Happy New Year Suckas

Not too sure why I added the "suckas" in the title...it sounds better than the traditional.
We are doing the usual for New Years. We are all headed out to the Zenzen's for some quality entertainment. I am pretty excited to be able to enjoy my New Years Day. In the past it was on the couch watching tv, nursing a hangover. This year I hope to put a couple hours on the classic skis. Every time I shoveled this year, I have put all the snow into two piles. I believe it is time to build a fort, so I hope that happens tomorrow too.
Later.

Snow Fun

Wow, we got a lot more snow today! I was thinking a couple of inches but we got over 6"! I can't wait to play in it. Here is a pic of the kids playing over Christmas in the warm up we had.

Blogging Blahs

This has been the longest hiatus between blog posts since I have started back up on the blogging thing. Christmas was a whirlwind giving me little time. The last several days at the shop have been crazy busy too. Lots of skies have been going out the door. The last three days Mike and I have done over 6 base preps. With more predicted snow I think and hope the trend continues.
I have been out grooming with Kris and Kyia, after the warm up and cool down. We attempted to chop up the ice and did an ok job. The equipment we have to work with is not the best. Kris and Kyia went out yesterday too only to have one snowmobile not start and the stupid ass truck with tracks...stopped working and didn't have power steering. We do have a Piston Bully, but I think it's more suited for the mountains and not STC and 6" of snow. Hopefully new equipment is in the future.
I did get some skiing in the past few days with tonight being the latest. A bit icy but not too bad.



Here's a pic of my brother-in-law and myself Christmas morning. I dig my hair.

Let the Chaos Begin

Ahhh...Christmas, I hate it. I like it because the kids love it and get crazy excited, but I hate it because of all the things you "have" to do. We have two Christmas celebrations today, church (blah, still hopting to be excused from this one), and a Christmas tomorrow. Then I am back at work, like nothing happened, just a lot of freakin chaos for two days.
In preparation I headed to the mall yesterday evening after work. I braced myself for morons and crowds. It was crowded but not too bad. I had two specific items I wanted. Couldn't find either and settled on something else. Shit. You almost feel pressure to "just buy" something. It's hard to just look at something, in fear someone will rip it out from under you. Merry Christmas assholes.
I hope to try and get a quick ski in this morning. I will have to test the waters first (don't want to disrupt family time), I don't want to make the ripples too big or the proverbial shit may hit the fan. I am not even sure if the trails have been groomed after the snow but I hope to find out.
Later.

Snow

I cannot believe it is snowing again. I love this shit! Of course, I want more...I want a knock em, sock em type storm. The kind that will keep the weak inside and the old people away from Cub on the weekend. I mean the kind that will shut the town down for a day, the plows can't keep up, and only the stupid (me!) go outside. That's what I want for Christmas. But I don't want it in March.
Later.

recap

I was hoping and waiting for some pictures to be sent my way but none came, so just words for you instead.
This past Saturday was the annual Winter Solstice party at the Anderson home. In the past I consumed large amounts of wine, beer, and cold, clear liquids. This year I consumed large amounts of Rock Star, water, and tonic! The night was "still" fun, go figure. I don't think I was as talkative as I have been in the past, said as many things I would later regret, or did things I would later regret.
I really only missed drinking two times during the night. The first was in the beginning. Even though I knew most of the people present, some booze tends to loosen a guy up. The second time was when I was standing outside watching the sausage cook over the wood fired grill and everyone else was inside doing shots off a ski...you had to be there. But oh well...I was able to get up early the next day with only 4.5 hours of sleep, not feel like shit, and actually be productive!
I also noticed a difference between myself and a lot of the people at the party. Many of the people drinking were getting pretty lit, at the beginning, and I was thinking that this might make for a "fun" night...of others doing stupid shit. Where I would continue on this same path till it was time to go home, many...ok all but one, quit and all but sobered up by the time it was time to go. Stupid responsible people.
Overall it was a great night and am glad I was able to do it sober. This was just one more step to maintaining a sober life.

I had planned to ski during the weekend too. However, the snow, the party, Christmas at my parent's, and the cold all hampered that. I was going to go tonight but Zoe one out and we went for a walk. Tomorrow is not looking too good either.
Oh shit...
out.

Soon

Alright already...I will post tonight sometime. I didn't realize so many of you hang on my every word. I'm like a Soap Opera, always ending with a cliff hanger. Making you come back for more! Yeah, whatever.
It was a busy and fast weekend. Hopefully I will be sent some pics and I will give a report tonight.
Until then...

What a Difference

I had so much fun skiing yesterday at Riverside that I thought I would try my new skis out tonight before the walkers destroy the course. I got the X-iums all waxed up and I was off. First, the trails were still in great shape, the best since my high school years! That's like 14 some years ago. The skis were amazing. The balance and weight are the biggest advantages over my older skis. Well maybe the biggest advantage is my knees don't hurt! I didn't notice it till about half way through the ski...my knees don't hurt. Man I need to buy all kinds of new stuff!

Better Late, than Never!

Shit...I am tired. Kids can run you down! I had the short shift today at work so I waxed up the skis and headed over to Riverside. I ended up skiing an hour and a half and had a really good time. But I am paying the price now. My left knee is pretty sore, my right achilles tendon has been tender lately, and my right knee gave out going down the stairs today. What am I going to be like in 20 years? I was asked to help groom tonight but Jen spent the evening spending money we don't have to celebrate the birthday of a dude I never met...sweet. Oh well, we have a long winter and I can get out grooming later.
They have set up a mini terrain park at Riverside for snowboarders. Most of them were pretty good. I was surprised to see the parking lot almost full at 1 pm. When I saw it was mostly snowboarders it made sense!
I don't have much more and I am tired, so...
Out.

Grooming the Snow

I wanted to do some ski trail grooming today but wasn't too sure about the temps and who would want to groom. I got the call at the end of the work day. I met Joe at Riverside about the time he had finished tilling and packing the trail. We rode together for a lap and set a classic track. Joe went home and I spun around four more times laying the nice "carpet". Being my first time out for the season I was a bit rusty on some of the corners and hit the classic track a few times...oops. But overall I have to say Riverside is in really good shape. Too bad it is so cold, I don't think the high school race will happen tomorrow. The temp was about 12 below and that works itself into your inner core fast. I am still trying to warm up an hour later.
Out.

Chicken Shit

I seriously contemplated biking into work today. I have biked in much colder...just not with the snow too. The addition of the snow puts me further into the traffic lane and most cars are not looking out for bikers this time of year, or anytime of year for that matter. The last time I biked when it was this cold I got hit by a car. If I didn't have two kids maybe I would have biked in! About 1 minute into my drive and I see someone biking...shit. Oh well...I'm not trying to prove anything, or maybe I am?.
I am glad we got the snow, not I can ski. Of course the wonderful low temps will make that interesting, but I will give it a shot.
Out.

Special Report

I think there may be some of these rolling through the streets of the STC this year...


there will be some of these too...




The question is what will I ride...this?

Check It...

Even World Class skiers come to Riverside!

I Caved.

I broke down and walked over to Riverside this morning to ski. I was prepared, mentally, to ski the .5k loop over and over. Once there I noticed they groomed the top portion too. It is very much rock ski skiing but was surprisingly good. I stopped counting the laps but an hour went by pretty fast. I didn't look at the temp before I left so I got a bit cold. I will wear wind briefs next time...for sure. The downhill portion of the .5k loop is wicked fast with a sharp turn at the bottom. I don't know how they have high school races on this thing. So far no crashes, by me!!
Now it's time for a walk with Zoe and off to work.
For my wax report go here.
Out.

Hmmmm...

Flogging Molly is playing at the Myth February 23rd and the Dropkick Murphys are playing March 1st at the Myth. I think I may hit both of these shows up. First concerts I will attend since I stopped drinking. I will be the designated driver...any takers?

Snow Ride

Today was my short day at work, 9-noon. The house is still really clean from the marathon session Jen and I did last week so I have the afternoon free. I was torn what to do. There isn't enough snow to ski and too much to bike. I opted to bike since I don't have a vehicle to travel to a lake and I am not ready to ski the .5k hamster wheel at Riverside. I headed to the south side of town and had a great time. If you were looking to go fast you would have been greatly disappointed. The snow we have is like sugar so traction sucks. I crashed twice, both times on a downhill run. I walked the last one. Today is one of those days that I wish I had a Surly Pugsly. I still don't think I would use it enough to justify buying one. If anyone out there wants to give me one...well that's a different story.
I also wanted to ride to test out the Maverick S32 fork I recently installed. I love how it feels. There is no disc brake rubbing due to the 24mm through axle. Maybe it's because it looks different and sweet, but I am very happy with how it felt and performed.
Time to take Zoe for walk and then pick the kids up from daycare.
Later.

Bikes at Rev

A post or two down I listed the bike action happening at the shop. As promised here are some pics!

This is a bike redo we did. This bike was stripped of it's gears and made into a street machine. Not done, but close.


Still in the building process but day by day more parts are coming...Salsa Dos Niner.


The new Surly Steamroller color sporting some DA track hubs. Obviously a work in progress.


The next two pics are are of my Salsa El Mariachi sporting my new Maverick S32 fork, compliments of this guy.




Lastly, we have the Titus full suspension 29er! This too is a work in process but getting there. This should be a pretty sweet ride when all done.


I will get pics of the Prince and new DA once we start slapping them on.
I love bikes...I mean love bikes!
Out.

I'm Famous

I'm in the paper!

Well, shit...

We didn't get the amount of snow I had hoped for. I really want to get out and ski but I am not a fan of traveling to a lake to ski around the perimeter. If I can't ski on my local trails I usually won't ski. We'll see how much longer I can hold out. There is enough snow to make mtbing difficult but may have to give that a try...again. I hope to be winding down on the running and save my knees for my life down the road, but that's why we have technology/science/medicine.

We are working on some sweet bikes at the shop, despite the time of year.
A quick rundown:
1.) Pinarello Prince...the new (NEW) DA showed up yesterday!
2.) New Titus 29er full suspension build.
3.) New Salsa Dos Niner build.
4.) Stan NoTubes wheel sets for above mentioned bikes.
5.) Two road bike component upgrades from double to triple.
6.) Single speed conversion on an old beater bike...looking sweet now.
7.) Surly Steamroller build, with DA track hubs!
8.) Waiting for the delivery of a limited edition Yeti BMX frame, 1 of 200 (I think)!
9.) Maverick S32 fork install...ok this was on my El Mariachi, but it's still cool.

Yeah, we are selling skis too.
I will try to get some photos up later tonight.
Out.

No Ride

The Monday Night Ride has been put off till next season. With the accumulating snow the North Loop has been closed to biking. This does not sadden me as I am hoping to ski soon.
I was excited to ride and test out the new fork I just installed. I will get some photos up tomorrow or soon. I biked to work and home on the El Mariachi and had a blast in the snow. I didn't go down and feel a lot more in control than on my skinny tired fixed gear, even when it has studded tires!
With an open Monday night, Zoe and I went for a 1.5 hour walk. I have been diggin the walks lately and with the falling snow it was easy to keep going.

Night Ride?

Night ride tonight?
Location? If we get some more snow we may not be able ride the North Loop due to xc skiing!!! Time to groom.

SNOW!

Well I did hit the trails for a mtb ride and was somewhat surprised to see two cars in the parking lot of the North Loop. The snow was coming down pretty good and the corners of the trail were slick. I followed the tracks in hopes of catching up with the riders. Chances are I would know who they were. Sure enough I ran into Taylor and 3 of his buddies that came up from the cities. We finished the loop and hit up Talahi as well. The off camber sections and ice patches took a few casualties but nothing major. I was glad to run into some riders, it was a good time.
Jen and I headed to the gym and I did legs. I think I over did it but will find out in the morning when I go to take a leak. I then hit the sauna to train for the upcoming Winter Solstice Party!
Out.

Brrrr....

I am heading out for a MTB ride later this morning. I will be putting the Moose Mitts and all my cold weather riding gear to the test...it's damn cold. We are suppose to get snow off and on today up to about 3"! Should make for a fun ride. I am sure it will be an hour or less. Maybe some leg work at the gym later. It would be nice if the weather people were wrong and we got a foot of snow. It's skiing time!

Last night we had Jen's Christmas gathering with her college friends, their husbands, and kids. We had 11 adults and 8 kids, Brinna at 5 was the oldest. In the past this was a "good" drinking event for me. This time I had water, coffee, Rock Star, soda, and a lot of pee time! It went well. I remember what I did and said, I don't feel like shit this morning, and won't be laying around on the couch all day.
Time to make breakfast....burritos!

Moose Mitts Rock

Just got back from a 2 hour mtb ride. The temp is about 10 with a -2 for a windchill. I broke out the moose mitts and my hands were never cold, almost warm. Underneath I had some liner gloves and that was it. Overall it was a pretty fun ride. The trails are in great shape. On the Talahi loop I think I found a way to build a bridge over the creek at the end. I think I will wait till next year.
I have all the Rancid albums and had them on shuffle during the ride. Nothing like punk and mtbing.

Just In

Just received word that some trail work is going to happen at Riverside this Saturday at 10 a.m. Bring a shovel and bring a friend! There is a big pile of snow that is to be moved around on the trail to fill in the "divots' left by the less than graceful skiers.
I also found out the truth about the snow making. Someone with an "ego", that works for the city, shut down the snow making for the year. If you enjoy having the snow at Riverside please consider writing a letter to the city or the Times showing your approval. All funds were from the Nordic Ski Club of Central Minnesota and not the administration of St. Cloud.
Out.

Grooming

It has started...night grooming. Kris and I headed over to Riverside and spun in circles on the snowmobiles. Considering they had a high school race with 10 teams earlier the trail was not that bad. After several passes we attempted to set a classic track. It involved some creative balancing on the grooming equipment, but for the most part it turned out fine. I would get there before 3 when the high school teams swarm in. Some real snow would be nice.
Afterwards we hit the sauna. Man I love saunas.
No work today so mtb ride, gym, and prepare for 22 people at our house tomorrow, ugh.
Later.

Coffee

We just received a fresh shipment of coffee from Muggsy. $10 for a pound of Fair Trade coffee. We have Nicaraguan, Espresso, and French Roast. All profits go to the Mid MN Cycling Club, who uses the money for trail work, etc.
Perfect x-mess gift! Get 'em here.

More Snow

Last night I took Zoe for our hour long walk and went to check out the snow at Riverside. The city has turned on the lights so you can see on the trail and sledding hill. Boy are they nice or what?! There were about 4 sledders and 2 snowboarders on the hill. They also have the snow gun blowing full speed on top of the sledding hill. I guess with the cold temps they decided to fire it back up. That and the generator has to be returned. Emmit from the Youth Shelter was to show up at 10 to help out. The plan was to build a four foot drop in for the boarders. It's pretty cool to get a lot of different people involved in the snow making project...funny how the city wants nothing to do with it. Boy Dave Kleis is one progressive mayor (insert sarcasm)!
Today a high school race will be going on so I'd stay far, far away from Riverside. High School kids scare me.
Now I need to decide if I want to run this morning or not.
Out.

I Got Nothing For A Title

Last night we all went sledding! The kids loved it...they got to ride down and up! The snow coverage is pretty good. I'm glad we went since they decided to hold off on anymore snow making. I would have been pretty pissed if I showed up at midnight and nobody was there. It was nice to sleep, I am starting to feel like shit.
I ended up doing the night ride as did 6 other people. It was a good time, but I did not ride as smoothly as last Monday. Poohman nailed his balls pretty good and had to bail a bit early. It seems that every ride someone takes a shot to the balls. So far I have avoided this phenomenon!
I really need to get some pictures on this thing...not of balls but anything. Pictures are good.
Later.

MNMBR and Snow

Tonight is the the Monday Night Mountain Bike Ride. I am debating on going or not. I have another shift (midnight to 6 a.m.) of snow making tonight/tomorrow morning, followed up by a 9-5 shift at the shop. "F"ing sweet! I am feeling a bit under the weather and the the soon to be lack of sleep won't help matters. I am sure I will still ride, it's fun.
I hope this is the last time for the ride and we can convert it over to the Monday Night Ski!
I have been planning on getting some pic's up of the snow making but have not had the time or energy. I think I may bring the kids over to the sledding hill tonight for a bit too. Yep, we blew snow on the sledding hill as well. I saw about ten people using it last night.
Out.