Happy New Year

Anyone for karaoke???

Road trip

Made a trip to the Twin Cities this weekend. We went to visit my aunt, who is in like a nursing home in South St. Paul...South View Acres. My parents came with us. There was some ice down around there. With my parents, and us for that matter, not being exactly young, ice is a concern.

After the visit, we headed over to Eriks in Bloomington and then on to REI. That REI store was packed. Wall to wall people...parking at the extreme end of the lot. Obviously, some people have money...or some of that plastic money. Some had arm loads of stuff. Not us, as we were looooking not buyyyying. Hell, I don't know if I will have job next year, so buying things that are not really needed are on the back burner.

Watch where you're going and keep your hands on the bars...in the winter anyways.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

Eve ride

Went for a nice ride this afternoon. I did not have the computer hooked up on this ride, but I was gone for nearly two hours and was guessing I logged about 20 miles. Most of the roads I was on today had a loose sugar like coating...with one stretch of sand road that was really tore up. Had to unzip the coat after I got warmed up. Had G2 in the water bottle...it was frozen when I got home. Put things away, showered and puttered around a little...Then had a G2 slushy...pay extra for that.

Calm Clear and Cold

Minus 20 this morn. We had an errand to run this morning so I snapped a couple pics near home of the St. Croix river. The steam did not show well.

Sun shining bright on the way home.

Roads in perfect condition for biking.

Shanty time

Stayed up late last night clearing the snow away we got...so I could go to the shanty today. We ended up with about 6" and then came the wind and the cold. It was about -7 below when I arrived at the shanty and 5 above when I left, with a stout wind all day. I was the only out there for about 5 hours, then two trucks drove past me and farther out about a half mile. They did not stay long. It was nasty out there today. It does not look like it here, but there were some big drifts out on the lake. I had to back up and get a run a couple of them. You people that eat healthy may want to X out now.

Lunch was fresh brewed coffee with a hot dog sandwich.

Just before dark, a few more snow flurries

Sun is down but still glowing

And dark when I left. These are my tracks from when I arrived. Had to hit a couple of the drifts twice on the way off the lake too.

Fluff

Light snow all day and very little wind, temp around the 18 mark.

Sun peaked for 46.3 seconds

Will get to plow again tomorrow or late tonight...yea

More mini bricks

Still been riding the trainer and running indoors. Hunting season is over, so outside riding this weekend for sure. If I had a job close to home, I would try the work commuting...although I do not know if I would be as dedicated as some out there. Like for instance All the way Ray...and...Doug, who had a really nice streak going before an unfortunate accident...and sounds like bother yam does also. One of my co-workers, who received the lay off notice at work a while back, was one of these hardy souls. I witnessed first hand what he rode through and it was impressive. Blizzards, way below zero and thunder storms and downpours, these guys make it look easy.

Snow

Seven inches of snow today...so that means shovel and plow.

LOL>>>Bush had shoes thrown at him. Come on, you have to have a sense of humor.

Not much to write about this week. Same old stuff...trainer and elliptical. Outside riding is only available at night thru this weekend when the hunting season is over, and I haven't done that either.

Worked on the ice fishing shanty and also got the battery changed in the car...under the back seat...special battery at $190...must be done right or the computer gets screwed up, special tool...and that brings me to the auto parts store in Solon Springs. I try to keep our business local, so we buy our auto parts there. The unit I needed to change the battery I did not have. The owner said he would like to have one as he didn't have one either. He bought it, opened it up and sent it home with us to use with these instructions, "I would like to have one any way. Bring it back when you're done. No hurry." That is just one example of many. So...a shout out to Glen at Solon Springs Auto Part's and Machine Shop.

It was cold this morning. This one is for you CAD.

Some days...

There are some days that you have it and then there are others...others that, well I just don't have it. Yesterday felt good on the trainer and even did an extra 1 hour 18 in the evening, just because. A nice easy pace...relax'in...a waste'in time. Tonight I rode 35 minutes of 1 X 3's and now...ready for a nap. Man, just zapped me. I have the same issues when I am riding for real. Stolen from???google

Climate reality check

A dose of climate reality this morning. It was minus 16 degrees...Fahrenheit. I had been wondering about the strength of the battery in our car. No need to wonder anymore...it didn't start.

More work on the trainer and elliptical today.

First measurable

First measurable snow last night and this morning...about 2" of fluff. Still not comfortable riding during the daylight hours because the muzzle loader deer hunt is going on until I think, Tuesday. Then follows another four day doe only season. Only time to ride safely is night... ooor...it's the trainer...Yeah

Stay'in warm

Minus 16 this morning. Just a sit'in home keeping warm tonight.

Celsius that is.

Mixing it up

I have been mixing it up with the cardio lately. Tonight I did 20 minutes on the trainer, 20 minutes on the elliptical and finished up with 20 more minutes back on the trainer.

I used no towel for sweat either...must not have been a work out. I held a good strong heart rate for me for quite some time...in the 150 to 160 range for about 15 minutes of each of those and the verdict is...none to very little sweat. I ride sometimes with a guy who sweats like no other I have seen. I would think it would be better to sweat...at least some. Why is that? Good...Bad???

Mini Brick?

Decided to mix it up a little tonight. Did 30 min at a good pace on the elliptical and then got on the trainer for another 30 minutes. The elliptical program I ran had intervals and on the trainer I tried to keep the cadence above 90 and up to 100, except for a 2 minute cool down. Now....Is this considered a brick, at least a mini brick? Or maybe a pebble? How about a cube, one of those little chocolate ones...ice cube. How bout it coach, a mini brick???

On another note, I am already looking forward to more of this in the spring. If anyone else is interested in doing some weekend rides in WI and MN...let us know.

Trapped indoors...so another 50 minutes of 1 x 3 intervals this morn before the wood stove kicked into high.

Nice day...but

Very nice day today...temps in the low 40's...but with the deer hunt going on was forced to do the trainer. I rode 50 minutes of 1 x 3 intervals. We have not burned wood since 1982. This year we installed a new wood stove and that will be our main heat source this year. I discovered quickly in the beginning of winter, that wood heat and the trainer do not mix well. When we heated with the gas, it was turned down during the day while we were at work...so...when I got home from work, the first thing I would do is the trainer while it was still relatively cool. It could be a good thing as it may force me to do more winter riding.

Look Ma....no hands

Into the intervals

House Riding

There is no biking this week...outdoors that is. The nine day rifle deer hunt is in full swing. A rational person would think, it shouldn't keep us indoors because we don't look like deer, right???? Wrong, R O N G wrong. We live in an area that has a lot of public land and to go outdoors on a walk, run or bicycle would be putting your life at risk. There are a lot of morons right now carrying...and firing rifles. I should make myself clear. It is like anything else, it is just a few that ruin it for everybody else and give it a black eye.

On another note...Eight more good union men got the lay off notice at work

Economic woes

Cyclocross Jealously

All the talk lately of the Cycle Cross and such that is now finishing up, has brought thoughts in de brain full circle. I have been known to make the statement that this year was the last year for such foolishness as mnt bike racing. All the races I have entered have been fun...even the Ore 2 Shore...now that is sick, or at least some may think so. The Chequamegon is fun and I had a very good ride going there this year before I flatted out...that along with being ill prepared. That in it self, not finishing that is, has left a hole. Although for me, any of the races I enter have to be for the fun of it...as I am O L D DD. That being said, it should relieve me of all pressure for any future events I may enter. It is now written...and for ever shall be.

Politician's

One hour's riding

In one hour, a person can put a lot of miles on riding a bicycle. It seems to me, when people ask "Where did you ride tonight?" or "Where did ride today?"...many times when you tell them where you rode, its like they can't believe you rode that far. I guess when I think about it, most of the people that think that are not bicyclist.

Then, when you start talking about 30 to 40 miles is just a good ride and 50, 60 and 70 are better rides, it's like some of them think you are nuts and that is not to mention the centuries.

People have different hobbies whether it be biking, golf, bowling, fishing, baseball, motorcycling, working in the yard or what ever the hell else might turn an individuals crank. The important thing is to be able comprehend that concept. You spent how much on a bicycle...well...you spent how much on one golf club, one baseball bat, and how much for that big ass fishing boat or that motorcycle.

For some, the bicycle is a way of life...some a necessity...some a hobby...some to make a statement. There are obviously many different reasons for riding.

That is only one little drip from the drool and spittle that can come from my pie hole.

Put an hour in on the mtn bike tonight riding rut trails and some forest road. It was 23 degrees and I didn't do a good job of dressing tonight. It probably would have been alright for road riding, but riding the mnt bike through the hills and back roads, I was over dressed. I had thought the sandy areas would be froze, but I was roong . The majority of what I rode was fine, but the deep sand was still soft.

In the sand, I noticed black bear tracks and also gray wolf tracks (timber wolf). The bear have to be very tired about now I would think...and the wolfs hungry.

But the fact still remains...It was FUN. For me, riding the trails are the best.

Sure felt good to be on the Anthem again.

Right or Left ? ? ?

I left just as the sun was setting

and got back home with the moon shining bright.

Good riding

I didn't have the mountain bike today, but as I rode along I noticed all the sand rut trails seemed to have a hard crust on top. That makes for some very nice mountain biking in sand country. When the sand has a frozen top...it is fun time. I almost went back to get it, but it looks like the next couple weeks will allow for nice trail riding. Then, will come the whitetail deer rifle hunt. I do not have nuts big enough to ride around home when that is going on...although I guess a night ride could be possible...even then you would have to stay alert.

Loaded this up for our daughter Lisa, she thinks I don't bicycle enough....she is right.

Getting some riding in...but not enough.

Finishing up

With daylights saving time in effect, it called for a night ride. It was really dark already at 6:30 when I left for the ride. I rode 14 miles of nice back country blacktop roads. It was a good thing I only met one car and was passed by none, as half way into the ride me blinkie batteries died. There were a lot of stars shining bright and a sliver of moon which made for a great ride. It helps that I nailed the clothing... 41 degrees. Any time you get the clothing right, it is a bonus. With the work on the home finishing up, there will be more riding now.Two truck loads of wood today and no more...it is the last of the wood we are putting up for the winter. We have 10.5 rows at 14 feet long, about 18 inches wide and 4 to 5 feet high.

Saturday just before dark, we finished up the siding on the home. We have done a lot of work on the house in the last six weeks. I told Janice when the Chequamegon Fat Tire was done this year, I was giving up the bike for a while to get the house in shape. We put on a new roof, new soffits and fascia, new wood stove, new chimney's, new siding, two windows, two storm doors..one to install as it has yet to arrive and a new door...a lot of new things going in there. There will also be something new in the bike barn this spring. I am thinking it will be a Surly Long Haul Trucker. I want a better ride for towing the B.O.B. trailer. I have been using my aluminum road bike and know that there are better options out there. If any one out there has an opinion on this, please share.


And...speaking of all the new things going in the house...I sure will be glad when this election bullshit is history...and somebody new living in the white house.

Happy Birthday to the wife

Its Janice's birthday today. I could go on in length to what she means to me, like how when I was in my party days..hard party days...or what a total asshole I can be at times...or how there are things more important to do, but I ride my bike instead...or how I decided this year we would do some bicycle camping trips and she went for it, no complaining...or when I decided to do mtn bike racing and she comes along to help me with the whole scene...not to mention the three wonderful children we have, OK now I am bragging and I am going to keep it short, way way way short. I can assure you that the people that know us, know that I am very lucky. I love her dearly.

Too long left..or is right

How's Your Balance?

The biking has been slim lately, but the work on the home is nearing completion so it will not be long and back at it. I have never rode on a lake during the early ice season...this year it is a go. Anybody out there that has done that and what is it like? I would have to think that it would be FUN!!!!
On a side note...Congratulations to the Lunatic on their wedding anniversary...also hope for a speedy recovery.

RIP Uncle Ken

Rest in peace Uncle Ken.

We have a funeral today for my Uncle Ken. He is my dad's brother who married my mom's twin sister. He was almost 76 years and will be missed. I can not remember one time that he called me by my real name. He always called me Pete. The memories are many. We did a lot of things together from hunting, fishing, canoeing, cooking and drinking. In the first photo, he was helping us when we build our home. In the second photo, he is holding my oldest son, Brian. I could write for a long time remembering our times together, but I will keep it short. With Love, Pete

Time to get the winter ride ready

Not trying to hurry it along...but it is getting that time of the year. I will have to find time to get the Timberlin ready for the winter riding. I took the studded tires off this summer so my daughter could use it for single tracking. Now I will switch back to the studs, lube the cables good and what ever else I see that needs attention. People around where we live...kinda in the sticks, by that I mean not near a city...look at a person funny when you ride in the winter. I do not know why they should. I am the only one winter riding in our area that I am aware of. If anyone out there knows of people that ride in this area or are interested in winter riding, please let me know. It is really a lot of fun and the studs work great.
How can this not look like fun?

The cross scene

The cross season is in full swing and I think someday I would like to try that. I do believe that purposely dismounting during a ride may be a welcome change rather that being unwillingly and randomly thrashed violently to the hardened earth...been there several times this year.

I have never attended one and there are none in our area that I am aware of...and...I do not know how competitive the groups are that run these...or...if they would allow an old slow guy in...but in it just for fun may be fun.

Would that mean I would have to buy another ride?

Plug for Charlie

If you have not been over to Charlie Farrow's spot...and you want to see a funny...Check out Friday, Oct 3rd post. He has what I think is a great little video on there.
Also I heard rumor that he is building a clown bike. Only saying that because there may be a hint of jealousy.

Blue Monday

The axe fell at work today. This is what I can only describe as a pisser. A dirty rotten shame. Seven good men were laid off today.
One of these men commuted by bicycle every day this year...and the winter months he was working the night shift. Do you know what the streets of Duluth are like at 1:am during a snowstorm? This is not a short commute either...guessing 4 to 5 miles...and on a fixed gear living on the hillside of Duluth. I have made several rides with this guy and if he wanted...he would get some podium time on the racing scene. We had our last lunch together today...at work at least.
I will honestly say that there was NOT ONE bad guy in the bunch. They are all very good workers. Which brings me to this unpublished poem by Dr. Suess.

I Love My Job!

I love my job, I love my pay!

I love it more and more each day.

I love my boss, he is the best!

I love his boss and all the rest.

I love my office and its location, I hate to have to go on vacation.

I love my furniture, drab and grey, and piles of paper that grow each day!

I think my job is really swell, there's nothing else I love so well.

I love to work among my peers, I love their leers, and jeers, and sneers.

I love my computer and its software;

I hug it often though it won't care. I love each program and every file.

I'd love them more if they worked a while.

I'm happy to be here. I am. I am.

I'm the happiest slave of the firm, I am.

I love this work, I love these chores.

I love the meetings with deadly bores.

I love my job - I'll say it again- I even love those friendly men.

Those friendly men who've come today,

In clean white coats to take me away!!!

Heads I win...Tails You Lose

If I am here and you are there and you say you are here and I am there.

And the left say they are right and the right say the left is wrong and the right is right..and the right is left and left is right...right????Left????Right????

Sure will be glad when this B.S. is done<><><><><>

I came down from a ladder, run in the house to answer a ringing phone to be asked "Would you mind answering a few questions on the up coming presidential election?" Me..."Yes I would mind...Please do not call back."

What an idiot for answering the phone. Not one of my brighter moments.

Withdrawl

Beginning to suffer withdrawl from not biking...must bike...must bik...must b

Soon, very soon. Too much working, not enough biking. Must bike

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Today is the birthday of my mother...Joan Love and her twin sister Jean Love. We wish them both a Happy Birthday.

If you see or talk to either of them today, wish them a H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y ! ! ! !

Still doing homework

We haven't posted in a while because of being busy working on the homestead. We have the sofits and fascia almost done and will start the siding tomorrow. Some of the trim work for the siding is ready.

Tomorrow is my mother and her sister's (twin) birthday. We will be having dinner for her in the afternoon. After the dinner...if time allows...a ride will be in order.

After the outside house work, a new bicycle will be next. I am thinking a Surly Long Haul Trucker. The new colors, if there are any, are to be released this week. I have not had the time to research if they are adding or changing colors to that line. If anyone out there knows the scoop...let me in on it too please.

Monday Sept. 22---Happy Birthday

Today is my sister's birthday. We wish her a Happy Birthday.

If you see or talk to her today...remind her.

Home work report

I haven't been on a bicycle all week...and that SUCKS...but getting some necessary work done on our home this week. I think I should be able to log some miles to offset the hours of labor I have done, but we will keep it honest.
This week we...Tore off the fascia board and sofits
Removed the shingles and put down new felt
Tore down a 2.5 story flue lined brick chimney
Put up a new gas appliance chimney vent
Put up a new stainless steel wood stove chimney
Hauled home 14 square of new shingles
Removed all the siding, except the walk out basement wall
Put on new drip edge and fascia board
Bought and hauled home all the stuff for 15 square of vinyl siding
Hauled all the old shingles and felt to the recycle center
Put on 14 square of new shingles...minus the 3 shingles we had left
Cut slot in roof and put on a ridge vent
Cleaned up the mess we have made so far...plus some
I know I am missing some stuff

We have lots left, but have been making good progress so far. We have had some great help....My mom and dad, our youngest son and his friend Mitch...these guys are, like my daughter says "buff"...our daughter...our son and his girlfriend.

The two new chimneys...I need one more section for the wood burning

The mess we still have left

Doing Homework

So far this week has been all work and no play. Putting in some very long hours. Today was 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM. I must say I am not used to this manual labor stuff. I am also very poor with heights...and that does not help matters. The worst is yet to come as far the heights are concerned. I am pleased to say that I have had some good help.

So far we the roof off...hope to start shingling Friday afternoon...also about 2/3rds of the siding off the upper part.

Hoping for NO rain.

Bicycle Repair and Homework

I think I should get a few miles on the bicycle log for the amount of work I did today. I have off regular work this week and am working on our home....a 13 hour day. I removed our block--clay lined chimney. It was over two stories tall but taking it down, it seemed a lot taller. Between an air chisel and a sledge...we got it. Then we put up a new mini chimney.

On another note; Lessons learned from the failed fat.

Lesson #1:Be prepared...i.e...bring the right extra tube, the one that fits the type of rim you are running. At the last minute before the race I grabbed a spare tube from my bicycle tool box and shoved it in my jersey pocket. I have three 26 inch tubes in the tool box. I grabbed a shrader tube instead of a presta. I wonder if that is in the idiot book.

Lesson #2:When patching a hole in a tube...Just because it is leaking air at a seam, do not assume that is the only hole...i.e...many times a pinch flat has two holes. One of my pinch holes was right on the seam and I mistakenly thought it was the only one.

Lesson #3:Do not be so cheap...Buy a pump that handles CO2 and pumps too. I had two CO2 cartridges...used them both...and was still flatted. I have been looking to buy one of these all summer, but have not found them at any bike shops where I causally stopped in. Should have searched harder or ordered on line.

Lesson #4:Read lessons 1 and 2 and 3 over again...and listen to The Bicycle Repair Man.

The One That Got Away

The Fat Tire has come and gone. I had said I was going to take it easy...but couldn't do it. I started about 5 rows back from the elite and went out strong. It was very muddy...lots of puddles and a couple mud holes that were like a hybrid clay and quick sand. I rode hard and was having the best ride that I could hope for when disaster struck. Two hours 10 mins...32 miles in...8 miles to go...the hardest part in...feeling strong and going hard...FLATTED. It was a hard right hand turn at the bottom of a rocky hill and we were flying in a V formation like geese heading south. All of us were turning, braking and spitting rocks from our tires. We all made the corner but with in a couple hundred yards I heard air leaking.
There was a gentlemen that was parked next to us at one of the start parking lots. He and I rode the whole race together to that point. He would be in front, then I would be in front and we were back and forth the whole race. When I looked down to see if it was indeed "I" that was leaking, he pulled up along side and said "That's you bud. See ya later." He finished in the 260 to 275th area in 2 hours 41 minutes. So, just like fishing...you try to sell your story to everyone...You should have seen The One That Got Away.

The Way it Is

The decision has been made. Right or wrong...the goal for this years Fat will be to reduce any chance of injury and still have a good time. As of this morning my goal was to get the best starting position I could muster and hammer out the best ride possible. I have changed that strategy. In a meeting at work today, the option of taking some additional time off was offered. I had already planned a new roof and soffit's, but with the extra time available, new siding and a patio door has been added. Have some fun and no injuries are a must in order to complete the task at hand. The crystal ball that resides deep in the back corner of my cranial cavity...it takes up a lot of room too...says it is going to be soft, wet and slow...some mud too. I had already contemplated not going out too hard...although not seriously. This is the Fat Tire FESTIVAL after all and I will treat it as such. We will see how it goes on Saturday.

Family Cruise

My sister, brother-in law, Janice and I went for a short ride tonight. We intended on riding longer, but we were chased by rain. As I have stated before, I like these rides. they are a lot of fun. We logged 7.5 miles.
I rode the mountain bike tonight just to go thru the gears a little before the weekend.

Putting it down

Put in a good ride this evening. Took a couple pics before I left. Little late, but trying to get some riding in before this weekend. This will be last of the hard stuff. I started with the first 7.5 miles against a 5 to 10mph wind...then 2 miles cross wind...most of rest helping. I ended this ride with 17.3 miles with 52 minutes of saddle time.

I know for sure I enjoy the biking much more just out cruising and not going for it, although I am sure my hammering is easy for many others.

Making an enjoyable ride on a country road doesn't get much better for me. The bicycle and the road resemble life. Like the road it travels are the hills...the ups and downs...the curves...the wind with and the wind sometimes blasting you head on...and then throw in a few pot holes for good measure. Make the best of the road and try to avoid them thar potholes. Like they say in the restaurants...Enjoy
How did you like that psycho babbling????

I like this bike.

Black Bear Ride

Really slacking on the bike these last couple of days, but the weather has not been too cooperative either. I did get some other chores done, so all was not lost. Friday evening I got some maintenance done on the bikes as it was raining...Saturday we cut and split a load of firewood in some rain, then had a benefit dinner for a relative we attended...Sunday we cut and split two loads of firewood, again in some rain. When Sunday afternoon came around with some showers and looking like more might be on the way, I went for a ride anyway...cut wood in the rain...can ride bike in the rain. I ride this route often and call it the Black Bear ride because it passes by the Black Bear Golf Club...but...today this ride took on a new meaning of the Black Bear ride. 30 miles with 1 hour 43 minutes of saddle time. I saw this 4 miles from the start. Jill in Alaska has tracks on her site that are way bigger than this one leaves and I might add she rides in rough weather a lot of the time so a little rain shouldn't bother us too much. This is a good sized black bear...not huge...but not small and enough to get your attention. This makes 10 bears I have seen while biking this year. Weather looming...go for it.

Someone mowed the airport.
Maybe it was this guy.

Winter prep

No biking tonight. My son Michael and I cut a truck load of fire wood to add to the pile....see earlier pics. We will still need a few more loads.

Hill work

I decided to some hill training tonight, although I will readily admit these hills are really speed bumps compared to many other places. I should have been riding these earlier to get ready for the Chequamegon.

I am still thinking of how I should ride this event. It is either try to get a good place to start towards the front and hammer the best that I can..or..just go for the ride. I know that if I did go out hard, I am not going to finish any where near the front, but part of me still wants to hammer it out. On the other hand , another part of me says that this is a festival, so just go and enjoy the ride. Still up in the air...What do you think?

I rode a total of 26.5 miles with 1 hour 55 minutes of saddle time. Sixteen of those miles were between these hills. My wife, sister, and brother-in-law met me when I was done playing hill guy providing entertainment to the wildlife. I then rode the 5 miles back home with them.

Back and forth..forth and back

This deer must have been curious...probably thinking...what's with this idiot riding back and forth between hills. He watched for quite a while.

This was against the wind tonight.

This one with the wind.

.8 of a mile one way
This is a dune on the side of one of the hills. Among its other purposes, it also serves as a play area for the ATV'S. The sand country is generally rolling hills...up and down, up and down.