Snow

Wow, making snow is a lot of work. It's about 6:20am and I just got back from watching the snow gun at Riverside. Midnight to 6 kind of fucks with ones schedule. I am tired and really should go to bed but don't feel like it. I will soon. I work at the shop today too. The guys told me not to come in but we will see how I feel in a few hours.
We made pretty good progress with the snow making. We could use some colder temps but all in all not bad. I think we should be laying more snow down but I don't know the master plan either. It would be a lot easier if we just got some of the real stuff.
Alright, time to try and sleep.
Goodnight, good morning, good something...

Quickie

Before I head over to the Thanksgiving meal and shovel the food in hand over fist I thought I'd share about my ride at Elk River.
I have not been there for a few years and man have they done a lot of work. They have added rocks, etc to a lot of the down hill areas to help prevent errosion. They have also added a lot of obstacles that make it just a bit more fun. I have some ideas for the North Loop that should work well there.
O.K. it's Turkey Time!
Gobble, gobble.

Sweet

I had yesterday afternoon off from work. In between loads of laundry I decided to get a spin in on the mtb. I still had planned on doing the night ride too. When Jen and the kids got home I decided to take Brinna and Avery to the library and give Jen some kid-free time. We had a pretty good time, except when Avery had an accident, #2, and the bathrooms don't have garbage cans. Good thing she's tiny, I flushed her underwear!
Back home I still had time to head over for the night ride. I am glad I did. We were 8 riders strong and the trail was perfect. We hit every section, even the few spots we usually skip at night. I don't think I have ever cleared the trail as well as I did last night. Everything was flowing so well. I headed home to do the kitchen, yet again, and the rest headed off for more riding.
If it seems I say I am cleaning a lot it's because I am. Staying on top of things with two kids and a busy life is impossible...so I do what I can and let the rest slide!
Out.

Status Report

Jesus...so I haven't blogged in a couple days and I have received numerous inquiries why not. I've been busy!
Saturday: great day. Jen was gone most of the day so it was the girls and I. We went to the gym in the morning. They went to the day care and I pumped iron! Avery showed her strength and attitude and pushed some kids around, makes me proud. Maybe she will defend her older sister. Later in the day Brinna and I headed to Target. Brinna told me it has been a very long time since I was home during the day and she hopes it can happen more often. She followed that up with she knows I need to work so we can buy food. Damn, she's only 5. We ended the night watching a movie.
Sunday: another good day. Mike and I did a casual mtb ride around the trails of stc. We rode about 2.5 hours and never hit the same trail twice. We did a bit of exploring and have a few ideas for some rogue trails next fall! The rest of the day was spent doing laundry and watching football. Ended the night with a sauna at Kris and Kyia's, always refreshing.
So today it is Monday. Not much going on except more laundry and dishes. Sweet. The Monday Night MTB Ride is on, 8:30 at the North Loop.
Out.

Oops...I Missed It.

Yesterday was 4 months sober. Thinking back 4 months, that's 7/20/08. That seems like a long time. But saying 4 months doesn't seem like much. Oh well, I'm happy with that and how things are going. Let's party with some Rock Star.

The bike ride in was great. Mostly because there was no wind! I hate wind. I dressed well so nothing to complain about. I have the weekend off and the weather is suppose to be a bit warmer. I hope to get some mountain biking in. I have the girls all day tomorrow, Jen is hooking up with college friends, so I am shooting for Sunday.

Music Friday.
Ride in: Afrika Bambaata
Gym: Chemical Brothers, Ice Cube, Combichrist, and Peaches.
Combichrist was recommended to be by a friend. It falls into the Industrial genre. For me Industrial music always takes some time for me to warm up to and then I really like it. Combichrist is no different. I am not too good at describing music but Industrial is like dance/techno without the crazy fast beats that repeat over and over and reach a high point. Industrial also always seems to have a singer with a deep monotone voice. Sweet.
Work (before doors open): Atmosphere.
Out.

Fasten Your Seatbelts...I Think We're In For One Hell of a Ride.

Every morning I get the newspaper from the front steps in my underwear and hooded sweatshirt. I don't know why that's just what I do. Cup of coffee and I'm off to read the paper...in the bathroom! The central theme in the paper has been the same for awhile...the economy sucks ass and is going to continue sucking ass.

In St. Cloud alone there have been several businesses going out of business or filing chapter 11. The place where Jen has been getting her hair cut since I met her closed it's doors this week. The nations biggest scrap booking company filed chapter 11, based out of St. Cloud. Several restaurants have closed only to be replaced by different restaurants...only national branded. Nationally the same has been happening with the latest Ford, GM, and Chrysler all scrambling to stay alive. Shit. Being a business owner it's hard not to worry. Only time will tell so lets enjoy the ride!

With the struggling economy a lot of talk has been surfacing about supporting local businesses. I have always been supportive of this. I get this from my dad. He once spent an afternoon trying to find a can opener made in the USA, he failed. I spend more money, but always go to Handyman Hardware over Home Depot. I bought my fridge, dishwasher, and stove from local, small business shops, M & H Appliance and Quality Appliance. I am starting to find ways to eat more locally grown foods. I never bought anything at Walmart and have only been in Sam's Club twice...and never bought anything. For people to start or continue to support local businesses in this hurting economy will only be harder. It's so tempting to go across town and save $10 on toilet paper and liquid plumber, but at what cost to your community? St. Cloud barely has a downtown or a section of town that's not commanded by national chain stores. I hope the trend will somehow stop and take a few steps back.
Well with that I am off to bed...and yes my shop is locally owned!

I am somewhat excited to ride into work tomorrow. The first real cold snap is always a challenge. I got all the gear layed out and I should be ready. It is only 4 miles or so...I have no excuses (eric)!

King of Excuses

If anyone needs an excuse for anything I am pretty good at coming up with one or several. Today I am contemplating riding or driving to work. I have to both, drop the kids off and pick them up. But riding would totally be plausible and not involve any extra driving. But driving would be a lot easier. Hmmm?
Fuck it...I'm biking. Once you get out of the habit of biking, especially in the winter, the harder it is to get back into it. My biggest excuse or hold up is changing clothes from dropping the kids off to biking in, to being at work, to biking to the gym, to being at the gym, to biking home, to being at home...and on and on and on. (Problem solved...wear Carharts for everything...ok not the gym but biking and work...sweet).
The first excuse is free, I charge after that.

Yesterday at the shop was fun. I started waxing up my new skis! I am planning to hit up Elm Creek on Thanksgiving. They make snow and started two days ago! I am excited for snow making to start in St. Cloud. We have to wait till it's colder, since we don't add chemicals to our snow. It's safe to eat! Also at the shop we sold two Salsa El Mariachi MTB's! That's a great way to end a night in November. Hell yeah.
I have been invited to help out at a High School Nordic Ski Training Camp this December. I am deciding if High School kids scare me or not. Since it's not on school property can I hit them? I need to decide soon...again with the excuses.
Later Gator.
After while Crocodile.
Not to soon ya big Baboon.

What?

Shit

Just did a big update, went to post and blogger gave me a shit ass message, can't update at this moment.
No time for a repeat...sometimes I hate this shit.
Later.

Night Ride

Sounds like the night ride is a go. I am about 95% in...see how I still gave myself a way out! I'm smart like that.
8:30 The North Loop.
Later.

Kids These Days

I can't even think of a smart ass comment, besides be careful what you put on facebook.

Recap, fast like.

Well Team Day was a huge success! I was a bit nervous going into it but am relieved and happy now. Bring on the snow.

I brought some skis and stuff to the ski swap at SCSU today and that was pretty good as well. It's great to see so many people fired up for winter!

I did a trail run with Zoe this morning, about 50 minutes. We both had a blast. Man I wish I could run all the time, damn knees.

I have been receiving a lot of requests to become friends on Facebook lately. I have to admit it's getting addicting, oops! I have reconnected with some people I have not talked to in a long time. I am being sucked in...

One such friend was also a veteran of ONAG. He now lives out in CA and works for S&M Bikes. He showed me the ropes for purchasing/buying and instilled an appreciation for music in me. I am not usually one to "relive" the past but sometimes it would be nice to go back from time to time.

Tomorrow is the Monday Night MTB Ride. I am not too sure if I will be there or if anyone will. Details will be negotiated at the shop and posted later.
Out.

Here We Go

Today, for us at the shop, is the start of winter. We are having our Nordic Team Day! It's usually a good time and we usually are pretty busy. The shitty economy helped us move and fix bikes but skis are different...so we will see.
Out.

Some Things Never Change...

I started working in the bike world during the summer of 1994. The man that taught me a lot of what I know today, blumboy, always had the nice stuff. I always liked his bikes more than my own. Every time I would ride one of his bikes it just "felt" better. Even now, me a bike shop owner and he a PhD candidate with twin boys, I sill lust over his bikes. I recently went through some of his photas and found these:


Not sure if this is his but it sure looks cool. I know he has a couple, if not a few, IF's!



The year round commuter, that I know is his.


I think I need to take inventory of what I already have and what I really need and really want. Despite what people say I believe need and want go together. I need to sell off some stuff and get some stuff and be happy with what I have. But...the grass is always greener, I want what I don't have, and new shit comes out every year. That's why I quite baseball cards!

Report

Back from the MTB ride and I have to say it was muddier than I expected. Looks like I will be soaking some clothing for awhile. Nonetheless, it was fun. It was nice to ride with Matt and catch up...it's been a long time since we have ridden together. The pace was such that I was able to hold a conversation, which I enjoy. I looked at the pile of dishes in the kitchen and decided to blog first and see how else I could waist my time on the computer. Saw that Luby in listening to Screeching Weasel...so I might have to look 'em up on itunes.
Later.

Notice

My house, today (11/12/08) at 2:00...MTB ride departs for: North Loop, Talahi, and Plum Creek.
Committed so far:
Me
Matt
Crash
Darren
Call into to Kris and Kyia
Out.

Practice What You Preach

A post or two ago I was complaining about people driving in snow for the first time. Looks like I should pay attention to what I say, at least as it applies to the bike. I headed out for work this morning on the Bridgestone. The streets were clear of snow and just wet. There was some snow falling, Afrika Bambaataa was crankin in my ears, and I was starting to pass cars! I was heading down the slight decline before the University Bridge. Since the Division Bridge is gone traffic is packed on the bridge in the morning, making it fun to pass cars and hope they get pissed sitting in traffic. I was spinning out before the bridge. There's a little bump where the bridge and road connect. I know this so I do a little bunny hop at max speed. Little did I think of or realize the 2-3" of snow/slush the entire length of the bridge. Soon as I landed I was slipping left and right. First reaction was to stop pedaling. Idiot, you're on a fixie. Resumed pedaling and pulled it out without falling. But damn that would have sucked to go down in a pile of slush at fast speeds in front of a bridge full of cars. The Bridgestone may need some fenders too, the 'ol pants are a bit wet.
Should be a great MTB ride later today.

Bridgestone

Cleaned up, a bit, the Bridgestone that sat all summer long, untouched. It was not too bad so not too much was done. New chain, chainring, and added a rear rack for the pannier! The ride home was a blast. I have forgot how nice that bike rides and fits. The snow on the ground made skid stops great.
Tomorrow I have a MTB ride planned with Darren and Matt. I am excited to hit the trails with a bit of snow.
Here's to no broken bones!

Stuff

Ahhh...the first accumulating snow fall of the year...and people forget how to drive. Had to bring the truck into work to deliver some snowshoes sometime this week. I also brought in the winter commuter (Bridgestone) to get up and running and I'll bike home. Sometimes I feel safer on the bike than in a car. It's more of a snow to make a mess of everything but it still gets me excited.

D made it back from California! Turns out he got to go to a Porn Star's birthday party. That would be interesting stuff. Things like that don't tend to happen to often in the Midwest.

Thinking about a MTB ride tomorrow in the snow. I always have a good time biking in the snow. Everything is a bit slower and more enjoyable.
Out.

MNMTBR

The Monday Night MTB Ride was not as cold as I anticipated...but it just didn't feel right. Maybe it's late in the season and I am not "all" there, not sure. Or maybe it's the rider with a 1/2 watt LED light, also...not sure. There was a good turn out, about 8 riders strong. There is not an end date but I may be done, yet again, not sure. I have been enjoying riding by myself more lately. I don't have to stop to wait for riders to catch up, I don't have to bust balls so I can catch up, I can slow up or speed up at will, I can head home when my feet or hands get cold, and I can listen to my iPod!

Oops.

I didn't blog yesterday! My streak has ended...oh well.
I did get a two hour mountain ride in yesterday, hooked up to the Chemical Brothers. Both the North Loop and Plum Creek are in good shape. I dressed right, for a change, and didn't get cold or hot. Hit the gym with intentions to jump in the hot tub for bit, but never made it. Had too much fun "bulking" up and watching the Vikes try to loose. It was house work after that. I actually got a lot done. We'll see how long it takes the kids to destroy my progress.
Jen was suppose to have a 3 hour hair appointment but the chick that was suppose to do it never showed up. This is the 3rd time that Jen has been dicked over so tonight the entire procedure is comped! That's good since it's over $200! Yeah, I know that's a lot...don't get me started.
Tonight is the Monday Night MTB Ride. Good and chilly. I should be there, depending on hair cut status.
More later.

Nothing...

I got nothing today. I was going to maybe run, maybe bike, or maybe hit the gym. But...nothing. I did yard work for the last time this year, no matter what. My dip shit neighbor still has not touched his leaves. I ran the mower with the bagger on a few times on the edge of his yard in hopes he would get the idea. Cleaned out the gutters too. That sucked! Absolutely froze my fingers and went through two sets of gloves.
Jen and I went to watch the Tech Tigers take on the Wayzata Trojans at Husky Stadium, which was cold too. Didn't help that Tech lost 38-0, ouch.
I have not heard anything about the Sunday Morning Ride and that is ok, I am not too thrilled about a road ride in this temp. I am not used to it, yet.
Enough...out.

Not Here...

I did not post here yet today...because I posted here.
I know it's music Friday, I am just too lazy. Maybe later.

My New Kick

I bounce from one idea to the next. Currently I am interested in eating locally grown/produced foods. I just started a book about it and have done some research online. Some of the statistics are amazing. Just the amount of fuel used to get our food on our plates is ridiculous. After I get a better grasp of the whole thing I would like to give it a whirl for a month and see what happens. I know there is the 100 mile diet, where you only eat what is grown/produced within 100 miles of your home. I think that may be too difficult so I am going for Minnesota grown.
Too bad I am not still drinking! We have a lot of Minnesota produced beers to booze. I'll stick to strawberries.

Maybe I should transfer this over to my bikes as well. O.K. just the frames, but that would be fun. We also have a lot of great frame builders in this state too. I'm thinking a Bob Brown would be nice...but one thing at a time.

All Done!

Six weeks of treatment (three days a week), 10 weeks of aftercare (one day a week), and now I am all done. I am on my own and I am very ready. Well, not exactly on my own. I have my wife, my kids, my coworkers, my extended family, and a plethora of supporting friends. I could go on quite a bit about aftercare tonight, it was very interesting, but I am not. Except to say the graduation part was very good and informative. I feel ready for what may lie ahead and am excited for the challenge. The countless things that I have gained by being sober is staggering. I am sure I listed them before in some fashion or other but here they are again, it's my blog.

-I have become me again!
-I am happy again.
-My relationship with Jen, Brinna, and Avery are better than ever.
-I enjoy exercising, especially cycling.
-I can read and love to read. I have read 5 books in 3.5 months.
-I am not hungover in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
-I have lost 18 lbs since mid September.
-I have extra cash...bought an iPod Touch!
-I take Zoe for walks.
-I Blog!
-I get excited about things.
-I dream at night and during the day!
-I can get up early again and like it.
-Coffee is good, again.
-I can brush my teeth and not get sick.
-I don't sweat randomly.
-I ran over an hour last week...never thought I would again.
-I have discovered I have awesome friends...always have.
-I am looking forward to "the annual Winter Solstice Party"...sober.
-I want to be called for a sober ride.
-I want to go on a pub ride and be able to get up and ride the next morning.
-I love this.

Thanks again for all the support by everyone. Almost four months of sobriety! It's amazing how much has changed in only four months. Life is good.
Out.

For Eee!

I just put the photo of the day on the computer. I think E may find this one enjoyable.
Let's just say guns are involved!
I was going to start yet another blog titled photo of the day or something like that but everything I could think of was taken...so screw it...just for the shop guys!
Or I could post some pics here!? I have yet to decide on that.

It's raining now so I am glad I did not ride. I wish this was snow instead. Soon!

Not Yet

It's not over yet. Obama won! But the MN US Senate race is so close a mandatory recall is most likely going to happen. They said it could take up to two weeks. Who the fuck do they have counting the ballots? Bachmann wins, which I guessed, but it still hurts. She's a tad bit on the crazy side in my opinion. Couldn't the DFL find someone a bit less "dorky" and stiff than Tinklenberg?

In STC the school levy passed the first question but not the other two. SO I guess I will still pay for all day Kindergarten. Which I am ok with. Full day is an option we choose and don't have to do, so paying for it is expected by me.
Nation wide big changes did occur and it should be interesting times. I'm happy.

I bailed on the Wednesday Morning Ride. It's windy and may rain. But more importantly, Jen was up with Brinna from 2-3 this morning. I didn't even know and I wasn't even drinking! I figured I should hang around and help get the morning rolling smoothly. Oh the sacrifices I make!

Life!

Planned on doing a ride this morning. I was deciding between the iPod or people. I sent Darren a text...he was in. He got up, got ready, and biked to my house in about 15 minutes, that's impressive.
We headed south into the wind. It was a great ride and missed two great photo opportunities since I didn't have my camera. A goat on the side of the road and an adult size rocking horse...central Minnesota at it's finest. The ride was a tad longer than I remembered a bit over 2 hours and 45 minutes.
My phone rang but I didn't know the number so I ignored it. I checked the message at home. It was Jen telling me Brinna was sick and needed to be picked up from school. Just like that my day is turned down a different path. All is good, I just feel bad always being the one at work to call in with a sick kid. Well payback will come!
Rossignol ski clinic tonight. Atomic gave us baller caps, we'll see what Rossi gives us.
Anyone want a cap?

Thank God...

It's almost over! Today is election day and the freakin commercials can end. Shit they were bad this year. Let's just hope for a "clean sweep" so we don't have another Florida.
Now I'm out to vote.
Out.

Let it Snow

Just back from our Atomic Ski clinic tonight...and, as always, I am now ready for snow and feel the need to purchase some new skis. I mean the skis this year have this and do that and make this that much easier. Sold...sign me up. I have not actually purchased new skate skis in 11 years! I am due. During the clinic I started thinking what the equivalent ski would be to a steel road bike. Wood skis or my 11 year old skate skis?
Hmmmm. Hope the ride tonight was fun, the weather wasn't an issue.
Out.

Go Figure

Today it is suppose to pass the 70 degree mark...that's warm for this time of year. Tonight is also the Monday Night MTB Ride. The weather should be perfect for a stellar ride, but alas the boys of Revo have a clinic tonight. It's time to educate ourselves on Atomic Skis, because it IS going to snow and sooner that later, check out this weekends forecast.
I am sure the ride will continue just the "cool" guys won't be there!
Ha...

Look What We Have!

I have to say I did not think we would become a Pinarello dealer but here we are selling our first Pinarello Prince with more complete bikes on the way. These bikes are described best by one word: Sexy!


Look at these curves!




Very nice attention to detail on these bikes. I do not think I will be owning one anytime soon but they sure are fun to look at. (not because I don't want one, but that I cannot afford one). This frame is the most expensive frame and fork I have held in my hands! If we could only get a picture of the Prince with Veronica Zemanova...even E might think the frame looks good then.

Sunday Ride

It looked like rain this morning and the lovely STC Times predicted it as well. But we lucked out and the skies cleared and the sun came out. Six of us headed out on the road to the south, into the wind. Not much to report today. No flats, no camera...so no pictures, no crashes, and no unicorns. I did win two stop ahead sign sprints! We weren't "feeling" it today so the efforts were not there. We had some hard efforts on a few flats, I felt good and that feels good.
Well I have to find the Zemanova pic of the day so I am...
Out.

What the Hell

I finally decided to ride the Marinoni into to work today. It was my first real road bike that I have converted over to a fixed gear...just what I need. About half way into to work I hit a stick that proceeds to flip up into my chain and seize the whole drive train. After skidding about 20 feet I came to a stop with a burnt rubber smell in the air. I was able to dislodge the chain and get it back on but now it was loose since the White Industries eccentric hub had slipped. It is easy to fix if you have a 17 mm wrench...I don't carry one with me. No problem I will nurse it in. About a mile from work the chain pops again and I notice a destroyed link in the chain. Again if I had a 17mm wrench I could have shortened the chain and adjusted the tension but I don't. Nice day for a walk.
Now is it not the purpose of a fixed gear to make the bike the simplest form and therefore the type that would require the least amount of maintenance? I think I just destroyed the fixed gear allure, at least with a White Industries hub.
I am ignoring the bike in hopes Darren will take pity on me and fix it.
Go Darren!
Out.

Trick or Treaters

For your viewing pleasure here are some pic's of Brinna and Avery. Brinna loves the Wizard of Oz and more specifically Dorthy. So yep she is Dorthy. I am not too sure on the monkey costume on Avery. I think it was on sale at Target.
And man do we have a lot of candy!