Cheq 40 - first time...

First Time At the Fat Tire...
2:59:26 single speed rigid - 29lbs
This was perhaps the funnest thing I have done in a long time - and I didn't even loose my keys...I did loose my water bottles though...many did. I did get to stay with Bryan L of the Loons and some mutual friends of ours...nice digs and super cheap...we had a full out rib/chicken diner on sat...fun was had by all.

Cheq40...No idea what to expect - NONE - and my steed was 29 pounds +, full steel...not the best, and lots of ambition...and a cool paint job. the lead out was fast. I didn't have a computer but I would guess it was mid 20's easy for 3 miles to Rosey's field....hit the grass and keep on going. the sucky thing was that you need the keep momentum high on the ss. if the pack slows in front of you - you are walking up even an easy hill....right away at rosey's field...walk. i was upset.

Then onto the trail/road/trail/etc....I liked the roads...i was moving quick. I do know that I was at 25 on most of the roads - i was geared for it more and everyone seemed to have a computer - which was nice. I lost places on every downhill - and gained on the hills...I was really glad I rode my ss on the road a lot. it taught me to ramp up the speed prior to a hill...it really worked out in Cheq. I dismounted 7 times - that's it. Yes I did count. I was amazed at how easy it was to climb some of the hills ( yes some were not easy at all). it goes back to the mind set of know you have no option along with the fact that you don't want to get off the bike in front of everyone. with 55 psi on the tires and steel suspension - I had a tough time navigating the descents. I was scared really. I had no control - bouncing all over the place while full and hardtails with front suspensions were cruzin by. If I get the chance to ride this again - I will do single but a lighter bike with calculated tire pres...for sure...oh, if I am doing rigid suspension again - carbon front fork.

So fire tower hill was cool - it was packed though. no speed to carry into it - walked most of it. if you could maintain some speed on a single - i wonder if it would be possible to climb....did Jesse LeLonde climb without a dismount?????anyone know????that guy is amazing - his set up was full rigid 29er, carbon front fork, 36x16....with 180 mm cranks....that is 65 gear inches...holy crap! I heard he finished alone too and his brother Marko was 4th...I saw Tilford after the race as he was talking with my bud Pete - and he wasn't happy with 3rd...especially when 1st was a single speed....lol.

So I finished in the middle of the SS pack and 600 something overall. The best part was coming into the shoot to only hear Neil, Jay and the LOon crew cheering me on to beat my goal. I had tears in my eyes when I looked up crossing the finish line. I couldnt believe it - I really didn't believe it at first...Then right in front of me was my buddy Pete Taylor who saw me come in and he gave me a big hug as it was his time last year that I wanted to beat. He knew it and was so excited. It is neat that after starting biking together back in middle school that we had a chance to share that moment.

Kudo's to the Loon crew - you know who you are. you made me feel like a million bucks when I actually felt like a pile of broken bits. Next year????? Single???? you bet - just not the one i rode this weekend. The rat bike needs to retire to a winter pasture or training roll. if the money is there....Rita.....if not then i would settle for Redline Monocog.

I did show up at Telemark for the crit race - Doug Swanson took it in 5 laps....I was glad to see this - Ezra lasted until the last lap...on it road geared ss full rigid... Here is a link to a vid I took on my camera of lap one of the crit. Cable Crit Lap One Vid...lap one only.

the new pics...

okay - so I had a lot of time on my hands....New overhaul on the rear hub - new axle, bearings etc...new paint job. That's right...too much time on my hands. I really dont think it is all that bad but like tatoos...how do you know when to stop. so, I will be riding this clown bike on Cheq. I was out riding the mt bike trails tonight - one last spin and it felt GREAT...my legs I mean...the bike was bouncing all over the place without suspension. It was chilly, and took a while to get warmed up but worth it tonight. Next blog - pics from the north-land... so at least I will turn heads for a sec or two on the race...again - to pass up a series of riders on voodoo $4000 bikes is going to be nice...Have a great weekend all - I hope to have some pics by sunday.


andy - zuko

should be OFS...oops
I like this one


Metal fleck paint is nice


The specter of death...

deep purple....

A special thanks to Larry and Pam at Trailhead. I think I speak for every two wheeled freak when I say thank you. YOu have been so accomodating to our dreams and desires. which reminds me - I need to put a pink ribbon on the bike somewhere....to the guys that have kept this Frankensteined bike rolling - Mason, James, Dan, Stew, Matt...not Clint though - thanks.

Cycling Frenzy...

So - at the shop last night to get the wheel...not done. It's cool - no big deal. These guys are busy. I would try myself to rebuild the hub but would rather have Stew or Mason take care of it. I can get it apart and semi-back together....after that, it requires a touch and experience I just dont have. So, instead I opted to paint more on the bike...I forgot my camera at work...this is really getting out of hand...between the flames of red and blue and green - all using a touch up brush so it kinda sucks - I have turned my bike into a rolling grafiti machine. It will turn some heads for sure...Tonight I will clear coat the artwork a bit and call it quits. I can easily spend too much time on this - its in my nature. Seeing that my wife would kill me if I got tatoos, I tatoo my bike instead.

As I am working away - the Duke rolls in to buy a bike for his wife to ride this weekend...Then Kenny the Cook drops by with his bike...the frenzy is on - the last min tweeking. I HAVE TO get out tonight to spin a bit...this taking a few days off is needed but tough to do - it really is. My only concern is some sort of a technical - what can go wrong really? Single speed....lets see - break the chain - got a back up....pop a tire - got a spare....break pedals - go with one leg....break my body - get a beer.

It is much more the experience but I have some goals - being accountable here....here is what they are... 1. finish under 3 hours 2.finish under 2.5 hours ( big goal ) 3. top 100????? well, ya gotta have a big monster goal - the hero goal. 4. meet greg lemond 5. pay up that beer to creepy friendly. 6. cross the line knowing it hurt and i put it all out on the trail.

That's it - pics tonight of the grafiti rat.


zuko

pieces of flare...

one last trip to the shop - to clear up any issues on the bike....found a shot rear hub. Well, I hope it isnt too bad - i only have one other good hub on the wifes bike - XT but its old...fingers crossed. So while i was tearing the bike apart - and I am realistic here, it is an old bike - the crew at the shop pulled out some touch up paint and then I got a bit creative...pics will follow...

look for the specter of death on the front fork...the rat on fire...the burning bottom bracket and the gold metal fleck headset....soon to be added - trailhead green accents...

It wont be the required 15 pieces of flare but what the heck...its art.


zuko...

Spinalicious

Seeing that I am looking at 60 some degrees and a brilliant blue sky - had to spin the park. Seeing that Fat4-0 is just 6 days away, I took the SS ATX out with a 38x18 added. Trying to get a feel for what will be best...I got lost in the day. My goal is to guess what will be a good gear to spin out for 40 miles...on a trail. How the hell am I supposed to figure that out with limited experience?

I guess this will be the "get tin my learn on" in the SS world. Well, if you had a chance to ride on Sunday - you had the best weather of all time. Plus, I only got yelled at twice for riding the horse trails - and then I hit some really fresh horse dung. I like how easy the 38x18 was...i could run just about any hill out there just fine. 38x16 was pretty tight the last time I rode it...but then I was shot when I did it. I will most certainly take out a 38x17 tomorrow. I just have to tear apart another cassette. My guess is on the 38x17...it is really amazing how you can tell the difference between one tooth.

Got a new melon cap for my daughter and wife - big sale at the shop...cages, stem, gear, tires....i can really be happy with spending too much there. We all can.

Looking forward to Friday and the trip up to 4-0. I shall enjoy this - with all my heart. My legs will have a different story to tell.


Zuko -

The Steed....

New treads, fancy spacers, shinny ss cog, toe clips are not what i am using...i will touch up the rat pic and the advertisement for Trailhead...and then Fat Tire...

Redemption?

Well, I guess the new name was the talk of the ride for a little bit here and there -- actually it was more like wise crack comments..." Hey Andy, do you have your keys????". Yeah, I get it. I wont be able to live that one down - its okay, I enjoyed the race and I was happy with how I did.

Tonights ride was interesting - threat of rain...the reality of rain...the enjoyment of salt, sand, spitting rain in the face all funneling down to the shoes. It started out fine with 7 riders in all - Bernie, John, Me (andy), Madonna, Jay H, Hemi and Andrea. Good to see Dave's single speed. It misted on and off while we did the Neilorator...going into St Michael it rained. Dave and Andrea headed back to the shop before then but the stupid few that went on were blessed with turning a light shade of brown. I felt stiff - slightly cold - mentally a bit wore out. I enjoy the severe weather riding, dont get me wrong, you just have to adjust a bit. We rolled out over the 144 stretch slightly offset to not get a mouth full of road slime and then we slowly ramped up the speed...no surprise...Bernie was with us. Me, Bernie and John broke off and kept up the speed...once again maxed out on rpm's as the single speed is not a high speed machine.

We made the turn to Dayton River Road and then to Pineview...super prime. It seemed all so quiet - Bernie said he didnt want to sprint in the rain so I assumed it would be casual...Then John lights it up the wall and I pick up chase. He is about 30 ft in front of me and I bridge the gap at the top of the first climb and latch onto his wheel...half way across the false flat I get the legs going like a sewing machine and pull off a win for Team Cannondale...its not really a team I guess - i was just riding one.

I must have been upset about dropping my keys - Redemption? Maybe so - but more importantly we had a blast riding with friends in some not so friendly conditions. If you can have fun in this stuff - what can stop you? Kudos to the group for one heck of a ride - if we could have taken a picture of us after the ride - it would have been priceless...we were a mess and we loved it!

I am the Keymaster....

State Championship Road Race - Avon MN. wow, how fun was that? Master 4/5 had what...12 Loons in the mix. Seeing that I have not done this in a LONG time, I was a bit nervous. I kept telling myself - its just a big group ride and a hockey match rolled into one. 51 miles - 3 laps of 17 miles. Nice set up - some good climbs with matching downhills - good speed for sure. Aside from the corners - we typically sat at about 24-28 mph. This is just fine in the group. I really did not like riding with handlebars touching - cutting lines and such - I know its part of the deal but instead I spent alot of the time near the front. The first lap was fast and about 20 sprinted or sped up for the finishing of lap one - I think I was 5th. We eased back on the 2nd lap and I spent some time in the pack. When we hit the half way point on lap 2, things took off again. The whole group accelerated and at those speeds - I wanted nothing to do with the pack. Up to the front where the riders were single file. I was sucking wheels for most of the 2nd lap and when we came to the last leg of lap 2 - I led out first on a pace line and held it to the finish of lap2...man, that was cool. The people were lined, the cowbell dinging, the cheering...that was addicting for sure. I really felt strong - or at least really good - no lasting fatigue, no burn in the legs...yet. My plan was to sit back for the rest of lap 3. As we headed into lap 3, I was riding next to Neil Thunderstorm and when I saw him reach for a bit to eat... I thought to grab a bite too...the only problem was that my car key ( here it comes) was in the same stupid back pocket as my bar. Out comes the bar....and out comes the phrase from a few riders back..." someones key just fell out...in the ditch". Yup, my key. I cannot remember why it was there, it normally isnt. But now, it was in the ditch. Stop, go back, pick up key and get going - solo and they were 1 min up on me in a flash....at 25 mph plus.

Well, that was 1 mile into lap 3, sucky. I did finish however by myelf - I reset the computer and maintained an average of 21 point something for 16 miles. Too bad a group of 62 rides a bit faster. On the last leg, there was a crash and it left one Loon to go to the hospital with a broken collar bone and Neil got some SERIOUS road rash...I saw the aftermath as I was in back...way back...I did finish strong - glad I did it - i was happy with how I did just not happy with my key placement...now let me see - where did i put my keys????

Thursday night Spin...kind of.

Well - the thursday night ride was great - the weather was perfect. Good to see John out there - thanks Holly for letting Johnny out to play. 5 headed out from the shop and we met Melinda on the way to Fletcher. We did the TT loop in reverse - which is interesting - we almost got turned around. lol. It was supposed to be an easy night for me anyway but of course it was fast...thanks John. I took the SS out again and it was a spin session from the nether regions - good thing it wasnt a long ride. Trying to draft behind John and Melinda when they go aero is like drafting behind a toothpick. I did practice staying in the pack - not jumping on every sign prime - tough to do. Great ride however - and today....I will not ride. Avon here I come - should be fun to race once again. Now back to lunch - pasta....more pasta and protien shakes.

Have a great day


andy

Sultans of Slop...part duex

Pulling into the parking lot at 5 pm...I was thinking - no way is anyone going to show. Then one, two...and a "meet me in the park"....hey, now we're cookin with gas! We had 6 by the time we hit Fletcher. Point being here is that the rain did NOT keep the faithful few off the bikes. On and off rain and the ever popular grit in the craw...gotta love it. We headed out to Fletcher to Hanover and back through St.Michael...then the rollers on 144. Boy isnt it nice to have that road smooth and all fancy?

With the rain I opted for the single speed as it has been beat hard and can handle the rain...plus I need to get one last hard ride in before the race this weekend. The ride was thwart with breakaway workouts, pace line ( kind of) and some strong interval workouts. Brian and I headed two up across 144 in a break away and traded off to Dayton River Road averaging mid 20's for that stretch..Looking back we didnt see anyone so we kept the pace up to super prime. Side by side we climbed the initial wall and then slowly increased the pace to 25 with about 50 yds to go and then old trusty Blue Thunder Single Speed ramped up the rpm's and I pulled away for the prime win...go team Cannondale!

Good show of the women tonight! Holly and Carol pounded out the miles and always smiling - I heard a rumor that Holly is letting John out to play Thursday night for the ride....

Have a great week all and hope to see you at Avon for the road race...

zuko

Sat Morning - no rain

The rain held off until just after 9 am. Apparently I made some claims about certian people being wimps for skipping out of the ride - just b/c it seemed like it was going to rain. I almost didnt make it to the ride in time - and if that had happened...Jorge would have killed me. Everyone was there 13 in all - good group. We did the 144 loop as usual with the TT route added on.

Kudo's to Jorge for sneaking around my blind spot on one of the primes. it was very funny... We held a fast pace the entire ride. We had some fast lead-outs, long burns...good interval training today...Gotta get ready for Fat Tire. I am starting to like the rollers - we took them Bernie style - fast and hard. Super prime was nice too - I got some coaching....Bernie told me to make sure too....oops, cant tell you that..... well, I did take super prime solo. The secret is safe with me.

So with so many ready for bad weather - the rain didnt happen until the ride was done. I hope you guys that did a few laps in the park stayed dry enough. Today I ended up rebuilding my pedals, eating at Culvers with the kids and now watching The Return of the Jedi.... my day is complete.


Have a great weekend all.


Andy

Mini-Donuts anyone?

Last week Wednesday was a sad day indeed. Something so dramatic and crushing...knowing that it could have been anyone...any day...I am talking about the 35W bridge. I do thank God for the lives that were spared as it could have been much more catastrophic that it really was. But today I found something a bit more disturbing...on the stone arch ride.

I showed up late - maybe by 5 mins or so and I knew I had to catch up. I unload the bike, throw all the duds on, grab some water and up to the bridge I go...only to find out I almost have to walk my bike there were so many people. I was like - what the heck is going on? Everyone had cameras, vid cameras...all pointing and staring downriver. Whole families, one's and two's - what were they staring at....oh, the bridge where too many died. There it was and there were the people getting on tip toes to get a better look.

It was impressive - the magnitude I mean. But this was like 1000 people slowing down to look at the car wreck - hoping to see some visible sign of death. It was worse on the way back after the ride - which was great by the way. People going all directions - snapping photos and the vendor selling ice cream ( which i belive is there all the time ) had a real deal going.

My thought was to get a mini-donut stand and wait for the next disaster to strike so I can make a profit off of the folks looking for a little death.

just didnt feel right..

Ever have a ride where you seriously felt about two steps off of center? Tired for no reason? I guess i have nothing to really complain about - at least i wasnt traversing a river on a cable with my bike hanging off my back. None the less - I seemed to have issues and I couldnt figure it out. Last night was a bit interesting...i had mechanical issues but aside from that - things didnt seem fluid, it felt like i was riding in the spring when my body had no idea what i was trying to do. this happens when i ride the bianchi instead of the single speed. i am taking a guess that I have forgotten how to effectivly ride with many gears...not that i was effective before but i am used to NOT changing gears on hills and downhills...and if i am in the wrong gear - i reach threshold reallllllyyyyyy fast.

I think i am going to stick with the SS more - it is fun, easy to switch gears and punishing plus it is really comfy.

I suppose that the cure to my problem is to ride with gears a bit more to get used to it again. heck, just ride more and get stronger and i wont have this fade problem. so instead of trying to be the leader of the pack or sign prime master - maybe the loons can hire me on as a full time domestique - that way i wont have to worry about trying to be the first across the line.

have a great day....

ac

Viva Las Vegas

Well - I will be honest - not all that spectacular...really. There are some really neat things but I would seriously rather take a punishing day in the hills riding with Neil than spend more time in Vegas. Now - I didnt have a chance to leave at all while I was there so we walked alot - spent WAY TOO much on EVERYTHING - man, you can get there cheap - forget having a cheap vacation there. I will say, we stayed at the coolest hotel - the Venetian - by far the best - spectacular!

I was perplexed - the city of LV was advertising how "family friendly" the city was ...then everywhere you go - its porn "playing cards" of hookers on the streets, lots of adult entertainment stuff...everywhere...family friendly? my kids wont be going there.


Glad to be home! I have to get out on my bike....


andy

Note to self - Vicodin Does NOT Help in Fitness

Well - I had a root canal done yesterday and with all the advents of technology - they had a tough time getting one of the roots numb...in the efforts of time as they got me in on standby, I said to go ahead without the one nerve numb. They already had half my face numb - i didnt need more. So they gave me a couple vicodin - crushed which actually helped alot...problem - that was about 3 pm and I was biking at 5pm. Well, it wasnt all that bad but a lesson in nutrition - my tooth broke over the weekend and living on pain meds and anti-biotics - and not nearly enough food - really took its toll.

I went into yesterdays ride thinking I could fake the fitness - I was wrong. Why is it when you basically fall apart - do you only see the where you went wrong. Bonk...yeah - that happened - throw in some pain meds and it makes for an interesting ride. I wont be riding with medication again - vicodin does not help in fitness. Great job to Mellissa - new girl took super prime out of the hands of Brian...

see ya on Thursday hill climb - i will be well fed and off the meds.

Is comfort different for everyone?

I am a bit perplexed. As of late, I have been addicted to my old Cannondale - 88-89 ( one of the two). It is the 3.0 frame set - I say that like I know what that means - I really don't. Anyhoo, it is rigid, stiff and you feel everything on the road. Its compact and tight and exceptionally nimble - climbs like a goat. Last March I purchased a Bianchi Virata - the opposite in some respects - a little better and of course some things I can do without.

I went out tonight after a rather stressful last couple of days to the Fletcher TT course - a little course that is 9 miles that has hills, straights, flats, wind and ends with a good climb. I just got the Bianchi back from a tune up - thanks Mason - and was thinking...man this should be a good time to post. It was, I was happy but not comfortable. I am trying to put a finger on it but I cannot - maybe someone out there knows how I feel.

Virata - steel frame - carbon stays and fork. This thing has one heck of a smooth ride - holy crap it does. It is really like riding on water but I am thinking that might be my issue. I have been used to riding on the Cannondale for so long that still after a year and a half - I'm not used to smooth. Power transfer...frame flex...I am guessing I like the type of ride that you feel the road...

Am I crazy? Well, maybe this is the excuse I have been waiting for to get a different frame. Hmmm...less money than a new bike...Is there a good stiff compact frame set I should consider?

Your thoughts are welcome.


andy

100 miles and running...

BlueThunder SS

I made it....along with a great group of 9 or 10. We did what was dubbed the "wussinator" and what a great ride - down south to Wayzata/Hopkins - into Mpls/Stpl and came back to Champlin...the actual route was like 86 miles and i would say the moving average was between 20-21 mph. Actual just under 20 - lots of stops. With my ride in the park prior to and after - getting pizza and goodies at PDQ - i topped off at 102.7 miles for the day on the trusty BlueThunder SS. I managed to sneak out 4 legit sign preems - Dayton, Corcoran, Maple Plane or Medina - I cannot remember and the last was Hopkins. Bernie took the hilltop preem of - Maple Plane or Medina ( i got the two mixed up) with a hearty series of grunts...he told me I needed to grunt earlier. Well, my grunt was more along the lines of pain rather than trying to muster up some magical strength. Bernie also sneaked in the hand painted city sign of Orono - good eye Bernie - that sign looked like a work of art not a city sign. Bergerbergermeister handled the Rogers preem on a solo sprint - never looking back once...almost missing the turn to Fletcher Ln. If I am missing any, sorry. There were some creek/river preems and city watershed signs - which were pointed out to me that they are more *personal* points rather than actual group victories.

Great show of people and great riding - I would love to do that again! Of course - we did miss the likes of Neil and Jay....and where was Erik???? On a particular note - Bernie and I were talking about how strong the entire group is at TH...I mean seriously, everyone was and is strong and not just for 20-30 miles...I mean 80-100 miles! What a blessing to have such desire and motivation. The neat thing...no one is really race motivated - they do it because it is about the ride.

So thank you for a great group and thank you Larry and Pam for putting up with us.

Camp Bluedog

bluedog cycle

My buddy Pete Taylor runs the shop in Viroqua WI...great place to ride. The shop is connected to a great sandwich shop - called the Cheese factory or something like that. If you are ever down there - stop by - closed Mondays.

He is hosting a camp for the area for intro into Mt.Biking and cycling in general - this is the logo I designed for the camp. All done - had to share.

Hills, then some more hills...oh, and then one more for good measure

Riding in LaCrosse is truly amazing this time of year. If you get a chance to ride in southern Minnesota - near Loon Camp or in La Crosse - DO IT. Perfect weather all three days I was riding. I dared myself a bit and ended up taking the SS to LaCrosse...I normally run a 42x15 on that thing but put a 17 on the back for the hills - I think I actually pulled a butt muscle. My time was limited - after all I was on vacation with the family so I had to make hay while the sun shined - super early morning rides. Friday was two rides totaling 30, Sat was 25 morning (hill repeats) - 25 evening same route...Sunday was the fun day - Hills and a major drop into Barrie Mills and back home - 35 miles. Not alot of miles but all hill repeats and insane. I didn't break a chain and I was maxed on output - constant climbing. I have a new TT for DIYTT - the Alpine TT....the base of Grandads Bluff to the Alpine Bar - 7min 48 sec - SS.

Riding down there makes me want to live there once again - the views, the rides....its all there. I hope to be back on a reg schedule with the group this week.


zuko

RAAM...and so much more

I hope you had a chance to meet these guys - really a class act. AND if you were smart enough to get your lazy butt out of bed last Sat to ride with them - kudos to you. Neil - you raced the entire breadth of this nation to come home and reach another goal - 20 on Sat Morning ride!!!!

That's right - we had 20 riders - including some RAAM guys. We also had a bad spill that caused some $erious bucks - I hope all is okay. The 7 am ride was a simple loop out west of town. Perfect weather was around us and perfect company beside us. We opted to not take 144 back - by the way, I think they are done with that road - it still sucks but I road it in the dark tonight and it seemed okay. The Fletcher prime was close...I thought - again I say thought - I had it after Greg lead out up the preceding hill...he has some legs on him. Bernie and I bridged the breakaway and passed Greg and that sprint up the hill was too much for me and with Bernie at the top of his game - smiled as he snatched the sign...That was FUN. I did win the last prime - the ever elusive Brooklyn Park prime by the shop. I will say it is the uber-cheese prime but it did say "welcome to Brooklyn Park" - so it counts....not really.

The 9 am ride was cool - Evan with his mid 70s Merckx super corsa / up to date Campy was really cool. With Neils Colnago and the Merckx - we were riding in style. Down to Dunn Bros in Mpls was once again very cool. The funny story of the day was the fact that 4 guys about 800 miles each and they only had one flat....to mpls and back I think we had 4.

I think it was just over 80 miles for the day. With me riding to the shop and a lap in the park I had 107 for the day. Very nice indeed - group rides like that make cycling worth it. Lets keep it up.

Enjoy the week!

By the way - taking a look at the finishing riders in solo RAAM - how about John Spurgeon - he finished with a single speed. I mean holy crap, he had some focus and sore legs I bet.


zuko

Goal - I did it!

For anyone with a family - job - expectations - to do lists - not to do lists - friends - sleep....you get the idea....it is a tough balance to find the needed time to train or ride. If you are looking to really put miles in the bank - you can almost forget it with all the stuff you need to do during the week. Well, fate has a way of putting two and two together. This week my car - the trusty VW Jeta - i call it the Jedi Knight...no comments...decided to take a nap whilst i was driving - my alternator went to lunch. Easy enough to change - I hate spending money on that thing however. I have 220,000 miles on it - runs GREAT but the $129 alternator just about trumps the value of the car - but it is better to buy the part than make payments on the most depreciating thing on the planet.

So with my new found inability to drive that beast, the bike became my ONLY form of transportation - except family night out for dinner. To work every day - 4 big rides after work and some mt bike rides mixed in. Goal was first to hit 250 which isn't that bad - good goal but I hit that at the end of Friday and heck - I HAD to ride to Dunn Bros on Sat morning - no one should miss a ride into the cities on sat morning - Bernie - I had their last Rhubarb bar in honor of you...then I had Jay H's cheesecake bar too...then Jorge and I stuffed our Voodoo Iced Cooler Dante's Mocha Espressos into the water bottles and headed to people watch at Stone Arch - perfect day, perfect company. Thanks guys.

Got home just in time to try out the new tensioner on the mt bike - and new chain but the thing skips like its missing cog teeth under extreme load - not sure what i need to do there. So with a complete loop and then some - I checked the running total and 305 for the week. I promised NO RIDING on Sunday - the kids rejoiced. My wife then promised to tear up the divorce papers.

thursday night ride in Elk River...

i felt like a trator.... not riding with TH group but it was with a former Loon - actually like the first Loon from when it was first formed - Dave Lunde....name is spelled wrong for sure. We headed out of Ramsey Cycle to Elk River for Hill Repeat night - I had never done this ride before so why not take the single speed.

The 10-15 mile ride to ER was great - we had nice rodes, low winds, lots of sun and great fellowship - of course I had to ask alot about Dave's World Champion Track history - yes he has the rainbow jersey to prove it. Very cool - super conversation - great tips and above all friends out for a ride.

The hill just outside ER proper is good climb - I am guessing just under a mile??? Two false flats ending on an extended straight climb....we ended up doing it 5 times. We had a preem set on the top of each climb then would loop down and around and do it all over again from a dead stop. It was a blast! Totally worth doing that ride once or twice a week.

GO STRONGHEART!!!!!!! glad to see that all is well.

tuesday night ride....hey, i didnt bonk

last time i did the Neilerator, I was on the Blue Thunder Super Sport....and with speeds reaching mach 2.5 - i had no more pedal and I bonked. There is a limit to the speed which you can go - but no limit on the pain you feel. So....in honor of RAAM but not to compare...I am riding into work every day along with the rides and then some. Since Sunday I am currently at 151 miles and last night was a blast. Neilerator, 90 degs, pounding south wind and a fast crew. Had a major mechanical at St.Michael....Hollys crank almost came all the way off...interesting.

Jay, Holly and I then headed back on our own over the rollers and it was quick. Hey, I didn't bonk! It is fun when you don't bonk.

okay, back to work.


andy

i caught myelf here...

thinking about how crappy its going to be biking home in this heat. in 10 min, RAAM is kicking off for the team event and they will be riding through the Mojave Dessert - and with that I have nothing to complain about. I will be watching this more than the Tour - for sure....cuz we know these guys and it takes alot more to do this than to take a stage win....and for many better reasons. the kids, the camp, the families....need i go on? Average joes and janes taking on the impossible and going forward believing...despite pain, illnes (neil) and hallucinations....making dreams and lives possible for kids - i cant think of a more noble cause.

6 mins and counting.....

my new favorite site - I cannot stop laughing

http://chainstainstakeoncucknorris.blogspot.com/

thanks phoneix

STONE ARCH

This ride is so cool. I have to admit - riding in the countryside is mucho bettero - hows my bilingual skills? This was the first time for me driving to stone arch and riding from there. Much easier. So its what....35-36 miles in the city? Big hills - fast breaks....especially when Patrick is drafting a Volvo at 39 mph....Don't worry Pat - you really are that fast anyway - in fact I thought I saw the Volvo drafting behind your rainbow jersey. I was happy with how I rode - I was freaked out cuz with names like Red Lantern, Painman, Hailstone....how does one compete with excellence? I was awarded a few names yesterday - JayT latched onto Fluffy, Cleary looking into his crystal ball and came up with Pinto....Skibby insisted on Zuko - for a pic I had with a curly cue hair style. I was happy - after a blistering ride on Tuesday, I had no idea how wed was going to turn out - felt good - feeling better every ride.

I must say it was nice to meet so many Loon state riders that I have never seen before. 12 or 15????? If I met you, trust me, I forgot your name about 10 sec after we met. I played around with the micro wave too much as a kid - messing things up.... My computer on the bike showed just over 20mph - give or take - average and for the amount of hills on that ride - i think that is good. Thanks for the great ride guys -- even though most of you will never read this blog..lol.

Holy.....

There are times when a ride takes your breath away....and then it really hurts and you feel like you are going to pop. Then...there are times when you are done and you reflect back on the ride...and then it takes your breath away. Tonight was a bit of both but more the latter. Low winds, sun in the face, large group, everyone strong, 50 some miles, puffy clouds in the sky...need I say more? It was the best example of a group ride that I have seen - keeping everyone together the entire ride. Slow? Not at all! We had in 50 plus miles strong interval training, hill workouts, pace lines, bridging the gaps and with most of the group hanging in there even at 30 mph...IMPRESSIVE! I am stunned by the level of fitness everyone is at. Everyone seems to have some serious goals ahead...well, when you have TSH you cant help but elevate your level of fitness. These guys are really good...After leaving Curvey Martin in the dust Bernie and Neil still had the power to take super preem - I wasn't up there with them but I am sure they had smiles on there face - heck - I bet they were even playing rock, paper, scissors while we were ready to throw up. Yeah, top 10 rides for me - it was perfect and I will count it a blessing to have a group like that to ride with again.


andy

Note to Self...

Take your chain tool on your ride with you. I should have today - I got a really nice 5 mile walk in the park whilst pushing my bike....in the rain...in cycling shoes...etc... Also - make sure to zip up the under the seat pack...that is a whole different story and amazingly found everything. okay - here's the story.

I took off through the horse trails on the mt bike in the rain. really messy. Chain breaks during a climb. start walking, my phone battery dead, no chain tool...no one else on the trails. Of course, its raining. Make it home and my feet are sore. Fix chain and head out again....not zipping up my saddle pack. By the time i hit the top of super preeme and then into that trail...I look down to see my tube fall out of the pack. I start walking back up the trail. tire iron here and there, tube, another 100 feet the hex wrenches, at the shoulder of the road a CO2 for inflation but no nozzle to inject the air. I was mad at myself. So, I ride the 20 miles and when I get back home there is the Genuine Innovations thingy right at the end of my driveway - nothing lost. Funny.

So note to self again - charge battery in cell phone prior to ride. take a chain tool. zip up bag. oh, almost forgot - have FUN. The mud was DEEP and thick today and well worth the ride.

red zone

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

MEMORIAL DAY SOLO RIDE -

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




Memorial day ride - solo - perfect day!

Cruzin' Cali Style

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

In the Morning...

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

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

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

see ya on the road!

zuko

andy

Gears? What gears? I only have one

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

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

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

See you all on the road -

Is there a Loon rider that does this?

Why you do what you do...

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

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

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

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

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

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

till the next ride....


andy

WHAT A RIDE!!!!

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

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

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

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

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


ac

I GOT MY SHOES!!!!!!

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

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

Going Endo

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

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

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

Just thought to share - have a great day!

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.