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

has it really been two years....

since i had one of these on my bike? maybe just under two years then but still - I now have 14 gears ready for this weekend - so lets see...shimano rear and crank, Campy front derail with suntour shifters and fsa wheels that trump the value of the bike - cost wise.

I pick up the Colnago Monocog tomorrow from Osell's. Should be interesting. Terry said it looked great and with the markings of a champion - I will finally own a part of cycling history - the first Colnago SS 29er. After work - blast to Osells then drop down to Lacrosse for a weekend of biking. Have a great weekend on the EC deal.


Andrew

Motor pacing with Bernie

thats right - not much else needs to be said here. power.

good group, lots of speed, various re-grouping and no one left behind. the route was to be Rockford and back...had to change it up in Hanover and make it a Neilorator...getting to Hanover was the blast off section - leaving Fletcher at 27 mph - making the turn and holding 24 and it was Bernie, me, mellisa and Larry. We stayed alone until Hanover and maintained between 24-27 all the way. the last 1/2 mile i dropped off the back and recovered....bernie kept on the front the whole way. impressive.

waited for the other group - flat - and headed to St.Michael and Burgerburgermeister took that prime with ease and i had no more gears - 2nd. Headed then to the crow river and county sign prime - i passed Burger and held off Hemi for that win...a compliment from Hemi for a job well done was like finishing top ten at Cheq...that must have been enough for me to want to sit up...then the rollers. hit it hard with bernie and mellissa then JayT bridged and they took off fast - i spun around to check for two riders back and we wheeled in together with JayT.

moderate rain - hot and muggy and freaking fast. my hats off to Bernie for winning that banana thing...he was on a mission. so for me it was 28 miles of commute for work and 40 plus on the ride...good day for sure....i am sure i missed some highlights - like the group that had the flat apparently had a visitor explaining how to catch a bear and they were also offered beer. dang.

ac

God's Country Route this weekend...all big hills..

my route this weekend will be this. This was an old training route made to hit as many hills as possible. Once near Viroqua - it is flat as you are on top of the bluffs - getting there is a different story - Neil, you would love it. should be a fun ride and of course ending the ride on county FO is not fun - its like 3 ramsey hills put together in one long knee bending climb. cant wait.

ac

mistakes turned to memories

Sounds more dramatic than it really is of course.

Well, it started with having to leave work early to get the kids to then drive the airport to pick up Tina's parents - bring them home....maybe sneak in a ride. Whatever - like Murphy's Law was going to let me ride (Tina had to go to work, I had taxi duty - no ride.) So, we head to the airport - no issues. Clean and fast and amazing. Once there - we rolled up right when they walked out of baggage claim - no calls. Murphy was no where to be seen...to bad I didnt see him hiding on the roof of the van.

Once we left the terminal - headed the wrong way...going west instead of northeast to Crosstown. Okay, turn around and then catch the correct means to get home....missed that one too and headed into Eagen and thought to myself "what the frick did I just do?" Big sigh....while my father in law is laughing next to me. So - up 35E into St.Paul which ended up being perfect b/c Tina's mom is from the neighborhood near the Cathedral - so we are all happy until father in law says "lets go to White Castle...." So to Lexington and University we go and I timidly force 2 sliders into my mouth and swallow - had to plug my nose. My kids never had White Castle - for good reasons - Tina and I hate that place. They are now converts.

So - to end this right my in-laws agreed to let me go to Cedar and 6th to visit Freewheel.....they stock the Sidi buckles for my broken shoes. They have a lot of things most places just dont carry. I was impressed. I was wasting time while the family was in the van. Where I parked the van, my family could see me walking up and down the lanes - I had to leave...Fifty bucks later.

We head back home to some Wii, coffee with parents and me realizing that I didnt evenly fertilize my yard so I have streaks...Murphy had the last laugh in my mistakes to memories event. That jerk.

So here I sit listening to some oldies....

hills

Going to LaCrosse, WI to see the parents....taking the family with but I plan to basically ride my heart out down there. If the mt bike is back in time - I will ss the single tracks. If not - I will 6 speed the hills in the area. Either way a work out and a half. I will also pick up the new Bluedog jersey - for Cheq - in LaCrosse.

Ratatouli

With the ss 29er in the shop....i took the rat bike out for a spin. Holy CRAP...I am amazed at how painful it was to ride that thing. I literally hurt in many places just going the first 5 miles. I am seriously surprised that I made it through the 40 miles at cheq on that thing.

This year should be MUCH more comfortable- - much more comfortable indeed!!!!!


ac

a treat

with the single speed mt bike pulled apart for phase two of the metamorphosis - I headed out for a tool around the park on my cannondolly. i was flyin really - i have been riding a mt bike for 2 months and not the road that much - I was happy with the speed - really happy. Then I called Neil and headed over to his house for a premium and some chat time...thanks for the great lemonade.

headed home in the dark - got stopped by the local authorities of Champlain for no lights - lol. He said and I quote..." well, you seem to know what you are doing on this thing [bike], i guess i dont have to tell you that it's pretty "f-ing..." stupid to ride city streets in the dark - now go home."

so i did.

20 plus miles - quality speed - feel great

andy

Frogman

Headed into the park for 2 hours on the single speed dirt bike. Got caught in some interesting rain and in my haste to make it to the cover of the canopy of trees on the trail - i ran over a frog on the paved trail...it was nasty.

question of cost and availability...

Anyone out there know how much it costs to prep and repaint a frame and fork? Where do I go? any hints out there????? I was toying with the idea of doing it myself but.....confidence is a big thing that I dont have regarding this topic. How long does it take?

andy

Custom Colnago....

more to follow...Colnago's first ever SS 29er.... name? the Fonzerelli....

no more spin in my legs

Headed out for a quick on/off road spin in the park last night....made it to the southern end and ran into Jorge and Joe going clockwise. Jorge looking stylish as always. I spun around on the 29er (36x17) and proceeded to do the outside loop with the guys. I am not sure how fast we were going but I do know that i sounded like a semi-trailer with bad tires humming louder than I could talk. Jorge said it was a cool down ride - maybe for him but for me I was maxed - pegged and otherwise really pushin hard. I should be glad - it was a GREAT workout to peg it like that. Jorge - you are always the gentelman. thanks for letting me tag along. When I headed out for that ride I really didnt want to go - i had enough to do at home prior to the weekend but as fate would allow - good friends, great weather and a bike - a combination one could enjoy for a lifetime.

Bummer...wait not really

Reading Neil's anonymous poster on his most recent blog "was I the banana" I was reminded of the closing of summer - the hints anyway. Darker sooner...where did the time go. I know as for myself, this year has panned out to be a lack of showing on the group rides, lack of miles on the bike (despite my goal to max the miles) and once again fitness showing up when its time to go inside.

I finally feel about 80% of what I wanted - nothing special compared to the many amazing cyclists I get to spend time with on the road but I feel better, less winded over the long haul, having fun on the bike - loving the single speed of course....so what now? Where does this leave me and the countless others? Well - I guess - no wait - I know I MUST ride this winter in ways I have not before. What I hate is the general swing of body weight and the fight to reduce when spring rolls around. I know, trainer, skiing yada yada...but seriously, why dont I move to Arizona? I bet those folks bike a bunch more year round down south....oh yeah - the 120 deg heat....thats why.

So as the only monumental event in biking for me approaches in Hayward ...I am eager to peek the best I can....to beat my time, to hang with friends, enjoy some of the best views around - ahhhh some of the core reasons I love to bike....friends. Sorry I have not been around much this year and thanks for being there when I was - it was not an easy year.

Enjoy the day and my sappy blog....


ac

ps. hey Neil - the official decals are on their way and I have to come up with a goofy Italian model name - any hints?

Duke

Riding with Jay

That's right - hit the trails with Jay this evening as he re-Stansed his no-tubes this fine day. Had some issues with leakage and got in some single track with Jet. I am a sissy on single track...well I can blame it also on riding the single stuff with a massive road type gear. I was not planing on single track.

After the brief shot dodging trees - and I hit a few with my head, hands and knees, Jay and I headed out to the MTB TT and around on the northern lights trail and back on the horse trails here and there.

I am not sure if that big hill we climbed on was on that trail but it was much more fun going down that thing. The only dismounts today were on the single track.

Good ride - heck GREAT ride and even better friends. Can you ask for more?

Thanks for the ride Jay - good to see that Orbea slinging dirt again and I think we have your new finish line photo pose that will certainly compete with Jorge's various styles...who's gonna beat the Duke?

gnasty

Yup - about 1 million bugs tonight on the ride...in my eyes, crawling up my nose, down the shirt....good ride however.

61.4

Have been riding the 29er a LOT and it is a blast. Took the 36x17 (61.4 gear inch) 29er out on the EC trails to test the gear inch on the slower trails. Suprised myself with the ability to hold this gear for 2 hours on trails - if you have ridden cheq and EC horse trails - you know that the EC trails are a bit more accute - less speed but it mimics the climbs. I should be just fine on the 17t cog. Last year i lost my water bottles in the first 10 miles with the rough hills....the camalpack should help with this. I will also ride at 30 psi or just under. It is amazing how much you notice 2 psi here or there.

I am excited b/c I will be staying with some old high school friends friday night and then my buddy Pete Taylor at his cabin on Sat night and will do a low intensity single track race on Sunday - it might be just a ride - not sure.

Looks like I will be trying to head to LaCrosse for a 12 hour single track team event mid august....should be interesting.

Thats it.

Andy

To Monticello and Back

How many showed up - I dont think these pics show all.

Big group - warm day with strong head winds from the west. That means one thing....to Monticello and back. That stretch of 10 miles from Monti to Otsego was a BLAST! I could not pedal fast enough - wore out with only a 42 chainring on the front....I will leave the story to Neil but I will spoil the story with the pic above....yes the crowned champion of said BANANA!

had to add a teaspoon of effort

Who woulda believed it? - Jens Voigt and Raul Alcala
joined us on the ride today

Fun Ride - Perfect Weather - Great Group!

The advertised ride was 100 miles....and from my home to the shop - the ride and super prime and back home I had 95 miles.....so I finished 100 by heading back out Hwy 144 for 2.5miles and back to get my Hundo. 85 deg, NO wind, rolling hills, severe tan lines reinforced.

Neil had this weird - go figure - thing going on as he was emulating the color commentary of a sports announcer...I think he said his name was Richard Johnson " covering the highlights of the Big Banana Race series...." Well, if it wasnt the sports announcer, it would have been Neil Karaoke for 5+ hours...actually - we did 95 miles in under 5.5 hours didnt we?

Sign racing was in effect - super prime....Mark C. Hemmi and I had a few in there...Not sure about who else was in on them. I do know for sure that I was running out of steam at mile 80....despite the electrolyte pills and food - thank GOD I had them - I was not doing my best. It was a good reminder as to how difficult Cheq will be.

GREAT DAY, GOOD PEOPLE...Fast Big Banana TEmpo!

one hump or two?

got a camel pack today from the shop...they are kinda cool. I had visions of last year loosing water bottles at cheq 10 miles into the race...and then finding some on the side of the trail and using them. the backpack thingy will work great.

easy rider

Had about 2 hours to kill before my family would turn and kill me....anyone else have that same kind of story? yeah, its the curse of having a desire. Anyhoo - where else can you kill an hour or two and still have a great ride, work-out etc.... Elm Creek. Close enough, far enough and as we all know it can be tough enough.

Did the Claflin loop starting at the north end horse camp - to the swim pond on trails...back up on trails with a double mtb TT and a run through the single track course. I did opt to not take the mud trail - and gut the WUSS brand from Rotach...I figured I didnt want to deal with the alien bugs from hell. It was nice. I did intervals the entire time - one mile hard, 1/2 mile easy...on the trails even the easy isnt easy cuz one gear means easy is faster.

It was perfect - great night and then got home to finish arranging the crap in my garage, fixed Maria's bike, Peter's bike and two neighbor kids bikes...one was a complete tune up...I should open a dirt bike shop. It was fun to see them ride off glad that the bike worked again. I was told that three more kids will be by tomorrow for brake and wheel alignment issues. funny.

After which, I went to a neighbors house where he just put in a pond and my kids were fishing for bullheads and crayfish in that pond - it was a blast.

ac

spiiiinnnnnnnn

well - i am waiting for my computer to defrag, waiting for help desk to allow me to get my network drives going - i read through an old post from Pre-Cheq last year....when I was looking for a gear to use. I ended up using a 38x17 on my 26" bike....58.1 gear inch. This year on a 29" - I have a 36x18 (2:1) and it is 58.0 Gear Inch. I have a 17t rear cog that would warrent me like 4 more gear inches. That is my goal - to get into that gear for this years Cheq. What I need to do is calculate my ability to carry the speed on each hill. The hills in Elm Creek mimic Cheq BUT Cheq hills tend to me smoother - less ripped apart so a bigger gear ( speed) might be fine if I can get a clear shot up the hills. As most know - getting bogged down behind a group can stop your ability to climb without a dismount.



So, I give the 36x18 this week for riding then will switch to the 17t and fire it up. I have some big goals for Cheq - beat 2:59 - which is what I did last year....2. beat it by 20 mins 3. to finish without numb hands/fingers.... 4. to somehow finish 2.5 hours 5. if i think of any other monster goal - i will let you know....like top100....LOL - that would be funny. I think the only way that would happen is if the group ahead of me all run into trees and break their bikes or they all get flats or something like that.

out

like gunshots in the @$$

clever huh? well, as previously mentioned - the bugs are interesting in the park. Especially in the low, wet areas. Today I did the normal loop with a few extras here and there and came up to the muddy section - however it was a bit more muddy since it just poured rain the other day.

I hit 5 pits prior to the big one - the first big one. I rolled into that pit like usual but wow, my front tire sunk past the axle on my 29er at full speed...I went vertical as the bike pivoted up and forward - thus launching me from the bike and then there I was staring at my bike upside down but it was upside down too...weird....fun. BUT the bugs thought of me as if I myself were starring at Grandma's Cookies at the State Fair....FOOOOOD. I never saw a swarm like this - I grabbed the bike - hurdled the next pit - climbed the hill - and they were still on me. I made it to the low area - climbed the hill to the main trail and I killed 8 deer flies on my arse, no less than 8 on each arm and one in my helmet - that jerk got me a few times.

I hate flies, I hate flies that bite or sting, I hate flies that bite when it is hot and sticky out....but I like to bike so I will put up with it. Found a few new deer trails out there - should be fun!!!!!!



Andy

I got John Rotach beat!

Thats right folks...I have John beat! Well, actually the only thing I got up on John is weight - so - I guess there was no beating John today. Met up with John at the shop at 7 - headed into the park to ride various double track, single track and some crazy deer track things...it was interesting. I would have to say 12-15 miles of riding for me...lots of bugs and flies....

I had an easier time on the double track - my gearing was way off for technical stuff. Thanks John for a great ride today! So did John take super prime on his mt bike?


Andy

MGD

smoooooooth over everything. What a trip! Amazing
how quick this thing rides over the crap. Go Stans!

Less than I wanted...

After boy scouts with Dave - I headed out to the park....ran into the A group on their way back. I found out that the 29er doesnt roll as fast as they do. Rightfully so - that is a no-brainer. I did find out a name for the bike non-the-less....and soon it will adorn the faithful steel horse of grace. Did an even mix of 15 miles between trail and road and really pushed it. My legs burn bad - and that is good. I also found out that black flies and mosquitoes are of the devil and I cannot out run them on the trail. The 8 welts on my rear-end are proof of that. Good day - late day ride and still part of the group for about 1k anyway.

Clipity Clop

Hot day, no horses - full trail loop of the park with a shot over to the shop to fix a cleat....have to drill out a cleat bolt...great. I really love this loop - it has a LOT of steady intense climbs and on the single - it can get your attention. So far, no dismounting required but then again it is rather dry.

I got a stans conversion kit from ebay for a great price and will convert in a day or two - I may need some help (Jay) on this...I am also trying to figure out if the Exi-Wolf WTB tires are a good fit for conversion. Anyone have any ideas on this?

I also got some SIDI ratchets and straps on ebay for a SONG. yikes, I might be a bit addicted to ebay. Ok, for the 3 readers of the blog....and my crew of faithful defenders of freedom in Iraq - I bid you a good night/morning and hope to see you on the trails soon!

Jay - let me know when you want to get out and do some damage to the trails - I am game more than ever with this bike.

andy

Cool 17

Knees are better - little by little. I can tell there is a difference almost every day. Opted to take the 36x18 29er into the park today. Lucky me - no horses...but lots of land mines....and another good thing was that the low spots in the trails were full of water/mud etc....felt good to slime up the bike. No dismounts today as I rolled out the entire west side heading south on the horse trails...I was able to keep the rpms up and each hill was a nice walk up. Met the fam at the swim pool and then headed back up the east side horse trails....so in theory it was around the park on grass. It seems that it is less distance however b/c the trails heading north/south on the east side cut off a lot of the distance...I could be wrong. I did find a large amount of off-shoot trails that would be a blast to try and then I did find some that are blocked off in the middle of no-where....tempting for the next run.

map of today - most of the trails were not totally visable but it is close enough. might be a good tt run huh?

I would have to say 17+ miles - nice and easy...good cool down after the med-hard workout on the century yesterday.

Today was a class-act day.....and who better to lead off with other than Jorge?

Thats right - we can now call him Mr. Morning Lucky Jorge

Absence of the heart....

Well, in this case it is rather true. I have not been able to group ride for some time - name it: work, family, work, events beyond my control. So when I got the email about the century ride today - I was a bit worried. The last 2 group rides I did sucked so bad...off the back after 20 miles...feeling like a schlep. Not from the group - but from within myself.

Rolled into the parking lot at 645am - big group, good friends, hand shakes and smiles....as it always is. Nervous b/c a century ride is a bit demanding when you are not a pro and when you are out of the loop - riding solo most of the time - you dont know the strength of the group. BUT - this group is ALWAYS together and gracious to everyone - all the time....So I was not worried.


Perfect day - a bit windy so we enjoyed a massive tail wind on the way out and fought like the devil to get back home. Cool route - trails & streets to Stone Arch...Univ Ave to the Gateway...Gateway to Stillwater and some demonic climb and then a series of up and downs back through White Bear Lake and then back to Coon Rapids - the CR Dam and Trailhead. I felt good the entire ride - which surprised me b/c my left knee was bugging me on the climbs. Kudos to Dave, Mike, Bernie for taking a lot of the brunt force wind on the way home...the ride home after Stillwater was a solid definition of group...we NEEDED to stay together to make it home alive - quite literally.
As for me - 6 gears and 100 miles. I tried to keep it in a gear without shifting a whole lot - thinking it would help for my Chequamegon Single Speed Adventure in Sept. I will need to rethink the whole riding in Stillwater with a 42t crank however - that was some solid suffering. I was soooooo glad to get out with and ride with more than just my mp3 player. Fun to talk, laugh etc...it could have rained and an earthquake could have happened and I was glad to be out with good buds.
I took the advice of Btrain in the event of a solid ride - treat yourself to a Baconator - and with that I say..... " It was Wonderful ".

2 2 1

Playing with the mechanical advantage is all about numbers but the proof is in the puddin'. More and more i am adding to the diabolical machine of love - my new bike. That's right - I am addicted once again to the passion of this sport. Rolled into the shop after work and picked up a new chainring for the mono-cog - bigger. Bigger is better right? Well, I have to toy with the different gear ratios here to find a good fit. So - I added a 36 on the front and put the 18 in the back and then headed to the park for 20 plus of trails, spinning, climbing etc. I made it about 5 miles on and off the trail, doubling back and hit the MTB TT course and then went for a spin on the outer loop. I ran into Btrain coming the other direction so I flipped a u turn and we spun the outside loop.

I felt good and I was glad Bernie was spinning light at 17mph for the loop. With my 2:1 on the 29er that felt good. My tires were set low on psi - about 26 and my rpms felt like 90 - 100. I finished the loop and then did about 6 more miles of ski trails, horse trails to test my climbing after that 17 on the loop. 2 t 1 is good - I liked it. I could tell however that I will need to ride this more to get my strength/endurance back up. I can feel it gaining so I wont worry. Sept is long enough away and the cool thing is that I noticed I can keep rpms up pretty good off-road as well.

80%

Great day to put MORE miles on - once again. Boy this feels great. Hot - Humid - Sticky and Rain. I was hoping for a bit more rain if not for the lawn but also for the trails. Goal today: How far can I make it on just trails - well....from the horse camp on the way north you can trail it all the way to where 109th has to turn - by Bernies house area...on trails. And they all kinda suck but it is great training for Cheq. In fact you can - in theory circumnavigate the entire park on trails - has anyone done that lately without getting busted by the park police or the equestrian pre-madonnas? So today was all trails except for going to the shop. I would say that then 80% was on turf. I will then next try the entire park on turf - I will bring a beer to bribe the cops if I get caught.


ac

Double Down

2 fer

Pretty good day - again.
I headed out after the morning service for a ride in the park to then meet the family at the pool in Elm Creek. I took off with a plan to make it a 20 mile ride - done. Lots of trails, loops and other non-sense. I showed up at the pool ready to dive in. I must have looked like a weirdo rolling into the park area clad in spandex and sporting a bike with abnormally huge tires. Who cares. On with the swim ware and made my way to the wife and kids. 45 min later - back to the stinky close - crusted with gnasty gnats and repeat in reverse. Just over 20 for the afternoon. It was hot - really hot and I was sitting at just around 16 with the 17t in the back. It seems like a good gear for all-around - 32/17. I am trying to find a gear for Cheq but I dont think that I am up for LaLonde's 36/16. That is over 65 gear inches on a 29 in tire and that is a huge gear for that race. I am not superhuman so I will ride much smaller.

Off to church activities for the evening - all I can think about is riding the new bike so with that I hustle the fam out quick - bite to eat at Mac n Dons and on the bike again. With light working against me I had about 2 hours to ride. I head out to the horse camp and no trailers so I head to the park by way of horse trails all the way to the top of the hill past the turning wood bridge - not the big one by the chalet but the other one. I was impressed with the 29er on these unbearable trails - 30 psi and big wheels - easy ride - well, easier than the rat bike with no numbness of the hands. This is a good thing. I stopped by B-trains home and he was in a hurry to mow and weed whip. Headed home on the paved trail and I would say about 13miles for the night ride.

Time warp

All in all - the 29 er is fun to ride - easy to ride and smooth over everything. Glad I bought this beast and I LOVE disc brakes to death. Disc brakes when wet work even better...I like having more control. So now I can say I have just over 110 miles on this bike in 4 days and my back is NOT sore. The only thing that is sore is my left knee - just under the cap. Any suggestions. Maybe it is a new geometry or position that I have to get used to but I am open to suggestions at this point. What do I do?

AC

Frost

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

I was reading a bit tonight after my long day on the trails. Thats right - finally some hours (plural) on the bike - and wonderful day it was. I will get to what I was reading in a sec. I was granted the option to spend some serious time on the bike today - glad I was. I had to first find some gears to make it worth the ride. Trail Head it was. The road bike isnt done and thats okay - I wanted to ride the new one anyway. Larry came up with some cogs - 17 and 18t. Perfect. Enough to get going. I headed out to Elm Creek - stopped by the horse trail head and found NO one there with horses - headed into the woods. I had to decide what gear to use - so glad I have options - I went with the 17t - but for some reason I was urged to take the ninja cog - didnt fit.

So, with Sheldon as my guide and my new bike as my steed, I lowered the psi a bit, turned up the tunes and enjoyed the hours. Trail after trail, asphalt when needed, single track loop many times, MTB TT 3 times ( I ended up lapping a guy out there ), headed to the shop and then did the exact same in reverse. I was beat and there was no rest. On the ride, I came to an area I was not familiar with and thought of Robert Frost. I stopped for a drink and thought - hmmmm, where does that trail lead off to? What "is" down there - I found out as I took the road less traveled. 3.5 hours of solid riding on the 29er (google maps said it was just over 40 miles).


So when I got home - and messy I was - I had some protein, mac and cheese, salad and a good read of Robert Frost - i felt a bit connected and I cant wait to get more time on that great bike. Maybe the bike should be called - Frost.

Anyone up for some trail riding?


ac

kill-joy

Like a tough guy bartender when you've just started to have a blast- my good times were cut short by my 18t cog on the new bike today. Here is the story - my bike came with a 20t cog in the back and that is really light when you consider the front is only 32t. I searched for a solution to have a touch of speed and I found a brand new 18t from a cassette I had purchased...should work....right? well, not really. I am not new to Single speed but I am new to a "real" single speed. If this thing isnt lined up right - no dice. The cassette cog is really thin and when I put in on - the chain hopped off the back. Okay, add a thin spacer to the back and then I could ride but once I hit bumps while pedaling - off the chainring. I tightened, loosened, swore, and then rode home on the road.

I ran into a mt biker - ss - on the "secret trails - where I turned around " and he stated that YES you need to have the SS cogs - not ramped thin cogs. Well, it was worth a try - but its the fourth and all is closed so tomorrow I head out to up the chainring to 36 and get a few cogs.

29

And so it is

The purchase was made and the ride was done


Today I picked up my monocog 29 from TRAILHEAD.
My thanks goes to Larry
My congrats go to Steve on his purchase today.

Upgraded to brakes to disc and headed out for a spin. The factory 32x20 was a bit "spinny" but that's okay. It was easy on the trails but I will need more gear inch. On my way to super prime I met up with the Wed night group just prior to Prime and then headed up into the park for some more illegal mud and good times.

Following Neils Trend.....3 stage 45

I couldnt resist Neil.

Today - first day back from vacation and it was nothing short of hectic. Lots of catch up work. My job is busy enough as it is when you are on top of things. Jump out of the routine for 5 days and it becomes a nightmare. Aside from that - I biked to work (15) and then biked during my lunch break with my boss - how cool is that? (15) and then biked home (15). En route home I stopped by the shop to view my new spoil - my Redline Monocog.... No, my countless raffle tickets didnt yield me a free one but what they did do is support one hell of a cause and that is worth every penny. I purchased a Monocog - the black one. Took it out for a test spin and it is very cool. Funny, it rides better than the rat bike - maybe cuz it actually fits me and it works without weird sounds and stuff. So, tomorrow I am going to make sure the size is right and take it home - then abuse the living daylights out of it.

The back is getting better - new seat on the road bike helps - and rest and recovery too. No pain today while riding but I did realize my long term endurance is nothing short of crappy. In time - I know. Good to see Jay H at the shop with his family - always with a genuine smile and sincere handshake.... there is a lot of character in a handshake. He reminded me that the group still rides on Tues/Thursday...funny, this I know but work, wife's work etc is in the way so I will focus on biking when I can. The new bike will for sure "make for some time".

See ya on the road...soon.

andy

black hills - from my camera phone

Family vacation to the Black Hills of SD...wonderful trip. 5 days in a tent, wonderful weather, no issues at all, renewed my faith in family... just learning the art of syncing music and files...sorry the music cuts out b/f the clips.