ed and yes you will get the rack back. Took off from the north end parking lot and headed counter clock-wise around the park with all three. It was interesting to say the least and exciting above all that the kids were having such a blast. Made our way around the outer loop to the warming house and then took the N.Lights trail to the playground...then headed to Culvers for lunch and then to the bike shop for a quick repair on Pete's seat so that he was not in pain anymore...headed back with various stops throughout the ride...back home about 5:15.....it was a good day and the kids were wiped out.

What a PERFECT day to be out riding. FLAWLESS! it was the slowest 20 miles i had ridden in a long time but soooooo worth it. Pete and Maria had my jersey's on and were loving each second - Dave was way out front. We took some mt bike paths here and there to mix it up. the kids did so well.

that was my Saturday!

proud moments....

Last night at the boy scout court of honor - David earned his Tenderfoot badge and a host of other awards - oh, and a few merit badges... mom in law, David and me. Great moment I will remember forever....

To Do List....

Okay - well with so much to look forward to this next year, I felt the overwhelming desire to really focus on a few major issues that have plagued my soul as of recent....house projects. Today was a good day in that we were able to accomplish a few of the biggies..... patio sliding door - replace/install etc.....remove rotten drywall in shower - add dura-rock and re-tile.....pull window on lower level and rebuild the wood frame - reinstall. All done today. Next is to repaint the non-stucco portions of my house prior to snow fall. We will see on this one as it appears to be lots of prep...heck, if i can do what i did today, I should be able to paint.

Biking? who has time for it? Well, i guess a few did over the weekend. I trust the Headwaters went well. I got a text from JayT that he singled it in just over 4 hours. Way to go Duke....i guess the 45.16 was the charm.

I did walk past my bike about 20 times today in working on the house....I did pull my mt.bike apart last week and the parts are still lined up on the floor.....so I can be happy that I did at least think about biking today....

RAAM - June 09 - now the fun starts

so the word is yes from those that decide. 8 person raam is in my future...there is something about the 4 person that has me excited as well but if the 8 person is the way to go next year - I am in....less costs up front. 12-14 hours of biking a week, strength training every week...9 months of concerted effort and this will hopefully put me in contention to do well.

Crap, I sold my bianchi a few months ago for a single speed mt bike and a washing machine...my cost for this RAAM just went up....onto craigs list I go...unless someone is willing to rent out a bike...lol. I think Justin still has his Kabuki - LOL....just kidding..kind of.

I was told no single speeds - what kind of race is this? man, i am really excited...crap, I wont be able to sleep.

or work.

various rides when I can

Pulled the Mt Bike apart to find water living comfortably in my tubes...love it. Prior to this - I spent some quality time with the Cheq bike over the weekend - putting on 30 off road. felt great to ride more...not sick of the bike...thanks to not riding that much this summer.

Once the mt bike was apart - I got on the blue bike and started to get comfortable on this. noticed my seat was off a bit and it was causing some nice back pain. Corrected and happy. In my quest to stay on course with averaging at least 25 miles a day I was on course up to today. With lights on the bike - i am good. With good warm weather, I was happy.

I was able to harness the average still above 21 mph on each ride and felt fresh. I guess the trainer is going to get a work out this year. Spin class, gym, winter riding....all in an effort to springboard into spring /summer and all that may come my way.

so, bring it on. i have the desire and the full support of the family for excessive training this winter....now if i can cut back on eating fast food...that is my next epic span to cross.

ac

wow - training starts now? Okay.

commitment to next year in many different aspects means not letting this winter slow me down. I fully expect the few that read this to keep me accountable until my proper habbits are formed - needs about 28 days...maybe longer with the cold weather. why? b/c living outside of fitness sucks.... there are some things that have caught my eye for next year and instead of waiting - start now....

food, training, mind set, setting aside vices....sounds icky but the plus side is I am happier........

why we do this? because we are tested... that's why.

the moment i realized i beat my time...final sprint to finish.

Pre ride on Rosey's Field - heading to the main Berkie Trail

pre- ride 3miles into the trails - fast drop...it was raining by this time

Ted and I walking to cure the nerves

Pink is the new black

The line up - crazy

over 1700 bikers start at once...yikes

AK - the rig waits to be driven hard

All lined up - waiting to start - nervous

Matt and I ready to rumble

not in order - waiting to get prepped to ride -

after the finish - going to clean bike - icky/fun

My good friend Pete Taylor and I showing that friendships can last from 2nd grade to age 36 without any issues - we starting riding together in middle school. this is priceless -

Cheq weekend (fat tire pics)
2hours 53 min - finished 161 places better than last year...sucess
Great weekend - where do I begin? I knew a bit more this time - turns, climbs, nerves etc....I was excited to try out the new bike of course but more excited to just have fun. Fun it was - RAIN on the course. Neil - you would have just loved it. It really was classic. Peter Tayor mentioned that it was a Roubaix weekend. I agree.

Pre ride was 5 miles in - 5 miles back from Rosey's. perfect day to say the least. The buzz was all about people saying how they were going to attack the hills, best lines etc....hell, just ride it. with 1500 plus people - your plans meaning nothing - ride.

Up early to the start line - good start - 5 rows back. the cannon shot and we are cruzin through hayward enjoying the sights but trying to find the best line. Hogeland was the dare-devil whizzing in and out of people getting up front (he did really well). Single speed folk kinda filter back - Jesse and Marko's brother passed me on the roll out - he was flying. Hit the trails and began gaging my strength....my lack of riding this year was easy to see right away. my overall fitness wasnt quite there but i felt good. Then the rain...it was soothing of course but it made me wonder - is this going to be easy or hard....in some ways it was easy - the mud said it wasnt.

By "OO" i was cramped pretty bad - my abs were torn and i felt like sitting up - I kinda did while i tried to work out the cramp...gut cramps suck. I came into the OO feed zone and missed the water cup and splashed the water in the kids face...missed the second on and splash that on the nice lady......the last person had the bananna - he ran with me and i got a bite of food...to only throw it up upon swallowing...it was funny. The guy behind me said " well, you dont see that everyday - that was the funniest thing I have ever seen.." well, i am glad he found humor.

after the cramp went away - i felt like super man but unfortunately i lost my chance to catch up to Jay or Bob....well, i have feeling they were way out....and hell, was I really going to catch up to them or keep up with them? NO. so thus begun the picking off of people - one at a time. I hung with 4 single speeders all running 61 gear inches and we helped each other. it was cool. our own team - of single speed fools. I dismounted 3 times only and i was happy with that. lots of speed and the low tire pressure helped a lot...i was surprised with my daring on this ride. parts of the ride were not friendly - most of the course was really wet...the grass was fast the mud was not.

I had a blast hunting down the next rider. once the 10 miles to go sign passed - i figured i was with who i was going to finish with....then as we hit flats - i ramped up the rpms....trying to recover from the hills..it wasnt easy...my miles were low this year yet i was happy with how i was riding. i felt vomit surfacing every now and then so i can say that I was riding "just below puke" the whole ride. I left nothing on the table saturday.

Fire tower hill is a walk-fest anyway so i was not upset to have to walk it. i admire ANYONE that rides up that frickin wall. Once up top we started on the berkie rollers - these suck after the FT hill. My calf muscles were cramped walking up that hill....i hung in with the same SS guys and I noticed that the group of 10-15 around me were the same from mile 20. The cramps then went away and I felt great - i hammered the best i could and gapped some of them - i had no issues with traction - the crossmark tires are perfect. I ran with 25 psi and it was the best. I just need to ride more to keep the cardio and resp fitness up there.

with about 4 miles to go i had to drop my sunglasses - had issues with finding my back pocket and then while i slowed down, about 15 people passed me up. I got back on it and hammered to catch up - the last 2 miles were really fast. I burried my head and watched the sweat drip from my nose and as i caught the group i noticed that many were blown off the back. the drop into Telmark was great - I saw the 8 people left ahead of me - i stood up and pushed hard - passing in the tall grass - a quick break check had the group hesitate as i swung to the right side and passed them on the first turn into the shoot. I stood, sprinted as I heard someone yell my name, that gave me what i needed to pass the last single speeder of the group to cross the line by myself - 6 mins faster than last year....i was jazzed considering the course this year.... then there was Peter - with the high five and a hug.

Cheq this year? it was well....wonderful. I will remember this day.

and I'm Leaving....on a

Suburban.....heading north by north east.....

SHould have some great pics to follow this weekend....Chequamegon....friends.....all around good times.


see ya later..


andy

interesting weekend.....

Looks a bit - well - wet this weekend....

Built in Sauna

Yup - I have my own hot room in my house and I have neglected its use for so many years. The other day....week actually....my bathroom exhaust fan opted to break - fan blades or motor - either way it was not working. So, take some measurements and try to find the same size housing - no such luck. Today was the day so I had to do something. The one I got was a bit bigger with more options...which meant going into my attic of doom to replace the main unit.

This place is not scary - just FRICKIN hot. Trying to move around up there is interesting. you cant see the rafter location under the rolled and blown insulation so it was like wondering if I was going to bust through the ceiling like in Christmas Vacation. I was nimble and thought about feathers - all is good....except that the fan unit was out near the edge so that meant NO room and also re wiring the unit b/c the entry point for the wires was on the other side of the new unit - and not enough wire to reach - added a junction box ran more wire and made it work.

Had to cut the opening about 2 inches more each way, rework the ductwork to meet code and so it actually flowed okay and all within the confines of no room to work. It was not fun but check off that SOB from the list - Tina better like this new - "whisper" quiet model. It cost good money and really pissed me off while installing.

What was funny was while i was toiling and swearing under my breath...and over....i could hear Christmas music playing and the kids singing. They also fired up the EZ Bake oven and were making cookies and passing every other one up through the hole more me to eat...it was cute despite me being upset.

oh, did i mention the fiberglass in the skin deal? fun with home projects.

Semisonic - couldnt resist and no this is not easy...

All About Chemistry

My list of crap to get done around the house is growing....first things first....crazy time with family. I headed to Home Depot this morning with Pete to get a new bathroom fan/light combo, switches and wire for a lighting project in a closet and of course hot dogs ... all at the depot. Get home and Pete takes off with the family to go to a friends birthday party - gone all day. I head out for a ride in the park and did about 20 on the mtb. Got home as the rest of the family - Tina, Maria and Dave - drive up. So, I take Dave on a 15 mile ride - the two of us - and we have a blast. I took Dave on various paved trails, streets and Mtb trails - i took three pics of him climbing a steep grade....he was - IS - the king.




A full day with the kids...and also a full day on the bike...all at once. whoda thunk it could happen? Did get caught in some very cold rain however going back home with David. I am not ready for cold just yet. Not at all.


Drew

why work kicks....

Jordan with the perfect form. Golfing on a friday in the office....priceless.

Northern Lights Hill Repeat

I will plan to hill repeat from the swimming pond - to the ski hut thing as many times as I can tonight. Each pass to the hut has two major climbs. lets see how close to puking i can really get....LOL. yikes - i am actually serious...if you are out there and you see an orange bike with a passed-out rider laying next to it- just give a call to "home" on my cell phone and let Tina know that I might be a bit late in getting back.

talk of big dreams....

had a great ride tonight. i cruised home to get the rig and hustle to the park for some miles in the woods. i headed up pineview - into freedom. my trip to the mtb loop was great - cool breeze...good tunes.... check out my new fav band.... Safetysuit....pick a song - enjoy. on that note - why i almost forgot about Semisonic is beyond me.... that should launch you into the youtube vortex for a good 1/2 hour or so.

did 3 - maybe 4 laps with Bob and Kenny...they did more before i got there. my body said "go steady and easy." my boss told me to listen to reason and do what your body is telling you. Good advice. I then headed home and then did 5 hill repeats on the backside of superprime....and that really hurt at the top of #5. My ride home from superprime is easy...feeling great....releasing my troubles of the day. I can say i left my troubles on the road tonight.

Praise the Lord for bikes and the cool breezes that followed me all night. Bob - is going to KILL cheq this year...geez, he has some serious skilz on that ss. Bob - dont ever disagree when I say you are a strong rider. If I can hang on your wheel at Chq I will be surprised.

I chalked it up as 30 miles tonight - some of them easy and some not so easy.....hill repeats the rest of the week. easy rider next week.


ac

ironic

after reading some blogs last night - i caught up on some funny stories...boy, some people really know how to write to the point where you are drawn in for hours. i call it the blog-vortex. sucked into this vortex - late nights - not sure of the time - you get the idea. Then when driving to work this morning - a quick look in the mirror for a lane change and I started to laugh because I was wearing this hat - i won it as a door prize at True Value hardware....and it reminded me of that funny story i heard on the blog.

Funny how the little things make you laugh - no one will really get this - maybe one person.

andy

Just Too Funny

Last night while riding with the guys....we were talking about training and some of the ridiculous things we do to prep for a race...in this case Cheq. Dave calmly says " yeah, ya know you kinda have to ride that race 'just a little bit below puke' and then you will do fine."

I think we have all been there where you sustain this almost sickening in the stomach, thinking you are the only one who is feeling it...believe me....they all are riding with thoughts of puking on their minds.

Great quote Dave

daily lunch special

Started the day right on track - everything in order...except for the fact that I left my wallet at home. Good work Andy. I was very lucky in that I brought 3 microwave mini-tubs of Progresso Beef Soup. Now - these are basically all water and over 1500mg of sodium PER tub. I figure - okay - i can do this. I ended up having all three. with no breakfast this morning - three of these things which i am not going to eat again for a while - no supper...I had a total of450 calories to eat today...i am including the goo thing on the bike ride...oh there was an apple...not sure how many that is. So for basic argument - 450 cal in. I spent 1500 cal for breathing and existing and about what 1500 cal biking....so working on a 2550 cal deficit - i was cookin the excess shmuts.

I got home from saving the world today and headed straight to the 4 mile loop deal to meet Dave, Bob and Jay. Spun around and he hammered the trail for what? 2 hours or so....sprint the hills - blast the flats...it was fun and was doing just fine - all things considered. the new gear ratio is great - i will pre-ride the course next friday and hope to get a feel for the climbs again and maybe i might kick up the gear ... tough to say.

On the way home I did 4 hill repeats on super prime and met the Wed night group on my last downhill as they were on their way up. I was tired so I am sorry for not really saying hello... Thanks guys for lettin me ride with you tonight - it was rather fun!

Andy

110 what????

Tonights ride took us to Albertville and back. This is a great ride - and super fun when the wind is from the west or north west - cuz all the way home is blistering fast. The stretch from Albertville to Otsego was at 30 mph - and it wasnt that hard to hold it with the tail wind....and Bernie out front.

Thanks to a missed turn in Otsego - we missed the main group and then Brian got stuck at a light...so I waited up and we two-upped all the way back. The weather was great and everyone was quick. I was glad to hold off Bloomington Dave for the Albertville prime....but b/c Brian and I were back - way back - I have no idea who won the overall...either way - the weather was perfect...just not enough daylight.

I have been riding the mt bike so much at 27psi that I forgot what it was like to ride on 110psi - i tad different to say the least. Cheq is close - I have lost some weight and have been putting on some solid miles...i thought i was in shape and ready until Hogeland shows up on his mt.bike and does the entire ride on it....show off ... talk about a guy that is dialed in...geez.

well - great group - a bit blown apart and still it was okay.

ac

ironic

i finally plan to ride on the road - got the front derail working and it rains...LOL. guess we will see what happens. i might just have to fly on the mt bike instead....

Leprechaun

Some pics from this morning's ride with the kids...the posy of ninja cyclists ready to roll out (above)

Ninja Pete leading out to bridge to David (above)

Maria in the lead peleton - enjoying being in front of the boys (above)

Maria enjoying the spoils of hard effort - energy depletion (above)

Heading home - a quick pic of the 4 rowdy bikers (above)

(training ride this afternoon) Thats right - I was zippin through the sticks in my "very loud" green Leprechaun kit today. It got the looks alright...I mean - what do you think when all you see is a big leprechaun comin at cha? It happens to be the most comfortable kit I have - no pain at all. NONE...and that means I will wear it and be happy knowing me arse wont go south in Cheq.

My goal was to get close to 3 hours of riding or 35 miles - either one would work. I forgot to check the clock but google pedometer was clear - 35 miles (give or take a few tenths here and there...) I modified the route that Dahl has set up and added in the trail (up and back) to the Chalet...I think that makes the loop 6.7 miles instead of 4 miles. So I had 3.5 loops and the getting there and going home on the horse trails. I did get stopped by a very nice lady on a 4-wheeler - trail patrol. I knew i was on a hiking trail that specifically said NO BIKES about 10 feet back so I spun around hopped on the bike part - did about half a lap and headed home.

It was hot today - I went through lots of water today and I was amazed that many people dont ride without water...heck...there was this runner on the MTB TT course that was totally spent - sitting in the shade and she looked really bad - I handed off a spare bottle I had and said I would be back around in a bit - hope she is okay - she had 10 miles to go to get home...geez - dehydration is literally a killer. Salt for thought - on the hot century days - we would go through about a gallon and half of liquid - that is close to 15 lbs of fluid lost in 5-6 hours on days like today.

the bike is rather dialed in right now - a few tweaks here and there - and I am ready for the showdown to beat 2:59....goals this week are to ramp up 300 miles ( or hours equivalent) and then spin light with a taper prior to the race.

So today - 12 with the kids and 35 at fast spin interval training....with 3 super-prime hill repeats at the end....that should somewhat tell me that cheq should be okay.... cuz once you add in race day adrenaline - the ability to chase down riders instead of chipmunks - and the faster hard pack of that course (Lord willing) I think i am ready....maybe...lol

now that is green

home made colnago head-tube logo...

shortened handle bars - by three inches

troopers

gearing up the kids for a lap in the park - a pit stop at culvers in the mix - pics to come - I love these days!

Nightswimming

Have had a great time with old friends as of late...no not bikes but actual people rather. I was reminded of REM's Nightswimming song and it brought back memories for sure....like most music does.

I headed to the park for about 12 miles tonight on and off road. The off road part is fun in the dark with a light - it was peaceful and beautiful. this was an evening of bliss and contemplation! To quote Neil - it was a 100% #1 face except when the deer ran out in front of me off road - for a moment it was the #3.... I took it easy and spun light - taking my time....no rush and no need to miss this moment.


ac

18 teeth

Headed to the new super voodoo secret 4 mile MTB loop and met up with Wolk for some laps. we did 4 together and then hit the n.lights loop to finish his ride. he was on his single and me on the 36x18 with the new tires. Much easier and the tires are great - grip and light weight. good stuff. I ended up with one more lap and then biked home for 30 miles today on the faux-colnago.

it was good to ride in the morning and it was a phenomenal day to say the least. All I can say is thank God for good friends and cell phones.

Cant wait for the race - this will be a good one.


Andrew

As a Pancake

That's right...I was flat today...Bob said he was flat in the legs too but I was flatter...I won the pancake contest no problem. I would thus call it the bruised banana contest. Okay, weird how the body works b/c Tuesday I rode 30 then did 22 or so on the trails and I felt 100% better then. So whats the deal? I guess we all have days where nothing goes as planned. I began to search the bike - issues there? Except for heavy tires - nothing wrong so I had to accept the fact that my body wanted to rest while my brain said "go more, you have a race in a few weeks."

I guess resting is a good thing but it seems with taking literally two months off of riding - thank you mr. lower lumbar back problem - I am not where I was last year...in fact 2000 miles off track to be exact. Excuses will harbor determination so I will keep on doing the best I can - but I must remember that I am not a pro....cant be a pro....so why worry about it this much...its cuz I am sitting alone in front of the computer thinking about the day.

So my goals for Cheq - again - finish, finish alive, and I will leave it at finish at least 1 min faster than last year. If I claim a 10 min advance over last year - I will be very happy. I was talking with Bob about gearing and we have been toying with 36x17 and today's events lead us to believe that maybe the 2:1 ratio would be better - still like 58 gear inches and that would be acceptable. I really dont know how Jesse did it with 36x16 and then take Ez Taylor who rides a road gear on his 26"....these guys are monsters to say the least.

Enough of the pitty....on with the events and let the beer caps fall where they may.


ac

thursday - August 28th

going to ride on the trails if anyone is interested in getting their game on for Cheq...it is just around the corner.

i will be at the shop and trying to leave there by 530 or 6 pm...i have to install some new crossmark tires - stans - and it is annoying so it might take a bit of pixy dust to make it work.

andy

maxxis

crossmarks to be added soon - saving a pound of rolling weight.

What about Bob?

So, some of you may ask...heck some dont care [mexican dinner] about "where is the elusive Bob Dahl?" Well, I found this rather hard to find pro-stock phenom. Amidst the clutter of fallen leaves and torn up dirt....there you will find Bob and his single speed.

The day started with my son, Peter, practicing his Judo moves in the living room at 6 am - sound effects and all. With the occasional smack of his hand on something hard - followed with a quiet wince and "wow - that hurt", I kinda found some funny early in the morning. So with him going on for about 15 min, I walked out a bit sleepy and was smacked by what seemed to be our own live in Kato - from the Pink Panther if you are wondering. Seeing that he barely weighs 55 pounds, I was able to man-handle this beast from the nether-regions to the ground and just about tickle the pee right out of him.

He helped me get the bike stuff ready for the commute to work...filled the camel pack, got some goo for the ride and he handed me my helmet as I walked out. Got the high five and the traditional thumbs up from the ninja. Pete told me that he was proud of me and that he tells his friends that "My Dad rides his bike to work - he's a racer." Cute but I am not a racer but I will take the props where I can and I will also soak up the super-dad motif as long as I can.

So I ponied up the single speed Monocog (aka Colnago "Sudden Discomfort") and started down the 15 mile path to work. It seemed more difficult than I remembered over the weekend - I felt like I was pushing steel through my veins....keep going, no time to worry, look at it later. Soaked and sore, I walked into work demolished. Spent the day doing my deal - saving the world I guess - and remembered that Mr. Dahl had asked about riding on the trails tonight. A bit of back and forth and we had it set to meet near territorial and fernbrook about 6 pm. It was a date with mother nature and one gear.

430 rolls around I load up the camel pack, didnt check the bike for the super-slow down, geared up the Irish National Green get-up and headed back to the shop. It seems automatic to always stop at the shop - even if there is no reason. Well, as fate would have it, I did have a reason once I got there - I turned off the headphones to hear my brakes making noise. The front caliper was jammed against the pad - so 25 miles I was pushing the brakes. Quick adjust and it was free of undo friction. By the time I got to territorial I figured I was at about 30 miles and Bob was no where to be found....quick call and he was already heading down the trail so he doubled back. We met, shared stories about the bikes - both Redlines but his is the fancy one (flight model) and the coooool looking blue. I shared the story about the colnago crap and that also I had received some flak for it already at the shop - someone I didnt know - in that "he didnt like it and that I was a poser for doing what I did..." LOL - ROFL - Are you kidding me? were my thoughts...my goodness, its just a bike and its not like Colnago would EVER build such a bike anyway - I guess he was serious so it seems....to each there own. All I can say and I should have said "revert to Rule #6 and chill out - doorknob. "

Back to what really mattered....So Bob and I head to a 4 mile loop that was perfect for training on Cheq...impressive. we ended up doing 4 laps and then about 1 mile of the 5th and I headed home from the MTB TT loop.... I am guessing at 53 miles or so for the day on the mt bike....and Bob doesnt ride slow. He will do well in Cheq this year on his single.

Eggs and toast for recovery, apple as well and some electrolytes for dessert. Once again a great day. Thanks Bob for emerging from the sacred training grounds to let the newbie roll which-ya.

andy (aka the Poser)

For Neil - as you would appreciate this humor..as would most...enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF5vlT01JNc

Sudden Discomfort

The Master himself and my fresh rig

Applying the stuff

Done

Riding down Cty N - to Coon Valley - spectacular!

Riding back up - spectacular in a different way

At the top on the way home - looking back

Next morning at Pete's shop - Bluedog cycle

Pete helping out with my bike

Ready to ride....

At the base of Sadi Hallow

At the top of south side of Sadi

Weekend in LaCrosse.

I had plans for this monster epic ride of 100 plus...and thanks to various obligations, time crunches and not enough hours in the day - I was limited to a few rides. Friday I got off work and headed to Terry Osells place to pick up the newly painted Monocog - even Terry was skeptical but when it was done - he was impressed with the color. I was too - it looked good as is and when I showed him the things I was going to try - he was excited. His shop is impressive - certainly a one of a kind.

After talking over coffee with Terry and killing about an hour sitting on his shop floor talking about bikes, wives, favorite jokes and other foolhardy topics - I headed to LaCrosse. Got in late and started work on the application of signage to the new bike. I was a bit nervous b/c I had only one shot with the Colnago stuff - but it worked and I was getting excited. Once that was done I headed to bed to get a jump on an early morning ride up the valley south of town - Irish Hill we call it. 630 i was out the door and by 7am I was at the hill making my way up...I forgot how stiff of a climb that hill is. Then I proceeded to go to Coon Valley by way of Cty Rd N - which is a 8-10% drop into that city...that was fast...then I headed due east of Coon Valley and up the coulee again - and that hill trumped Irish hill...spun around and reversed the ride. LOTS of climbing that day and it was max heart rate the whole way. I pushed and did well and was glad to see the fitness was there.

Once home - we took the family to Rudy's Drive-In for lunch, got home and I headed to Viroqua to build the bike at Bluedog Cycles...3 hours and 5 beers later, the bike was done - we had to work around customers and such. Met Chris Jackson and his brother there - Chris owns Borah and lives 6 miles away - he was buying a bike from Pete...super nice guy. Headed home late and then headed back in the morning for some rather intense single track in Sadi Hallow. I have never really done single track and nothing like this before. It was scary - the fitness was there but the wits were not - I wiped a few times and about shat myself too. We did 3.5 hours of single track and about 3000 feet of climbing on my single. Once done there - hit Culvers and then spent some time with Pete and his family.

All in all - great weekend...road miles about 60 and mtbike miles...I have no idea...all big hills.

Lots of pics - wasnt going to play around with uploading all of them.


Andy