It's always surprising how fast time goes. Look up, and it's nearly a month since I last wrote. Some things just have to take a back seat.
Ken was in a serious accident a while back. It always makes you think when that type of thing happens. Working in a bike shop, we hear and see the results of bike/car meetings a lot. I have yet to see the bicycle win. In hearing about Ken's experiences, it again reminds me that my household inventory is woefully outdated and even more inaccurate (doing inventory at the shop doesn't help). I am trying to get up the nerve to inventory my own basement which is a fairly daunting challenge.
My in-laws came into town last weekend. It has been tradition for a long time that the women-folk go shopping over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is the second time they have travelled to the Twin Cities to shop. We reserved rooms for them in downtown Mnpls and Friday went well. They did start late, and we did end up at MOA for a while, but then went to the Holidazzle Parade and had a nice dinner after.
Saturday was a little more difficult. We woke as normal, I fed the cats and made coffee. Not 10 minutes later my 16 year old cat, Chester, started to vomit. After about an hour of that, we decided we better get him in to the vet. They didn't open for another hour so we made some other phone calls to emergency vet hospitals. Just like human emergency rooms, just because you're there, doesn't mean somebody will be able to see you right away. So we made sure we were in the parking lot before our vet opened the door.
Chester has had failing kidneys for at least a year. We have him on a special diet with instructions to get him as much water as possible. Now, his liver seems to be failing. We're not sure if it's cancer or what, but it can't be good. After 4 hours, we took him home with a bunch of pills and an IV. There are limits that I want to do to care for pets. I grew up with farm cats and dogs, and they died on a regular basis. I still am not sure about the IV being in my kitchen pantry. It just seems wrong lying there next to my coffee beans. Amazingly enough, he has perked up and seems almost completely normal. I guess we play doctor for a while. I hope time flies.
Sunday we did the morning church stuff and then headed down south to some friends of ours for Sunday Thanksgiving dinner. I watched some football, had some really good food and it was a nice relaxing way to wind down the weekend.
Now it's back to work, where a great many more people decided to go today. We had a lot more customers come in for bike work than we have for a while. It certainly made the day fly by.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Ready for More
I'm not much for Halloween. This year I spent the evening in my basement, with all the lights off in the rest of the house, working on bike stuff. I was also watching a hockey game. I was also trying to figure out if I am going to try Trans Iowa again.
I thought I came to the realization that I am not cut out for this type of event. I enjoy riding long distance, but at 2AM, my body doesn't want to be on a bike. It only lasts for a couple hours, but its a pretty miserable couple of hours. That's what I thought.
Of course, with the looming registration for TI, I am rethinking my conclusion. My argument before about me riding for enjoyment and "why am I doing this when there is this time frame that is never fun", just isn't as powerful now. When you really think about it, 2 hours is nothing for being uncomfortable. That whole, "pain is temporary" thing.
So, I have to find my postcard this week. I am going to start my "training" process this week (or sometime before the end of the year). I am also going to finish up the bike configuration for the ride. That's right, finish the bike set up. Even though I was thinking I wasn't going to do this ride again, I still was gathering parts and readying the bike. Deep down, I knew I was ready for more.
I thought I came to the realization that I am not cut out for this type of event. I enjoy riding long distance, but at 2AM, my body doesn't want to be on a bike. It only lasts for a couple hours, but its a pretty miserable couple of hours. That's what I thought.
Of course, with the looming registration for TI, I am rethinking my conclusion. My argument before about me riding for enjoyment and "why am I doing this when there is this time frame that is never fun", just isn't as powerful now. When you really think about it, 2 hours is nothing for being uncomfortable. That whole, "pain is temporary" thing.
So, I have to find my postcard this week. I am going to start my "training" process this week (or sometime before the end of the year). I am also going to finish up the bike configuration for the ride. That's right, finish the bike set up. Even though I was thinking I wasn't going to do this ride again, I still was gathering parts and readying the bike. Deep down, I knew I was ready for more.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Back to the real world
We returned from vacation on Sunday and it actually felt good to go back to work. I hear that makes me different from a lot of people. I am fortunate indeed to have found work that pays the bills and satisfies me on a day-to-day basis. It also affords me enough time to do a few other things I enjoy. Basically, I am insanely lucky.
North Carolina was awesome! On our way from the gusty east, we stopped in Raleigh to view the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Science Museum. Amazing that articles can survive for so long. Looking at writings and pottery over 2000 years old, is something I can barely wrap my head around. We stayed in Winston Salem that night, noting how inexpensive cigarettes are in that part of the country.
I have to add at this point, that the south-east has a very different definition of what a cafe is than we do up here. First of all, they are almost impossible to locate. It also appears (near as I could tell) that a cafe is an eatery that neither serves breakfast, or indeed is even open before noon. Then closes again around 3, only to reopen around 6. Breakfast seems to not be important to people in NC. We ended up eating pastries we purchased on Sunday from a coffee shop (which was fantastic!), every morning until Wednesday.
We camped a few days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First night was car camping after the drive there, but we then did a few days hiking and camping in the park itself. For some reason, my "bearanoia" was in high gear. Them park rangers do a good job at making sure you know that bears are rampant in the park. Never did see one. We hiked a sliver of the Appalachian Trail, did a small loop of some side trails, and headed out Friday afternoon. Back country camping is a close second to a bike ride, in my "fun things to do" list.
From there, we drove to St. Louis for the night (I am still a little mad I didn't take a picture of the arch) where we had to do a little impromptu navigating as there was an accident that closed down the interstate. 11 at night, after a 7 mile hike and a few hundred miles of driving, trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city with an outdated, poor map is one of the best tests in married life. (I have to brag that we passed with flying colors)
The next morning (I still am surprised how chipper my wife was for waking up so early each day), we drove to my in laws to help them with a small house project. Carrie's siblings came down and we had a nice family dinner. Then Sunday was the drive home with a lunch stop in Des Moines to show off some pictures of the vacation to the grandparents. A great thing to do, making us realise we had to whittle them down some more. Too many vistas.
North Carolina was awesome! On our way from the gusty east, we stopped in Raleigh to view the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Science Museum. Amazing that articles can survive for so long. Looking at writings and pottery over 2000 years old, is something I can barely wrap my head around. We stayed in Winston Salem that night, noting how inexpensive cigarettes are in that part of the country.
I have to add at this point, that the south-east has a very different definition of what a cafe is than we do up here. First of all, they are almost impossible to locate. It also appears (near as I could tell) that a cafe is an eatery that neither serves breakfast, or indeed is even open before noon. Then closes again around 3, only to reopen around 6. Breakfast seems to not be important to people in NC. We ended up eating pastries we purchased on Sunday from a coffee shop (which was fantastic!), every morning until Wednesday.
We camped a few days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First night was car camping after the drive there, but we then did a few days hiking and camping in the park itself. For some reason, my "bearanoia" was in high gear. Them park rangers do a good job at making sure you know that bears are rampant in the park. Never did see one. We hiked a sliver of the Appalachian Trail, did a small loop of some side trails, and headed out Friday afternoon. Back country camping is a close second to a bike ride, in my "fun things to do" list.
From there, we drove to St. Louis for the night (I am still a little mad I didn't take a picture of the arch) where we had to do a little impromptu navigating as there was an accident that closed down the interstate. 11 at night, after a 7 mile hike and a few hundred miles of driving, trying to find your way through an unfamiliar city with an outdated, poor map is one of the best tests in married life. (I have to brag that we passed with flying colors)
The next morning (I still am surprised how chipper my wife was for waking up so early each day), we drove to my in laws to help them with a small house project. Carrie's siblings came down and we had a nice family dinner. Then Sunday was the drive home with a lunch stop in Des Moines to show off some pictures of the vacation to the grandparents. A great thing to do, making us realise we had to whittle them down some more. Too many vistas.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Genius
I am doing something I never thought I would, I happen to be writing from a hotel in Winston Salem, NC. I decided to bring the laptop with me while we are out wandering so I made sure I didn't fill my memory card full on the camera and then be unable to take any more pictures. I know that's not really likely, I have roughly 800 or 1000 shots, but I get nervous about this kind of stuff.
Every time we take a trip I remember why people retire. I could definitely get used to it. We decided to visit North Carolina as it is a state I have not seen much of and Carrie probably even less. We are doing a whirlwind tour of the state from sea to mountainous national park. It has already been a great time for catching up with my wife, and repairing the inevitable emotional crap that happens just going through everyday life.
One thing I must share is the stop we made at the Wright Brothers National Monument (as noted by the above picture). Orville and Wilbur (as I like to call them) I would say are the most famous of all bicycle mechanics. They not only made bicycle parts intricate into the first airplane, but it was indeed their working on bicycles that made it possible, by furthering their knowledge and understanding of mechanics on the whole. It just reinforces my saying that, "a bicycle mechanic can fix ANYTHING mechanical." * Orville and Wilbur Wright, super genius.
* side note : There are many people who claim to hold titles. And there are many unworthy of the titles they hold. I have a very strict definition of bicycle mechanic. Fortunately, I just barely qualify.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Petty thought
I find myself not checking my thoughts before they leave my mouth a little too much lately. Working with the public, I experience a lot of different backgrounds, personalities, and conduct. The level of general stupidity en laced into the human culture is astounding. I know I am not above it. And as a matter of fact, hover quite low on the intelligent line. But when it comes to common sense and rational behavior, I can hold my own. So on that thought, some general behaviors exhibited by the majority of people I encounter are what have prompted me to concentrate on watching my tongue to remain polite.
Repeating what I say as a question. If I answer a question, that is the answer. I wonder if people really think it's going to change, just because they ask.
Not asking the correct question. Customer rolls bike in with flat tyre. I take bike into the back. Roll out bike with obvious non-flat tyre. Customer asks, "did you fix it?" when what they really want to know is, what caused the flat.
Telling me their bike or story is older than I am. Is this supposed to make me feel better? I am pretty sure that one of these days I am going to answer their question with some form of, "well on my bike, which isn't close to as old as you are, this never happens". I might want to wait until I can afford to be fired to use that one.
Rambling about nothing related to the situation. I am amazed what people think is important to a situation. There is no way that any one's grandmother's hip replacement she had done in San Donfradino in 1967 by a doctor who turned out to be a second cousin who has an oil stain on his left pant leg which he bought at a second hand store up the street, has any business in a conversation about bicycles. (Obviously I was not trying to outfit a bicycle for the grandmother)
Not letting me talk. I try not to say any more than I have to. I actually say less than I should. When someone is trying to solve a problem and they go to someone else for help, I am thinking they actually want help. It's obvious to me, some people just want to think out loud near other people. That's what malls are for.
Like. I hate this word so much, I try me best to never use it.
This post doesn't really have anything to do with bicycles.
Repeating what I say as a question. If I answer a question, that is the answer. I wonder if people really think it's going to change, just because they ask.
Not asking the correct question. Customer rolls bike in with flat tyre. I take bike into the back. Roll out bike with obvious non-flat tyre. Customer asks, "did you fix it?" when what they really want to know is, what caused the flat.
Telling me their bike or story is older than I am. Is this supposed to make me feel better? I am pretty sure that one of these days I am going to answer their question with some form of, "well on my bike, which isn't close to as old as you are, this never happens". I might want to wait until I can afford to be fired to use that one.
Rambling about nothing related to the situation. I am amazed what people think is important to a situation. There is no way that any one's grandmother's hip replacement she had done in San Donfradino in 1967 by a doctor who turned out to be a second cousin who has an oil stain on his left pant leg which he bought at a second hand store up the street, has any business in a conversation about bicycles. (Obviously I was not trying to outfit a bicycle for the grandmother)
Not letting me talk. I try not to say any more than I have to. I actually say less than I should. When someone is trying to solve a problem and they go to someone else for help, I am thinking they actually want help. It's obvious to me, some people just want to think out loud near other people. That's what malls are for.
Like. I hate this word so much, I try me best to never use it.
This post doesn't really have anything to do with bicycles.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Enter Fall
As fall begins to creep its way into this part of the world, it reinvigorates me in a myriad of ways. I know that spring is the time for much rebirth and renewal, but fall fits me. The cooler weather, being more predictable, means putting on an extra layer or so and keeping it on. Even as the sun peeks out, there usually isn't enough force to make you loose a layer. Maybe just unzip a little. It's very comforting, physically. And I think that frees my mind up some, as I always start thinking a little more about where my life is going, and what I want and should be doing.
So I started carrying my camera a little more. I was coming home the other night and saw one of the most spectacular sunsets ever. It was one of those "skies on fire" types of scenes, with the sun looking like it was about to engulf the Minneapolis skyline. Amazing. I hadn't yet reached this point of introspection, so of course, no camera.
I also am making the list of things I need to do to feel some accomplishment. My wife is a big fan of lists and like all great people, she rubs off on me a little. I now find lists of stuff all over the place. Every once in a while, there are even things on those lists that I have done.
A bad thing about fall is that we slow waaaaay down at the bike shop. We had a Sunday slow ride yesterday to kind of celebrate the last work day for one of our best part timers. We just rode around the cities a little bit, wandering our way to some pizza and beer. Sitting in the restaurant, we were getting a little chilly from the sweat of the ride. Fortunately, I just zipped up the wool long sleeve and was reminded again, yep, it's fall.
So now I am making a concentrated effort to do some things that challenge me. Making sure that as the winter season approaches, I embrace this time of renewal for me. It's the perfect time to finish some long overdue projects, and wrap my brain around some tough mental challenges I have ongoing. This really is, for me, the greatest time of year.
So I started carrying my camera a little more. I was coming home the other night and saw one of the most spectacular sunsets ever. It was one of those "skies on fire" types of scenes, with the sun looking like it was about to engulf the Minneapolis skyline. Amazing. I hadn't yet reached this point of introspection, so of course, no camera.
I also am making the list of things I need to do to feel some accomplishment. My wife is a big fan of lists and like all great people, she rubs off on me a little. I now find lists of stuff all over the place. Every once in a while, there are even things on those lists that I have done.
A bad thing about fall is that we slow waaaaay down at the bike shop. We had a Sunday slow ride yesterday to kind of celebrate the last work day for one of our best part timers. We just rode around the cities a little bit, wandering our way to some pizza and beer. Sitting in the restaurant, we were getting a little chilly from the sweat of the ride. Fortunately, I just zipped up the wool long sleeve and was reminded again, yep, it's fall.
So now I am making a concentrated effort to do some things that challenge me. Making sure that as the winter season approaches, I embrace this time of renewal for me. It's the perfect time to finish some long overdue projects, and wrap my brain around some tough mental challenges I have ongoing. This really is, for me, the greatest time of year.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Fun and Shinanigans
My friend Ken and I rode the Urban Assault Ride this weekend. Twas a fantastic event. We rode to the packet pick-up on Saturday with the intention of doing some planning for Sundays ride. Now anyone who knows us will realize when we say planning, it really means making sure we decide what time we are to meet. This was true for Saturday but ended up with a little more planning than normal after the first couple beers. And it kept going from there.
I had spent a couple days making sure the Cross Check was ready to ride. I figured it would be perfect for the unpredictable route we would take. But after Saturdays ride, we ended up riding Ken's Schwinn Twin from the 60's. Definitely the best decision of the weekend. We figured we had better have some nourishment for the ride as it started at 9AM. So we picked up the fixins for bloody marys to have during the ride. Definitely the best decision of the weekend. Neither of us were much of the bloody mary fan, but now I think we are hooked. Ken brought a couple swank Hawaiian shirts for our uniforms. Stylin. With the cooler stocked with extra mix and vegetables, our glasses half-full (to cut down on spillage), we were off.
The ride was perfect. It is the best time of year to ride around these parts. Riding around the cities, we would be seeing other riders and everyone was super friendly. Bells ringing like crazy. Made me wonder why people aren't that nice all the time. I think our proudest moment was the limbo contest. I wasn't thinking we would have to do any contests on our own bicycles. Fortunately, Ken is a fantastic rider and I am small. Good combo for the limbo.
I haven't mapped it out yet, but we put on nearly 30 miles. There was a small amount of back-tracking done, but it is really amazing about the winning team. They must have been flying! All I know is that this was the second race I have done in the same year. After a hiatus of over 10 years from any racing, I think I have outdone myself. I might have to do some more training next year. I have a nice gash and bruise from slipping a pedal on the big wheel.
I had spent a couple days making sure the Cross Check was ready to ride. I figured it would be perfect for the unpredictable route we would take. But after Saturdays ride, we ended up riding Ken's Schwinn Twin from the 60's. Definitely the best decision of the weekend. We figured we had better have some nourishment for the ride as it started at 9AM. So we picked up the fixins for bloody marys to have during the ride. Definitely the best decision of the weekend. Neither of us were much of the bloody mary fan, but now I think we are hooked. Ken brought a couple swank Hawaiian shirts for our uniforms. Stylin. With the cooler stocked with extra mix and vegetables, our glasses half-full (to cut down on spillage), we were off.
The ride was perfect. It is the best time of year to ride around these parts. Riding around the cities, we would be seeing other riders and everyone was super friendly. Bells ringing like crazy. Made me wonder why people aren't that nice all the time. I think our proudest moment was the limbo contest. I wasn't thinking we would have to do any contests on our own bicycles. Fortunately, Ken is a fantastic rider and I am small. Good combo for the limbo.
I haven't mapped it out yet, but we put on nearly 30 miles. There was a small amount of back-tracking done, but it is really amazing about the winning team. They must have been flying! All I know is that this was the second race I have done in the same year. After a hiatus of over 10 years from any racing, I think I have outdone myself. I might have to do some more training next year. I have a nice gash and bruise from slipping a pedal on the big wheel.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Walking instead of riding
I did something today I have never done before. I protested.
We went down to the capital today to march to protest the war in Iraq. I didn't get into the speeches and yelling and all that stuff, but to see the number of people, and how passionate people get over it was incredible. Once in a lifetime opportunity stuff.
There were definitely some powerful images that my pictures don't do justice. Most of the time, they were things that I didn't feel comfortable shoving my camera in the face of. Even though most of the time people are out there to get publicity and show what is bothering them, it still doesn't feel right to me. Some part of me thinks that if you don't experience it yourself, in person, it loses a lot of the impact.
So it was completely uneventful from a lawful perspective. I heard a few people were arrested but of the thousands and thousands of people that were there, it was amazingly peaceful. Just how I like it.
Someone was wearing this shirt during the march. I think I have to get one.
We went down to the capital today to march to protest the war in Iraq. I didn't get into the speeches and yelling and all that stuff, but to see the number of people, and how passionate people get over it was incredible. Once in a lifetime opportunity stuff.
There were definitely some powerful images that my pictures don't do justice. Most of the time, they were things that I didn't feel comfortable shoving my camera in the face of. Even though most of the time people are out there to get publicity and show what is bothering them, it still doesn't feel right to me. Some part of me thinks that if you don't experience it yourself, in person, it loses a lot of the impact.
So it was completely uneventful from a lawful perspective. I heard a few people were arrested but of the thousands and thousands of people that were there, it was amazingly peaceful. Just how I like it.
Someone was wearing this shirt during the march. I think I have to get one.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Haulin
Having accumulated a good amount of stuff at the bike shop, I decided I better haul the trailer to work and bring some of it home. Here is a list of what was in the trailer last night:
- Raleigh atb frame/fork
- Bianchi Boardwalk complete bicycle
- Trek 1000 frame
- complete 24" bicycle parts kit
- crankset/bb (used)
- crankset (new)
- 2 tubular road tyres
- 3 tubular cross tyres
- 2 atb tyres
- 3 road tyres
- mavic cosmic ft wheel
- 3 tubular rims
- 16 drawer small parts bin
I'm thinking that towin this type of load would be good trainin. Glad I don't train.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ready to go
It's the time of year at the bike shop that weekends start to be a little more common. I was fortunate to have Friday and Saturday off and with the weather beginning to creep towards fall, it was gearing up to be a nice couple days off.
Friday morning started out with a trip to the auto repair shop. I normally am one to do a lot of my own work, even on the dreaded automobile, but there comes a time when letting other people do work makes sense. I had them check out the "check engine" light and reset it (stupid sensitive Toyotas) and do some brake work. Almost completely in yuppie mode, I headed to the driving range with Dan. I say almost because instead of taking the second car (which I don't have) we biked, pulling the clubs in the trailer.
Friday afternoon was doing a few things around the house. Catching up on stuff that had been left a little long. I was able to have dinner with my cousin, and then I ended up back at home, trying to rid myself of a very uncommon occurrence of a headache. As we were sitting around with the lights low and the volume down on the time wasting box, I heard a bike bell. The bike gang came over and made daiquiri's. A nice evening treat to end the night.
Saturday morning was simply spectacular. We slept in a little, then biked to Nina's coffee shop. I wanted to order a book for our upcoming vacation and decided to buy local. There really aren't that many local bookshops. I had a fun experience trying to find the book to order as I couldn't quite recall the title. I knew the author but it is a little bit rarer than I thought so we eventually had to go directly to the publisher to order it. Small business are great!
Lunch was at Great Waters Brewing Co. Fine crafted beers. Food well above average but can be listed in the "bar food" category. Definitely my kind of place. The only reason why they don't know me by name there is that after enjoying everything a little too much, we have to climb out of St Paul to get home. Not bad during the good weather. Not fun to do during the other 8 months.
Finished up Saturday by working in the yard and doing a little reading while my wife went out with friends. I feel ready to go.
Friday morning started out with a trip to the auto repair shop. I normally am one to do a lot of my own work, even on the dreaded automobile, but there comes a time when letting other people do work makes sense. I had them check out the "check engine" light and reset it (stupid sensitive Toyotas) and do some brake work. Almost completely in yuppie mode, I headed to the driving range with Dan. I say almost because instead of taking the second car (which I don't have) we biked, pulling the clubs in the trailer.
Friday afternoon was doing a few things around the house. Catching up on stuff that had been left a little long. I was able to have dinner with my cousin, and then I ended up back at home, trying to rid myself of a very uncommon occurrence of a headache. As we were sitting around with the lights low and the volume down on the time wasting box, I heard a bike bell. The bike gang came over and made daiquiri's. A nice evening treat to end the night.
Saturday morning was simply spectacular. We slept in a little, then biked to Nina's coffee shop. I wanted to order a book for our upcoming vacation and decided to buy local. There really aren't that many local bookshops. I had a fun experience trying to find the book to order as I couldn't quite recall the title. I knew the author but it is a little bit rarer than I thought so we eventually had to go directly to the publisher to order it. Small business are great!
Lunch was at Great Waters Brewing Co. Fine crafted beers. Food well above average but can be listed in the "bar food" category. Definitely my kind of place. The only reason why they don't know me by name there is that after enjoying everything a little too much, we have to climb out of St Paul to get home. Not bad during the good weather. Not fun to do during the other 8 months.
Finished up Saturday by working in the yard and doing a little reading while my wife went out with friends. I feel ready to go.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Procrastination
I am trying my hand at being the best procrastinator on the planet. For weeks now, the Corolla has needed new brake shoes. I have had them in the basement, ready for me to put them in. I just have no motivation for working on the car. Today is the day. No more excuses.
I am expanding my knowledge of bikes. I am storing a 1972 or 73 (can't quite pin it down) Honda CL350 K4 motorcycle. A friend of mine had someone give it to him and as I have more storage space, it is in my garage. The idea is to fix it up and have a community bike. Now I have wanted a motorcycle since before I can remember, so I am all over this idea. The nice thing is that my wife seems ok with it also. If I didn't know better, I might think she's up to something.
I have been thinking about Trans Iowa fo the last few days. After my last overnight ride, I started to consider that rides including overnights are not for me. I still do not have a definite answer to whether that is true or not. I am hoping to have that sorted out by the time registration ends. So until then, the parts list has begun for the Cross Check to become Iowa gravel worthy.
Maybe I'll put that off until winter.
I am expanding my knowledge of bikes. I am storing a 1972 or 73 (can't quite pin it down) Honda CL350 K4 motorcycle. A friend of mine had someone give it to him and as I have more storage space, it is in my garage. The idea is to fix it up and have a community bike. Now I have wanted a motorcycle since before I can remember, so I am all over this idea. The nice thing is that my wife seems ok with it also. If I didn't know better, I might think she's up to something.
I have been thinking about Trans Iowa fo the last few days. After my last overnight ride, I started to consider that rides including overnights are not for me. I still do not have a definite answer to whether that is true or not. I am hoping to have that sorted out by the time registration ends. So until then, the parts list has begun for the Cross Check to become Iowa gravel worthy.
Maybe I'll put that off until winter.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Ready for August
August is just around the corner and I am looking forward to it. The shop should be slowing down, and it begins the swing towards fall, which is my favorite time of year.
I am off tomorrow to help mark the way for the Tour De Loren. I am amazed at how much work the organizing committee puts into this ride. I figure the least I can do is help with a few markers and make some cookies. It should help me get my century ride in for July (nothing like waiting till the last minute to keep up with goals). A nice thing is that I have Sunday off so I can complete the entire Tour and I will have my century in for August. That means I should plan another ride in August to make up for other months.
We had a great TRAM last week. It renews my faith in people a little bit. The riders are so appreciative of our work, and the MS Society does a fantastic job with the ride. If ever there was an organized ride for me to actually ride on, I would have to say this would be it.
We also held our Champs-Elysees party on Sunday night. There was a pretty good crowd and as coverage didn't start when people came over, we went for a bike ride. The best was on the way back I spotted some furniture on the curb for free. One of the guys was saying he wanted a table and sure enough, there was one on the curb. He only lives a few blocks from me but instead of going to get his pickup, we decided we could carry it while riding our bikes.
We did o.k. It did get dropped a couple times and even though we tried to be careful, we ended up splintering one of the legs. I think it will work fine for the time being.
I am off tomorrow to help mark the way for the Tour De Loren. I am amazed at how much work the organizing committee puts into this ride. I figure the least I can do is help with a few markers and make some cookies. It should help me get my century ride in for July (nothing like waiting till the last minute to keep up with goals). A nice thing is that I have Sunday off so I can complete the entire Tour and I will have my century in for August. That means I should plan another ride in August to make up for other months.
We had a great TRAM last week. It renews my faith in people a little bit. The riders are so appreciative of our work, and the MS Society does a fantastic job with the ride. If ever there was an organized ride for me to actually ride on, I would have to say this would be it.
We also held our Champs-Elysees party on Sunday night. There was a pretty good crowd and as coverage didn't start when people came over, we went for a bike ride. The best was on the way back I spotted some furniture on the curb for free. One of the guys was saying he wanted a table and sure enough, there was one on the curb. He only lives a few blocks from me but instead of going to get his pickup, we decided we could carry it while riding our bikes.
We did o.k. It did get dropped a couple times and even though we tried to be careful, we ended up splintering one of the legs. I think it will work fine for the time being.
Monday, July 7, 2008
fortunate 4th
I have been trying to follow the sensible voice in my head for a few weeks now. There are many days when competing ideas win out, and I wouldn't say they are entirely senseless, but afterwords do seem like a silly thing to have done.
Turns out the annual 4th of July ride did not go as well as in previous years. I decided last week that I would not go so others could ride. After the last overnight ride I did, I felt it would be a good year to stay home and experience some other type of fun. This is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
My sister came to stay with us for a couple days. We don't see each other very much, and almost always at family gatherings, so it was great to spend some time with just her. With my stepfather diagnosed with cancer, she (and most of the family) is thinking of the shortness of time, and what is really important to her (and us). Why does it have to be bad things that spur these types of feelings to jump start what should be in peoples heads every day?
The 4th was great. My wife and I spent a nice relaxing day taking care of the backyard, cleaning up to be ready for the inevitable next house guest, and then going to see a movie. We rarely go to the theatre for movies and it is a nice change. Get to the matinee for discounts and it is almost affordable. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, not my favorite (I swear it wasn't Harrison Ford's voice for the first few minutes of his appearance). We decided to have dinner at home. Just a nice relaxing day.
I had a small gathering for the opening stage of the Tour. Late notice kept a number of people away, but sometimes small get-togethers are the best. I don't particularly enjoy hopping on the Tour bandwagon, but it is amazing to watch those athletes. As I don't race, it's fun to watch the tactics and to see what they can do with their machines.
We decided to ride every bike we own to the shop at least once this month. It's been great getting bikes out I don't normally ride. The trouble with that are the 4 bikes with 20" wheels. 12 miles on each of those are going to be long. And with TRAM coming up, it's going to be close to see if I can get them all ridden. Maybe I'll create a list.
Turns out the annual 4th of July ride did not go as well as in previous years. I decided last week that I would not go so others could ride. After the last overnight ride I did, I felt it would be a good year to stay home and experience some other type of fun. This is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
My sister came to stay with us for a couple days. We don't see each other very much, and almost always at family gatherings, so it was great to spend some time with just her. With my stepfather diagnosed with cancer, she (and most of the family) is thinking of the shortness of time, and what is really important to her (and us). Why does it have to be bad things that spur these types of feelings to jump start what should be in peoples heads every day?
The 4th was great. My wife and I spent a nice relaxing day taking care of the backyard, cleaning up to be ready for the inevitable next house guest, and then going to see a movie. We rarely go to the theatre for movies and it is a nice change. Get to the matinee for discounts and it is almost affordable. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, not my favorite (I swear it wasn't Harrison Ford's voice for the first few minutes of his appearance). We decided to have dinner at home. Just a nice relaxing day.
I had a small gathering for the opening stage of the Tour. Late notice kept a number of people away, but sometimes small get-togethers are the best. I don't particularly enjoy hopping on the Tour bandwagon, but it is amazing to watch those athletes. As I don't race, it's fun to watch the tactics and to see what they can do with their machines.
We decided to ride every bike we own to the shop at least once this month. It's been great getting bikes out I don't normally ride. The trouble with that are the 4 bikes with 20" wheels. 12 miles on each of those are going to be long. And with TRAM coming up, it's going to be close to see if I can get them all ridden. Maybe I'll create a list.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Uneasy feeling
So it was supposed to be an epic ride. Turned out around 130 miles. Leaving from Ken's house, I felt really good (besides carrying way more weight than Ken which is never a good idea) but unfortunately it did not take long before I started feeling very uneasy about our ride. We were supposed to ride to Winona and back. Down the WI side and up the MN side. Before we made it out of the metro, Ken had to fix 2 flats. We found new tubes but I don't think that had anything to do with my "sense" of how the ride was going.
We were having a good time. That was the weirdest thing. I had plenty of food, clothing, and more than I need for a ride like this. But that nagging feeling stayed with me. The rain was so slight it was barely noticeable. The skies cleared as we left Prescott and it was a beautiful evening. I could not shake the thought of something being wrong. So after a debate at the first bridge crossing, we decided to head in the direction of home. We could still wander.
We stopped and had some food and a pitcher of beer. Everything that had happened so far is the description of the perfect ride. Now that we were on the way home, I was starting to feel a little better. Which gave way to my physically feeling worse. I have a difficult time riding overnight. I have done this several times and each time, I dress a little differently and think one of these days, I'll get this right. It's just me. I freeze at night. No matter what I wear, or how warm it is, I get super cold. Not fun to ride like that.
I also tend to generate an upset stomach after 75 miles or so. This usually lasts until somewhere around mile 100. I am getting better at controlling this, but it still stinks. All this started to make me think about whether I am cut out for this long distance riding thing. I ride because I enjoy being on the bike. But I can't decide if it's fun to ride with the patches of discomfort I encounter during these rides. The weird thing is that after I am home, I will start contemplating another one.
So I think I figured out the uneasy feeling. My pastor retired on Sunday. I had been unable to go to his retirement reception, or even last Sunday's service. This was the last chance to hear him preach and say thank you and goodbye. It bothered me more than I thought it would to miss that. By changing our route and coming mostly directly home, I had time to shower and catch a small nap before going to church.
Thank you and goodbye.
We were having a good time. That was the weirdest thing. I had plenty of food, clothing, and more than I need for a ride like this. But that nagging feeling stayed with me. The rain was so slight it was barely noticeable. The skies cleared as we left Prescott and it was a beautiful evening. I could not shake the thought of something being wrong. So after a debate at the first bridge crossing, we decided to head in the direction of home. We could still wander.
We stopped and had some food and a pitcher of beer. Everything that had happened so far is the description of the perfect ride. Now that we were on the way home, I was starting to feel a little better. Which gave way to my physically feeling worse. I have a difficult time riding overnight. I have done this several times and each time, I dress a little differently and think one of these days, I'll get this right. It's just me. I freeze at night. No matter what I wear, or how warm it is, I get super cold. Not fun to ride like that.
I also tend to generate an upset stomach after 75 miles or so. This usually lasts until somewhere around mile 100. I am getting better at controlling this, but it still stinks. All this started to make me think about whether I am cut out for this long distance riding thing. I ride because I enjoy being on the bike. But I can't decide if it's fun to ride with the patches of discomfort I encounter during these rides. The weird thing is that after I am home, I will start contemplating another one.
So I think I figured out the uneasy feeling. My pastor retired on Sunday. I had been unable to go to his retirement reception, or even last Sunday's service. This was the last chance to hear him preach and say thank you and goodbye. It bothered me more than I thought it would to miss that. By changing our route and coming mostly directly home, I had time to shower and catch a small nap before going to church.
Thank you and goodbye.
Friday, June 20, 2008
A road to ourselves
Carrie and I worked a shift for our church at the car show this evening. After cleaning up, we left around 9 pm. I was thinking we should avoid the parking lot that was Snelling Ave (for any who aren't in the know, Snelling Ave is a 4 lane divided 45mph road), but the idea of passing all those cars was too much. We cruised up the on ramp and started passing the lineup. I was wishing I had ridden something narrower than my Albatross bar, when I noticed all the cars were being directed off of Snelling. I asked the officer if the sidewalk was closed and he said, "go right ahead". So we rode from Energy Park Drive to Thomas, without a single car on Snelling Ave!!
It was one of the most amazing bike rides I have ever been on.
It was one of the most amazing bike rides I have ever been on.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Guests Abound
Another weekend, another house guest. It has been commented that some hotels don't have as many guests as we do. I don't know how accurate that is, but we do have quite a few people stay over. One of Carrie's college friends came to stay with us for a couple days this weekend. It is one of the great things about having a house with space. It does, however, mean a little more work and inevitably time away from things that should get done. We now have a couple weeks respite from guests before my sister comes at the first of July.
I am starting preparations for my Winona trip. I have to create a route and do a little coordination with people. I also would like to have a different bike ready. Currently, there are half the parts in a box, and some that I don't even have. I feel like I am at just the right place as far as being ready is concerned. I would hate to be set too far in advance.
We had a nice slow ride yesterday. The weather was about as nice as can be. Unfortunately, there were only two of us that rode from the shop. We headed to the Grand Ole Creamery for some pre-dinner dessert. Then over to Sweeney's to give them their yearly shot at being an acceptable bar (their patio is sooo nice!). I was pleasantly surprised with them. Then a lovely ride home. Fabulous Sunday!!
I am starting preparations for my Winona trip. I have to create a route and do a little coordination with people. I also would like to have a different bike ready. Currently, there are half the parts in a box, and some that I don't even have. I feel like I am at just the right place as far as being ready is concerned. I would hate to be set too far in advance.
We had a nice slow ride yesterday. The weather was about as nice as can be. Unfortunately, there were only two of us that rode from the shop. We headed to the Grand Ole Creamery for some pre-dinner dessert. Then over to Sweeney's to give them their yearly shot at being an acceptable bar (their patio is sooo nice!). I was pleasantly surprised with them. Then a lovely ride home. Fabulous Sunday!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Workin Weekend
I worked mechanical support for the MS 150 this past weekend. I have a little different take on it as my wife has been going with me for a few years to help out on both the 150 and TRAM. It always reminds me of how fortunate I am that we can, and like, to work together. She is not into bikes like I am, but she gets in there and does what she can, which is quite a lot.
We had the usual flat tyres, broken spokes, squeaks and noises that are always present. I did have one repair that was interesting. A rider had snapped his derailleur hanger off right across the dropout. The chain was twisted, I'm pretty sure the derailleur cage was bent, but surprisingly, his wheel was in good shape. I ended up using a Look cleat washer under his quick release nut, and using it to clamp the two pieces of hanger together. Put everything back together and gently test rode it. It was fine when cranking on the pedals, and it even shifted a couple gears. The only thing I did wrong was not getting his contact info, so I don't know if it held for the remaining 24 miles he had to ride. I ordered up an emergency hanger this week.
I also had my parents in town for a few days. It was really nice for them to come out, as they don't get out this way much. We had some nice dinners, did some shopping they don't have access to, and just hung out. A nice way to finish off the long weekend.
A big downer was the news of my stepfather's detection of Lymphoma. It seems to be early stage, but it still is scary. There is definitely a difference in the air, and people's moods are a little different now. A hard thing to have to deal with. Always reminds you to make sure you live your life on your terms while you can.
We had the usual flat tyres, broken spokes, squeaks and noises that are always present. I did have one repair that was interesting. A rider had snapped his derailleur hanger off right across the dropout. The chain was twisted, I'm pretty sure the derailleur cage was bent, but surprisingly, his wheel was in good shape. I ended up using a Look cleat washer under his quick release nut, and using it to clamp the two pieces of hanger together. Put everything back together and gently test rode it. It was fine when cranking on the pedals, and it even shifted a couple gears. The only thing I did wrong was not getting his contact info, so I don't know if it held for the remaining 24 miles he had to ride. I ordered up an emergency hanger this week.
I also had my parents in town for a few days. It was really nice for them to come out, as they don't get out this way much. We had some nice dinners, did some shopping they don't have access to, and just hung out. A nice way to finish off the long weekend.
A big downer was the news of my stepfather's detection of Lymphoma. It seems to be early stage, but it still is scary. There is definitely a difference in the air, and people's moods are a little different now. A hard thing to have to deal with. Always reminds you to make sure you live your life on your terms while you can.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Catch up to June
Been busy trying to cram a bunch of stuff into a short time. I always have a number of bike projects going on with my own fleet, one of them being to be able to ride all the bikes I own at least once to work during the month of July. That's coming up fast. I also have taken on a couple of projects for some family and friends. I love doing this, but I always have the deadline looming in my head. People say they are not in a hurry and I hope they mean it for these bikes because they are taking way longer than I think they should. One of them is for my mom. She lives in a very small town, and she doesn't have a bike (I don't know how she has gone this long). I am painting it John Deere green and with a brush for the first time. If it turns out good, I might throw up a pic.
I haven't been doing a lot of extra riding and it sure showed on Sat. My good friend Ken and I headed out EARLY Sat. morning. It was absolutely gorgeous. Saw the sun come up. Picked up some cheese. Had a great time. I just seem to hit a slump around 75 miles and it usually lasts until mile 100. That's a long time to be miserable. I try to be as pleasant as possible when I am with someone and try not to slow them down too much. It's good to ride with stronger riders than yourself. Hopefully it gives you something to aim for.
So now with a back-to-back century ride looming at the end of the month, I am needing to keep my weekly mileage up to make it as easy as possible. I am looking forward to it as it is part of a change of my normal riding season. I am trying to do more social riding (that is, ride with people) than I have in years past. I got away from this and I think has kept me from riding as much as I used to. I still like riding on my own. This year I have been reminded that finding people to ride with, can be extremely rewarding.
I haven't been doing a lot of extra riding and it sure showed on Sat. My good friend Ken and I headed out EARLY Sat. morning. It was absolutely gorgeous. Saw the sun come up. Picked up some cheese. Had a great time. I just seem to hit a slump around 75 miles and it usually lasts until mile 100. That's a long time to be miserable. I try to be as pleasant as possible when I am with someone and try not to slow them down too much. It's good to ride with stronger riders than yourself. Hopefully it gives you something to aim for.
So now with a back-to-back century ride looming at the end of the month, I am needing to keep my weekly mileage up to make it as easy as possible. I am looking forward to it as it is part of a change of my normal riding season. I am trying to do more social riding (that is, ride with people) than I have in years past. I got away from this and I think has kept me from riding as much as I used to. I still like riding on my own. This year I have been reminded that finding people to ride with, can be extremely rewarding.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mtn Biking Again
After what felt like a long week of having my brother-in-law stay with us for a few days. And then my cousin for a night, I enjoyed a couple of very nice days.
Saturday morning Carrie and I had a nice breakfast at Keys Cafe. We talked about how the day was to play out and my eating habits. Off to Linders for some plants for the backyard. That place really is something. I am not a gardener at all. I am the grunt of the household when it comes to that. Tell me exactly what to do, and that is all I have the talent for. We then swung around and stopped at Sibley Bike Depot. It is amazing that they have a replica of my basement on a larger scale. It is a wonderful place and I am trying to arrange my schedule so I can volunteer there on a regular basis. We then spent most of the afternoon preparing some of our yard for the plants we purchased.
Saturday evening we went to a graduation party for one of our broomball players. It was quite enjoyable as I met a couple of people who partake in events of similar interest as myself. I am usually not much of a socializer in the party environment, but I felt good about my interaction with people.
Sunday Ken and I went down to Lebenon Hills for some early morning riding. It felt really good to be back riding off road. I didn't have time to put my 1X1 together so I ended up riding my old Bridgestone XO-2 that I converted into a mountainish type ride. As I haven't been mtn biking for a while, I was thinking early on about the notion that if you don't crash, you're not riding hard enough. Sometimes I shouldn't listen to myself. I caught my shoulder on a tree during a descent and tore a little off my shoulder. I have a good knot on my knee also. This is what I miss about mtn biking?
We had dinner with some of my family Sunday night and tried out Dave's hookah that I gave him for Christmas. It was exquisite. It took us a while to make sure everything worked properly, but once going, is very smooth and tasty. We built a fire and sat around passing the pipe in their back yard. A great way to finish off the weekend.
Saturday morning Carrie and I had a nice breakfast at Keys Cafe. We talked about how the day was to play out and my eating habits. Off to Linders for some plants for the backyard. That place really is something. I am not a gardener at all. I am the grunt of the household when it comes to that. Tell me exactly what to do, and that is all I have the talent for. We then swung around and stopped at Sibley Bike Depot. It is amazing that they have a replica of my basement on a larger scale. It is a wonderful place and I am trying to arrange my schedule so I can volunteer there on a regular basis. We then spent most of the afternoon preparing some of our yard for the plants we purchased.
Saturday evening we went to a graduation party for one of our broomball players. It was quite enjoyable as I met a couple of people who partake in events of similar interest as myself. I am usually not much of a socializer in the party environment, but I felt good about my interaction with people.
Sunday Ken and I went down to Lebenon Hills for some early morning riding. It felt really good to be back riding off road. I didn't have time to put my 1X1 together so I ended up riding my old Bridgestone XO-2 that I converted into a mountainish type ride. As I haven't been mtn biking for a while, I was thinking early on about the notion that if you don't crash, you're not riding hard enough. Sometimes I shouldn't listen to myself. I caught my shoulder on a tree during a descent and tore a little off my shoulder. I have a good knot on my knee also. This is what I miss about mtn biking?
We had dinner with some of my family Sunday night and tried out Dave's hookah that I gave him for Christmas. It was exquisite. It took us a while to make sure everything worked properly, but once going, is very smooth and tasty. We built a fire and sat around passing the pipe in their back yard. A great way to finish off the weekend.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Officially Old
There are several reasons why I call myself old. Most of them have to do with my general day-to-day activities. My wife and I had spent Sunday afternoon in the back yard trying to prepare it for the spring planting. We cleaned up, ate a little dinner and I sat down to call my mom. She chatted with me for a minute and then mentioned the party she was having. That ended the conversation right there. I was dissed by my mom. I am putting up clothes lines and pulling weeds. She's playing. I am old.
I am building up a bike for a friend. I really like doing this kind of stuff as it makes me think about my fleet and all the repairs and upgrades I should be doing. I have started a written list to make sure that things get done this year. I am very close on a number of bike projects. I unfortunately have the habit of being distracted quite easily. I am hoping if I have the list, start in on one bike and go all the way through it to the finish before moving on to the next, that I will have all the bikes ready by July.
The bike shop folk have made a pledge that during the month of July, we have to make sure to ride each bike we own to the shop once, and we cannot ride the same bike to work two days in a row. I am out of town for a week during July so it makes it difficult to have enough days to ride all my bikes. I may have to ride up there on a day off or two.
We have some company coming into town this weekend. Just to make sure I don't feel as if I have everything under control, I add extra house cleaning to the list. Maybe I will shave the cats to keep things a little nicer.
Would an old person consider shaving his cats?
This one is.
I am building up a bike for a friend. I really like doing this kind of stuff as it makes me think about my fleet and all the repairs and upgrades I should be doing. I have started a written list to make sure that things get done this year. I am very close on a number of bike projects. I unfortunately have the habit of being distracted quite easily. I am hoping if I have the list, start in on one bike and go all the way through it to the finish before moving on to the next, that I will have all the bikes ready by July.
The bike shop folk have made a pledge that during the month of July, we have to make sure to ride each bike we own to the shop once, and we cannot ride the same bike to work two days in a row. I am out of town for a week during July so it makes it difficult to have enough days to ride all my bikes. I may have to ride up there on a day off or two.
We have some company coming into town this weekend. Just to make sure I don't feel as if I have everything under control, I add extra house cleaning to the list. Maybe I will shave the cats to keep things a little nicer.
Would an old person consider shaving his cats?
This one is.
Friday, May 9, 2008
A Day Off
I have been working a little extra this week. Roseville High School has started a bike section of their Physical Education class and I have been volunteering to keep their bikes working safely. It means a few extra hours during the week, which this time of year, makes for some long days.
Being so busy, I have been neglecting my home life. Chores around the house don't get finished, my pets don't get the attention they are used to, my personal bikes feel neglected, and I become distant from my wife. None of these things are acceptable. Getting wrapped up, "in the moment" can be a very bad thing. Time to take a step back. Make sure I am concentrating on what is important. That's what today is all about.
I am working the Twin Cities Ride this weekend. I am fortunate enough that Carrie is coming with me to help. We are one of those twisted couples that can work and play together. Often times it's hard to tell if it is work or play. She can turn a wrench pretty well, definitely knows her way around a bike tyre, and is great with people. We should have a great time in the rain.
Being so busy, I have been neglecting my home life. Chores around the house don't get finished, my pets don't get the attention they are used to, my personal bikes feel neglected, and I become distant from my wife. None of these things are acceptable. Getting wrapped up, "in the moment" can be a very bad thing. Time to take a step back. Make sure I am concentrating on what is important. That's what today is all about.
I am working the Twin Cities Ride this weekend. I am fortunate enough that Carrie is coming with me to help. We are one of those twisted couples that can work and play together. Often times it's hard to tell if it is work or play. She can turn a wrench pretty well, definitely knows her way around a bike tyre, and is great with people. We should have a great time in the rain.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Rain, sun and FUN
Friday, a couple of guys from the shop and I were set to go on a sub 24 hour camping ride. This had been planned for a while as there was an anomaly in our schedule and 4 of us had Saturday off. We couldn't let this go to waste.
I think, at one point, had 6 people interested in going. By Friday afternoon, it was down to 3. And all of us had our reservations. With it raining all day, raining when we departed, and forecast of snow and gusty winds, we set off after the shop closed. We decided to make it a shorter ride, just around 25 miles. By the time we stopped for food, we were miserable. Shivering around the table, it took a good 45 minutes for people to start warming up. None of us were really prepared to ride in those conditions.
Camp was just a 5 minute ride from the food. We set up the tents as fast as we could. I need a little practice with my new tent. I climbed in my tent, changed clothes, and started to go through the list of things I forgot to bring in with me. Too late. I wasn't going back out in that. The socializing was kept to a minimum as well.
Turns out no snow that night. The rain stopped around 2 or 3 in the morning. And by the time we found breakfast, the sun had come out. We had a great ride home. A little windy, but the sun shined all day. The perfect thing to erase a wretched evening.
We went on our normal Sunday Slow Ride with 9 riders starting out. We rode to Sean's house for a bar-b-que and wow! He put on a great spread! The food was fantastic, we met up with a few more people on the way, so it totaled about 16 people total. I think it ranks #1 for slow rides. It was wonderful to line up the bikes that our normal slow ride participants were riding and see swept back cruiser bars on all of them. The slow ride is finally coming together.
I think, at one point, had 6 people interested in going. By Friday afternoon, it was down to 3. And all of us had our reservations. With it raining all day, raining when we departed, and forecast of snow and gusty winds, we set off after the shop closed. We decided to make it a shorter ride, just around 25 miles. By the time we stopped for food, we were miserable. Shivering around the table, it took a good 45 minutes for people to start warming up. None of us were really prepared to ride in those conditions.
Camp was just a 5 minute ride from the food. We set up the tents as fast as we could. I need a little practice with my new tent. I climbed in my tent, changed clothes, and started to go through the list of things I forgot to bring in with me. Too late. I wasn't going back out in that. The socializing was kept to a minimum as well.
Turns out no snow that night. The rain stopped around 2 or 3 in the morning. And by the time we found breakfast, the sun had come out. We had a great ride home. A little windy, but the sun shined all day. The perfect thing to erase a wretched evening.
We went on our normal Sunday Slow Ride with 9 riders starting out. We rode to Sean's house for a bar-b-que and wow! He put on a great spread! The food was fantastic, we met up with a few more people on the way, so it totaled about 16 people total. I think it ranks #1 for slow rides. It was wonderful to line up the bikes that our normal slow ride participants were riding and see swept back cruiser bars on all of them. The slow ride is finally coming together.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Never enough time
I often feel, especially this time of year, that I am always a step behind. I went back to work yesterday after taking a day off for what was supposed to be recovery. It turns out that I didn't need to recover from my riding. Back to work yesterday, and it took hours to recover from being gone for a few days. By the time I was into work for Tuesday, it was the middle of the afternoon.
Springtime in a bike shop can be tough. Everyone wants stuff right away. What gets me the most, are the people who take care of things when they should. Inevitably, something goes wrong, so we scramble to try to get them going as quickly as possible. Which then puts us a little further behind with the regular business for the day. There are times when this quickly spirals into a large, out-of-control mess.
Fortunately, I work with a very talented crew. People that work hard (can slack off, when the moment calls for it). For very little reward (as defined by general work practices). Yesterday, we blasted away work throughout the afternoon and actually were able to work a small bit ahead.
Now if I could get to that point at home. Trying to get everything buttoned up before heading out for a sub 24 camping trip this weekend. I wonder if I could hire a talented crew for my regular household duties? On a bike shop salary.
Springtime in a bike shop can be tough. Everyone wants stuff right away. What gets me the most, are the people who take care of things when they should. Inevitably, something goes wrong, so we scramble to try to get them going as quickly as possible. Which then puts us a little further behind with the regular business for the day. There are times when this quickly spirals into a large, out-of-control mess.
Fortunately, I work with a very talented crew. People that work hard (can slack off, when the moment calls for it). For very little reward (as defined by general work practices). Yesterday, we blasted away work throughout the afternoon and actually were able to work a small bit ahead.
Now if I could get to that point at home. Trying to get everything buttoned up before heading out for a sub 24 camping trip this weekend. I wonder if I could hire a talented crew for my regular household duties? On a bike shop salary.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wild Windy Weekend
I rode Trans Iowa this weekend. Of the 350 miles scheduled, I rode about 85. Throw in some backtracking and the ride back to the car and I ended up around 120 miles. It took about 12 hours. I am thoroughly proud of that.
If you read some of the reports either here or here, you will have a tiny idea of how rough it was out there. If you have ridden it before, I understand why you came back. That was some of the most difficult times I have ever experienced on a bike. And I am hoping I am able to go again next year.
My good friend Ken mentioned doing this race last year while we were out on a really nice leisurely ride. I don't know why, but the idea of signing up stuck with me all the way until I was actually on the list. At a 100 rider cap, I knew I could not back out. On Friday, it took about everything I had not to do so. Bundle of nerves isn't enough. Bound in knots, not even close. As people were packing, repacking, and repacking, I sat in a chair thinking of all the riding I should have done, all the clothes and food I should have packed. People seemed to be concerned that I didn't have anything to do. The chaps from Tennessee were gracious enough to let us crash on their hotel floor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I managed to catch a couple minutes of sleep.
4 AM is a tough start time. Having to deal with that wind, and those temps, for that long is insane. Thankfully, once we started riding, the nerves melted away. It was slow going, but very nice to be doing something. I was riding with some extremely talented athletes. Everyone looked like it was no big deal. This is how TI is. There was nothing we could do about it. Just ride a pace that we thought we could hold for 30+ hours. It's one of the things I really like about riding with Ken, and why I thought this would be a fun event. We have a very similar pace and even though he is a much stronger rider than I, we can ride together for quite a while. (I was going to be happy to keep up with him for about 6 or 8 hours)
We stopped for breakfast around 40 miles and 3 hours after the start. It was a great little cafe where we explained to some locals about why all the bikes were cruising by. One woman came up behind me, put her hand on my forehead and announced "he doesn't have a fever". Sometimes it is hard to explain why you do something. I am so thankful Ken suggested sitting down for breakfast. I have a tendency to not listen to what my body is telling me. My toes were starting to get frostbite and warming them up was vital. I am not sure what would have happened if I hadn't done that and donned shoe covers there.
Back on the route (after lubing my chain) I started to feel better (I forget how much lube can help). Even when we missed a turn, missed the reroute, and ended up with about 10 extra miles, I still had a great mental attitude. I can't explain it. I am usually depressed and frustrated when battling wind. And I have never battled wind that strong and for as long as that. As we rode, Ken was expressing some frustration that I thought should have been coming from me. That got me worried. I know him as solid, and to see a seam in that armor... was unsettling. I didn't have to worry about that too long as we did some calculations mid morning and started the acceptance that making the first checkpoint was not going to happen. We had 25 miles to make in a little over 2 hours and we knew we couldn't do it. That is a humbling experience. OK, we could have pushed our bodies beyond and made it, and then what. We would have been further from our car, and not had the energy to make it to the next checkpoint in time, in which case could have had us even further from the car. Often times the right decisions are the hardest to make.
We ate lunch and decided to head straight back. 30 miles to the car. The wind was mostly from the other side now which has helped the soreness in my muscles be even. It was a struggle to hold the bike upright. We were laughing many times at how far over I leaned especially to keep on the road. We didn't laugh too much when we were headed directly into the wind, pedaling as hard as we could to make a blistering 6 mph. That had to have been the hardest 5 miles of my life. It took us around 45 minutes.
Just to make sure we didn't think we were getting off too easy, there were a couple final hills leading into Decorah. At that point, my stomach was starting to come undone and if I didn't know we were so close, they might have gotten the better of me. Fortunately, it was only a couple of miles to the van where we packed up and headed straight home. I did feel a little bad about taking off so quickly, but at that point we had no idea there were only 5 riders left racing and they were going to cut the race short.
When I arrived home, I was telling my wife about what I experienced. My wife and I are totally suited for each other. She questions what I do, but only from a "are you going to be safe?" point of view. When I described what happened she immediately said, "I think you should do it again next year". Totally unprompted. I am the luckiest.
If you read some of the reports either here or here, you will have a tiny idea of how rough it was out there. If you have ridden it before, I understand why you came back. That was some of the most difficult times I have ever experienced on a bike. And I am hoping I am able to go again next year.
My good friend Ken mentioned doing this race last year while we were out on a really nice leisurely ride. I don't know why, but the idea of signing up stuck with me all the way until I was actually on the list. At a 100 rider cap, I knew I could not back out. On Friday, it took about everything I had not to do so. Bundle of nerves isn't enough. Bound in knots, not even close. As people were packing, repacking, and repacking, I sat in a chair thinking of all the riding I should have done, all the clothes and food I should have packed. People seemed to be concerned that I didn't have anything to do. The chaps from Tennessee were gracious enough to let us crash on their hotel floor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I managed to catch a couple minutes of sleep.
4 AM is a tough start time. Having to deal with that wind, and those temps, for that long is insane. Thankfully, once we started riding, the nerves melted away. It was slow going, but very nice to be doing something. I was riding with some extremely talented athletes. Everyone looked like it was no big deal. This is how TI is. There was nothing we could do about it. Just ride a pace that we thought we could hold for 30+ hours. It's one of the things I really like about riding with Ken, and why I thought this would be a fun event. We have a very similar pace and even though he is a much stronger rider than I, we can ride together for quite a while. (I was going to be happy to keep up with him for about 6 or 8 hours)
We stopped for breakfast around 40 miles and 3 hours after the start. It was a great little cafe where we explained to some locals about why all the bikes were cruising by. One woman came up behind me, put her hand on my forehead and announced "he doesn't have a fever". Sometimes it is hard to explain why you do something. I am so thankful Ken suggested sitting down for breakfast. I have a tendency to not listen to what my body is telling me. My toes were starting to get frostbite and warming them up was vital. I am not sure what would have happened if I hadn't done that and donned shoe covers there.
Back on the route (after lubing my chain) I started to feel better (I forget how much lube can help). Even when we missed a turn, missed the reroute, and ended up with about 10 extra miles, I still had a great mental attitude. I can't explain it. I am usually depressed and frustrated when battling wind. And I have never battled wind that strong and for as long as that. As we rode, Ken was expressing some frustration that I thought should have been coming from me. That got me worried. I know him as solid, and to see a seam in that armor... was unsettling. I didn't have to worry about that too long as we did some calculations mid morning and started the acceptance that making the first checkpoint was not going to happen. We had 25 miles to make in a little over 2 hours and we knew we couldn't do it. That is a humbling experience. OK, we could have pushed our bodies beyond and made it, and then what. We would have been further from our car, and not had the energy to make it to the next checkpoint in time, in which case could have had us even further from the car. Often times the right decisions are the hardest to make.
We ate lunch and decided to head straight back. 30 miles to the car. The wind was mostly from the other side now which has helped the soreness in my muscles be even. It was a struggle to hold the bike upright. We were laughing many times at how far over I leaned especially to keep on the road. We didn't laugh too much when we were headed directly into the wind, pedaling as hard as we could to make a blistering 6 mph. That had to have been the hardest 5 miles of my life. It took us around 45 minutes.
Just to make sure we didn't think we were getting off too easy, there were a couple final hills leading into Decorah. At that point, my stomach was starting to come undone and if I didn't know we were so close, they might have gotten the better of me. Fortunately, it was only a couple of miles to the van where we packed up and headed straight home. I did feel a little bad about taking off so quickly, but at that point we had no idea there were only 5 riders left racing and they were going to cut the race short.
When I arrived home, I was telling my wife about what I experienced. My wife and I are totally suited for each other. She questions what I do, but only from a "are you going to be safe?" point of view. When I described what happened she immediately said, "I think you should do it again next year". Totally unprompted. I am the luckiest.
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