Is there a Loon rider that does this?

Why you do what you do...

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

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

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

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

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

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

till the next ride....


andy

WHAT A RIDE!!!!

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

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

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

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

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


ac

I GOT MY SHOES!!!!!!

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

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

Going Endo

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

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

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

Just thought to share - have a great day!

Family Night at the Track...

Okay - I was impressed. Having never been on a velodrome before - this was scary...then a bit more scary then all of a sudden - it was really cool. I can see why there is an addiction to the track. I am sure racing is cool on it but just riding is worth the trip. Get some hints or you just might be picking pencil sized splinters out of your maximus rear - endous. Tina and the kids came out and took some pics but not all turned out. Here are a few to share from Loon Night at the drome. Thanks skibby for opening the door to this really neat event. I look forward to more.




Here Skib is puttin on the granny gear
cuz he is so fast....he gears down to not
put us all to shame... ( skibby - you owe
me $5 for the ego boost - not that it
needs any more - Merry Christmas.)















Here I am starting off - wondering how
in the heck you stay up on that banked wall
Later I found out it is really fun up
there - and super easy too.












I hope that you all got out on Sat - great day to ride.

have a great week - see ya on the road.


ac

perfect day - i wanna be like Jay

Okay, so I didnt ride for 24 + hours like the RAAM guys but did log some good miles on Sunday. Took the Blue Thunder Super Sport out for a big ride. I had to tinker with the right ratio and landed on a ratio that had me at 20 mph with a 104 cadence. I didnt count the cogs so not sure exactly the ratio. I ended up logging 39 miles and beat Curvey Martin by 1 mph. Tis the season for enjoying the weather while riding - hope to start with major miles right away.

It is nice that I am alot further along in march/april than i was at this time last year - what a difference a year makes. Went for a ride Sat morning with the group and had to peel off after an hour and it was great to see some new riders - the guy on the Sage green Eros...not sure of his name....I remember him when he bought the bike - sorry if you are reading and I forgot.

I plan to ride the SS alot this year - gotta get used to no options in gearing - plus the workout is great. just another note- the SIDI DOMINATOR 5 MESH will be in this week - that should gain a few status points and i hear they actually make you faster....maybe a myth but hey, look at Jay...he's a rocket and yes he wears Dominators...I wanna be like Jay.

okay, done with the recap.

ac

A new single speed is born

Pictures are to follow but for now - I thought to announce the arrival of Blue Thunder SS. That's right...the Cannondale of old has joined the ranks of the SS. Vanquishing it of its gears and adding a tensioner from TH, new chain, super fast 'uber speed' pully and an Ultegra 42 front...I am ready to rumble...provided the chain doesn't skip. Took it out for the inaugural run and no skip at all...not even up super preem. My new commuter is born and the training continues for Fat Tire----

i hope you guys in Whalen enjoyed the spring rain. Kudos to all who went - it takes a special person to put the effort into riding in this weather. The Sultans of Slop...the saga continues.


ac














check out that Super Sport Pulley... amazingly fast















Ultegra 42 front... 6 speed rear freewheel...
42 with a six pack...okay, that was dumb.
















it just gets better with age.


see ya on the road.

ATS - Logo

I painted this logo for work - posting here so i dont have to send it all over corp email. done in acrylic paints. our office is Project Big Mosquito - PBM. I should do things like this for a living - not recruiting...lol.

Fat Tire - here I come...

Well the check has cleared...now the preparation begins. It is a great thing to have goals and like Jay says...this is the race he preps for all year. The benchmark. I will adopt this thought for myself. So, here is my goal...beat three hours. That may change and I may shorten that goal a bit - depends on how good I feel in Sept. I will make the trip to LaCrosse at least twice a month for extensive hills only. When i cant travel to Lax - Stillwater is the ride. Hills and more hills - this should help. After my last stint in Lax riding 120+ in two days on hills only - i already see the benefit. Catching up to those RAAM guys is in sight - but it is a ways off. I am ready for the pilgrimage to FatTire 2007.

ac

Serious Innovation for Serious bikers

Okay - this was halarious. I really could not stop laughing when I saw this. My friend Pete Taylor - owner of Bluedog Cycle - went out with some cycling/tech buddies of his down south in Arakansas. His photos and stories were amazing. Once again - proving the point that it doesnt get better than biking with friends...we knew that already. Between the insane single track, monster drop offs and beautiful countryside....well, here it is. Innovation hard at work. Where there is a will, there is a way. Nice use of tubes and duct tape - my hats off to you.





























Okay - dont try this at home

This is for my buds at work in Cali ... may you fall asleep sunbathing in the nude

Okay Cali boys and Girls....and yes, you too out in DC...this is about the worst storm since the 91 Halloween blizzard...and you have no idea what that one was like either. For us in Minnesota - we have been dreaming of a winter like this. This is what winter should be like! The skiers, the bikers, skaters, snow-shoers...the list continues...love being outdoors in the winter. It is a totally different experience to say the least. Picture this, tooling through the woods on ski or bike or walking or whatever... the sun creating millions of tiny rainbows from the ice crystals...small tracks leading from here to there...the chickadees flying in close to see who you are ... and most of all the serene sound of old man winter blowing his frosty breath - whistling through the barren trees of old. The snow covered forest - untouched - moving and changing as sand dunes in the desert...it is really cool to get outdoors - and i don't mean in the city - but out where things just 'are', without advertisement, without industry, without others.... just you and the great expansive creation.

So to us in Minnesota - summer or winter - we can find and we DO find a great joy in times like this - you cant help but love the winter and the wonderful change that takes place. So here are some pics as I promised - I will have to get some pics of me pulling the kids on the bike in a bit here...I might have them posted or i will send them.

first... the new brakes - thanks to Trail Head...great upgrade and even better conversation - you gotta spend some time there just talking - Justin needs the attention...lol.

Okay, so that is the new bike stuff. Fat Tire is only 6 months away and my fingers are crossed and so is the wiring in my brain - so I hear. First time and the only bike I have is SS without suspension...it is better that I dont know what to expect. I hear it is a roadie course so I 'should' be okay but it is the enduring the abuse that is of interest to me. I will look forward to the finish line - oh, and a new handlebar too. Yikes, i spent more in brakes and bars than the bike is really worth...but then again - how can you put a price on an old friend?

NOW TO THE KIDS IN THE SNOW...


Here we are heading out


it is fun and
a tremendous
workout to say
the least. broke
the rope twice
so i went to
pulling 2 instead
of three. it is cold
today - low teens.























time for hot chocolate!!!!










havin a
blast










the snow
banks
remind me
of my
visit to
ElCapitan

these are
cool! snow drifts
on the roof.









THE
WALL














that is it - hope you all enjoy the family fun in the sun pictures. Have fun surfing today in Cali!


andy claflin

Ahhhhh, the slop, the snow and the pain

Riding with Strongheart
Okay, I did my part today in helping with the ongoing training of our faithful few who are dedicating countless hours to kids who need the help. Strongheart! Let me start by saying that heavy training in the winter months really pays off. It didn't for me as I have not kept up with it at all but today was a wake up call for the season. Thanks to Presidents Day, I had the day off. Tina and the kids took off for the day to a family friends house and I was left with too much time on my hands. Above freezing temps, wet roads, cold weather gear, my trusty Cannondale and Neil - what more do you need for a grueling ride? At 2 pm I was greeted at Trailhead by Stew and Larry - exchanged greetings, talked a little bike lingo, talked about Fat Tire and then the back door opened and Neil was ready to roll. We found a really neat route that mixed up some road, hills, slop, dirt....a nice 6-8 mile loop out at super preem. At super preem take a right, go past the church ( follow left on Fernbrook) to your first right. Take that to Zanzibar and turn right ( gravel) to south diamond lake road, take a right back to the base of super preem. Today ... it was muddy and a bit difficult with road tires. Okay, it wasn't the tires so much as it was that I haven't ridden that much. Neil looked great - well, he better, he is riding across America this summer. I was good for about 10 miles and then I was left in the dust. My brain was thinking last summer and my body was screaming " what are you doing?" It was a wake up call to say the least. I logged 35.5 miles from my home and the bonking wasn't fun either. It is a delicate balance this fitness thing... When I made it to Dunn Bros. I realized I had eaten Kashi Oatmeal, which is really good, for breakfast...and two tacos and Hostess Ho Ho's for lunch. No one in their right mind would do this in the summer so I am not sure what I was thinking. BUT - as Neil said, as he always says...." Hey, your out here man - that's what counts!" So, make this early spring count. If you think it is too early to pound the miles - talk to Neil and Bernie....they have many miles to count before the Ride Across America.
My hats off to you guys and thank you Neil for starting my season off right.... in pain.

Do you know who this is?

So do you know him?
Take a look. Cold weather rider. Wet weather rider. Making it work the best he can. Why? for the ride - simple enough. Yes it is a drawing of a pro rider from days since past - one of the guys I used to watch for in Velo News in college. It serves as a reminder when I just didn't feel like getting off my butt cuz it was a bit dreary outside. The real picture paints a better story. In taking the time to draw this many moons ago, I got lost in the image. For us, being cycling nuts, fanatics - as I heard once " one step short of crazy is passionate" - this is the look we strive for.

When the sun is out - yeah your gonna ride. When it is cloudy with the hot damp air about you - you bet. I like those days. When it is 120% chance of cold and crappy??? Those are the days you measure your worth both in the physical and the mental. As Neil has said " hey, you made it out - that's what counts."

I missed the road today. I missed making the turn out of the south end of Elm Creek to see a spec of yellow waiting at the stop sign - another friend, another memory - the smile, the nod and the exchange of smiles. Leaving our titles and accolades behind for a moment in time to share the love of a sport we hold so dear.

So when I made it home this evening after spin class - there he was...on the wall with that grimace, that grit and desire. So I had no choice... on with the shoes, the gloves and the hat... the ride tonight was thick with memories.

Yup, it was cold, but it was cool

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

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

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

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

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

Cinderella Man

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

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

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



Andy

Like A Kid Again!

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







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

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

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

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

AC

my new favorite picture.....

Outstanding Ride - wow.

this pic is for you Jay

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

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

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

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

AC


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

the birth of the Rat Bike.....

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

Rat Bike


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

click here to see the project


www.mysinglespeed.blogspot.com


ac