Not Today

I work today and Jen has to leave early for a Knowledge Bowl meet. I set the alarm for 5:15 am to get up and ride the trainer for an hour or so. Yeah, that didn't work out too well. Next time I will go to bed before midnight.

Tomorrow, before work, I hope to get out and ski...hopefully for the last time! Stone groomed most of the Jail Trail system and reports are it's in great condition. They call it spring skiing but it's still damn cold. Just checked the temp. for Sanibel, FL next week...80's and sun!

Out.

Hangover Headache from Dreaming?

Today I am experiencing my first non hangover headache. It sucks. Not too sure what has caused it. Maybe it's the gallon of soda I consumed on the drive to and from Madison or maybe it's the shoulder shrugs I did at the gym that is compressing my upper back. At least with a hangover headache you knew where it came from and how to get rid of it...drink more! In Madison I had the most realistic "using" dream I have had since I stopped drinking. I woke up several times confused as to when I drank and how I would explain it to Jen. Maybe that's why I have a headache?!

I half contemplated getting a quick ride in outside before the big snow came. But putting the kids in the car I got wind up my skirt and said screw that I'm hitting the basement.
Looking out the window it's starting to snow pretty good. I have flipped from being bummed to being pretty stoked about the snow. I'm so fickle like that.

As I said earlier my family and I head to Florida next week Friday. After last year I told myself I would not go this year or maybe never. I was experiencing the lowest I ever felt. It's at Florida that I admitted I needed help, both for drinking and my emotional behavior. I do not think I have ever had so much to drink in a weeks time in my life, about 3.5 liters of vodka plus beer, rum... I would drink to feel better and disappear. But drinking only added to the situation so the cycle continued on and on. A year later I am going back over 7 months sober and feeling great. I am excited to go and I do not have any anxiety! So maybe it's Florida that got me to realize I was messed up. I am glad it did. Besides I have lost a lot of weight and will look almost as good as Tenacious T in a swimsuit. I will be running from all the old ladies!

I'm Back...like you missed me.

I got back from the Winter Trade Show in Madison late last night. I could never be a long haul trucker. If so I would be a fat SOB. Nothing but soda and sunflower seeds to stay awake. The show was pretty good. It's always fun to see the new stuff, but somewhat anti climatic since we won't have it in the store for about a year. There was nothing earth shattering for new stuff but I was able to scope out some new lines to fill the holes at the shop.

I saw in the paper we are to get a good amount of snow tomorrow. I have mixed emotions on this. The extended forecast is below freezing so skiing will be good. Time to pull the skis back out...again.
Next week I head to Florida for a week. Hopefully, when I return, all the snow will be gone!

I was scheduled off from work today since I was not to get home till tonight. I hope to squeeze in a little ride, do some laundry and do a night shift at the shop.

Later.

Ski Report

Well, I survived skiing out at SJU. I did eat shit 5 times, but I laughed every time. The trails have yet to be groomed so the tips of the skis would get caught under the trail at times. They have some pretty good downhill runs too. I bombed one of the hills twice to only crash twice. I am not sure why I was crashing but I pretty much cleared the trail of any new snow. I had so much snow fly up into my face me teeth got cold.
I am glad I made the decision to ski. It was a good time with the guys and the roads are good and messy.

Tomorrow I head to Madison for the Winter Trade Show. I get to buy all the ski stuff for next year already. Hopefully when I get back the driveway will be melted off. I am going with the not shoveling, but let it melt, method of snow removal.

Scratch the Last Post

I was just convinced to ski out at SJU. I haven't skied out there in several years. Gotta go wax the skis.
Later.

Winter is Back.

I really want to ride, outside, today but it is cold. I think I am going to give it a try. What the hell.
I know skiing is pretty good but I don't know if I would have any fun.
So the question becomes will I have more fun freezing my digits or skiing on non groomed trails?
Oh my life is oh so tough.
Out.

Snow?

I thought if it snowed a measurable or usable amount I would be excited and back into ski mode. But, nope...didn't happen. It does look a lot cleaner outside but that is about it. Well, it did hide the winters worth of dog shit in the back yard so I can put that job off for awhile more. The ski trails I like to use have lakes of ice in the valleys, except the North Loop. Maybe I will force myself to groom tonight so I can ski one more time tomorrow. There was talk of a road ride tomorrow so if I hear that is still happening I am in for that instead, hint, hint.
Work awaits.

Pet Peeve

I have been noticing a lot of morons calling lately to the shop. OK they may not be morons but the phone skills they posses suck ass:

Me: "Hello, Revolution Cycle and Ski."

Customer: "Who's this?"

Me: "The fucking boogie man, who do you think it is?"

No I don't really say it but is annoys the hell out of me. Try something like, "with whom am I speaking?". I also really love it (insert sarcasm) when a customer calls and does the following:

Me: "Hello, Revolution Cycle and Ski."

Customer: "Is this Mike?"

Me: "No this is Ben, would you like to speak to Mike?"

Customer: "No"

Me: "Are you fucking stupid?"

Stearns county and the phone...you have to love it. You may think I could alleviate most of this by stating who I am when I answer the phone, but that would be giving in. These people have to learn. I will not give up. I sometimes mess with them and they get so confused...it's a good time.

Another pet peeve of mine is when a customer asks me if a certain saddle is comfortable, will it fit them, and/or will alleviate the pain they are having in the "soft tissue area"?
Mmmm...soft tissue area, excuse me while I go puke.

Let's see, can you bend over so I can take a closer look at your ass? Or better yet, I love when they grab the saddle, shove it between their legs, and do a little dance like they are trying to remove their underwear from their ass crack. Yep, this feels good, I'll take. Are you fucking kidding me?!
I don't know, maybe it is just me. I have never had a saddle that I could not get used to. Alright, there was one but I didn't give it a chance because I like to spend money and wanted a new saddle. I think it's great when men have to tell how there junk goes to sleep and that it's the end of the world and apparently their manhood. Shit, I've been on rides where I physically have to check if I still have a penis because I can't feel shit down there. I have two kids, so the swimmers aren't taking the short bus. Macho men are morons, probably the same ones calling me with shit manners too.

Thanks for letting me vent.
Out.

Randomness

I wanted this photo at the bottom of the blog entry but had trouble moving it, so here it is. The other night, like every night, Avery fights going to bed and comes downstairs a lot. She finally stayed upstairs without constant crying. When I went up to bed I found her in Brinna's bed hogging most of the bed. Brinna had no idea in the morning. She's a very sound sleeper.

Matt, Darren, Tom, and I made it out for a 2.5 hour ride this afternoon. Despite the crazy wind it was not that bad. I think I had it built up in my head that it was going to suck. If I was riding by myself I am pretty sure it would have sucked! We only had one rider go down, with no injury, and it wasn't me this time! I hope we can make this a regular Wednesday thing, but I know how that goes.

I put my Salsa Mamasita up for sale tonight. I hate to see it go, but I wasn't riding it much and have to make room for the new. I am really excited for MTBing this year. I am usually not too jacked on it till the fall so who knows what this will lead to.

Later.

Hmm...

Currently it's pretty nice out, 23 degrees, with some snow falling to make things good n messy. Later today for the the ride it's suppose to be 15 degrees with a 20 mph NW wind...sounds like a recipe for fun. Yeah right. If people show up I am still in, what the hell, it's only 2 hours.

Last night a few of us hit up the Lincoln Depot to have a final drink or two with Darren before he departs this Friday. Since my sobriety this was the first time in a full on bar. I didn't go in with a "plan" like you are suppose to but then again everyone I know, and some I don't know, know I don't drink. It could have been at somebodies house, it was not a big deal. The only difference (from the past) was I was the first to leave and everyone else was a bunch of sallies! Oh and Karl.com was there, which always makes everything a bit more intense...in a good way.

Stuff...for a lack of a better title.

Yo, check it...
Wednesday the 18th, 1:00, at my house, Matt and I are headed out for a 2 hour (or so) ride. Bikes will be rollin on CX tires. All are welcome if you can handle dirty jokes and crude comments! Tom, Charlie, Darren, and Kyia all may be in attendance, or not. If your work schedule allows it, lets "Rollout". I think Jeffro should take a half day and ride. We all know Evel is still in ski mode despite the lack of snow, so he's out. Maybe we'll be surprised!

I have had some good suggestions for "epic" events but none have been a "must do" in my book. As much as I would like to ride 500 miles in 48 hours it's just not me. Sorry Tdogg. So the search continues.

I am empty.

Holy Shit.

DGM restarted his blog the other day and now Mike has entered the world of blogging! Pretty soon we won't have to talk to each other face to face and can just communicate through our blogs. I'm all for that.

I was asked to groom the North Loop early tomorrow morning. I do like grooming but mentally I am out of the skiing thing. We'll see how I feel in the morning.

I want to find sometime to ride this weekend but there is a lot going on so who knows. The weather kind of sucks too.

Training Camp

Darren has been on a secret recon mission to check out the training of Schlict. The above photos are the results of training in Fargo!

Go Schlict Go!

A Model on a Trainer

So I was going to ride outside today after work...today is my short day 9-12. But with the drizzle, wind, and wet streets I chickened out and opted for the trainer. I watched a movie, Wanted, and ended up with almost 2.5 hours and didn't get bored! I am enjoying the bike so much lately that not even the trainer can wreck it. I know the time will come but for now it kicks ass. Hopefully an early spring is in store for us. Here's what I look like after the trainer for 2.5 hours...and I'm still smiling! Shit, I think I could be a model.
Gotta go pick the kids up from day care.
Out.

Ahhh Shit...It's Time.

Mid February means one thing for sure, time to get your Chequamegon entry form printed and mailed in. But this is where the dilemma begins. I am not a huge fan of this race/event. The course pretty much blows ass. Up and down rolling, grass hills for 40 miles, fighting morons for position, choking on stupid donut holes, and paying $67 to do so. For some this is the pinnacle of their riding career, they live for this shit. But not me. I will send in my form and if I am unlucky enough to get picked I will show up in September and ride. I would much rather do this or this, but the traveling distance is more than doubled and that throws a monkey wrench into those plans. But one never knows, I won't say never yet.

With all my pleas for some event within a respectable driving distance, and bitching about those that are...maybe I should start my own event. Hmm, nah who am I kidding? That takes a lot of planning and someone (like me) will bitch about something.
So yeah, still looking.

Sunday.

Hot damn...went for a 2 hour 15 minute ride this morning and had a blast. I hit up old faithful, good 'ol cty rd 8. First time this year, the first of many I am sure. I had The Crystal Method in my ears and the wind at my back for most of the ride! Does that ever happen? The sun was up, hoar frost clung to the trees, and the snow was not yet melting, so not too much spray. In the words of Ice Cube, "today was a good day".
I am truly convinced that I have turned from skiing to biking for the year. Tomorrow we are suppose to get rain and 41 degrees, but not before a nice layer of ice coats everything...ugh.
Winter never want to quit. Last year we had storms in April. Be patient young grasshopper.
Later.

Oh yeah, TBQ is back and keep giving me suggestions for endurance type races/events.

Procrastination leads to Remorse

After having read several reports on the Arrowhead 135, I find myself wishing I had given the race more thought or at least got the ball rolling on a Pugsley. Like last year, I have the urge to do a long, slow race/event of some kind. Hopefully, unlike last year, I will follow through and find an event and do it. Already the Almanzo 100 sign up date has come and gone, ugh.
So I am throwing it out to the readers asking for any info on some similar type event you may know of. Preferably less than a 4 hour drive from MN, but would consider anything.
Thanks.

Hmmm...Sausage

I was put in charge of grilling the sausage at the Winter Solstice Party this year. Outside by myself, in dress pants, fighting the -30 windchill, while watching the revelers inside take shots of Aquavit off a ski.
Good Freakin Times.

Fit as a Fiddle

The visit with the Doc was a good one. He explained all the numbers to me. My bad cholesterol is 63 and they don't start treating you till it gets to 160. My good cholesterol is spot on. Guess I can start eating at Val's again. My blood pressure is that of a teenager, so he says. I asked him about my kidneys so he's running a test on that from the blood I gave last week. He didn't say much but I guess my testicles feel normal and whatever he's feeling for when I cough he didn't find...so that's good, I think. He gave me a tetanus shot that's good for 10 years. My arm hurts like hell. I haven't had a shot like that for a long time.

I still was able to get a hour ski in too before I had to pick the girls up from daycare. Mike groomed a couple night ago and the North Loop was still holding strong. I think Kris and John were going to make some passes on it tonight.

The girls and I made our own pizza's tonight. I think Avery got more sauce and cheese on the floor then her pizza but I was chill and let it go. I'm good like that...now.
Later.

Turn Your Head and Cough

I have an appointment today for my first physical since 1990! I figured since I am now sober and "trying" to take care of myself I should make sure the insides are all squared away and doing what they are suppose to do. I got the results back from my blood work the other day and they were aces...or so I think. It was a bunch of numbers all in the average range. I am not old enough, I hope, to get a finger up my ass and I am not sure if they still check your balls or not. Should be a good time. I'm glad I showered today!

The 'ol sides have been sore for a few years now. More so after drinking, so I am sure they were related. The pain has been drastically reduced so that is more proof. I will ask the Doc his opinion, which will mean more tests and money. I think they can use the same blood but who knows. I can still pee so the kidneys are working and I had the liver checked a year or so ago and that was good. Fucking booze. Tastes good, makes me feel good, but fucks with everything else. They say everything in moderation, but I have never been one for that. Shit, when I was running I was running up to 100 miles a week. Addictive behavior...nah. Just like I can't drink anymore I cannot run anymore either...maybe there is something to the "everything in moderation"!

On a different note, it was not below zero this morning and the wind in minimal. If I was off today I would get the bike outside for sure. Maybe go for a 6 hour ride or something!
Out.
I mean...cough.

Secret Bike Project #1

Well, as promised, here are some pic's of my SBP #1. About 2.5 years ago I bought some Dura Ace high flange track hubs. I had nothing to use them for but thought they were cool and needed to have them. Well with the new Surly Steamroller color I knew what I had to do.

Here's a crank shot. Sugino Messenger crank with Surly SS Chainring.

Went with a lot of Nitto products with this bike. Nitto stem, seatpost, and sweet handlebar (38cm!). Also tossed the Paul E-brake lever on too.

Oh so pretty...and poser material.

More of the sweet bars.

The full thing. I built the hubs on some Velocity Deep V's (super shiny). Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy tires, made by Panasonic. I have 3 Brooks B-17 saddles but went with the racer Swift. We'll see how it goes.

Man I love bikes.

SBPs #2 and #3 will unfold as I know what they are!

Time to walk Zoe.

Out.

Get the Hell Out of Here!

Darren is moving on to "bigger and better" things, or at least he thinks, in about 3 weeks. Last night we had a "see ya" party at Mike's. It was a good time and nobody got drunk and danced on tables. Well, not when I was there anyway.

Today Darren wanted to head out for a road ride. Four of us saddled up and hit the icy streets. I have been on my bike in the basement but not outside for sometime. It was great to get outside and feel the sun. I was the only one to go down, but nothing too dramatic. We did about a two hour ride. The west wind was wicked (like the alliteration), but everything else was great for the first ride of the year.

I skied yesterday afternoon in the heat of the day. The snow was super soft and slow going. I have to admit I am digging the warm weather. I just hate the slop.

Off to youth ski league with Brinna.

Out.