What To Do...

This morning I was torn with what to do: xc ski or pull the Pugs out for some more trail time. I ended up skiing. I haven't been out on the skis for sometime. I somewhat have written skiing off till we get more snow. With only a couple of hours before I had to head into work I thought skiing would be the way to go. I skied the North Loop, Orchard, Warm Up, and Hill Top. All in all is wasn't too bad. The best was probably the North Loop, even with all the leaves, seeds, and sticks. I got just under 2 hours in. Supposedly we are to get a couple of inches tonight/tomorrow. This would really help the trails out. I like skiing but have become a "fair condition" skier. If the trails aren't good why ski?
I hope to get out a couple more times this coming week on some snowmobile trails (biking). Not too sure where...but it really doesn't matter. If we do get some snow some skiing too.

Time to work.

Out.

Happy Trails.

Biking the snowmobile trails out of St. Joseph rock. The trails rarely follow a roadway. They meander through the fields, swamps, and groves of trees. They also go up and down a lot more than the trails in Benton cty. Starting out was -10 so the trails was pretty solid. There were some drifted sections but even those were passable. I rode to Rockville. There I jumped on the road to make my way back home. I planned to cross hwy 23 but a multi car crash and several squad cars told me otherwise. I biked about 45 minutes on the rode then jumped back on the trails and headed in. Finished with 3 hours 20 minutes. I took a sweet frost covered picture of myself on the 'ol smart phone, but managed to somehow delete it sending it to my email. The phone may be smart, but me I'm not so sure.

Jen has a knowledge bowl meet today so it's the girls and I. I planned on going to the gym, maybe the mall (the kids like it there), library, and so on. Last night Brinna puked a couple times. She never had a temp and feels fine now. I think if I was a single parent I would still go. Jen would kill me if I brought Brinna out. I guess it's not fair to the other kids/parents so home bound we are today. It'll still be fun.

Later.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, Happy Birthday Brian. So glad you are with us! Have a great day.

Weigh In...

Start: 198

Last Week: 190

Today: 190

I give up. Well, I will give it one more week. If nothing happens I will stop weighing in. I don't know what is so "magical" about 185 or 180 but that's what I want. But they are just numbers. I feel good and think I look alright (nothing special...well I have been told I could be a model, but that's not the point).

I will cut out all excess sugar this next week. That is my weakness...I love candy. I don't feel I eat too much but I will cut it out to see. I do enough exercise (a lot) so it must be what I am eating. Ask the guys at work...I eat salads, fruits, vegetables, and "healthy" leftovers. I rarely eat out. I do have a clif bar in the morning at work after the gym. Maybe I will have another apple instead. I don't know.

It's just water weight.

Jen has to leave early this morning to work on a paper at school, computer problems continue. So, I get to bring the kids to school and daycare. This puts me behind the 8 ball for getting on the snowmobile trails. I think I will still go and get in as much as I can before work at noon. Should be fun.

Edit: Just checked the temp...-14 Ouch. Still should be fun.

Later.

Rambling.

2.5 hours at the car dealership and the "super" van is back in tip top shape for no charge...sweet. I took yesterday off from skiing, biking, or other leg stuff. I did hit the gym up for a bit, nothing special.

Up early this morning to ride the trainer. I was thinking that maybe I am starting to get sick of the trainer...noooooo. Looking at my watch I was expecting to see about a 1/2 hour, but shit 1 hour 16 minutes already...damn I still like riding the trainer. Ended up with 1.5 hours, not too bad since it was all just listening to music.

Tomorrow morning I plan to hit up some snowmobile trails with Pugs. Just me, Pugs, my iPod, and my thoughts. Sometimes I like it like that. No one to answer to but myself.

Jen and I are still trying to figure out what to do with our computer situation. We need to decide quickly. I hate borrowing stuff for too long.

Later.

Tonight I Was the Tortoise.

The weather has turned. Brutal wind and single digit temps. Shoveling the driveway this evening I froze and cursed the weather and promised myself I would retire in the southwest. Oh how quickly we change our minds. I just got back from a 2 hour ride on the Pugsley. With the cold temps the snowshoeing I did long ago held up great giving me enough float and traction. I didn't have the GPS with but would guess I was going pretty slow...maybe 6 mph. I got frustrated at times with the ruts or bumps but figured mental training is just as important as physical.

Today was a good day.

Tomorrow morning I have to bring our new "super" van in. The check engine light has been on for sometime. My bikes never have a check engine light...well that would be me and maybe sometimes I need a check engine light!

Off to bed.

Out.

Spin Class

For all you Spin Class nuts out there read this.

Funny.

Not that I'm any better. I'm up at 5:15 to ride the trainer an hour before I need to get the kids ready...dork.

Later.

No Trails For You.

Four of us, (Matt, Lance, Charlie, and I) met in St. Joe to depart on our 4 hour snowmobile trail ride. The temp was high, the sky was spitting rain, but we believed the trails would still be ok. About 10 feet into the trails we knew we were in for a "work out". The Pugs was working great, but the others were on the standard mtb's. They were cutting right through the trail, even with the psi super low. We muscled through for about a 1/4 mile and had enough. We opted for a gravel day. The Pugs is not really a great bike to ride on wet, sloppy roads. I was spraying water everywhere. Luckily I grabbed my rain jacket at the last second. My butt still got pretty wet!


Here we are navigating a steel bridge. Lance and Matt know way too many back roads.

Here I am at the top of the Alp. Something I didn't think I would ever do on the Pugs. Another 1st on the Pugs was 32 mph.

This is the type of road we saw most of the time: ice and snow covered. If this wasn't the case it was then wet and sandy.

We ended up with 3 hours 15 minutes. I had a great time. It's nice to get out with others every once in awhile. I am a fan of training by myself but on crappy days it is nice to have a others to push you along.

This weather sucks. Unless we get some snow I may call it quits and stick to the bike. This next week is going to get cold. The snowmobile trails should be like a sidewalk...I'm game.

Out.

Extra, Extra, Read All About It.

Sunday, high noon, at St. Joe the ride departs.

4 hours of snowmobile trails and gravel roads.

Meet in the parking lot by the coffee shop.

Questions? Let me know.

I was able to get a ride on the trainer and some gym time today. I watched "Gamer". Not bad, similar to "Death Race".

I'm a bit bummed by all the rain today. Can't help but think what it would look like if it was snow!

Later.

Ice, Ice, Baby...

"Stop. Collaborate and listen, Ice is back with a brand new rendition," (Vanilla Ice).

Yeah it's ICY...

Jen's KB (knowledge bowl) meet was canceled due to all the ice. I thought I may be able to get out and ride with the guys on the snowmobile trails, but Jen is still sleeping*. I've been doing laundry, dishes, and the floors. The girls have been following me making a mess!

Part of me wants to venture out and test the Pugsley on the ice or maybe slap the studded tires on the cyclocross bike. In actuality I will most likely take the girls to the gym and ride in the basement this afternoon.

If I get enough shit done today maybe I can venture out with the boys tomorrow for 4 hours of bliss!

Out.

*Jen got home last night at midnight. Upon which, she searched the net to see if the KB meet was canceled...as the roads already sucked. No luck. This morning at 5:30 she was up calling coaches then kids. Also, it would appear I do a lot of cleaning, not the case. Jen does about 75% of the cleaning. I just do a bunch at once and complain about it.

Are You Kidding Me?

I think I am getting sick again. I never get sick and now two times in a two week period...ugh. Off to bed to hopefully put this thing to rest.

I hope to ride the trainer tomorrow while the kids are taking a nap, my fingers are crossed. Rumor has it of a snowmobile ride on Saturday and Sunday. I'm out for Saturday but maybe Sunday, again the fingers are crossed.

Good Night.

Duncan Yo-Yo

Weigh in day.

Previous: 187

Today: 190

Net Loss: 8

This is why I don't weigh. WTF? I didn't change anything from the previous two weeks but I am up 3 lbs. I am actually not too concerned. I did have ice cream a couple times so maybe that's it! After my "morning ritual" I should weigh again...!

Going out to get the morning paper I noticed the cars are covered with yet another sheet of ice. What a waste of precipitation. This does nothing good for the ski trails and riding bike on the road with out studded tires would be a guaranteed bruised body. Okay there is one thing it's good for...making the already hard snowmobile trails harder. Did you know MN has some 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails! So much exploring to be done. I printed off some maps last night. I cannot help but think, "what if these were 20,000 miles of MTB trails"?!

More is Better...maybe.

At the shop tonight we were talking about the new SRAM XX groupo. Ah, 10 speed. I like the idea of two gears up front but not sure if I'm sold on the 10 in the rear. Well, before we can see how well it will last and work Shimano has unveiled it's XTR, XT, and SLX versions of 2x10 for 2011.

If I wasn't so lazy I would have cut and copied the photos, but I am...so google it.

Blah.

Back to the single-speed.

Yee Haw.

Ride: Pugsley and snowmobile trails in Benton Cty.

Time: 3.5 hours

Distance: 38.6 miles

Great time! These trails followed some main roads but also cut through some swamps and woods. I knew where I was at but also did not know where I was at...if that makes sense. Upon entering the trails, I biked on the roads to get there, I went over the handlebars! I checked for my phone and keys, but not my water bottle. 3.5 hours and not one drop of fluid, I'm parched.

Keeping it short...gotta go to work.

Out.

Choices.

"You have two choices of what you can do. You can ride with me or I can blow you away. I said, I will ride with you if you can get me to the border, the sheriff is after me for what I did to his daughter...I did it like this, I did it like that, I did it with a whiffle ball bat. So I'm on the run, the cops got my gun, and right about now it's time to have fun." (Beastie Boys, "Paul Revere").

Not 100% sure but I think that is how the song goes. My choices are to xc ski or ride...hmmm? I all but told myself I was going to ski today. But as the hour approaches I think I may ride. This weekend is suppose to be icy/snowy/rainy, so riding is pretty much out. Not that skiing in those conditions is great, but it is much more doable. Last Thursday "the two wheeled terrorist" and I rode the Pugslies on snowmobile trails. Maybe I will do that again. I hear Benton Cty has a good variety...let's check it.

I'll report back.

Out.

Clean Up In Isle 4.

Tell me what you want to hear...what should I "blog" about?

Pugsley and Me.

It's been awhile but I got out tonight for a night ride with Pugsley. I wasn't too sure what to expect for trail conditions. I have not been out since we have received our big snow fall. I hit up Sand Prairie WMA. It was rough from all the foot traffic but the path was solid and good. You only have about and 18" path to follow, too far to any side and you spin out. I did some illegal recon riding as well. The trail was not as packed and I tended to spin out more than not. I think after some colder weather it should set up nicely. I ended up with 1.5 hours up evening fun.

My riding/race season is shaping up nicely.

So far:

February 27: CIRREM...100 km in central Iowa

May 15th: Almanzo 100...100 miles of gravel in Rochester

June 5th: Kanza 200...200 miles of gravel in Emporia Kansas

August 14th: Northwoods Triathalon...1/4mile swim, 17 mile bike, and 5 k run...Nevis, MN

August 28th: Salsa 24 of 24 Hours of Afton (8 hour solo event)

I need to find something for March, April, and July!

Later.

FOR ERIC...

now he has to update TBQ!

Weekend Wrap Up.

Ahh a weekend off work...it's been awhile.

Saturday:

No alarm, but still up around 7. Avery and I watched cartoons and cooking shows. Once Jen and Brinna got up I headed out to ski. I wasn't sure how long I was going to go for. I have been struggling to get past 1.5 hours without going crazy...Saturday was different.

Time: 3 hours

Loops: North Loop (x6), Orchard (x2), Warm Up (x2), Hill Top (x2), and Baltos (x1).

Felt very good. Fast skis, good music, and seeing other skiers helped.

Back hope I started a huge pot of chili for the evening. Ran to the co-op to get ingredients for granola. Made a huge batch of that too.

After chili we went to the gym to enjoy the pool.

A good day.

Sunday:

Again no alarm, and again Avery and I were up around 7. She watched cartoons and I "dorked" out on the Internet, as Brian says. Finally took the Xmess tree outside, leaving a trail of needles. My knee is a bit sore from the ski yesterday so I decided to ride bike today.

Ride: extended cty road 8, about 40 miles.

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Bike: Surly CrossCheck single speed.

Awesome time again...and again wished I could have gone longer. But chores at home need to get done, plus youth ski league at 2. Not to forget the Vikes!

Time to clean.

Out.

Burp, Meow, Sweet.

Well we are still without our computer. Jen has been going back and forth with HP with no luck. They want her to have our computer in front of her, so I have to pick it up today from the repair shop. Still using Harry's Mac and loving it...thanks Harry!

I had planned to get out early this morning to ski before work. However, at 1:41 am Avery marches into our room announcing she puked. I didn't think it would be much but it was and it covered all her blankets, etc. So in our bed she came. About 5 minutes later she's making funny noises, Jen yells bucket, and I (with my cat like reflexes) get the garbage can up in the nick of time. Man for a tiny girl she can hold a lot! By looking at my garbage can you can tell what she ate that night! Yummy. I had trouble falling back asleep and feel a bit tired so I may hold off on the ski and wait for the weekend. I have the weekend off and hope to get some big hours in outside.

Weigh in Friday:

Last Friday: 192

Today: 187

Goal: 185

Total Weight Loss: 11 lbs

I deserve a day off.

Later, doing laundry...puke removal.

Somewhat Up and Running.

Got word from the computer guy that our "motherboard" is shot. Damn. It turns out it would cost more than a new computer to fix it...shit. Our computer is only a bit over a year old. Jen is going to call Best Buy to raise some hell!

In the mean time, Harry has borrowed us his iMac!!! I love Mac's but Jen hates them, so we get PC's. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while I can.

I was able to get out and ski about 1.5 hours today. The conditions were great. I then rode an hour on the trainer. That's starting to get old, but not too bad.

Later.

Still Down

Our computer is still out being fixed.
So more later.

Piss on Technology.

Fiddlesticks man.
So real fast.

Last night was the 70's theme party to celebrate Charlie's 40th Birthday. Had a lot of fun and everyone was dressed up!

Since I stopped drinking (1.5 years ago), this was the hardest event I have been to. There were a lot of people there I didn't know, so I was a bit (or a lot) out of my comfort zone. There was a keg of beer, gin, vodka, and more. Being the 70's I drank Tab. So yeah, I had some soda.

Left to get home so I could register for the Kanza 200 by 12:01. Our computer didn't work. I was freaking out pretty good. I am sure I pissed Jen off. I did register but on my Blackberry...not fun.

Skied 2 hours this morning...had a blast.

Excited to have next weekend off from work.

Once the computer at home is up and running I will post pics from the party.

Later.

Friday

Ahh...it's Friday so I get to weigh in!
Last Friday: 198lbs
Today: 192lbs.
I stepped on the scale 3 times coming up with 192, 189, 189. I went with 192, I can't be 189 in a week. So I'm going the right direction.

I also got some trainer time in this morning too, 1 hour 45 minutes, watching Public Enemy.

I haven't shaved in a bit over 2 weeks, and it looks pathetic. If I remember I will take a picture before I remove my meager facial hair. I have a 70's themed party to attend this weekend so I thought I might try a "porn star" moustache...ha nice try.

Out.

Almost Normal...well "normal" for me.

I am about 90% recovered. Not having to blow my nose every 10 minutes is a relief to my nose and most likely any customers. My upper back feels a lot better too. I'm on the mend!

I was able to get an hour on the trainer and a hour at the gym this morning. Instead of freaking out about not being able to put in "big" hours on the trainer or skis, I'm just going to roll with it and start when I am 100%. I have been eating very healthy so far. I have not had any soda or energy drinks since Sunday. I have not had any excess sugar, tons of veggies, whole grains, and no high fructose corn syrup (when I can help it, it's in everything). I was thinking about trying to go all veggie but I'm not too into that, maybe later. I don't eat much for meat anyway. Last Friday I weighed 198lbs. I will weigh this Friday and see where I'm at.

Later.

Tri

Still sick but getting better. Sat in the sauna for 1/2 hour today. I sure expelled lots of toxins, man. I gave in an got my first massage ever today. I learned there is a difference between a back rub and a massage...wow...deep tissue means deep. Overall I am pretty happy with the results.

I had planned to ride the rollers for an hour tonight but don't have the energy. I'm actually off to bed shortly. Maybe a movie and the trainer in the morning.

Ha...Jen and I also signed up for the Northwoods Triathlon in Nevis, MN. Sweet, I get to swim, bike, and run...maybe I should get a speedo.

Later.

blpppphhhhh...

Ugh, a head cold and tweaked back have slowed the aspirations of starting the new year off and running...more like a waddle.
The cold is more annoying than anything, but I am amazed at the power it has over me. My back sucks in the morning but gets better as the day goes on.
I still managed to be on the rollers yesterday morning at 5:30. If "sweating out a cold" works I sure gave it a try. I plan on going to the gym today for some stretching, aerobic, and sauna. I really want to get out and ski but will wait for both ailments to heal before I venture into the sub freezing temps.

Boring post, but that's all I got!

Out.


oh yeah, Mr. Anderson and I got into the Almanzo 100! Mr. Anderson got a "sweet postcard" behind his name...it was pretty sweet, it had naked women in sauna on it.

Up North.

Since the North Shore Winter Ultra was canceled we decided to head up to Bemidji for the weekend. Our plan was to get some snowshoeing and skiing in. Currently it's 35 below zero...just a tad too cold to ski. We still plan to roll out when we reach the high of -2 or so.

On the drive up here the kids were sleeping and Jen was playing on her smart phone...so I had time to think, scary. I think I would like to bike up to Bemidji this year as well. There is actually a pretty good route, should be fun, at least with a south wind. I then proceeded to think I should bike from Bemidji to Ely, then from Ely to Jay Cooke, then from Jay Cooke to home. About an average of about 155 miles a day...hmmm.

Later.

Dick Clark Mumbles in the New Year.

...and another year has passed, freakin fast too, damn.

Ahh, 2010...a new year to explore. I do tend to make resolutions for the new year. I looked back over last year's blog post to see how I did. Overall, not too bad.

I did eat more locally and took several steps forward to becoming more self sufficient. I had many ideas of making the complete switch over in a few months. I have realized that it will more likely be a few years. This time frame is just more realistic for me and my family. We got a chest freezer for Christmas so we can build up more of a stock pile, we learned we need a bigger garden, and we took better advantage of the CSA we belong to. Keep moving forward is the goal for 2010.

I stayed sober and plan on doing so.

My soda and energy consumption fluctuated, but overall it has been better. I could stand for some improvement however.

My main goal for this year of 2010 is to reach 185 lbs. I weighed in this morning after cereal, coffee, and toilet time at 198lbs. I know I have some fat that could be trimmed but more so I need to loose some muscle. I really like going to the gym, I just have to adjust what I am doing at the gym. Ready, set, Go.

I plan to do more bike events/races in 2010 as well...just for fun of course.

Kanza 200
Almanzo 100
Salsa 24 or 24 Hours of Afton
1 road race
1 cyclo cross race
Chequamegon...if I get in. Not a huge fan so if not, fine.
An epic MTB race...Lumberjack 100?
Heck of the North, if not on our weekend of racing in St. Cloud.
A snow bike event, maybe the Arrowhead 135, but that would be 2011.
Thinking about a triathlon.
Bike a double century in a day...not sure why but I want too.
Be open to any event that may come along. I want to be come a bit more active in the bike scene, all types, and not "just ride"!

Obtain my passport. Not sure why I want one but that's the plan. Hell you need one to go to Canada so why not.

That's it.
Happy New Year.
Time to go run end of year at the shop then ski in the cold.

Later.