It Didn't Help

So, today we're at the Eagle River public library and the computer is expected to crash in 14 minutes. Mrs shopping at some thrift store run by nuns. Watch out for that ruler, doll.

Rode my 54 miles necessary to reach the 1000 mile mark for September. It was rainy and windy and I even through a crash in for good measure. I was only about 5 miles into the extravaganza when I heard a car behind me and moved closer to the gravel shoulder. A gust of wind blew my fat ass and before I knew it I was on the shoulder trying to hold it together. Nope, went down creating a huge crater. Immediately got on my cell phone to call the highway department to inform them of the roadside hazard. My right shoulder is a little gamey but not too bad. Would've been worse as a summer crash.

Now for the bad news. After no apparent bike damage I felt something hitting my leg when I got back near the cabin. It was a spoke. Not just broken. There's a hole in the wheel where it used to attach to. I can still ride it but don't plan on going too far from the cabin. Just got the 2 minute warning. Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!

No, I Wasn't Surfing Porn!!

The library is only open from 10 to 1 today so I got here early. Come to think of it I could work those hours. Well, maybe 10 to noon. Riding first with Mrs today because the forecast calls for rain. Just thought of a Robert Cray song for some reason. I have been riding first and then stopping back at the cabin to picker her up for another 15 to 20 miles but because of the impending rain we thought we'd ride together first before I go out solo.

They're on a big bike trail kick up here which is good. The trails are fun to ride especially when they're empty because there are some short steep hills that are a blast to ride rollercoaster style. You have to be careful because people tend to ride the trails admiring the scenery and wind up on the wrong side. Lots of people huffing and puffing these babies with no helmets on. Oh well, it's their head.

More tomorrow maybe when the library is open from 10 to 10:15.

9/27/06 - I'm no computer geek but I think this is definitely a dial-up connection. The well worded passage from above was written yesterday but didn't appear to post. Riding to Eagle River today which is a 34 mile round-trip. Was raining all night and this morning when I drove Mrs to Boulder Junction for some shopping. She rode her bike 34 miles yesterday on the rolly coaster trail and says her legs feel it today. Amen baby. Glad I'm riding some big miles cause I'm eating like a pig. 54 miles today will bring the monthly total to 1000 and five months with a thousand or more. Could ride even more if it wasn't for that damn job.

Thrift Store Closed!! What The %&*#@

Up in Wisconsin posting on the computer with the 30 minute time limit so this shit will be less coherent than normal when it's not all that coherent. Between massive amounts of food I've been able to ride 93 miles the last 2 days. This ain't the ride to Hopkins on the Cedar Lake Trail. These are rolling hills that make your heart feel like it's going to explode. But, I'm really loving it. 35 miles here takes it out of you. I've been riding by myself first and then stopping back at the cabin to pick up Mrs for 10-15 miles with her. Glad I'm not smoking.

Mrs has been enjoying her shopping even though the thrift store she planned on shopping at today is closed for restocking. Major bullshit according to Madame. Glad we brought a mini-van so she can cart all this stuff home. I think the roof rack may come into play.

Riding to Boulder Junction, Wisconsin today which is a little less hilly than some of the other routes. There's a nice bike trail which gets you off the road. Nothing like getting your hair parted by a log truck.

Checkoslovakia! Come On, It's Like Going To Wisconsin.

Speaking of Wisconsin, a few mental notes for packing might help. Mrs, you can use this too because I don't want to forget anything:

1. Dogs - they probably wouldn't be able to let themselves out and if they could this would be one hell of a different world.

2. Every piece of bike related clothing we own including all three pairs of shoes with the clips.

3. Semi-trailer to follow this soccer mom vehicle. Girl, I sure hope you never get tired of buying shit at those gift shops cause I think it makes ya really happy.

4. Cigars - try getting a decent cigar in northern Wisconsin. Note: A Swisher Sweet is not a decent cigar.

5. Basketball - Debbie, just pack the fucking thing and stop bitchin' about how much room it takes up and the fact that I play once for ten minutes and block all your shots.

6. Clothes for ME - one clean shirt, one clean pair of shorts and two pairs of scivvies.

7. Wizard of Oz videos

8. Bikes - last but not least. After renting that Next last year I definitely want my own bike. Your bike should fit in the glove box.

Will be posting from the library in Sayner, Wisconsin, where the librarian reminds me that I have 10 minutes left on my computer time even though there isn't another customer in the place. It's probably just my shitty rebellious attitude. No comments about that from any of y'all.

Orange Rides Again!!

Somehow I was able to get the back wheel back on my Salsa last night. Sure it's easy for you so fuck off. I think it took longer to get all the grease off my hands than to get the wheel on. Test ride to see if the wheel would fall off was done in my jammies and slippers and wasn't limited to the alley. Some woman all bundled up for her walk looked at me kinda strangely as I rode past her. Wheel didn't fall off and the gears shift which are both pluses.

So riding Orange to work after at least a month seemed strange. It accelerates nicely and the plethora of gears are cool for hills but I think my black Crosscheck is still better to ride. I think it's the geometry my good man. I sure like the way the black one feels when I stand to mash up a hill. And, as hippie Ben once said, 'big guys are mashers, we're not spinners'. It could also be the moustache bars that have a bit of drop built in.

Countdown to Wisconsin is in full swing. Pick up rental mini-van, that's right mini-van on Thursday and leave Friday. Hoping to get a bike for each of us in this thing and still have room for two dogs and all of the clothes Mrs needs to take for the trip. Just kidding, doll. I know you only take half of your entire wardrobe.

Now You're Sorry

I see that Jim (Oil Is For Sissies) has led some of his huge following here. I like Jim in spite of his conservative views which I give him shit about in a pretty good natured way. He has a cool bike shop. He hates his lawn as much as I hate mine. Mainly, I like Jim and his business partner Kevin because they're great guys. So conservative, liberal, whatever, who gives a shit? Only God can judge us, right? Now stop reading blogs and go ride a bike somewhere.

All City Championship And Other Weekend Stuff

Fire twirlers? at the afterparty of the All City Championship.

All City Championship alleycat was a success, I'd say. I don't know how many people actually raced but there was a big crowd at the afterparty behind One on One.

I was the volunteer at the Grumpy's Downtown on Washington. It was fun. I could've used a little more traffic at my spot but it was cool to see all the racers or as many of the racers who stopped there. My buddies all knew it was me stamping manifests as soon as they saw me but some of the kids weren't sure that the older fella wearing the Hawaiian shirt and his glasses was part of the race. Hell, Chuck had to take a couple of seconds before he recognized me. No matter, I had fun stamping manifests and eating.

I hung out at the afterparty until Geno kicked everyone out. I guess someone called the cops so the party underwent a change of venue to the hobo camp that was the Homie Fall Fest spot last year. Worked out good for me. I took the long way home along the river and was in bed by 12:30 am. Righteous.

Didn't much feel like the Dragger yesterday so I rode my 1 x1 and Mrs rode her Crosscheck on the breakfast/Hopkins loop Sunday extravaganza. Mrs was unsure that she could handle the ride into the headwind but handled it with no problem. Well, you know what I mean. Ran into T3 on the Greenway where I guess he distinguished himself with his riding partners.

E entertaining tonight. Her mother has some kind of pottery class. I guess the world just doesn't have enough ash trays or coffee mugs.

Why Would You Want To Steal Cable?

My stats show that the cable stealers are back. Why? I've got DirectTV which has like 150 channels and there isn't shit on it. HBO and Starz, nothing. That's one of the reasons I ride the shit out of my bikes.

Mrs is ill'n today. Headache and flu symptoms. So the little shit is still in bed right now but got up to make my lunch. What a nice girl. I took a different route to work which involved the new section of the Greenway and was 17 miles instead of the usual 15 which made me about 5 minutes late. I'm going to balance being late by leaving early.

Leaving early so I can enjoy the traffic out to Blaine for the last night of track racing. I'm going to miss my Thursday night trips to the velodrome. It's a fun time out there.

I'll be working one of the stops for the All City Championship alleycat on Saturday. I'm not sure if I'll be stamping manifests at the Racine, Wisconsin Piggly Wiggly or the Billy Goat Tavern on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. I forget. Oh yeah, now I remember. I'll be at Crusin Chubbys near the Wisconsin Dells.

I'm Riding This As Part Of Burns Entourage

The good people at Bike Jerks are presenting this with some pretty good sponsors. Sounds like the kids want to stay out late. I'll have to take a nap Saturday afternoon although my insomnia is an advantage when it comes to staying out all night. See you there. Click here to see event schedule.

Dear Ma - Send Money And A Fender

Almost ripped the front fender off my black Surly on the way home from work yesterday. I was waiting for traffic to clear at a stop sign at 74th and Nicollet. Instead of clipping out I did a little tight circle and one of my big f-ing feet did the whole toe overlap thing in a big way. Had to bend the fender back cause it was rubbing the tire. Fender now loose and rattling. Oh Josh, are you free for dinner next Sunday?

How the hell can one diminutive roadie quit blogging because of technology - make a few remarks - and cause such a stir? Probably did it to have more time dedicated to his lawn.

Speaking of lawns. Yep, it's time. Past time really. Gutters are full. My room's a shithole and there's two old Christmas trees to get rid of. Other than that, all caught up at home. Honey do list? As long as all that's on it is: Dragger rides, lunch outings and...um...aah...aah...well...umm.

Trading my roll-top desk for Ma's computer desk. No, she doesn't have a computer. She'll like the desk she's getting. Lots of little drawers to put shit in. Right up her alley. Now where am I going to put all the crap I currently have in that desk including my Wizard of Oz tapes?

I Better Check The Calendar

Tree moving with one of our contractors went amazingly well this morning. A tree spade scoops up the tree and a big clod of dirt and takes it to another location for replanting in a pre-dug hole. Sounds easy but it isn't always that easy. Now if the rest of the week goes that easy then I'll have something.

Dragger rain in the heavy mist yesterday was fun. Could've used a fireplace at the Hopkins Depot coffee house to dry wet clothes. Girl, you are the bad ass cyclist I could only hope to be.

Family bike mechanic took good care of us Saturday. I still need to get the wheels back on the bikes but that's another story.

On the way to work I cut through one of Richfield's parks. Announce 'on your left' to a runner. Of course he then moves to the left. Dodge him and encounter his dog running dragging his leash about 30 feet down. The dog is a puppy so he's excited to see anyone. I stop to avoid hitting the puppy. I guess I should've grumbled and moved on but it being Monday and all... I tell the guy I could get pissy but I won't. He comes back with, 'good for you'. I countered with, 'have a good day'. Not sarcastically, mind you. You know, when I'm riding and fuck up I at least show some remorse. Something like: I'm sorry, they fed me paint chips as a child or I'm sorry, my parents were brother and sister. Oh, by the way, KM, dogs like me better than you.

Wake Up E. I'm Not Finished Telling You About The History Of Dutch Elm Disease In Minnesota.

You're Ruining My Focus. Focus Schmocus.

So happy. I know why.
Ready to pounce.
Back, back, back.
On the front.
T3 about to lap the field.

Better Than Grading Papers

Congrats to my man Tuffy on his victory (15 lap scratch I think) last night at the National Sports Center. Larry Sellers was not in attendance.

I'm Ready!!

After a two week absence I'm all geeked up for track racing. I'm going to skip out of work early to get a jump on traffic and so that I can treat Mrs to elegant dining at White Castle. Don't forget your snowsuit doll as I believe you'll be on the chilly side by the end of racing.

We had a presentation on bird flu this morning and the effects it would have on City operations. You should of been there. The question and answer period was interesting. The boys never disappoint.

Time to go out and paint orange rings on trees. I'm in the zone.

Way To Go Fuckerhead!!

Congrats to little Jonny who graduates from specialized training today. Off to Fort Stewart in Georgia before they send you overseas, huh. I'm awfully proud of you and knew you wouldn't have a problem with the medic schooling. We've kept in contact even though we've only seen each other once in 5 years. Our profanity laced text messages keep me going. Peace out. Love you forever.

Back To Work, New Greenway Section and Mrs Pounds The Piss Out Of The Abominable Snowman

Well, I'm here for a 2nd day of work. Yesterday, I don't think my mind accompanied my body to work. It was somewhere else. Today my mind came with and is starting to fully comprehend all the shit I need to do. I think I'll concentrate on getting all the trees marked that I still need to. Paperwork? Aah fuck that.

Gee willikers, it won't be long before we'll need to get our arm and knee warmers out for our morning commutes. It's almost chilly enough now. But not quite.

The new section of the Greenway that connects the river to Hiawatha is pretty cool. Two of the street crossings are a little dicey but no worse than the one's in Saint Louis Park. How's about a Greenway time trial from the river out to one of the crossings in SLP?

On the bright side - we leave in 16 days for a week trip to Wisconsin

Once May Be Enough

Congrats to Mrs for providing the power to get my fat ass up Ohio Street on her tandem. Yes, there was a short stop halfway up to get our heartrates under 300, but we made it the rest of the way after that. It's always nice to have verification of such an undertaking. Owen of Cat 6 was doing repeats on that monster. Young show-off punk! Just kidding.

Two State Fair Trips - Once With E And Once With Mrs

Bike parking area on my Sunday trip with Debbie. Riding your bike there is the clear way to go. The fenced off secure area is right outside the gate.
Probably one too many items on a stick can make anyone sleepy.
My talents at eating far surpass anything I can do on a bike.
Cookie face E shown here. The girl sure loves her chocolate chip cookies.