haven't been much for riding this week. snowstorm and the holiday and just general exhaustion from 8-10 hour days. we'll give it a shot tonight, the bridgestone on snow and ice. i'll keep the tire pressure reasonable for comfort and tread contact/adhesion.
let's think about setting up a set of studded(w/sheet metal screws) tires. if it ain't old school it ain't happening
28 December 2009
22 December 2009
attendance: 2
great night for a ride, not much distance(45 minutes). trails/bridges in 52nd street almost unridable, at least in the dark, following a good line is tough when you can't see it
weather: 24 F, partly cloudy
roads: some accumulated snow from last week, other wise varied from excellent to fair
weather: 24 F, partly cloudy
roads: some accumulated snow from last week, other wise varied from excellent to fair
20 December 2009
19 December 2009
36 hrs and counting
weather outside is delightful....i'm working too much to get out for rides at 9 or ten pm. time to take commuting seriously lest i come upon the slick 50 unprepared and get dropped again. why does riding with hurl seem like a high-school popularity contest?, i guess get a fancy outfit.
17 December 2009
i'm nobody's role model
Bicycle Master Plan
Richfield Transportation Commission Accepting Applications for the Richfield Bicycle Master Plan Task Force
Bicycle Master Plan Task Force Application
The Transportation Commission is inviting interested Richfield residents to apply for the Richfield Bicycle Master Plan Task Force. At the December 2, 2009 Transportation Commission Meeting, the Commission voted to create the Task Force with the intent of producing a Bike Master Plan for the City. The purpose of this Master Plan is to increase safety and opportunities for physical activity among residents as well as to provide options for alternative transportation methods through short and long term improvements to the bicycle network. Goals outlined in the Bike Plan portion of the City of Richfield Comprehensive Plan have largely been achieved or are scheduled to be achieved in the near future and these improvements provide an excellent foundation to build a successful and useful bicycle network that benefits all residents. If you are interested in participating in this process, please click on the link below to access the application. Applications can also be picked up at the Richfield Public Works building located at 1901 East 66th Street. Questions may be directed to Jeff Pearson, Richfield Transportation Engineer, at 612-861-9791.
Richfield Transportation Commission Accepting Applications for the Richfield Bicycle Master Plan Task Force
Bicycle Master Plan Task Force Application
The Transportation Commission is inviting interested Richfield residents to apply for the Richfield Bicycle Master Plan Task Force. At the December 2, 2009 Transportation Commission Meeting, the Commission voted to create the Task Force with the intent of producing a Bike Master Plan for the City. The purpose of this Master Plan is to increase safety and opportunities for physical activity among residents as well as to provide options for alternative transportation methods through short and long term improvements to the bicycle network. Goals outlined in the Bike Plan portion of the City of Richfield Comprehensive Plan have largely been achieved or are scheduled to be achieved in the near future and these improvements provide an excellent foundation to build a successful and useful bicycle network that benefits all residents. If you are interested in participating in this process, please click on the link below to access the application. Applications can also be picked up at the Richfield Public Works building located at 1901 East 66th Street. Questions may be directed to Jeff Pearson, Richfield Transportation Engineer, at 612-861-9791.
building a course for the womens national cyclocross silver medalist
the headline says it all.
ya , that's right on sunday 20 december
54th and penn
ya , that's right on sunday 20 december
54th and penn
16 December 2009
the only ride you need to go on this winter!
First Annual Christmas Eve Ride down the Greenway
When; December 24th 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Where; Start at the Freewheel Midtown Bike Station and finish at Lake Calhoun.
What; Anyone who wants to ride, walk, jog run or just sing
Dress your bike up, we will bring a boom box and sing Christmas Carols as we ride down the Greenway to the lakes and back.
No real sponsor, ride at your own risk, dress warm and perhaps enjoy a cup of coffee. Most important make you’re self known and help us celebrate winter. Sing and be safe.
how long should i leave'em hanging?
Artisanal Imports Nice little Koningshoeven Quad review: http://bit.ly/5wGdzx
bit.ly
Another Quadrupel, which is probably my favorite style, lets see how this holds up since it is the first beer from this brewery that I've had. Like all brews in this style it has a rather high ABV and comes in at 10%. ...
13 December 2009
randonnneurs USA
| Location | Type [describe] | Date | Distance (km) | Route (proposed) | Contact | Web Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/05/01 | 200 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP flèche | 2010/05/14 | 360 | Michael Aeling | info | |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/06/12 | 300 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/06/26 | 400 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/07/24 | 600 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/08/21 | 400 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/09/11 | 600 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/09/18 | 300 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
| MN: Rochester | ACP brevet | 2010/10/02 | 200 | route | Michael Aeling | info |
08 December 2009
getting ready for snow commuting
ran a dry run today, loaded panniers and left one at home....not gonna be impossible. for the first week maybe we add the bus into the mix. from zero miles to 30 could be a stretch,.... but i'm not stressed out too bad.... got a new light. it's gonna great. I'll be tweaking the route for a while to develop the optimal mix of distance and traffic.
07 December 2009
training log
cool and fairly clear utterly alone , i'm fine with that. waited for 5 minutes at the corner of 54th and penn at 9:30 pm. went for a ride: no stairs, beard's plaisance run-up, cold toes, 45 minutes
weather: 18 F and clear/hazy
roads: excellent
weather: 18 F and clear/hazy
roads: excellent
06 December 2009
getting used to work again and promoting cx races
tonights the night, i'll be satisfied if i'm still up at 9 pm. h-wood's race yesterday a.m. drew 20-30 riders. there are people interested in this ...we'll see who shows. gotta find some course tape and glowstix.
work,.. gotta spend more time riding, crazy shit gonna make me tweak out.
work,.. gotta spend more time riding, crazy shit gonna make me tweak out.
02 December 2009
crazy shit, all day and all night
big traffic accident right out in front of the satellite, helicopters and the intersection was closed for 2 hours.all my fares were on time and reasonable adults. the toughest thing about this job is finding a restroom, and maintaining a steady hand and an observant mind.
at the end of the day a bus driver, had a flashback and imagined himself in one of america's wars. it was kinda strange, he was writing something furiously and then went into an outburst followed by a crying jag. we figured out what his name was( by the ID we all carry ), and called 911. the ambulance had pulled when i was leaving.
i'm going to begin biking home from work today
at the end of the day a bus driver, had a flashback and imagined himself in one of america's wars. it was kinda strange, he was writing something furiously and then went into an outburst followed by a crying jag. we figured out what his name was( by the ID we all carry ), and called 911. the ambulance had pulled when i was leaving.
i'm going to begin biking home from work today
30 November 2009
riding with the ninja cook
met raymond at hurl's coffee. went for a ride , no pictures, so i'm not sure it really happened. the meister performed like a well oiled machine, even if the rear brake cable casing was 3 inches short, aesthetics not performance...
weather: 35 F, cloudy, wind from the west
roads: excellent
weather: 35 F, cloudy, wind from the west
roads: excellent
26 November 2009
hollywood via the comments section of smithersmpls
Here is somthang else yer gonna learn…
…Cross 4 Tots!
Dec 5th, Bloomington get this its at
Vanderbee Park (all belgium style an shit)
11 am 30 min, 11:45 60 min
dude, Cross fer Tots!
24 November 2009
shameless self promotion
is a presence on the social network really the shit these days? i'm checking it out...tweet up on/about #moonshinercx
23 November 2009
moonshine cyclocross
ran across the venue just down from cafe maude. i looked for the terrain along the creek and a little spot to whet your whistle before and after. stay tuned for the date but i think we'll do it on a sunday . night or day?
19 November 2009
evil re-cycling
i hereby claim all territory in wisconsin, minnesota, iowa and illinois formerly held by evil cycling. all former evil minions in these here territories will begin paying tribute forthwith.
16 November 2009
new moon rituals
from here i got this paragraph:
I think i need to begin logging massive amounts of junk miles. I'm building a winter commuter, richfield to roseville, single speed may be the wise choice, but i'll decide daily which bike i'll ride. i''m not putting too much thought into the whole thing, maybe i'll get a gps and do this shit right.
the new moon is the birthing cycle of the moon's various phases. The new moon phase is an optimal time for planning and seeding your intentions. Seedlings need a period of gestation before they break through the soil and reach for the sunlight. This is also true for our ideas and our desires. The dark side of the moon, with its mysterious unseen forces, offers a nurturing environment where our intentions can establish roots before their miraculous manifestations begin to sprout and reach out to the stars.
I think i need to begin logging massive amounts of junk miles. I'm building a winter commuter, richfield to roseville, single speed may be the wise choice, but i'll decide daily which bike i'll ride. i''m not putting too much thought into the whole thing, maybe i'll get a gps and do this shit right.
12 November 2009
11 November 2009
getting ready to panic
so i decided that peak oil is a good thing for me, whether or not it is good for the economy. some would say i'm dreaming others would say something else. I think of the people that could benefit from peak oil and the ensuing panic. should we encourage or even foment that panic or just plan on it happening and just get on with it.
i'm going to remain flexible, if it comes to this, i will wait in gas-lines and submit to rationing without protest. I may need to grow more food and repair more household products. I sure hope we get more electric trains that will run on power power produced in natural gas and nuclear power plants. yes, my bicycle will be the most reliable form of transit. But how will i get to the bike races?
i'm going to remain flexible, if it comes to this, i will wait in gas-lines and submit to rationing without protest. I may need to grow more food and repair more household products. I sure hope we get more electric trains that will run on power power produced in natural gas and nuclear power plants. yes, my bicycle will be the most reliable form of transit. But how will i get to the bike races?
08 November 2009
cx racing without training
if i can get a bike built by sunday nov 15... maybe i can do this. oh there's this little problem about training. maybe i'll get on a bike tomorrow or monday
01 November 2009
i need bike parts and i want 'em cheap
3 bottom brackets: spindle length varies from 107-115mm all square taper
cash for the wheel i had jim at HC build in april
cash for the wheel i had jim at HC build in april
22 October 2009
18 April 2009
06 April 2009
27 March 2009
22 days to ragnarok...
and i do not feel that i feasted enough at the tables in Valhalla.
the prospect of pulling out of this challenge pains me, i do not fear the prospect of a crushing defeat. that is a given, i am always the Dfl and it doesn't pain me to say that. preparation has gone poorly, not enough miles, i'm not looking to put in 105 miles every weekend or even hit that once before the randonnee`. i'm more concerned about financial and equipment issues. i did recently take a new job and the loss of income for chasing a goal that i am sure will be anti-climactic enters the picture. the straight story is that i haven't got the money or the time to prepare properly.
this will not be a cascade, i am committed to the almonzo a month later and feel that if i'm gonna do a gravel road race this should be the one. Now, some may question my performance in the slick 50(73 miles) as an indicator of my fitness. i actually felt pretty good for most of the ride, the loss of the group after a flat did bring my map reading skills into question.
i will not make any firm decisions until march 1st. i'm thinking about adding a 25 mile commute to my training schedule.
the prospect of pulling out of this challenge pains me, i do not fear the prospect of a crushing defeat. that is a given, i am always the Dfl and it doesn't pain me to say that. preparation has gone poorly, not enough miles, i'm not looking to put in 105 miles every weekend or even hit that once before the randonnee`. i'm more concerned about financial and equipment issues. i did recently take a new job and the loss of income for chasing a goal that i am sure will be anti-climactic enters the picture. the straight story is that i haven't got the money or the time to prepare properly.
this will not be a cascade, i am committed to the almonzo a month later and feel that if i'm gonna do a gravel road race this should be the one. Now, some may question my performance in the slick 50(73 miles) as an indicator of my fitness. i actually felt pretty good for most of the ride, the loss of the group after a flat did bring my map reading skills into question.
i will not make any firm decisions until march 1st. i'm thinking about adding a 25 mile commute to my training schedule.
22 March 2009
stubbs bay
left at 10:15 am, met up with hurl and krewe at 12 left NE mpls for parts unknown. Flat tire on trail at maybe 1 pm, lost contact with group. followed best i could up trail ending on luce line and stubbs bay road at roughly 2:20. tracking skills determined that this was not the course, headed onto paved road where i flagged down an unknown rider and got an escort to wayzata and he dumped me onto mcginty road which lead me to minnetonka blvd, followed trail to hopkins where i headed to blake road and ended up on 44th and upton. at home and safe by 4:30 pm
nothing too scary i had plenty of food and water. rough estimate from google maps leaves me with a 45-55 mile route for the day. thanks for the inspiration and hope the ride was good for you hurl, rumors tell of an 80 mile route
nothing too scary i had plenty of food and water. rough estimate from google maps leaves me with a 45-55 mile route for the day. thanks for the inspiration and hope the ride was good for you hurl, rumors tell of an 80 mile route
21 March 2009
training effects
that's what you call it when you feel better after riding than before. or maybe it's the weather, i've got it..... i'm 45 years old and get 6 hours of sleep/day if i'm lucky.
18 March 2009
17 March 2009
16 March 2009
when the going get's tough...
the tough jump on the fun bike. by some miracle of science i found the extra long seatpost i needed for the bridgestone, it was on the meister. nice to have a little leg room, and the opportunity for some highjinx. I always say it ain't mountain biking unless you take enough chances to dump the bike in the mud, ice, or snow. i'm not thinking distance tonight, that's for tomorrow.
route:
weather: 43F hazy/clear, excellent conditions
roads: the path less taken
route:
weather: 43F hazy/clear, excellent conditions
roads: the path less taken
15 March 2009
dark and muddy
one and one half hours on the beast of burden tonight. I thought i could head down to cold sprints, but i really didn't feel that fresh. i'm not getting that much sleep or having the quality of rides that i require. breaking out of the deep freeze is nice, i haven't been posting much on rides lately cause i'm not that amused with the progress toward my goal of competing at any level in a 105 mile challenge in a little more than a month. hopefully i will feel a little better after i ride this week and put in a passing grade in the 'slick 50' in a week.
weather: 43 and excellent riding conditions
roads: muddy not icy
weather: 43 and excellent riding conditions
roads: muddy not icy
a public apology to pinto
i have perpetrated a cruel hoax, no-one should follow my advice in technical aspects of bicycle building. I am at best a hack mechanic and the assumption that if it works for me it will work for anyone else is dubious at best.
I apologize for misleading anyone in the matter of fixed gear/ single speed conversions. I very quickly dispensed partial information in an attempt to perpetrate a friday the 13th 'joke post' on the Bloodline bicycle racing blog. i have done myself a dis-service, i only hope that all true bicycle mechanics will forgive me.
i will not discuss this matter any further, besides if you need to explain the joke then it wasn't that funny. and now back to our regularly scheduled updates.
I apologize for misleading anyone in the matter of fixed gear/ single speed conversions. I very quickly dispensed partial information in an attempt to perpetrate a friday the 13th 'joke post' on the Bloodline bicycle racing blog. i have done myself a dis-service, i only hope that all true bicycle mechanics will forgive me.
i will not discuss this matter any further, besides if you need to explain the joke then it wasn't that funny. and now back to our regularly scheduled updates.
12 March 2009
maps of gravel roads/back roads
http://www.hudsonmap.com/
http://bikeverywhere.com/topic/twin-cities/tc-map-updates/
i'll update this post when i find the best maps for redwing area or... can one of my readers suggest a good source? hurl,
http://bikeverywhere.com/topic/twin-cities/tc-map-updates/
i'll update this post when i find the best maps for redwing area or... can one of my readers suggest a good source? hurl,
11 March 2009
long rider
how many litres of water for ragnarok?, during the summer i go 1 litre/or at least 20 oz per hour.
food: herring of course; but with vinegar or the sweeter swedish style
bicycle chosen: jamis aurora, i'm not trusting the new build on the schwinn for at least a month, i'm cutting corners if i rush the selection of cost efficient parts ...oh and cash is getting tight.
food: herring of course; but with vinegar or the sweeter swedish style
bicycle chosen: jamis aurora, i'm not trusting the new build on the schwinn for at least a month, i'm cutting corners if i rush the selection of cost efficient parts ...oh and cash is getting tight.
10 March 2009
08 March 2009
The Moon is Increasing in Light
The next phase will be
Full Moon
at 9:38 pm Mar, 10 2009
Full Worm Moon
An auspicious time for affairs and businesses which are at an expansive stage of development, as well as for new beginnings. A growth phase: stimulate the growth of plants which bear fruit above the earth now, and cut hair to accelerate its growth.
Full Moon
at 9:38 pm Mar, 10 2009
Full Worm Moon
An auspicious time for affairs and businesses which are at an expansive stage of development, as well as for new beginnings. A growth phase: stimulate the growth of plants which bear fruit above the earth now, and cut hair to accelerate its growth.
cat on a hot tin roof dialogue; Tennessee Williams
You know what I feel like
I feel all the time like a cat
on a hot tin roof
.
Then jump off the roof, Maggie
Cats jump off roofs and land uninjured.
Do it. Jump.
Jump where?
Into what?
Take a lover
i don't deserve that!
I can't see any man but you.
Even with my eyes closed, I just see you.
Why can't you get ugly, Brick?
Why can't you get fat or ugly or something,
so I can stand it?
You'll make out fine.
Your kind always does.
I'm more determined than you think
I'll win all right.
Win what?
What is the victory
of a cat on a hot tin roof?
Just staying on it, I guess...
...as long as she can.
Calm down. Not yet. Now wait a minute.
05 March 2009
lost in transmission
the jamis, left home at 2:30 pm returned at 5:30 pm. unusual, yes... first half of the ride was marred by drivetrain issues, water, salt and sand. stooped to pick up ray and visit a mechanic, 10 spot later, problems identified and smoothed out. I am a hack mechanic, and i don't have a stand in my basement, i can replace, i can adjust on the fly, i can call on the professionals. i'll be replacing some casings and cables soon enough.
oh the ride was long but not difficult, i mmm, like gears, they vex me sometimes. route: creek trail, to nokomis, back roads to HC and then to the river road, almost stopped by a ghost bike, back on to green way trail at the railway bridge, greenway to bryant to 36th and of course the kings highway(potholed) to harriet and back onto penn and home. long enough, not many stops. some employee at the midtown freewheel tried to sell me a lock, i bought a snickers.
weather: 40 F and sunny
roads: oatmeal slush on the back alleys, main roads/trails good
oh the ride was long but not difficult, i mmm, like gears, they vex me sometimes. route: creek trail, to nokomis, back roads to HC and then to the river road, almost stopped by a ghost bike, back on to green way trail at the railway bridge, greenway to bryant to 36th and of course the kings highway(potholed) to harriet and back onto penn and home. long enough, not many stops. some employee at the midtown freewheel tried to sell me a lock, i bought a snickers.
weather: 40 F and sunny
roads: oatmeal slush on the back alleys, main roads/trails good
02 March 2009
end of an era...
and the beginning of a new team.
press release
bloodline/bloodclot bicycle racing for the unemployed announces an addition to the roster;
press release
bloodline/bloodclot bicycle racing for the unemployed announces an addition to the roster;
01 March 2009
27 February 2009
find it and buy it
| Kenda Kozmik Lite II |
 |
|
 |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NEW! | 212129 | L3R PRO | F/R | 26x1.75 | Folding | 120 | 40-80 | 375±20g | $39.99 |
26 February 2009
upcoming expenditures
just a quick run-down of potential yet necessary cash outlay in the next coupla months...
headsets: 2-3
bottom brackets: probably 3
one bmx freewheel
1 handbuilt wheel on a 7 speed hub(purchased)
tires: 1 set mtb/26", 1 set 700c
fancy shorts and a skinsuit
cables/casing/brake pads
tubes and pump/pressurized CO2
.......my birthday is may 7th
headsets: 2-3
bottom brackets: probably 3
one bmx freewheel
1 handbuilt wheel on a 7 speed hub(purchased)
tires: 1 set mtb/26", 1 set 700c
fancy shorts and a skinsuit
cables/casing/brake pads
tubes and pump/pressurized CO2
.......my birthday is may 7th
a partial accounting of expenses...
Anybody that know's me will tell you that i'm cheap, fortunately i'm not stupid and know when to replace bicycle parts that are vital. here's the run-down for the last 6 months... three mistresses can get expensive or not
- tubes: 4-5
- tires: o
- wheels 0
- brake or derailleur cable/casing: 3-4 sets(cx, XO-2)
- chains: 2 or 3( new builds, restorations)
- saddles: 3
- pedals: 3 sets(only one good pair in the bunch, but i haven't paid retail in a while) i'll be picking up another pair next week maybe
- brake pads: 3 pair, Koolstop (like the menthol smokes)
- handlebar tape: 3-4 boxes i'm a scraper/basher
- headset: 1
news of the coming shitstorm...
the more bikes i have rolling the more it seems i get stuck in the money pit. swapped pedals to the le tour and left the base at ten pm, olbermann was on fire on MSNBC, i couldn't leave when that was going on. i noticed 10 blocks into the ride that i was in for it when the freewheel began acting up, time for an ACS not a dicta. so i soft pedaled to the closest well lit petrol stop for a little investigation, closed ! ...then on to another station up 54th to lyndale. nothing that i could see, except the coffee shop across the street turning out the lights, those fuckers used to be open until 11pm too.
so it goes, i still was out for an hour, got in loop around the lake and didn't loose the forward propulsion mechanism. i should have rode the jamis but i didn't, as soon as the plows hit the sidestreets tomorrow or friday i'll be back in action on the chosen steed....the one that ain't bleeding me for another $20.
weather: 23 degrees and clear
roads: some clear, frozen in spots, black ice abounds
so it goes, i still was out for an hour, got in loop around the lake and didn't loose the forward propulsion mechanism. i should have rode the jamis but i didn't, as soon as the plows hit the sidestreets tomorrow or friday i'll be back in action on the chosen steed....the one that ain't bleeding me for another $20.
weather: 23 degrees and clear
roads: some clear, frozen in spots, black ice abounds
25 February 2009
maiden voyage
first ride on the bridgestone tonight. out a 9:45 pm back with-in an hour. Due to a few technical issues with the build and a nagging...ahem... cough, i hadn't made it out before tonight.
first impression, i need a couple more inches of seatpost, at minimum insertion now and it's not feeling right. of course there's the fat tire issue, this is definitely an off-road bicycle. got into the snow a little bit but i'll wait until i can ride in daylight or at least scout my route before i fly headlong into the woods. definitely enough low end with the gearing, felt nice to downshift cause i had the option. liked the pedals too much to leave them on this bike, i'll think i'll put them on a bike that i will ride more often.
weather:35 degrees F, cloudy
roads: greasy, and despite the warm temps seemed like ice was freezing not thawing.
first impression, i need a couple more inches of seatpost, at minimum insertion now and it's not feeling right. of course there's the fat tire issue, this is definitely an off-road bicycle. got into the snow a little bit but i'll wait until i can ride in daylight or at least scout my route before i fly headlong into the woods. definitely enough low end with the gearing, felt nice to downshift cause i had the option. liked the pedals too much to leave them on this bike, i'll think i'll put them on a bike that i will ride more often.
weather:35 degrees F, cloudy
roads: greasy, and despite the warm temps seemed like ice was freezing not thawing.
23 February 2009
22 February 2009
well, it's been announced..
march 21st, 2009,
the Slick 50 bicycle tour
the cultural icon is taking ya'll on a trip....a booze cruise on bicycles....sure to be the highlight of the spring season
the Slick 50 bicycle tour
the cultural icon is taking ya'll on a trip....a booze cruise on bicycles....sure to be the highlight of the spring season
21 February 2009
20 February 2009
..the long whiner of our discontent
not here MF. gonna get up them trails in wirth park this weekend, cross country ski season is done, it's bike-able until we get warmer and muddy, at least i think it will be. i'm bored, that's why i stopped posting my daily ride, rest assured i am ready and able to kick some ass.
switch out the track bars and add a rear brake to the schwinn, try to look into a new rack for the jamis, something with a litle more stradle cable clearance. so i'll be riding 3 bikes this season...and bring the meister up to 'code' for cyclocross next fall or should ride a....
switch out the track bars and add a rear brake to the schwinn, try to look into a new rack for the jamis, something with a litle more stradle cable clearance. so i'll be riding 3 bikes this season...and bring the meister up to 'code' for cyclocross next fall or should ride a....
18 February 2009
59 days until ragnarok...
long have the sagas foretold of this twilight of the gods. the rooster will crow, the great serpent shall be be unleashed and the ship shall bust it's moorings.....after the battle asgar shall rise again from it's destruction
back to my reality:
back to my reality:
- i have mainly engaged in the 'mental preparation'
- i have an adequate but not ideal bicycle for the trek
- i have been kicked off the team...as if...
11 February 2009
still warm
out at 10:15 back by 11:25, next week attempt to break a personal hour record. schwinn, journey - 2 fer...with a little wind. feel like i'm coming down with a head cold. XO-2 still needs a chain and bar tape, maybe the jamis tomorrow night.
weather: 36 degrees F, overcast but no rain
roads: excellent but sandy
weather: 36 degrees F, overcast but no rain
roads: excellent but sandy
10 February 2009
this one we bank...
there will be colder days and longer rides but tonight was kinda special. didn't get out until 10:10 pm, back at 11:45 wet and warm. took in all three lakes and part of the greenway, i was thinking about cedar lake, but i remember a low spot in the trail at about 22nd that i didn't feel like fjording.
still plenty wet but the chain needs a little grit and polish once in a while. of course on the single speed american bike with the french name, and it was a clif bar ride. best moment: wind assisted speed coming into a turn on the path at isles, outside leg up, inside crank at 12 o'clock and hope ya don't slide out. tonight's ride will keep me sated as i endure a few more snow storms and icy conditions until april.
weather: 44 degrees F, intermittent light rain
roads: wet and still a few spots with ice and snow stayed to main drag instead of rutted side streets
still plenty wet but the chain needs a little grit and polish once in a while. of course on the single speed american bike with the french name, and it was a clif bar ride. best moment: wind assisted speed coming into a turn on the path at isles, outside leg up, inside crank at 12 o'clock and hope ya don't slide out. tonight's ride will keep me sated as i endure a few more snow storms and icy conditions until april.
weather: 44 degrees F, intermittent light rain
roads: wet and still a few spots with ice and snow stayed to main drag instead of rutted side streets
08 February 2009
offroad biking with fat tires
i have determined that a mountain bike would be a nice addition to my rolling stock. parts have been lined up to reacquaint my bridgestone with the snow/ice and gravel of late winter. looks like a pretty nice build, modified mustache bars, thumb shifters and road levers up front. still not happy with my tires, but we'll keep an eye out for something nice. last pieces are a chain and brake cable and casing.
on another note, i am so happy with the feel of the letour that i purchased a freewheel and will be building a rear wheel soon. couple of months more on the budget before i get that done, until then i'll stick with a single speed on that frame.
on another note, i am so happy with the feel of the letour that i purchased a freewheel and will be building a rear wheel soon. couple of months more on the budget before i get that done, until then i'll stick with a single speed on that frame.
the spring campaign
tonight's ride was refreshing, i was expecting poor conditions and they did not materialize. out at 9:30 pm back by 11. at every corner i expected to slide out and i dd not, i was watching for long unridable sections of ice and oatmeal slush and there was none. 2 lakes and no incidents, felt strong on 48X16 and i probably was going fast enough. nothing more to report.
weather: 25 degrees F, clear, bright moon
roads: a little sketchy in places but nothing spectacular,
weather: 25 degrees F, clear, bright moon
roads: a little sketchy in places but nothing spectacular,
05 February 2009
tonight i'm hers completely
...'one for the boys' will be thursday, friday, saturday....and forever. see ya at the bike swap
04 February 2009
03 February 2009
where this man may go...
not riding tonight, 20 below wind chill put a damper on that noise, the ice that was created after the thaw this weekend seals the deal. but i must look forward, it's cold but i'm stoked for a DFL real soon.
events:
group rides will keep me honest, gotta stretch out my distance from 1 hour to 2 hours at least, and throw in one or two 50 - 75 mile rides. when i can do this is the hardest part....
i have learned something from the cx worlds this weekend, set aside petty differences and just ride, the belgians placed 6 racers in the top ten at Hoogerheide. cyclocomputer purchase immenent, cadence is the thing to watch.
equipment
race what ya got. if it wears out replace it.... don't expect any major purchases this year. i have parts and ingenuity to keep 4 bicycles in the rotation, gravel road touring rig, sport touring rig, mtb and cyclocross bikes.
events:
- stupor bowl, a DNS due to family responsibilities, beyond my control
- Ragnarok 105, a challenge which will be met
- almonzo 100, ditto
- optional mtb race june 7th big ring classic, in my home town
- july, august are too damn hot to race
- september, singlespeed cyclocross, too early to fill in the details
group rides will keep me honest, gotta stretch out my distance from 1 hour to 2 hours at least, and throw in one or two 50 - 75 mile rides. when i can do this is the hardest part....
i have learned something from the cx worlds this weekend, set aside petty differences and just ride, the belgians placed 6 racers in the top ten at Hoogerheide. cyclocomputer purchase immenent, cadence is the thing to watch.
equipment
race what ya got. if it wears out replace it.... don't expect any major purchases this year. i have parts and ingenuity to keep 4 bicycles in the rotation, gravel road touring rig, sport touring rig, mtb and cyclocross bikes.
31 January 2009
is this something or nothing...
went out for a ride and came back with a beer, a t-shirt and a spoke card.
at home changing i had a chance to watch letterman and saw an old segment called 'is this something or is this nothing?'
made me think of my situation currently, i'm pre-registered for 3 events: stupor bowl(1/31), ragnarok 105 april 18th and almonzo 100 in may. is this something or is this nothing?
at home changing i had a chance to watch letterman and saw an old segment called 'is this something or is this nothing?'
made me think of my situation currently, i'm pre-registered for 3 events: stupor bowl(1/31), ragnarok 105 april 18th and almonzo 100 in may. is this something or is this nothing?
29 January 2009
one thing you can count on.....
is an hour ride in beautiful conditions. out by 9:45pm back at 11pm. sweet water at the lake harriet spring, paths were delightful with 1/2 inch of new snow, silence is golden. i think the mercury actually rose as i was riding. the steed was reliable and the gearing spot on at 48x16.....gonna be a nice weekend.
weather: 16 degrees, light snow, overcast
roads: excellent winter riding conditions
weather: 16 degrees, light snow, overcast
roads: excellent winter riding conditions
28 January 2009
oh yeah, it's wednesday .......i thought it was two days until friday
would it be that hard to ride a road bike tonight..... i'm just saying.
26 January 2009
pub crawl with HC family
..nothing special but breaking a sweat at 7 degrees F is kinda interesting. 15 miles according to google maps, between stops i most likely was in the saddle for maybe an hour and one half. not exactly blazing speed, visited an old employer and saw a few people..... i need to hit the anti-inflammatory and water up before the cramps set in.
24 January 2009
saturday night january 24, 2009 10pm
From IBIKEMPLS.COM
What: 2nd annual group ride in memory of Rachel Dow. It's been more
than a year now since the passing of Rachel, let's get together and
raise a glass and ride our bikes to her memory.
Where: Meet in the back room at Chiang Mai Thai in Uptown MPLS, bike
to the bench, have a vigil, and bike to the hexagon afterward. Pi's
closed, unfortunately.
When: 10pm this Saturday the 24th.
You didn't know Rachel? That's okay, you're still invited to be with
friends and ride your bike.
Here are a few photos from last year's ride:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanobikerdotcom/sets/72157603818705343/
Bring a friend, ride your bike, bring a few beverages, have fun,
smile, celebrate life and the memories it brings.
See you Saturday night.
-mark
ibikempls.com
What: 2nd annual group ride in memory of Rachel Dow. It's been more
than a year now since the passing of Rachel, let's get together and
raise a glass and ride our bikes to her memory.
Where: Meet in the back room at Chiang Mai Thai in Uptown MPLS, bike
to the bench, have a vigil, and bike to the hexagon afterward. Pi's
closed, unfortunately.
When: 10pm this Saturday the 24th.
You didn't know Rachel? That's okay, you're still invited to be with
friends and ride your bike.
Here are a few photos from last year's ride:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nanobikerdotcom/sets/72157603818705343/
Bring a friend, ride your bike, bring a few beverages, have fun,
smile, celebrate life and the memories it brings.
See you Saturday night.
-mark
ibikempls.com
22 January 2009
back in the saddle
out at 9:45 pm....ran into the hardy boys taking pictures of a dead squirrel, a nice thing since today is squirrel appreciation day. first trip on the new build, alright 'cept for my choice in pedals, swap those out tomorrow. nothing special about the handling, 48x16 is manageable but less than ideal at this level, we'll grow into it. skinny(26mm) road tires are alright and 6 atm is a good pressure
weather: clear, 16 degrees at arrival home
roads: good winter riding condition, stuck to well traveled steets, paths are a little bumpy, snow build-up on back streets.
weather: clear, 16 degrees at arrival home
roads: good winter riding condition, stuck to well traveled steets, paths are a little bumpy, snow build-up on back streets.
21 January 2009
wednesday means wednesday night ride
that's all...
oh, and this from NOAA
oh, and this from NOAA
A couple more mild days will be experienced across the area today and tomorrow. Highs both days will be near 30, with southwest Minnesota getting to or slightly above freezing. However, this will all change Friday morning as a strong cold front ushers in another round of bitterly cold arctic air just in time for the weekend.
20 January 2009
14 January 2009
the spring campaign begins....
on the next new moon.
and what would the emphasis be in the year of the ox?
randonneuring
solidarity with my brethren in Oakland, BART police must be controlled. good luck today
who had this idea first...
and the MF stole the name of a cultural icon in the interview...
http://cxmagazine.com/clandestine-cross-hits-louivill
warm weather cross is for pussies.
http://cxmagazine.com/clandestine-cross-hits-louivill
warm weather cross is for pussies.
12 January 2009
coaching corner
nothing motivates as well as fear of public embarrassment
***There will be a professional documentry made this year during and after the race. The filmmakers are looking for people who will be riding with helmet cams. This will hopefully and should be in this year's Bicycle Film Fest! If you or anyone you know will be filming of any kind, please contact us if we could use your footage. Thanks!***
11 January 2009
09 January 2009
07 January 2009
we'll see
looks like it's gonna be a tense january. broke and bicycles in need of TLC. can't get in the workroom cause of other responsibilities.
i'll trundle out the door for a wednesday night/no show ride... maybe i'll do a little recon at a bike shop or two tomorrow. new chain and a headlight.
i'll trundle out the door for a wednesday night/no show ride... maybe i'll do a little recon at a bike shop or two tomorrow. new chain and a headlight.
05 January 2009
blogroll
- wisconsin off road series
- slow bike
- understanding the danes
- selection of local biker's blogs
- bike love
- bikes nob
- copenhagen cycle chic
- cozy biker
- cultural icon
- darkness
- lol meow
- mcf calendar
- ooobs
- pinchie's news
- reverend reach-around
- skinny ski
- smithers
- song of hiawatha
- stevil kinevil
- amsterdamize.com
- almonzo 100
- bicycle hellfire machine
- grant of walnut creek
- H.T.A.T.B.L
- moonshine cyclocross
- ragnarok 105
- Randonneurs USA
- rough riders
- ultracycling
- evil cycling
02 January 2009
2 nd trip to the bike shop for the wife
it's a tough sell but, i told her i'll assemble it if it's still in the box.
false alarm: no bike yet, damn
she did buy a digital camera yesterday tho'
false alarm: no bike yet, damn
she did buy a digital camera yesterday tho'
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quadrupel laps and a sand trappist