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.

Curvey Martin came in second place

Weird - I just woke up at 530 am and decided to bike. I opted to jump all over that b/c Tina was working today and that means - usually no biking and a list of things to do. ANYHOO, I got on the bike - realized I should stretch my back first....then rolled out to elm creek via super prime.

I got to the entrance and decided to see just where my fitness was at. Just over 100miles last month - thats it b/c sprained discs in my back means - ouch when riding. Never mind the 50-60 hours of work in office or home. Ok, pitty party - I'll shut up.

I figured there wouldn't be many out so I tried the Elm Creek Time Trial but in reverse (clockwise) in single speed mode 42x15. Thinking there was some cosmic benefit to reverse I guess looking back, counter clockwise would be best b/c you end on a flat (thats if you start where I start - far north entrance where just at the base of the hill to the left of super prime). I headed out past Hayden Lake, then the towers, pet park, the shire, the switchback,past the troll bridge and then all the way going north on the west side of the park are big up and downs - big enough that when I am tired they suck.

I know I am not going to break any land speed records considering my fitness....Lord knows I am not going to beat my time last year of 38:10 single speed but one thing is for sure - I did beat Curvey Martin. For the non-trailhead cyclsits here - Curvey Martin is a mythical rider that always rides at 20mph - no matter what. Curvey is fast up hills and is slow on downhills. It is just a benchmark to measure where you are at.


Well, I rode the TT at 20.4 average and didnt look at the time. I kept the spedo on avg and then just rode home. I did snap a pic. I think if the math is right - 20.4 avg on 13 miles is like 38:13 but I think the loop is just over 13 miles so I am sure it is much higher. mid 38? I have a long way to go but you cant beat riding on a morning like this!

Carbon equals SPEED

Going high - tech. Well, changed out the seat, again. I got a matching seat to my mtb - which is really comfortable. WTB shadow...cheap and easy to ride. Noticed my old seat post - circa 1989 - was tall in the assembly holding the seat down....meaning the bolt would jam up under the seat - into the seat. So I got a new seat post - and it is fast...lol. How the heck is a seat post fast - its carbon...thats why.

Oh, dont think for a sec that I think it is an addition of extreme merit - it looks cool. One gripe I have is the FSA wheels...for this reason only...I have had no less that 4 spokes come loose on the rear wheel. They need a odd-ball wrench to tighten them and you have to take the tire/tape off to do this. no more fsa wheels.

did 20 in the park and around...back is getting better but still stiff. I hope the guys / gals doing the 200 are okay...

ac

back is back

at least I rode for 2 hours plus today in and around the park - no major pain. I tried out a new WTB seat - I had no idea what was best but I know what I had was horse hockey. I realized that I have this ice age seat post that is tall and the bolt thing actually pushes up against the bottom of the seat when I sit. hmmmmmm new seat post? ALSO I was trying to put the front derail on and at the shop the "Tech" was working a stuck bolt out and broke off the braz-on for the front derail....single front it is by way of old weld.

its okay - I rode today with minimal pain and rode well. I basically did 2 laps along with a TT on the OXBOW TWO STEP.... wasnt all that bad at 5:19....I can live with that considering I have not ridden much at all.


ac

Your Fav Seat???

Anyone have a favorite seat they like on their bike? I know that it is a personal pref thing but I might as well start looking at ones that people like vs. looking at something I have no idea about. I guess i am not interested in paying $200 plus for a seat - like Jorge does...LOL. Are there good seats for $60?

andy

GRISWALD

That is right - the trip of the year is planned to the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota June 25-29. Bottom line - cant wait. What I can wait for is the ride out there - 9 hours of mini-van adventure, singing songs, playing the various games and the verbal battles that might result from being a prisoner of the van.

I love this trip really - it has been.....well never since we did something like this. Finally - we can have this trip and it will be worth it. Delux accomodations at the KOA in Custer - thats right....KOA. Tenting with the entire family and keeping it cheap and fun. At least the KOA has showers, pool and plenty of rowdy RV'ers with their 3:2 beer and dogs running free from the leash. I love it.

The trip will include - Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Wind Cave, Hot Springs and Devils Tower - with a spin through Needles Hwy. Gas, food, lodging and attractions - my math adds up to under $1000 for 4 days. Not bad at all. I was thinking to sneak my bike out there but seeing it hurts to ride and I have no bike rack - the family will rejoice.

easy ride - the pain is interesting

Took off for a ride in the park. the doctor said I may have a compressed disc in my L4 area and that I need to be a bit careful - no kidding as if the pain wasnt enough of a reminder. This is more than a blow to the fitness aspect but rather - pain when riding a bike is more of a mental thing. So, I am on a regiment to build the core and stuff - all the funny excercises with a big ball and light weights. I have found that my MTB is more comfortable - most likely the seat - so I will continue to ride that more. I can do about 20 without much worry - more than that and the pain shoots down my left leg like a freight train. No damage to the back so that is good - just need more build of of muscle.

I have been sick for a week too and that is not a good thing for endurance. I just turned 36 on the 14th and I feel as if my warranty just expired on my body - should have purchased an extended warranty plan...lol.

Once I am feeling better - I will ease into more intense rides - I am falling off the back each time and not able to recover at all - I appreciate Hemi for coming back each time, but the group is strong and I just cant ride at that level right now so I will continue with my mp3 player in the park - just have to be ready for Cheq40 - that is all I care about right now in the riding world.


AC

L4

This past week(s) have been interesting to say the least. I have had some major back issues that have compounded each day...not going away. I have had lower back pain since early years - tried everything but at least it never hurt when I biked. Until now. I am finally going to a doctor and specialist to resolve this or find out if I have to live with this for the rest of my life - its enough to stop me from playing tag with the kids, standing in one place for more than 10 sec, riding my bike...i hate this - I really do. I know it could be worse but that sharp pain is nothing to play around with - it will drop you to your knees. Tuesday will show some progress - I hope.

good stuff

Modify

Sunday - stayed tuned to Team Strong Heart - always fun to watch...should give me ample things to search throughout the week. No long rides - too much work and family events but I normally get some 20+ or so milers in here and there.

Modified the workout - I have 20 mile route through and out of the park (about half off road) that I take with the Mt Bike - SS. I have been lowering the psi a bit each ride to see where I can ride without blowing a tire - down to 30 psi and I have been lucky thus far. A few things, aside from entering the park just past super prime, I ride to the south end on the asphault and I treat it like a TT - going all out and with no psi it is not easy...like hammering with 7 inches of travel on a suspension bike - sluggish but wow, the pain. A guy I raced with in college once said that if you take a Mt Bike and ride 20 you can figure it is like riding 30+ on a road bike. i am not sure about the math there but I understand that more weight, more rolling resistance and less aero adds up - throw in off road riding too and it makes more sense. I guess there is a reason why Neil likes to ride the mt bike on road rides -

i am sore today in places I have not been sore in a long time and they say that is a good thing but it hurts to sit on my rear.

ac

UPGRADE

Remember when Justin headed out with the Tues night group for a 50 mile ride on his Kabuki Samarai bike? He just boosted his status... I give you the Samarai Night Train. I know I dont have 1500 cc's of power in my legs - maybe Hemi does...


Onto what went down today... cycling adventure. Tina goes to work and one heck of a day - I ask the kids - "wanna go for a ride?" YES!!!!!! of course that is the answer. the van is with Tina and my VW doesnt carry four bikes and four people at one time so I said - we are going to have to bike TO the park...and we can then bike to Culvers....They are game and well, I wasnt expecting them to make it but..... wellllllll.... I lost 3 bucks - here is how.


we head from the home up super prime - then beyond through the chin-high grass to the trail...I told the kids if they made it up super prime without standing on the pedals they would get a dollar....they did it! I was impressed b/c i stood on the pedals and these kids had 20" bikes single speed except for Dave who had a 35 pound bike - so I was still impressed.


We head down the east side of the trail with a few stops here and there and made our way right to Culvers. The kids bonked in a big way - LOL we load up on burgers and ice cream and lots of water...sat around for about 30 mins - ready to head back. We doubled back and headed back to the Hayden Lake trail bridge for a round of Pooh Sticks (throw your choice of sticks in the water on one side of the bridge and the first stick to show on the other side wins). By the time we got to the far north parking lot - Peter and Maria couldnt go any further at all. A quick call to Tina and she picks them up and Dave and I head up the back side of super prime on Fernbrook...this is a longer climb than super prime and its all at once. Dave did it and felt like throwing up but he didnt complain. We coasted home and collapsed in front of Star Wars episode II. I head out for 20 in the park on the rat bike after that and had a blast.

So, 15 with the kids and 20 miles by myself with the nasty bugs and the new TSH jersey - old one but new to me. GOOD DAY.

Sandman

I had a cool dream last night - despite all the stress I have in my life - about picking up a new SS MTB - complete with Stans wheels etc....and rolled out of the shop right to the start line of Cheq 40...it was light blue (no kidding...I guess I really want to win that raffle bike ) complete with airbrushed skulls on it....it was one pimped out rig. LOL. Oh well, it was a dream and I actually completed the Cheq route to "OO" when I woke up - dang it. I hate alarm clocks.

Illegal Mud

I bribed my kids with candy to avoid the impending doom of "another bike ride Dad?" Sad, yes but worth it. I know, I know a bad habit to get into. Added another 20 to the slowly growing list of miles this year but they werent easy miles - I will tell you that. The rat is a good trainer - its heavy even without the gears. The psi is low so its sluggish on the pavement and half the places I went, I had to dismount b/c it was a mess out there. My favorite 20 miler is straight on past super prime - head down the west trail and take the first right - up a steep climb that is usually washed out...at the top go left and follow that for a long time - there is another left at the top of a steady climb and that will drop you to that wood bridge - stay in the mud and hit the series of mud pits and then pop out just before the road on a killer climb. so far I have made that last climb with out a dismount - thanks to there being grass. Cross the road - go left and watch the mud shoot upward at high speeds - pop over the little bridge and go straight on the dirt road all the way to that cement bridge - go left and follow that up the climb to the right and then take the asphault to the right and just before the "only hairpin in hennepin cty" - go right on the grass and drop back on the trail - head out on 109th to the bike shop and from there - back home on the streets. I usually throw in 2 mtb time trials in the middle of that and it should be just above or about 20 back home.

Note - you can get busted out there b/c most of those trails are horse/hiking only and I am illegally in possession of forbidden mud on my bike and shoes. If test - I am sure it would reveal horse DNA. My full bodied suspension fork beat the tar out of me today - gotta get ready for Cheq sometime.

Dont drink directly from the hose...

After a rather fruitful musical adventure last night - I was just about ready to hit the bandwagon...seeing that of the 5 readers that jump on this site only one was not there...I will elaborate for you big Mexican diner.

Birthday parties are usually held to support, celebrate and otherwise give to the birthday girl (in this case)...not get loaded on someone else’s dime and hoard the mic for karaoke with your cycling home boys. Yes, we showed up to a great party - big time, band, open "lemonade" stand and great weather. when with certain people, things tend to escalate quickly and that is exactly what happened when Neil and I were having fun with gin and tonics and microphones...it got to the point where we weren’t even requesting songs but rather putting in a disc and letting it play ALL the songs on the machine and trying to sing them. I think we tried to sing one of them, the rest were trashed. THEN there was this guy that came up, after the first one, and seriously asked if we were trying to sound bad to make fun of people that really do sing them well.... I see karaoke in two ways - there are those that really do well, they have fun and know what they are doing and it is GREAT to hear people do well.....then there is Neil and I drunk and we just wanted to have a blast....I like it best when people step outside the box a bit to trying something they normally would not -

Anyhoo - good times and I felt like CRAP the day after. So Sunday rolls out and it was time to hit the trails - I need more miles and what a great way to do it on the mt bike ss. I head to the park, head clockwise and end up on the MTB TT and did that 3 times, then took the ski trails for about 5 miles more up and down - killer and painful. End up on the south side again and head home via city streets - ran out of water about mid ride and I was super dehydrated from last night. The bike shop was closed so I rode around until I found a spigit on a business - filled up a bunch and headed home. it was a good 20 miles today on that beast and it was good to ride in the heat once again.

Two Headed Snake

Last Night
Headed out for a ride in the mud and got a bit more than I bargined for. Head up super prime and rolled straight into the park from there. S0lo and not all that muddy. At the south end of the park - things got interesting. Cutting through Elm Creek Blvd - the storm unleashed and I was going faster than the Cheq 40 roll out... Got home SOAKED but it was a blast...some interesting pics.


This Afternoon
Took the kids out - except for David who sprained his ankel a day ago. We headed from the north side parking lot - south to Lifetime and back. Caught in hail, rain etc on the way back. Got really ugly but 6 miles with the kids on the bike - GREAT!!!!!! Maria did it on Petes old bike - she was....still is sore.

Spotlight

10 of 10
Had a great night with the boy scouts tonight - watched Dave, among others, recognized for some great work and you can say it was a proud parent evening. So after a pot luck meal - and 2 chucks of wild berry pie and homemade goodies and dishes...why not top off the high calories with a ride in the park with the B-train himself...

Work has me about as maxed out as possible...add in the family and cycling soon takes a back seat. I have to be okay with this b/c work is important and family is more important than all things. So a night ride is a good fit. a mile to the park and 3 miles clockwise and ran into Bernie riding the opposite way - turn around and complete a lap in the dark 15 miles then back home 4 more...23 miles without major sacrifice to the family and good talk time with good friends. i thought i had a good light for riding in the park - oh no - Bernie has the 20 gigawatt mini sun attached to his bike - dang - i didn't even need a light. He was burning bugs on the trail with that thing at 10pm.

Over and over again I am impressed with the Elm Creek trails - you cant carry enough speed into the climbs b/c they turn so sharp prior to the climbs...lots of intervals even at a moderate pace. I could get used to night riding - I just might have to enjoy it b/c it is the only time I can really get out.

ac

Chubby Checkers

Well, we got lucky and I hope you can say the same....the winds decided to do a bit of twisting about the north metro yesterday - Sunday - mid afternoon. The wall cloud passed right over our house and then the twister touched down in Coon Rapids the Blaine and ripped into Hugo where a 2 year old died from the tornado demolishing their house. Sad. We had some interesting hail at home, pea sized and then it cleared up and it was 80 and sunny again. Weird. The rain was immense so I figured to hop on the mt bike and cruise through the park and surrounding neighborhoods. No damage to report except that the mt bike/horse trails looked like someone fired off a shot gun in the leaves from the hail....weird.

It was muddy and I actually got lost - which resulted in about 1 hour of extra riding without direction in the woods. I was on a trail that someone else bike before but I had no idea where it was going. Jet Dave has this secret single track deal out there - endless trails and the location is safe Dave....but wow, I should have consulted with you prior to going in. I also shouldn’t have singled it in the gear I had. Between the mud and steep climbs, I was on foot more than I thought I would be. Interesting course....courses. I have never really ridden the single track stuff before - the log jumps and crazy turns and the trees that pop out in front of you. fun but not fun when you are not comfortable with the whole thing. Gear down, practice more.

It was muddy, wet, slimy, gritty and the overall consensus was happy time turbo. with 2.5 hours off road - I was a bit sore but the smiles were big. it felt good to burn the legs and pound the hills with heat - I love the heat....I hate the cold. I came out, after being lost, at the south end of the park - I have NO IDEA how that happened. It was like a time warp, teleport thing. I rounded the ride off on the road back up Jefferson hwy and back on Dayton river road. I have not checked miles - I don’t have a fancy gps thing so I will guess at 25 miles based on my rough configuration on Google maps.

Monday - Memorial Day services with boy scouts play time in the park with the kids and grilled out with the family at home. The internet was down from the storm and that made work impossible - thank God.

solo at 9 am

missed the 7 am ride - b/c the bed was really nice and I never get to be with the kids....9 am and i am the only one. nice spin in the park then spent the rest of the day with the boys.

And remember...Friday is Hawaiian shirt day

Day of Days...both good and bad

I found my limit
today and that limit was in the form of pulled muscle and not ready to roll out as much as I did. Commuted into work today - perfect. Easy roll in the morning and even had a break at the Coon Rapids Dam with some pics - the gates were wide open. Left work a bit early, productive day at work, and rode to the shop for the A ride - I was worried b/c I have not put in good miles at a consistent pace - I was right...not ready.

We headed out to Hanover and up to St.Michael - over to 144 and back. By the time I got to 101 & 144 - my left calf muscle was wound tighter than I have ever experienced before. I one legged it up to the construction on 144 while the group headed up Lawnsdale and over. I thought the short cut would work - they wouldn't let me through the construction b/c they were moving lots of dirt- they even had a squad there and i was out of luck. Had to double back a mile to Zanzabar and south to Diamond Lake road then over - I got my 40 for the ride and my 30 for the commute - 70 miles for the day...thats okay and if I wiped myself out on the last 3 miles...I am happy with that.

Looking back - I had no water today at work - no food (except for ez-mac one hour prior to the ride) so how can my body work right? Lesson learned - more miles needed - better nutrition a must. The ride was fast though - most of the ride was well over 22 according to my count - and that is cool. Thanks Dave and Dave for coming back for me and sorry I held the group up - I trust you had an enjoyable ride back on Dayton River Road....so who got the prime?

KITT

Another Great Day
Work sure has my head spinning lately...not as bad as "some" though. However - aside from the normal do this and do that, I can honestly say that the main focus I have been excited about is starting to come together. I think that most know what I do for work, or at least have an "idea" of what I do but we are moving into some things that are really at a turning point - rather historical and pivotal for the people in Iraq. All I can say is that its a very cool thing to know you are working directly on the project that is being spoken about directly in the evening news. So, good day.... I have not ridden enough. my body slows and wants to stay slow so I literally had to FORCE myself into the mind of biking and headed out at 845pm and got home at 1030 pm and averaged 19.4mph. Night Rider - buzzing through the park and the city of Champlain. very cool. I was playing with some options on the camera phone - the night pic didnt turn out but it looks kinda cool.

Accidental shot - turned out okay

i guess it kinda worked

pretty sure

that I wont ever be able to ride again...a week now and it seems like a year.

hills, hills and more hills

didnt realize i had the headset on...funny

shot while heading to Elk River - thumb included

Stuck waiting for two long trains...

I didnt get done with work until 530 pm and had to get camping stuff ready for the weekend....with that done so quickly - why not ride. I headed out to Elk River for the hill repeat north of town and did four reps and headed home - I think it was like 30 miles or something just over. my legs feel like lead and my body is just not used to riding a lot yet...will get there sooner or later....just need to be set for the big Sept ride in the woods in Cable.

music vids i have enjoyed this evening...jazzy

Brian Setzer Orchestra

Harry Connick Jr.

Midnight Riders

Okay, maybe not midnight but close enough for jazz. Mothers day, maybe not the best day to ditch for a ride unless you are a gluten for the "look" from wife....who is mother of 3 little ones at home. With that, I opted for riding after church tonight and what a night - mid 50's, clear night and flawless. Outer loop in EC park - popped out at 109th to Jefferson Pkwy and north to Dayton River Road and back home. 17 miles and I ran into a rider on the road and he is new to the area from the Tonka area - looking for a riding group...He was out for an extended night ride. We chatted and had a blast, laughed about having to work off the pale ale from over the winter and both agreed that riding with friends is one of the best treats one could ever enjoy - should be a good fit. So, his name is Mark - if he shows up for a ride on a red mt bike fitted for commuting - your type of guy Neil - welcome him - he is very nice.

fun ride...good miles

what a day - filled to the brim with freshness and goodness.


up at 6am, got the the shop late for the 7 am ride so I back-tracked to meet them somewhere halfway or thereabouts reverse on the 144 route. Made it 3rd on super prime after John and Barry...Barry is now named Godzilla. Back to the shop via the park and headed out for the ride at nine. Neil, Barry and I turn around about half way to downtown as we had to get back in time for parent/spouse duties - Neil flats and we still get back in time.

Home in time to shower, see Tina off, take the boys to Culvers, drop off my wheel at the shop - bad spoke again, get some gifts for mothers day - then ice cream and star wars on a rainy day.

Whew, full day and the 56 miles felt great today - easy as pie except for super prime where I just about threw up.

ac

Happy Mothers Day -

gears

with the advent of spinning out to the max...and still not having enough to spare, I am re-installing a big chainring on the cannondale. I figure with having the single speed soon - that i can feel my roots on that and can ride fast with the other. this past weekend was a wake up call to training - it just so happened to be the toughest training ride i had ever had. every sq inch of my legs were sore - spent and otherwise rendered useless the day after.

so last night with my allen wrench and chainrings, i added some gears... 6 gears on a race isnt going to cut it - at all...

impressive -

Marty Bonk Race

Me and my six speed. it was NOT the bike of choice today...it was actually a rough day anyway - 20+ mph winds from the NW demolished every group out there. You could easily see who was naughty and who was diligent this winter.

first of all - i am not going to blame anyone but me...i wasn't ready to ride like they did today. my miles have been stretched out and not consistent. the last two weeks I barely rode the bike at all - enter the Marty Race.... it was only 36 miles but it literally felt like 100. Cheq on my SS was easier. Wind does nothing but upset me. When we turned WITH the wind - BOOM! off like a rocket the group leads out...FAST. 42x 11,12,14,16,18,19 was not the bike today. I saw riders slide into 53x11 and spin out...I cant deal with that at all on my bike.

I climbed well - I helped re-group 4 riders that were shelled off the back and we traded off for lap two....this guy Wade, from Bemidji, and I dropped those two and we two-upped the rest of the ride...it sounds more impressive than it was. we came in near the back - but I understand that quite a few turned back from the group I think...I came to play today but I forgot my fitness at home...Hey, I didn't loose my key...and b/c I finished i won the opportunity to eat my Cheddar burger with pride.

I will say that I felt good when I was done - just not ready for the speed that they rode at today. I have NEVER experienced that kind of riding before - that wind...that wind is evil.

SO the benchmark is set - I am ready to excel from here....I wasn't last, I wasn't first - Bernie did well - top 10 on the race!

Keymaster - Part II

Round two of utter folly. Going to st.cloud to match my wits against better cyclists. Should be fun - I think Bernie is going so at least I will know someone there. I will also be putting the 1x6 to the test...i should get some looks for sure.

my back has been shot for the last two weeks so not much riding - not consistent.

For those that dont know why its called keymaster - the last road race I did, i was stupid enough to put my keys in my back pouch...when i pulled out a powerbar on the last lap - out came the keys...and then the race was over for me...finished alone.

ac

no biking tonight...yard work

I had two years of brush that was piling up. tonight was the night - started at 6pm.

Pete and Maria had fun while Dave was at Boy Scouts...they did a LOT of work and enjoyed burning things like matchbox cars.

Nine PM and still burning ...

This was actually at 10:45 just before I came in to do this - not 930. Still hot and will be in the morning. The yard is clean and I didnt get a chance to bike.

busy day.

Full day - Boy Scouts event in the a.m. - scouting for food...if you participated in giving food - thanks. 3 hours of driving around and picking up bags of goods. Thanks to my youngest Pete for being the runner. Then p/u daughter from a sleep-over - get home to do some house improvements - lights outisde, painting trim, nap and then 1.5 hours of riding in the slop in the park. Mostly off-road this time and it was a MESS...and all that water soaked me to the bone and the chill was insane. I never thought that 1.5 hours would have been so hard. Well, it wasnt 65 miles like Neil and Larry - you guys are monsters. I will make a shrine of power in honor of you guys.

ac

yet....another wonderful upgrade

I now can honestly say that I am and will be riding with RAAM now. Let me explain. I have this cannondale bike that I bought from Bikes LTD in LaCrosse in 1990 - its been faithful and true and I like it so much I kept "it" and sold the nice Virata so I can purchase a SS road and SS mt...I call that leverage.

So, yesterday I was riding home and noticed this metal crunch squeak slush sound on my pedal stroke. After a while I could feel it in the pedal - and if a sound turns into a feel - its time to operate. Stop by the shop - yep, need a bottom bracket and the crank was bent too. Original crank - not original bb. Aside from the seat post, stem, fork, frame - everything else has been replaced now. I asked around if someone had a used crank - and low and behold - B-train says - here's my old ultegra crank WITH bottom bracket.

I nice visit with his family and I got the story that this very crank set pedaled across America last year with RAAM. Now I have the power of Greyskull at my disposal - watch out...If Bernie owned it - you know its good. So with some help at the shop and some shinny new bolts we are in bidnis.

Thanks Bernie - it works great and I noticed that even standing still - this thing rests at 5 mph - its that fast.


ac