INSPIRATION

Ride with the kids on Saturday/Sunday...picking berries and such.

2010-06-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Rode about 20 some with Maria and David on Saturday - Ran into Neil and group...well, didnt run INTO but by anyways. Also saw the ever elusive Bernie on the trails hittin the loop...always a blessing to find Bernie on a bike. Hit up Culvers and had a great ride with the two eldest...Peter was due back from Church camp that day. Then took David and Peter Sunday to the bridge to pick berries...

trying to get on board with this again

2010-06-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Though FB offers a great solution to "what is going on with who/what and where/when" the blog is still a nice place to dump some thoughts.

Felt good to jump on the TT last night. No cramps and put a slightly bigger gear on to see how it would work. It did great. 22.46 on the Fletcher took the top spot but more importantly it took my PR by like 28 secs. Now, some of the big dogs were not out playing - Hogland and Broste (get better Perry). but all the same it was a fun ride.

Hit the velodrome to see some friends race and some friends watch...watching is much less effort. Looking at RAAM next year with Tim Case and trying to formulate how this would work. Yes....its early but better to start early. right? nothing like big goals.

Today is work work work...and then maybe a ride with the kids but work is the priority today...not always but today. Pete comes home from camp tomorrow so Im sure we will be riddled with stories and crazy adventures for days to come.

andy

Maria in trance

2010-05-03T17:34:00.001-07:00

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another gr8 day to ride?

2010-03-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

ummmm does it have to be good sunny weather to have a great day riding? no, not really but it sure helps. I just crawled out of my office (cave) and stepped outside and was rejuvenated - its time to cook the road tonight with the sound of chains and heavy breathing. 144 Loop - 33 miles and some nice rollers to get your HR up there. 5 pm at Trailhead.... Single speeds are welcome....gears are optional.....fun is mandatory.

Anticipation

2010-03-16T07:25:00.001-07:00

Looking out to 5 pm I see a bunch of people on bikes....traversing through the rain soaked roads of Fletcher and Hassan Township...where is my rain slick anyways.

NO RAIN....the ride was near perfect. Thanks to ALL who came out and good to see the Duke of Earl out there today!!!!!!

total of 3.25 hours of riding for me - single speed. the group rode up tempo - we kept it together - we ended together with smiles. good job all!

Andrew

back to some story telling....thank you Erik

2010-03-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Could you believe today? I mean, it was fantastic all around - except for Maria who is a bit ill today. It started with me scheduled to be in Apple Valley for volleyball and then Maria was a mess.....so VB was nixed on our end....this opened up the option to bike with the group. It didn't disappoint at all.

25 some people - everyone smiles. It was like the moment in the Wizard of Oz when it all went color. The light turned on, the legs felt fresh, the road was quick and everyone was itchin to just - well....be there.

Some familiar faces and some new ones - but then again i didn't ride with the group that much last year so I am sure I am a new face as well to many. It was fun to get to know some new friends. For those looking to blast the ride - they were happy. For those looking to sit back and enjoy and smooth ride...they were happy. It worked very well today.

The single speed (yet to be named) was a nice ride. the geometry is a bit different but close enough for government work. I think I will shorten the stem a bit or get new bars. The 72 gear inch was a good match for today and i think it will be the primary gear for road as long as the hills don't get too steep. When we were cooking with gas, it was comfy to sit at 23 with my HR at 169 - once to 175-179 i was feeling the burn. In an effort to keep watt training going - i was trying to be mindful of perceived effort and real effort. I figure it doesn't hurt to train a bit during a nice group ride. Of course - if you ride the single speed you will get a workout no matter what.

Jay, Mel and myself had single speeds and the speed demon was Mel. Heading into Otsego I glanced back to see someone in no-mans-land and when i turned around the lead group was 30 ft in front of me....i was cooked and didn't feel the need to spike my heart rate to bridge that gap. I rode in with with the other group and it was concluded you would be hard pressed to find a better day to ride - considering the first real nice day it seemed like a once in a lifetime day to get out. glad to see everyone.

some recovery foods, muscle milk, water and ecaps and all is good.

see ya later yall.

interesting times...

2010-01-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

Have not been here in a while...that's for sure. Not sure why but I am guessing it has something to do with life...more life....and a bit more life caked on top of an already built up heap of stuff. "Stuff" is a good word here as its so random and undefined that it would take a book and a half to get it right. The stuff ranges from the mundane to the extraordinary - wonderful to the horrific - peaceful to reckless. Stuff...or life...catches up with us and it steers us and thus we are given limited control.

There are constants in my life, well, really only one - God. The other things that are cloaked as constants are relationships, marriage, money, things...things that change often. I guess I should really consider these "constants" (aside from God) as variables acting in my life that alter and re-route my life daily if not hourly. So...I guess one could say that its good to have varying alternatives out there - keeping you lively. Change is good on some levels but not all that comforting at times.

In the past years I have lived, speaking mainly of the past 14-15 years, I have seen many horrible and wonderful aspects to life. Everyday has been a change...and this "stuff" has forced me to reevaluate my stand on many things as well as how to react to these changes. Most items on the auction block are pretty cut and dry while many items also are open to extreme interpretation. My creative response ability has been put to the test as of late. Not easy to smile at times and not easy to wake up at other times....staring at a loaded gun of potential angst is not my idea of smooth running. So where do I look? How do I get through? Where is there an option that yields a perfect response, outcome etc...well, I have to look at the one constant that has never moved. Yup - God.

So what happens then when your answers from God seem to contradict what you have thought for years? When what you think is going to be the solution would actually cause more pain....or that you have traversed down a path for so long you have no idea what happened to imagination, creativity and freedom? Not meant to be answered in one night or in ten years - but maybe it is... We are creatures of habit and wont ever break that habit unless there is good reason. Pride sure does the trick as well in keeping us locked in negative patterns and pride thus defeats us in every way. Not to be confused with confidence, pride is one thing that most of us hate and its one thing we don't want to give up...go figure.

And now, here, as I sit and type, I am confronted with items in my life that seem and appear and thus smell like pride...how do i do this? Where do I go? How do I make things change? Will this survive? I'm not sure - I have no idea...as I cannot see the future. Finding time to center myself has not been easy. Confronting the issues at hand is no small task.

this may just ramble on - that's the idea I guess...just wanted to type...Winter is good for this type of stuff...too much time on my hands compounded with too much stuff to deal with that offer limited hope...and my Constant is there and that little bit of hope is more than enough to keep it going.

hope to see you all on the road soon.

Andy

velodrome????

2010-01-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

so - seeing that i have a true track bike now - thoughts on racing at the velodrome this year?????

open for comments

ac

road bike

2009-11-15T22:34:00.001-08:00

first road bike ride in a long time. spending most of my time on ss mt bike was traded for a road bike tonight. fixed a flat prior to launch, installed some cleats and dawned some cold weather gear and headed out. I am amazed that it takes about the same amount of time to get dressed as it does to ride....one of these days I'll get the system down pat. First step is keeping all gear in the SAME location - does anyone else have this problem?

went out at 9 pm, in the 20's for temp and with my new LG cold weather split mits i was nice and warm. Took till the top of super prime to get up to temp and then into the park. full lap with a kicker through Champlin on major roads. It was faster than I thought. Open roads and blasting through stop signs (not recommended) helped here to keep the tempo consistent as i didnt have to unclip once and that is unusual for urban riding. Came across some skiers on rollers skating in the streets - weird but cool.

the last 5 miles was up-tempo on the home stretch and kept the HR pretty high and the cadence at a good roll at 90 rpms. I was happy with the ride but later found out my computer was not calibrated right based on mapping my ride vs. time. ended with about 22.5 or so mph avg but thought i did close to 25. cant win em all. Heck, if i actually did do 25 I would be signing up for as many TT's as I could...but alas I didnt so I wont.

the best part of tonight was the solitude and clear thinking. cool nights and being properly dressed is a good combo. any colder and you tend to feel constricted with clothes...but I wont let that stop me from riding in dec/jan/feb.....maybe Feb as its pretty dang cold about that time. I will try to at least ride on some minus temp days to keep up with Billy V and his cold weather abilities....that guy is amazing and an inspiration.

see ya on the road yall.

ac

last night pic....foleydrome.

2009-11-10T17:47:00.001-08:00

Jorge last night winning the "empty parking ramp" prime.

what neil said...

2009-11-09T21:30:00.001-08:00

http://nerdybike.blogspot.com/2009/11/dont-tell-my-wife.html

Full Day...long overdue.

2009-11-07T21:47:00.000-08:00

Spent the day as one expects a Saturday to unfold. Started quiet as the family was out the door before I got up. They went to basketball game for a friends daughter...I had some lazy cookie crunch and some tunes - house to myself on a perfect morning.

Soon the troops appear and a spontaneous trip to the movies was well received. "Where the wild things are" was on my bucket list and it was not what I expected - and thus pleased. Once home, Tina was off to work and my backyard project was also on that bucket list. Some select ipod favorites, a rake and a job well done. I tend to forget and not plan a dinner when I have to make the call...Tina leaves it up to me but knows full well that when she is at work...we will be out for supper. So Maria's friend Sammi, Peter and I head to Mc Donalds, a trip to the Gap to see Tina and ice cream at DQ.

We all had smiles on a day that no one wanted to end. This was, as Maria stated, by far the best Saturday ever. "Thanks Dad" meant a lot today!

2009-10-31T10:05:00.001-07:00

ichabods twisted 2man time trial. congrats to jay and dave will(power)

i think its time...

2009-10-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

to get off my lazy cycling routine and get into the schedule again of miles and miles....sickness is gone, ambition is high and the bike is always ready.

Lights are ready, trails are ready...so why do I wait? not sure but its about to change.

The weekend was a trip. lots of biking and hangin with friends in Wiscony....this was the type of weekend i could repeat over and over.

see ya on the trails.

ac

2009-10-19T19:09:00.001-07:00

glad to get out! night ride in the park and it was grrrreat! cued up the lights, cycled up some blues travelers and down the road i went.

once in elm creek it was a smooth and ez ride to the single track and in the dark you really need a light on the helmet to see properly. ran into Hogland out there and we spun around for a spot and then i headed to Bernies home to say hello [he was en route for work in a distant state] and then to the bike shop to say hello 2 the crew there.

the ride home was surreal and quiet in the park. i highly suggest night rides in the park. what a great way to cap the day!

heading to la crosse this weekend for mt biking and dinner with friends.

Pic from Cheq...LOL

2009-10-19T11:34:00.001-07:00

Was just sent some great post-Cheq pics. I got to spend my time with Pete Taylor and family/friends for the remainder of the weekend. This pic reminded me of just how tired I was...sleeping for about an hour on a metal canoe...it was magical. had to take a pic of the hard copy so its grainy.

down with the sickness

2009-10-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

its been just over 1 week of dealing with a head/chest cold that has sucked the life out of me. Not the flu or some bizarre voodoo virus - just a snot and achy filled cold. So in lieu of church tonight, I took my pinched nerve [in my back] and saddled the 29er and headed for some easy geared road and single track. After all, it was 70 deg when I left and by the time I got to super prime, my lower back popped and wallah, my back is better, legs stretched out and my cough was still kickin.

I wanted to cruise at some level of effort and 2 weeks of no riding and a cold said "you will ride easy today...." and so I did. Anything above about level 2 HR was a cough-ridden phlem-fest. This is ok b/c just getting out sometimes is a good thing.

I still get lost in the single track but Im getting better. With a few repeates up the sledding hill and a trip back on the double track - I was done and ready to go home. Dark it seems by like 645 or so...weird.

ac

single trackin' with the master

2009-10-04T18:58:00.001-07:00

me and hogland...single track. thanks dave as it was much better riding today than with a big gear...i hope 2 get 2 know those trails better as one could really get lost. it was really nice to not have swarms of skeeters eating your blood the whole time. next time ...32x18 out there. i think we shld plan a trip to elk river soon.

...thinking 2 road race and

2009-09-28T12:34:00.001-07:00

...thinking 2 road race and mt bike race as much as i can next year...yes that means single track Dave....so....i need 2 practice more on the nar

talk about perfect....

2009-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

headed to LaCrosse, WI this weekend with the family for a few days of family and friends...well, more family than friends - and that is just fine with me!

we took our time getting to LaX, eating at A&W in Inver Grove Heights, a stop in Rochester and then once Tina was asleep I cranked the speed up to 85 mph from Rochester to LaX and basically followed a rented RV with bikes on the back all the way to the hotel exit...funny. It was the same rental RV company that many RAAM teams used. I had flash backs.

If you have never been to LaX for Oktoberfest - its a weird thing. It used to be MUCH more insane in years past. My brother commented that in the late 70's through 80's even the Hell's Angels would come into town to party. I remember some weekends(years) that the town would go fro 40k to 250-300k for the weekend...they have toned it down but still...the O-fest parade is like 5 miles long and takes about 2.5 -3 hours to complete - great memories, actually didnt see many friends at all as I think we all look REALLY different now.

The best part was family - Chris, Elaine and Taylor and Nina came into town from Seattle. Jen/Scott, Jack and Nick from Burnsville - us from Dayton...Mom and Dad were in Heaven. First time we were ALL HOME in like 7 years....at the same time. Food was incredible both days - Dad's ribs and Scott taking charge of steaks on Sunday - insane....I HAD to bike for two reasons - 1. why not bike in LaCrosse - you kidding me? 2. the caloric intake was absurd.

Which leads me to biking b/c i wont bore the 3 readers with my family stuff. I had very limited time so I opted for a sprint up Grandads to the flag (actually a faster time now than when i was in college...go figure...yes I have the times listed from many moons ago - my first diytt.) when i was up top i looked across the river valley to the MN side and its about 8 miles across I think. I then figured to bike down graddads then to MN and up Apple Blossom road which isnt as bad as Bliss road but still - it's altitude. it has been since college that i rode up that hill...the memories. There are some nice climbs down south and I miss it alot. My dad and neighbor both workout at UWL field house every morning and they BOTH know Jake Cohn as a result of working out there - how cool is that?! Jake is LOVIN LaCrosse and one of these days i will ride with sir Speedy but O-fest weekend is not the best time - too much lemonade. Got a flat 3 miles from LaCrosse without a tube/kit - one phone call to the best crew member (dad) and he had me in the truck inside of 5 mins...he was very happy to still be TSH Crew!!!!!

A side note - Dad now has a super cool new Marin flat bar road bike with all the gear. He logs about 75 miles a week and he is 70 yrs young. He was inspired prior to RAAM but really got the bug during RAAM...so did I. My dad is amazing!

A fun weekend filled with family, food, friends and biking....

oktoberfest! lax

2009-09-26T06:57:00.001-07:00

getting coffee...going2parade. pete is nuts.

skinnyski

2009-09-21T10:02:00.001-07:00

credit to Skinnyski

proof that i did ride parts of firetower hill...not a whole lot but did my best...i almost got to the first flat on the bike - walked from there and got on here and there then cramped so bad...good thing they took the pic while i was at least on the bike instead of the one where i was hunched over working the knots out of calf muscles....

PB

2009-09-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

had a fun and painful ride on saturday. was able to crest the PB slot and shaved some time off the clock...it was great to see so many people i knew. I had hopes for more time and it sealed it when at 7 miles to go - i literally fell apart inside and melted...it took all i had to push the dang bike up the last hills...good but rough finish.

i learned a lot about my self on saturday.

2009-09-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Am I Ready?

I guess I cant say for sure...I know I am ready to leave to enjoy a weekend away and heck...if it includes friends, bikes and perfect weather - who wouldnt be ready? As far as racing - that is a crap shoot I guess. Race day is like "any given sunday" in that anything can happen. Prep, train, repair and just show up - let the chips fall where they may.

Last night I noticed I wore out my chainring and chain - typical...BB all loose and then cleaned the little lady up for the trip. Light ride tonight for good measure and the road trip starts tomorrow.

Saturday - get up later than most - get a warm up ride in and show up for the dance...pedal my butt off and do my best as that is all I can expect. From there...we see what happens. 70deg temps and clear skies with dry dirt will make for a fast and bumpy race - I am excited and even more so that all my friends will be there to race too...see ya up there guys/gals!

36x16 with mid 20's for psi is the choice for the race. I plan to be there early afternoon tomorrow and will hit the trail a bit either at rosey's field or OO...if your up there at the same time - lets get some miles in together!

Andrew

Taper????

2009-09-14T22:55:00.000-07:00

ok - so i didnt do what i should but that means no more riding till Saturday. it was 1.5 hours of speed on open roads...on our mt bikes in the parker lake to baker area and back on the luce line...great ride for sure and lots of hills and lots of high end cardio....my legs were flying and my heart about jumped out of my chest.

limited riding - prepping the bike - work and most importantly family...

2009-09-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

ok. not supposed to ride hard but went out for a full lap of the park plus 5 repeates up the ski hill and one lap on ther tt course. low intensity for the loops, cant do low intensity on the hills. at north end of park, did 2 repeates up the gravel climb to that camping area...good day!

2009-09-13T11:54:00.001-07:00

hall pass granted...1 hour plus. going 2 chalet for repeats again. lighter ride tomorrow after wrk...maybe not ez but more spinning. try 2 ride wed night or thursday super light...race sat.

post ride

did the outer loop with 5 hill repeats on the ski hill with one lap of tt loop. just about 25 miles from front door to front door. those hill repeats today were harder than i was expecting.

the un-ending hills

2009-09-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

very nice (warm / buggy) day 2 ride. [blogging from phone so spelling isnt the greatest]. left the driveway at 1pm and got back at 5pm with a water break at the bike shop for 20min or so and they r bizy. jaytwas fixing a wheel and it was nice to catch up.

i did horse trails, mt bike trails, urban and hil repeats at the chalet. it was 15 in a row (10 on ski hill then 5 on tubbing hill) then i puked half way up climb 15. nice i guess but not nice. cleaned the taste out of my mouth at the chalet and i am sure the people there for the wedding reception were not happy 2 see me walking into the building the throw up all over.

took it easy home. recovery foods and 4.5 hours on the 36x16 fauxnalgo...now to take it easy 4 the week.

jayt

2009-09-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

team strong wheel...

2009-09-11T13:10:00.001-07:00

1 week to go....

2009-09-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

rode with Earl the other day and we danced around the hills of elm creek to the sounds of rain, bugs and thunder - i forget sometimes just how beautiful storms can be out there. the ground was soft and forgiving and the low tire pressure was perfect. the climbs stuck, my lungs were open and my legs kept moving. thank you RAAM for teaching me quick recovery but i must say that each day is in the balance of the days of preparation before. miss one trick - you miss the benefit of fitness...which is why i guess I am still nervous...hey, its a big deal this race.

keeping it in perspective - most of us are not pro/God status on bikes - mostly me so I look at races like this as fun...that's it....fun. beat my old time or just finish and I will be happy. seriously - those are my goals. i have also adopted Dave Hoglands mindset to ride just below puke and that usually helps - kind of.

so if you are reading this and racing on the 19th - and you pass up the orange Colnago (Fauxnalgo) with the Team Strong Heart kit - give a smile, high five, a pat on the back and a word of encouragement b/c after all this race is truly worth just riding.

i plan to push a gear i am "ready" for but maybe have no business riding. I am done doing the math at this point and figure to suffer if that is my lot. i feel strong, i feel confident but each day is different - really different.

enjoy this week my friends and have a blast this weekend!

2009-09-07T12:17:00.001-07:00

great vac day and last day of vac for the kids. being lazy. ready 2 go..kind of. i headed solo into the park and got about 28miles in (per google map thing). i have 2 clear my head- way too much going on to ignore..enuf to worry me to not sleeping. so a ride on the bike was a good fit. the ride was basically 5 min on and 1 min off the whole ride except for the hill repeats at the chalet and by hoglands house.

wish all biking days were this good. as much as riding with friends trumps just about anything-the well placed solo ride can open doors to yourself u didnt know were there.

2009-09-05T20:44:00.001-07:00

the car is done and ready for the next major problem!

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2009-09-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

david climbing on the mtbtt course!

Gooooooooood Morning Minnesota!

2009-08-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Amazing what proper sleep does to a person.

early to bed, early to rise...never really believed that myself but today it worked. With the windows open all night, I slept solid and true. This time of the year is full of bliss for us bikers...umm cyclists. Found myself in a familiar place in the dark hours prior to the sun making its way upward, stumbling through the room to find where Tina had now placed my cycling clothes. I guess I graduated to a "new" Rubbermaid thing for my clothes - how nice.

old cycling shorts, khaki cargo's, long sleeves and a vest....a bowl of honey-nut cheerio's with Pete and a solid high-five from the little monster and I am out the door. dont you just love this weather? It could be like this ALL year and I would be just fine.

The brisk miles wore like a favorite pair of jeans - it was smooth and easy. The hustle of business men and women careening off to work in their cars as they stared with jealousy - passing with care. The pedal strokes became like rushing water - quick, with purpose to a known end...its nice to not think about it but to rather enjoy the early morning views. Once to west river road (aka Eddie Z's secret training ground) it was a treat. The smooth roads with views of the river were superb. Commuters here and there, people out for a walk, a deer in the residential area enjoying apples in someone’s front yard as the owners watched with coffee. They gave a friendly wave and a smile...my gears whizzed on and so did Van Morison in my ears.

I am reminded that all it takes is to just "Get" on the bike and go because mornings like this are worth a million road rides. this weather also speaks to me of the race in Sept...cool morning, slightly damp with dew and bikes...Cheq, if you are listening - we are ALL excited to ride your trails no matter the conditions.

The final steps into work were perfect and solid. Awake and ready. Alert and focused. Add in a cup of java and some oatmeal and I am set for anything. Now if I can get my mind off of biking long enough to be productive then I am set!

AC

math on a bike

2009-08-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

in the game of gears, there are "gear inches" and these are things i cannot really explain. i can, however, relate these gear inches to one another in how hard they are to pedal, climb etc...i have been riding the single at 64.5 gi (36x16) and plan 2 ride this if the ground is dry at cheq...if i am wiped , not ready for or otherwise hesitant i will drop the gear inch to make the climbs easier on the lungs.

tonight i was happy 2 say that the 36x16 was a perfect gear for 2.5 hours of riding. its a silly game of math and wits to dial it in for one gear for the entire race. too much to try and forecast. we will see in the next couple weeks how it pans out. the other good measuring stick is how good do you feel after 2, 3, 4 hours of riding hard in the hills on a gear. this is getting annoying to type on a phone. see ya l8r.

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M-F notes

2009-08-17T08:48:00.001-07:00

Monday - 13mile ride to work...ran into some turkey's on the road (actual turkey flock on west river road) and enjoyed a moderate effort the whole way. back feeling better thanks to the seat being set just right. I think i saw Jorge in his car - someone honked and I looked over to see a black jetta with Thule rack on top...if it was you Jorge - thanks for the beep of the horn. Simple food intake at work - kashi with berries and two tall-boys of water....i hate Tyme road pedals.

lunch - mac n cheese and a bad haircut - gotta love it...pretty amped to be riding home via bike today...

13 miles home with a pit stop at the haircut place to find out they "couldnt get me in" until wed to fix my botched hair cut...seriously? after some back and forth - it was clear they didnt have time to correct their error and then she hinted at having to pay extra...i about lost it and just went to my regular place to find out she charged me 5 bucks - i expected to pay full amount - and she made me a life time customer. no more going to anyother place other than Unique Cuts...stellar... barely ate today so now I am going to devour a pizza.

TUESDAY
13 miles to work - uneventful ride in. a bit chilly but perfect. plan on riding 20 over lunch with the boss and about 40-60 with the group after work...it could be a century today!
*** sitrap*** ok - 26 round trip miles, 25 at lunch with boss (1 min Z4 intervals x 6, 6 min Z5 intervals x 3, warmup cool down) 50 miles with the group - fast group tonight! and a kicker in the park to crest 105+ miles for today. i bonked big time on the ride at dayton river road - hard...like in KS on RAAM...seeing stars the whole shabang...in looking at what i ate today - lessons learned here...i had a serving of oatmeal once at work, 5 total cups of coffee, 2 total cups of water, a chicken burrito and some gu-shots...thats it. Maybe 600 calories for the day with guessing at 6000 cal burned...too much of a defecit and total red zone...hats off to the DAVE's tonight as they owned the road - they teamed up against the group to chase down all primes - i snaked out 2 primes of the 6 but fell apart like stick of butter in the microwave - actually passed out in my front yard once i got home for 20 mins....i must have looked like a drunk (good thing it was dark). recouped and wont ride tomorrow...lessons learned today as a reminder to eat.

WED and THUR - felt like total horse crap on Wed despite the recovery food / drink etc...it was not a good day outside of being reminded that daily nutrition is just as important as time on the bike. Tornado in downtown - major rain...no bike...on Thursday - too much to get done at work and lots of rain - finally found the hydration that seemed to part ways a few days ago...much better now. will ride on Saturday.

Friday - a mess...had to stop biking. Cramped up from basically head to toe.
Saturday - biked a bit and suffered from major back pain...cut it short
Sunday - biked about 5 miles and had tears in my eyes...yeah..it was that bad.
monday - chiro and hydration - much better
Tuesday - No pain and eased back into a routine again...what a week of going from a place of familiarity to a place i dont want to go again...nutrition is a good thing to stay on top of...it takes a while to recover and it affects much more than you may realize.

back to the basics

2009-08-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

today i got my back tied up like a knot...maybe its the lack of biking this past week (surprisingly cycling helps me stay away from the back pain) or maybe it was the garage make-over the past few days crawling around like a spider up in the rafters of the garage...either way today I was limited in movement and is sucked!

last year - spring - i really blew my back up which led in turn to going to the chiropractor for about 5 months prior to RAAM. It helped a TON and since RAAM I have not gone that much and had adopted many routines to counter the "long torso" syndrome I have lived with my whole life. I must have missed some the daily routines, maybe lacked the water intake...so many things...so today was a perfect day to ride but alas I was here...watching a movie and doing back stretches and things commonly reserved for rainy days.

So to counter this great day, I am all about cycling the whole week - commute to work each day with training rides tues/thurs/sat...get back to 250-300 mile weeks for starters. Cheq is ready to start but I dont think I am...ramp up and peek just right.

Kids are heading to grandparents house for the week - they have had just the most amazing summer - especially David with this trips with boyscouts, canada, nine mile lake up north and so on...hope to see you on the road!

ac

very funny - thanks Tim for sharing.

2009-08-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

quest....

2009-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

it seems my quest to find a few pounds to loose is well under way. i have always said - when looking at uber light / fast bikes - that i could stand to loose 5 -10 lbs on my body before worrying about 2-3 lbs on a bike...how true.

with that being said, i am encouraged by EZ at work to stay the course with staying away from fast food...how boreing but it will work. mix that with some ramped up interval efforts prior to cheq...the weight loss will be easy and result in a bit better power to weight ratio....just thinking about those climbs on cheq make me cringe a bit.

ok - done with the prose

Two Timer

2009-08-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

Had a good day on Tuesday in riding with Eddie during lunch - darn near puking for both of us and after work with 12 on the group from the shop. Ed and I headed for 1.5 hours of specific training on intervals...man, sounds familiar. It was all hard effort, broken down intervals that had us both seeing stars....then back to work for the rest of the day.

Tuesday at the shop was great - we did Albertville and had MANY many people there for the ride and some new and familiar faces...sorry if i have forgotten your names as I think there were 3 I didnt know. It was a fast ride with many chompin at the bit for signs and hard efforts. Team Strong Heart rider and crew from 07,08 and 09 were there and based on the output, it felt like when we were in MO chasing down surfin USA.

Great night for a ride and plenty of talk time between us all and everyone did GREAT.

Andrew

Heading to LaCrosse for some biking and family time...

2009-08-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Heading to LAX with Maria and Pete to get to mom's place while the boys are fishing in Canada...so that means I bring bikes and play!

Saturday morning ride is 45miles at least from LaCrosse to Viroqua the long way

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3064144

Can turn it around and bike home for a century in some major hills...i mean some big hills...nothing like WVA of course but enough to get your attention. Meet the family in Viroqua for some farmers market thing with the Amish and some bike talk with Pete...then home. busy Saturday but heck, all the plans may change and I just drive to Viroqua...the beauty of time off.

cya

persomal bests today! DIYTT -

2009-08-02T14:15:00.001-07:00

personal bests today! DIYTT - MTBIKE. andy 5:02 on the 36x16....9:03 david age 12

Took David out for a dirt lap in Elm Creek. We ended up doing a full lap plus a few errands to boot! This kid doesn't give up at all...Making our way around the east side I asked if Dave would like to put down a time on the TT track (off road) and he was all game. We cut in and out of the woods and showed up at the top of the big climb on the course and lo-and-behold here comes Neil up the course with two of his friends from Church...sorry I forgot names. They are doing Cheq for the first time this year and it they were getting some first hand knowledge of the course from tour-guide Neil....couldn't ask for a better guide!

Dave and I headed to the start line while Neil and group headed on the track for a 2nd lap. David was glad to take a break and he readied his stopwatch. I took off on the 36x16 29er and headed out to beat my last time. I was feeling sluggish at first and then cramped pretty tight but rode through that part (thanks to RAAM). in the wooded section it took a bit of maneuvering to get around the group on the course but it was a clean pass.

On the last stretch I was able to pick up some pretty good speed and I beat my time by 1 sec...(5:02) looking to break 5 mins on a single and I think it can happen.

Then it was Dave's turn and what a trooper. I rode with him kinda coaching and whole gear thing and he made it strong without dismounting at all - very cool. When he crossed the line the only thing he said was "THAT was so COOL!"..... yet another convert to the cult we call biking. David posted a 9:03 to which he said he WILL beat next time.

saturday...a quick twenty

2009-08-01T10:58:00.001-07:00

woke up whenever....empty house and a mid morning 20 miles on the trails! wonderful day to ride.

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the guys and the ride

2009-07-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Had the privilege of riding some of the greatest guys tonight out in Elm Creek. Billy V, Dahl, Hogland, JayT, Audi TT Matt were there to tear up some double track in the ongoing quest to prep for Cheq...I am most impressed with Dahl's superfly single...I want one of those for sure but alas i have a colnago...wait...a Fauxnalgo as it has been renamed.

We met at 530 or 600 and rode for 2.5 hours mixing in the hills and trails and hill repeats and more hills. Three of us had singles the rest gears and we all hung in pretty good. I tried out the 36x16 ratio which is about 4 or 5 gear inches more than the 17t rear and on that terrain, i felt really good on the steep climbs so i will keep it on for now and see how it rides out over the next few weeks. the psi on the tubeless was about 27 or there abouts and that seemed to be good for my weight and do i ever love that carbon rigid fork...amazing.

It was great to have someone to ride with out there as usually its just me and my mp3's...its also great to have some people to chase down here and there so as to not get lazy...but i kinda like the meandering rides out there - very reflective to say the least.

Not sure about the miles but some were very hard efforts and some were casual - mix in a stop here or there for some water and we had a BLAST...so it seems that every wed at 6 we ride from the chalet until further notice.

Thanks guys for the great ride and Jay, nice to see that mt bike again..... :)

Andrew

choices and options

2009-07-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

trying the larger of the two this evening

Time Trial on Dirt

2009-07-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

missed getting to the TT course on the road so I did a lap in the park on the ss mt bike and mixed in the DIYTT Mt Bike course with the 36x17 single. I was able to drop 22 sec off my best time on the 2.something mile course. I was happy. I will try the 36x16 next to see what happens.

where i have been mentally....the vortex of raam

2009-07-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

In Talking With Brett

2009-07-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about RAAM are the friends you take for a lifetime. I am sure that many who go through such an event feel the same way about the people they shared it with - but this was something that stirred deep inside. This RAAM thing was a compilation of excessive planning and a tight-wire balancing act of emotions, family time and personal readiness. With all of that jazz and sooo many stories to be told and things I wish I could just let go, I am blessed with the people I shared my time with pre, during and now in the present.

Thanks to blogs, facebook, emails and the marvel of cell phones...I have been able to keep tabs on the lives of those that mean so much to me and I would guess that many feel this who are part of the many years of Team Strong Heart.

I have found I still talk often with Tim and Brett and it seems every time I am at the bike shop........so is Steve. Go figure. A big kudos to Brett on the GC overall win on the 3 day stage race in NH. I have been mainly on the mt bike these days with a few days of road riding to mix it up a bit. Chequamagon Fat Tire Festival is soon to be had and it is a blast at the same time it hurts but the fellowship with good friends is what it is all about.

This blog posting is really going nowhere so I will cut it short - just some thoughts buzzing in my head that needed an outlet.

The ride tonight was dark and in the rain and was almost too perfect. Its amazing how gutsy you are when you cant see the trail that well ahead. If it were light out I would have taken it a bit slower but I didnt know better.

see yall later.

ac

perfect day

2009-07-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

got out with the kids all day on the bike...well, most of the day. left at 11am got home at 5pm...good stuff. we took our time getting through 21 miles with stops for lunch, bike shop, mc donalds for the brownie melt, rest stops here and there and so on...but to have this time with the three kiddo's is perfect. did another 20 this evening on the single - bit faster - and called it a day.

ac

workin my way down...

2009-07-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

spent time with friends on the TT course tonight. with the winds between 18-27 mph I was not expecting all to be that responsive to riding - but hey, 8 showed up for a brute-fest and all did a GREAT job. That turn into the head winds was a bit unnerving but the pain didnt last that long...

i was able to drop some time on my last time which was great considering the wind. What i have learned from RAAM is that nutrition is a key factor to performance every day, min or second. so with that said, e-caps, perpetuem and water were my staples today. Tiagra (the new name for my bike for obvious reasons) carried me through the wind and i really miss aero bars. I figured i started without them on this TT thing so I will continue to do so through the summer/fall to be honest with myself on times.

Thank you all for coming out and thank you Amy and Melinda for tracking the times!

Andrew

amazing yet again...Danny is nuts and fun to watch

2009-07-15T21:56:00.001-07:00

first road ride in a while...

2009-07-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

it was nice to get on the road bike tonight. it hasnt happened in a while since raam but once I was on the bike...it seemed all to familiar. I was getting comfy with the mt bike...which is good as the geometry is a bit different and cheq is right around the corner.

like neil said, no rain and i was fully expecting rain. it looked like we rode right in the midst of two super-cells with some sun even. i was so used to riding in raam with the expectation of maintaining a lead or chasing down some team - day/night. it was nice to get out without the pressure to perform at some level but push it when i wanted to or when others took off. we ended up doing a series of wind-sprints here and there. we all joined in the sprints and practiced a bit of bridging...eventually the group split for a while here and there but we all finished together just fine. rumor has it that there is a four person team time trial coming up in wisconsin - perfect time to lay down some efforts prior to cooling down prior to the ride.

the cannondale did a good job tonight but i do miss the full carbon bike - there is a difference but the cannondale will never leave me - it is a trusted friend. great to see friends tonight and to spend time with erik afterward was a treat...talk and laughs...food and drink...relax and rest...it was a great night with all the things that make a day great!

andy

more on the mt bike

2009-07-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

got home in time to mow the grass...the slightly brown grass. Noticed the creeping charlie has worked his way into my yard more and more. I guess its time to some how convince the moles in my yard to tunnel just under the creeping charlie so it dies off. I hate spraying all the needed weed killer (of only one that i know of that kills that stuff) when i have kids on summer vacation. we have enough chemicals in our lives that adding to the grass - then drinking it later from the well - just messes with my mind. anyhoo. did the normal off road loop tonight in the dark and forgot to tighten the chain on the single and it was loose enough on bumpy downhills to pop off a few times - i hate that and I hate that I didnt check it first.

I do appreciate good lighting on a bike as it allows for taking advantage of the dark hours allowing for me being home when the family is up. As of late - the riding has almost taken a spiritual turn for me. I think everyone can say that cycling is spiritual so say I took it a few steps further than before. Without sounding all spooky, it [cycling] has allowed me to breath deep and assess the issues in my life. you know these issues, the ones we normally dont broadcast at all to anyone but keep deep inside until it tears you apart from time to time. Maybe that is why I loved RAAM so much b/c it forced me to disassociate completely from everything BUT cycling and moving forward. I think the only time I had time to think about these issues was early on while moving through monument valley at like mindnight. Struck by the silence of the night and the inspiring display of stars [no equal in my mind], I found myelf talking through my dysfunctionalism.

Tonight was no different. Since RAAM, I have found a way to deluge myself into cycling within minuets of being on the road - almost catotaonic in seconds. It almost sounds new-age but not really - its just a focus that is found quickly. What I love about it is that I can just "be" and not "do" anything but ramp up my efforts for the hills, flats or whatever is just ahead. It isnt about that rider or their bike or anything - me and the bike alone with God.

So when yesterdays wipe out happened - i guess it didnt really bother me too much. Yeah walking home 4 miles was a drag in cycling shoes but the time alone was needed and maybe that accident - or lack of single track ability - was just what the doctor ordered. Tonight was a treat - short though it became - as it was fast and smooth, racing in the dark, no competition except my accelerated heart rate and sewing machine type cadence.

I am glad I have and hope others will find a way to escape the day when needed...be it a book or music, a walk or a bike ride, sitting alone or with friends...the escape allows us to not be locked into the rat race without end.

ac

pickin blackberries...resting on a perfect day of kids bikes and sunshine!

2009-07-11T12:12:00.001-07:00

takin a break myself while the kids pick blackberries at elm creek.

Feeling the drag....

2009-07-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

I recognize that many people that we have hired to work in hazardous places have felt a rush in the work they do...and with that they find themselves lost when they leave said dangerous places of the world - craving to go back over and over again. In a way - our experience in RAAM this year was similar to the brain as how one gets used to the chaos and when its over...adjustment cant take place without concentrated effort.

How do you make that jump? Where do you go for inspiration when the open road is outside of the glass windows I sit behind all day? How can I draw from the recent past to make light and focused work in my career? Well, I am getting there but it sure isn't easy. RAAM is a drug that allows you to clear all aspects of life for a week - all aspects. When its you, your bike, that hill, that team, the finish line, another 1000 miles, another 100 feet, another loop of songs on the ipod, the rain, the friends, no bills, no worries, the views...you get the idea...Hewey Lewis had his song about a new drug...if I could bottle up RAAM and sell it on the street then one could find this ease of life. Seeing that I cannot - then others looking in will have to experience RAAM on their own to really know what you go through. The aftermath has been easy and has presented new challenges thus allowing me to think of things I have never had to before.

When I look at what has to be done in life - I am basically seeing these issues through RAAM colored glasses - and it seems clear then. I have to associate my efforts still running in my brain to the here and now (easier said than done). Nothing could have prepared me more for the next years of my life than to be part of RAAM "a self induced coma of biking and focus".

So if you see me gazing into a wall - don't worry...I am just somewhere between Cali and Flagstaff, lost in Missouri, getting wet in Ohio, scared for my life in West VA or sitting on the dock in MD...Ill be fine but that is where I am from time to time.

It was a blessing to be with those that now mean so much to me - as Brett said, " we came together as strangers and left as brothers." I cant say it better than that. That is how RAAM has affected me - I now have family in places that were once occupied by strangers - thank you.

the happy wrencher of bikes

2009-07-05T20:09:00.001-07:00

speaking of Lar-dog...(neil's last or recent post)...i was surprised to find larry so happy to be helping out once again...then again, maybe not so surprised. See, Larry has a unique feature that only a few in this world have....a heart of gold that shines bright. thanks Larry for helping big boys and girls live like kids again. btw Larry, i got permission from Pam to steal you away for some mt bike rides, road rides etc...

i think its time to let the open road re-fuel the reasons why you love cycling so much. give me a call and get the mt bike ready!

andy

2009-06-29T14:25:00.001-07:00

dress socks...raam geek!

2009-06-29T12:41:00.001-07:00

2 hours away from finishing my 6k mile round trip adventure!

thinking that raam next year

2009-06-29T09:16:00.001-07:00

thinking that raam next year 4 person is in order to fight to retain the title...i am ready to do raam again.

raam

2009-06-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Just to say a big thank you to all who have been following. I have not been able to use a computer or really check emails these last two weeks. I did peek and I have 238 emails in my gmail inbox..yikes..

I have had many ask - if you finished first, why does raam say you finished 2nd? well, just so I can say it once...or a few more times I guess. There are a few different types of bikes out there. There are Upright or Stock bikes - what we used - and then there are also recumbent bikes which were used in raam this year. RAAM had put the recumbent and handpowered bikes in the 4 man category in the same competative group - this is not normal.

We were told that this was a mistake and that TSH finished first in our division of 4 person team...in fact we finished faster than the 4 person mixed (male/female) division as well. This will be reflected soon with RAAM as they assured us that it will be changed and an official press release will be sent out soon.

We finished 5 hours faster than the 07 team and 3 hours faster than the next team this year - we accomplished our goal - finish safe...then finish strong....then won.

Thank you all for your support. It paid off for the kids!!!!!

2009-06-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

where i am at right now!

2009-06-26T14:49:00.001-07:00

my lovely daughter...i miss you!

2009-06-25T23:19:00.001-07:00

its 230am...friday...downpour rain and in some state...not sure - ohio?

i guess being tired, sore

2009-06-25T03:20:00.001-07:00

i guess being tired, sore and frustraited means nothing right now. i can say that right now my bike (neils) is something i want to forget.

2009-06-24T20:50:00.001-07:00

mississippi river

pulling into time station thirty

2009-06-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

pulling into time station thirty two 30 sec after the race leader....after 1911 miles of racing since saturday... good feeling!

really? did you think we were doing a tour?

2009-06-24T05:16:00.001-07:00

we are building a case for 1st...more time taken. riding really fast this early morning...i can smell the surf!

my thoughts on kansas...exceedingly boreing

2009-06-24T00:40:00.001-07:00

my thoughts on kansas...exceedingly boreing with a touch of why live here.

currently in lead...1st..by a few

2009-06-23T11:02:00.001-07:00

currently in lead...1st..by a few mins. they have time penalties

98 deg....cutting across Kansas....i feel

2009-06-23T10:43:00.001-07:00

98 deg....cutting across Kansas....i feel like i will combust! 20 more miles of tag team sections and we are done

2009-06-23T08:24:00.001-07:00

Bianchi flight 928....ready for take-off

just passed the first (last

2009-06-23T04:51:00.001-07:00

just passed the first (last place) solo guy

2009-06-23T04:49:00.001-07:00

kansas sunrise

2009-06-23T03:29:00.001-07:00

wow..we are 59 miles from kansas a s of 242am mt.time

2009-06-22T20:37:00.001-07:00

heading to climb a mt.

pics raam

2009-06-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

steve out climbing...dad with thumbs up

is heading to Chama to

2009-06-22T11:32:00.001-07:00

is heading to Chama to pull the climb through La Manga Pass. elevation 10,255 ft. highest in raam route!

2009-06-21T16:59:00.001-07:00

dad and chris heading down the road in somewhere arizona

2009-06-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

my box of stuff that i trasfered from car to rv...we just arrived in flagstaff az in 2nd place

funny....im eating a ham/provolone and

2009-06-20T22:58:00.001-07:00

funny....im eating a ham/provolone and mustard sandwich built on a cinnimon/raisin bagel. its good

2009-06-20T22:01:00.001-07:00

heading up to time station 3 to wait for tim/steve...then our pull starts for 80miles or so. we are in 2nd place behind surfin usa.

2009-06-20T18:38:00.001-07:00

i "think" brett is naked and happy...which scares me really...and so we ride on to barrego springs.

2009-06-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

i "think" brett is naked and happy...which scares me really...and so we ride on to barrego springs.

2009-06-20T13:55:00.001-07:00

yyyeeeaaahhhhh!

2009-06-20T13:53:00.001-07:00

starting........

loading bikes to head 2 start!

2009-06-20T10:57:00.001-07:00

aux bike locked and loaded...actually its my bike of choice.

will the racers start your engines!

2009-06-19T22:39:00.001-07:00

time to blog...my inspirations this week. family. as u can see i have a crazy pile o kids at home that are missing dad. well, dave is camping in bwca this weekend w/boyscouts so he wont miss me too much but i will miss them all...already do. my family has put alot on the line as has everyone. tomorrow we start a very tough epic journey ACROSS this country. we look to finish with the best crew and an impressive bunch of racers. watch the strongheart blog for updates! its now the time where we lay it all on the road.

what happened 2day

2009-06-19T21:58:00.001-07:00

for the 2 readers of this blog...we had a lot to do today. we had inspections and then it ended with introductions of the competition...it was neat to see it all. lots of impressive people with many years of raam under their belts.

we have a major task in front of us...with many years of experience and endless ambition to push us forward. we are ready

once the race starts - we will have two primary writers when we can as Tim and I are not on the same team. should be fun. also - when needed we will have updates phoned in and sent forward. tomorrow at 2 pm is the zero hour....here we go...

inspections....pass raam 09

2009-06-19T11:40:00.001-07:00

passed inspections with flying colors!

2009-06-19T09:37:00.001-07:00

racer meeting...next are inspections

2009-06-18T22:33:00.001-07:00

lots going on. between fb'ing, blogging...and oh yeah, raam, much has been done and the bulk of things happening tomorrow will get our focus.

the pic above are some special good luck charms from Nina and Taylor - my two nieces from washington state. dont worry gals...they are with me!

2009-06-18T15:34:00.001-07:00

neils bike on steroids

2009-06-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

dennys at 10pm last night. ed (middle) insisted on the fizzy drink with the kiddie cup...its called "cosmic sphere". tim (right) found it amusing...there was talk of having this cosmic sphere as being our "wilson"... well, i cant sleep at this point and ready to do something!

time zones... raam 09 personal

2009-06-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

well, tim got this neat o fanito super mini pc that picks up some wifi signals - thus allowing us to blog in wifi areas etc...like the bathroom of the hotel for instance. its 515 am in cali and my body sez its 715. i am pretty amped up right now...sleep is good but i have had plenty while the other guys have driver over 30 hours in 2 days...they are beat.

today...we have to get raam materials, groceries, get a 20 mile light spin in, get ready to receive brett, brad, jim, terry and jeff, get the zipp wheels ready on the bikes, the list gets longer the more I think about it so I will stop thinking right now.

the chemistry is good, we are all firing on all cylinders, focus is strong and I miss my family - I love you! I got to call home last night to sing my secret tuck in song with maria...we are still on the "here comes US uncle Sam" song...sorry, I cant sing it for you...only the kids!

enjoy your day. it seems we have total web access as we get ready. we can upload and download pics from phones/cameras etc... i love technology

more to come today from sunny and expensive california

ac

2009-06-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

ha! del Team Strong Heart and their new sponsor...we can gass them out on the race!

2009-06-17T16:18:00.001-07:00

note the bike.. 2dayz late

day one of redefining adventure

2009-06-16T21:29:00.001-07:00

rollin' in 5.0 with the rag top down so my hair can flow.....okay so maybe its a ford focus and a hard top but you cant beat huntington beach today. i arrived in long beach after a lay over in salt lake city to fing the cannondale is still in no-mans land (it arrived at 630 pm to cali) and i "should get it wed. seeing that i dont want to drive all up and down the coast with a rental car, ill wait. trever and his CRAZY (normal) family has put me up in there home and i am thankful! if i can repay you guys-let me know what i can do.

in my down time here, i had read the raam rules many times, placed many calls checking on MN crew driving, had sushi for the first time (i like steak and burgers better) and talked about camp odayin, training, goals, the struggle and the impeding joy of our hard work...it will be there and it would not have come this far without all of you.
so...tomorrow is a crazy new day filled with more of the same bits - simple joy.

2009-06-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

2009-06-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

so this is long beach...