InHailstone.

Sheldon Brown. RIP.

2008-02-05T18:53:00.000-06:00

What a Mess!

2008-01-09T12:46:00.000-06:00

On my way to meet Rolle for lunch I ran into this mess.

A fuel tanker, tipped over and spilling its load at 100 gallons / $305 per minute. All I knew at the time was traffic sucked. I was diverted off of Westbound I-94 because the Lowry tunnel had been closed. Sitting on Lyndale Aveune (on top of the Lowry tunnel) I made a couple of calls to find out what was going on. The tunnel I was sitting on top of was closed due to the explosivity of the gas in the air. I was about two blocks from the tanker and heading towards it. Great.

Lunch postponed.

Where are my legs?

2008-01-05T15:50:00.000-06:00

If anyone finds my legs, please return them.

Rode with fellow Loons Tim and Jens. Headed West on the Greenway to Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Minnetonka. They hurt me. I know its only Jan. 5th, but I need to find some fitness soon. Thanks for the wake-up call.

33 miles
2008 Miles: 78

Bad Boys, Bad Boys...

2008-01-04T14:59:00.000-06:00

This mornings ride with Koach Kris turned into a scene from COPS.

Just as we reach the intersection of Minnehaha Pkwy and Lake Harriet, we start hearing police sirens and then see the fleet of Edina and Mpls squad cars from both directions, against traffic, lights on and sirens blazing. Kris used his detective skills from his former days as a cop to observe, "It's a Pursuit!"

Sure enough, the good guys were chasing a bad guy. Turns out, seconds before we arrived on the scene, the bad guy took a short cut ACROSS Lake Harriet in his pick-up, hopped the curb and took off towards 50th Street.

We stood and watched as the cops swung around the lake and fanned out into the quiet SW Minneapolis neighborhood. Kris noted they were running "like chickens with heads cut off" a technical criminal justice term.

We even got in on the action. One squad car overshot the corner and got stuck in a snow bank. We ditched our bikes and along with a motorist and a couple of soccer moms walking the lake we were able to set him free.

No word on if they caught the bad guy, but my guess is no. When are the cops going to start driving All Wheel drive cars? The inability to drive across lakes and getting stuck in 8 inches of snow has gotta be embarrassing. Obviously more funding is needed for our boys in blue.

Rest of the ride was much less exciting. Stopped at CRC for coffee and cookie. I'll miss this when I start my "real" job.

2008 Cumulative miles: 45

Brisk

2008-01-02T09:08:00.000-06:00

A chilly ride this morning.

Air temp: -3F
Wind chill: -20F
Layers of clothing: 4
Cumulative miles for 2008: 28

New Year's Day Ride

2008-01-01T20:22:00.000-06:00

The first miles of ’08 are in the books. I headed out this afternoon for a cruise around the lakes.

Minneapolis is well known for its lakes and parks and the recreation opportunities they provide. I’ve decided that winter in MN is really just like summer.....with more clothes.

When I left the house, air temp was about 2F (wind chill -13F). Cold.

Along Minnehaha Parkway, there were the usual joggers and dog walkers. I came across a New Year’s Day game of touch football. Around Lake Harriet, more dog walkers and three guys on Pugsleys. Kelly wants one. The west wind provided great conditions for kite boarding on Lake Calhoun, some were on skis others on boards. That looks fun, summer or winter. At Thomas Beach there was even a game of Beach Volleyball.

I’ve never been one to keep a running total of my annual mileage. Some of my bikes have computers, others don't.....I've never bothered to keep track. Maybe this year I’ll pay more attention.

2008 cumulative miles: 16.

New Year. New Job.

2008-01-01T10:24:00.000-06:00

First off, "New Year, New You." has to be the lamest, most-overused, laziest cliche cover title for a magazine and yet it still gets used every freakin' year. I think Runner's World and Bicycling are the biggest offenders. I'm sure the articles are just recycled from one year to the next....it's all the same crap, eat better, spend 10 minutes a day on your "core", take a yoga class, drink green tea...blah blah blah.

Besides, what's wrong with the old me? (don't answer).

So, the Real Estate market has been.....how do you say....soft..slow..dead. The last six months or so have been a little on the stressful side. In November, I decided it was time.....write a resume and look for a J. O. B.

Having been self-employed for the past 7 years, finding the right job, with the right employer would be tough. What started out as a "I just need something temporary and part-time for now" kind of search quickly turned into a "If I'm going to make this move, it needs to be the right one" search.

Turns out that the whole "Who you know vs. What you know" thing really pays off. I only sent resumes to a handful of places. The only places I received call backs from were where I had a personal connection. My goal was to have something in place by the end of the year.

I got the call on Friday.

I am super excited, relieved and a little nervous about starting with my new employer in two weeks.

With the new job will come some lifestyle changes. First, I'll actually have regular hours. I'll have to account to someone. There'll be some travel. Let's see, what else .... my employer will deposit money into my bank account every two weeks, and pay for part of my health insurance and taxes. They call it a paycheck. Weird!

In addition to the work itself, I am really looking forward to is bike commuting, about 14 miles each way. Household goal for the year is downsize to a one car family.

Sights. Sounds. Smells.

2007-12-28T10:59:00.001-06:00

Riding a bike around town makes me much more aware of my surroundings than in a car.

Three examples from this morning's ride:

Last nights cold temps turned slush into crispy deposits of road muck that crackled under my tires.

On Lyndale Avenune, I could tell the direction of the wind, not from feeling it on my face but from the smell of the cooking at Sunnyside Up.

At the stop light on Franklin, from the corner of my eye I noticed two guys inside Mortimers. It was dark inside, except for the light from the arcade game they were staring at. Beers and smokes in hand, they were having a great time slamming the roller-ball controller. It must have been that stupid golf game. The bar closed hours ago, but here they were at 5:45 getting a headstart on NYE 2008 festivities.

Boxing Day Commute

2007-12-26T10:23:00.000-06:00

First, wet and slushy, then white and fluffy.

Rode into The Firm this morning on wet roads. The plows had been out clearing much of last night's snow. There was hardly a soul on the street at 5:30. I saw a few cars on Lyndale, but much lighter traffic than normal.

By the time I headed for home, it must have snowed an inch or more of the light fluffy stuff. I love riding in this. The snow has a noise-dampening effect on everything. Very peaceful.

Soul Asylum @ 1st Ave

2007-12-22T14:42:00.000-06:00

When I first moved to Minneapolis in 1988, the first album I purchased from a local band was Soul Asylum's Hang Time. Between '89 and '92 I saw many a Soul Asylum show at First Ave and The Whole. It's been at least 15 years since I've seen them live.

Last night, they did not disappoint. They opened with Easy Street and I felt my hair grow 12 inches in length. Sure they, like most of the crowd that was at First Ave, have aged but they put on a great show.

Ears were ringing this morning.

The Friday Sprint: Chris Hoy, Keirin Gold

2007-12-21T09:36:00.000-06:00

ouch

2007-12-20T19:33:00.001-06:00

Back in the Saddle

2007-12-19T09:03:00.000-06:00

Sitting around the hospital, sitting in front of the tv and sitting on the beach take their toll. Not to mention, I may have had a couple of beers at The Deuce while in Miami. I have gained some El Beez.

Yesterday was Kelly's Birthday. We spent the afternoon cross country skiing at Hyland Park. The first two laps (my first in a couple years) were pretty good. Third lap, I was super sloppy and kept falling all over the place.

Pop Quiz: Where did we have dinner?

Rode my bike to The Firm to teach my morning Spin class. Temperature was a comfortable 20F, with light snow on the way home.

2 hours of saddle time before 8AM. A good way to dust off the cobwebs.

En Route

2007-12-17T15:14:00.000-06:00

On my way home. Currently in Houston, TX...3 hour layover. Ugh!

80 degrees, sea water and palm trees are nice and all but I'm actually looking forward to some nordic skiing and riding my bike in the cold.

The Friday Sprint: Race to the Pharmacy

2007-12-14T10:40:00.000-06:00

No Pain......No Pain.

Feeding Frenzy

2007-12-13T07:32:00.000-06:00

A Day in the Keys

2007-12-12T08:23:00.000-06:00

All the Docs and Physical Therapists have been saying "take it easy." Does this count?

Colin on Annes Beach, 11 days after surgery

I surpose there could be worse places to recoup.

This time last week

2007-12-10T18:04:00.000-06:00

Takin' it Easy

2007-12-09T07:44:00.000-06:00

Thursday's trips to the Doctors office, Home Depot, Target and The Deuce took their toll. In and out of the car, too much walking and sitting on a bar stool caused Colin's ankle to look more bruised and swollen than Ricky Hatton's face. Lesson learned.

Friday, Saturday...lots of rest and keeping the leg elevated. Swelling has retreated.

It's Art Basel weekend in Miami Beach. The biggest art show in the world. The Deuce has been crazy busy with all the art handlers and movers. With Colin out, everyone else has been called on to cover. Last night looked like I might put in a shift as bar-back. It would've been fun to see that bar from the other side.....just for one night.

Art Basel Seth and Colin enjoy a cold one at The Deuce. (Colin's is O'Doules)

Day 1 Post-Op Video

2007-12-05T18:22:00.000-06:00

Video from Saturday - first steps on the new hip.

Theraputic Day at the Beach

2007-12-05T16:32:00.001-06:00

After this morning's Physical Therapy appointment, we decided on an afternoon at the beach.....just what the doctor ordered!

We headed over to Key Biscayne where we could park right on the sandy, beach just steps to the water. It was perfect weather for some theraputic relaxing.

What a difference a day makes

2007-12-04T00:54:00.000-06:00

Prior to surgery we thought Colin might be discharged as early as Monday, without the need for a stay at inpatient rehab. Saturday, things looked good. Sunday - no way!

The tiny steps towards independence are huge milestones. Getting out of his chair and making it to the bathroom without assistance was like a walk on the moon. Getting out of the revealing hospital gown and into clothes felt like winning back some dignity. Colin's confidence and wiley self are coming back...So much so that at one point I had to give him a slap down and remind him there'd be no arguments. I can tell I will be doing a lot of negotiating with my brother in the coming weeks. He's kinda like a kid, pushing the boundaries. Colin is used to calling the shots. There are times I will need to push back. I am learning that when it comes to his mobility it is best for me to back off - way off. Colin needs to do as much by himself as he can. I can tell these small progressions of independence are great points of pride for my brother and incredibly motivation. He is learning his own tolerance level for pain. So, I stand by at the ready - just in case.

After a couple of bathroom trips, we took another walk down the hall. On Saturday, making it to the nurses station - about 60 feet seemed an impossible task. Today - mission accomplished - there and back!

The afternoon was an emotional roller coaster. After getting his dressing changed and seeing the wound for the first time, we were given the impression he may be discharged later in the day. Then a doctor came around to talk about going to Miami Heart Institute for a few days of inpatient rehab. Then a social worker came round and said we'd probably feel better in the familiar surroundings of home vs. hanging with the old folks. The ultimate decider in this would be Dr. Uhlmas. Without his signature, we'd be going nowhere.

By 6PM, with no sign of Uhlmas, Colin resigned himself to the idea of another night and another breakfast in his hospital bed. By 8PM I decided it was time to head out for the night. At 8:30, as I was picking up spaghetti and meatballs from Bella Napoli, Colin calls.

Jokingly, I answer the phone "Are you discharged?!"
"Yes." he responds, "...if you can pick me up."

Colin's a pretty excitable guy, but I think this was the most excited I've ever heard him.

I eat, then turn back to the hospital. When I get there, he's out of bed, one shoe on, one shoe off. Everything within in his reach had been packed. He was grinning from ear to eat and couldn't wait to get out the door.

On the way home, while singing "Heaven. I'm in Heaven...." he actually said "This is the first day of the rest of my life."

On the way home, I agreed to a drive by of The Deuce to see friends and co-workers. This was clearly another point of pride for him: look at me! - hip surgery on Friday and here I am on Monday - not bad!!

At 9 he was in his hospital bed. By 10, we were in the truck, windows down, taking in the evening air and singing with happiness. What a difference an hour makes.

Two Steps Forward....

2007-12-03T08:22:00.000-06:00

Well, I guess some days are going to be better than others. Saturday was a really good day. When I arrived at the hospital on Sunday morning, Colin was in a chair, half-in and half-out of the bathroom. He let out a really deep long sigh of pain. I knocked on the door. No answer. “Good morning” I said. No answer. “Colin? Colin! What’s happening?” Nothing. I stood right next to his chair. He was out.

Apparently, he tried getting up too quick after spending 18 hours in bed. Blood pressure dropped, pain from the exertion kicked in, checker board came on, lights went out. At least they were able to get a chair behind him to prevent a fall. That’s it for exercise today.

Shortly after getting him situated in the room, the pain indicator shot up from a manageable 4 to an excruciating 9. It was really hard to watch him work through the intense agony. He started sweating and shaking and screwing up his face. I could tell he was experiencing pain like I’ve never felt before or ever want to – from deep inside and there was nothing he or I could do not subside it except ask for more meds.

Later in the day we played chess, snacked on broccoli & carrots – yes, I brought him fruit and vegetables!! Due to his low blood pressure and decreased hemoglobin count, Gersan, his nurse decided on a blood transfusion.

I think we have both come to the realization that going home on Monday is probably not an option. A stay in a rehab / facility is likely in the cards and probably for the best.

As his doctor told him on Friday, surgery was the easy part.

Day One Post-Op.

2007-12-01T15:03:00.000-06:00

Colin finally got moved out of recovery and up to a room last night at about 6:30. As expected, he was pretty groggy. Okay, a lot groggy. His level of apparent alertness and sense of humor came around pretty quick though. He was making calls and asking for food and water in no time. "I want some pringles and chocolate and gatorade and coke and...." I've got my work cut out!

Friday night, 7PM - a little groggy

I left around 9:30 last night and got back around 10 this morning. As I turned the corner into his room, there he was surrounded by his team of PTs and assistants taking his first steps on his new hip.

Saturday, 10AM, 10 steps to the door took the effort of a ten mile run.

I find the whole thing pretty amazing - hip replacement surgery yesterday, up and walking today. This afternoon, before more walking, I got to meet his surgeon. He seemed more interested in talking about our accents and what kind of a drink Colin would name after him and his crew than he did about the hip and surgery. The operation seemed like an after thought - "oh, it went great. No problems, piece of cake." I guess that's good. We asked about the condition of the bone - "yeah, it was totally dead, there was just a flap holding it together...you must have been in agony."

The incision he made was only 3-4 inches long and he was able to do the whole operation: cut off the top of his femur, replace with new and remove and replace hip all without cutting any muscle - with only a three inch cut. Wow!!

That's it??!!

Waiting Room

2007-11-30T16:22:00.000-06:00

I've spent much of my day in various Mt. Sinai waiting rooms. It's 84 degrees outside but freezing inside. They sure like their air conditioning!

Just spent an hour or so chatting with Gloria. She's worked at Mt. Sinai for 52 years. Fifty Two Years!!! She's been here since before the current hospital building was built. She is the last remaining graduate of the Mt. Sinai nursing school. Its amazing how much energy and patience and good cheer she has. She's going to be 79 in a couple months and can't wait for her birthday. The highlight of my day so far!

Colin and I got here at 7:30 this morning. Sat around in a waiting room. Got called into a "holding area" and sat around for a couple of hours watching people get wheeled in and out.

I took off around 11 shortly before he was scheduled for surgery.

Sat around the apartment for awhile waiting for a phone call.

Made a couple of phone calls to check on status. No one told me anything.

Decided to head back to the hospital and sit around here instead, with Gloria.

Colin is now out of surgery and in a recovery room. I am sitting around wating for the surgeon to come and see me. Gloria tried to get me access to the reovery room...she know's its not allowed, hasn't been for 52 years, but she still asked to sneak me in. No dice.

Can't get the Fugazi song out of my head.

Joined at the Hip

2007-11-24T10:07:00.000-06:00

Bo Jackson

Mickey Dolenz

Superstar Billy Graham

Floyd Landis

My Brother, Colin

What do they have in common?

Osteonecrosis

Next week, I'll be heading out to assist my Brother for 3 weeks as he recovers from surgery. On Saturday, he'll wake up with some new hardware and me in a nurse's outfit.

Hopefully I'll find a couple hours to work on my tan

Skibby....Busted!

2007-11-19T10:53:00.000-06:00

My wife called first thing this morning following her daily dose of Perez Hilton. She wanted to know Skibby's whereabouts and if he uses any other known aliases. His blog was down, now back up...kinda. This could explain it all:

A man caught trying to have sex with his bicycle has been sentenced to three years on probation.

Robert Stewart, 51, admitted a sexually aggravated breach of the peace by conducting himself in a disorderly manner and simulating sex.

Sheriff Colin Miller also placed Stewart on the Sex Offenders Register for three years.

Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.

Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: “They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.

“They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.

“The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex.”

Both cleaners, who were “extremely shocked”, told the hostel manager who called police.

Sheriff Colin Miller told Stewart: “In almost four decades in the law I thought I had come across every perversion known to mankind, but this is a new one on me. I have never heard of a ‘cycle-sexualist’.”

Stewart had denied the offence, claiming it was caused by a misunderstanding after he had too much to drink.

The bachelor had been living in the hostel since October 2006 after moving from his council house in Girvan.

He now lives in Ayr.

Bonfire NIght

2007-11-05T13:11:00.000-06:00

Another successful Guy Fawkes Night Party.

I charged Koach Kris with the responsbility of building an effigy of Guy Fawkes to burn. It turned out with my face on it. That was disturbing.

Other than that, we had a great turnout, the weather was perfect and lots of beer was drunk.

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

2007-11-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up King and Parliament.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

The Friday Sprint

2007-11-02T08:50:00.001-05:00

Lance Likes em young

2007-10-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

It's in the NY Post, it must be true.

Clearly a violation of Dittmer's "Half your age + 7" rule.

The Friday Sprint: Uncle Reg & Alan Tandem Trike TT Champs

2007-10-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

My recent trip to England was to attend a surprise 50th wedding anniversary party for my Great Uncle Reg and Aunt Vera. They are avid ballroom dancers.

I always enjoy talking to Reg about his cycling days. He started racing in 1945. He had to give it up for a few years - family and work and stuff got in the way. About 10 years ago, he and my Great Uncle Alan - an accomplished speed-walker - teamed up at the tender age of 70 to light up their age division.

They are the reigning British TT Record holders for their age-group in the 10, 25, 30 and 50 mile distances on a TANDEM TRICYCLE.

For years, I've been trying to get my hands on a copy of this article which appeared in their local newspaper. I finally have it.

I hope their records stand for a long time. I want a crack at them when I turn 70. All I need is 34 more good years, a partner and a tandem trike. Who's in?

Older...

2007-10-19T10:13:00.000-05:00

Another year older, how did that happen?

Among others, I'm sharing my birthday with:

Charles Merrill 1885
John le Carre 1931
Michael Gambon 1940
Peter Tosh 1944
Divine 1945
John Lithgow 1945
Evander Holyfield 1962
Todd Park Mohr 1965
Jon Favreau 1966
Chris Kattan 1970
Pras Michel 1972

On my 16th birthday, the Dow Jones industrial average dropped 508 points. It was the worst one-day percentage decline, 22.6%, in history.

On my 35th birthday, the Dow Jones industrial average ended the day at 12,011.73. It was the first close above 12,000.

Coincidence? I don't think so.

A Good Week for England

2007-10-15T14:48:00.000-05:00

Its been an exciting week for this English Sports Fans.

First...England beats Australia, then France to make it to the Rugby World Cup Finals. Can they repeat their Victory of 2003?

Then...From off the radar, Chrissie Wellington upsets the field at Kona

And now..England: World Conker fight Champions

But don't take my word for it, check out the CNN Coverage

FREE.....My favorite flavor!

2007-10-15T12:07:00.001-05:00

Caribou Coffee on Cedar Ave & Minnehaha Parkway finally opened its doors today. Word quickly spread thru my office (2 doors down) that they were offering FREE drinks today. I joined the stampede and traded in my cup of office swill.

All Work, No Boom-Boom

2007-10-14T21:00:00.000-05:00

No 'cross debut for me today at Boom Island. Too busy making hay.

Brewing for Guy Fawkes

2007-10-12T10:54:00.001-05:00

I've been brewing a bunch of beer lately in preparation for my annual Guy Fawkes Night party. I figure 25 gallons should do it. Last year I only provided 10 gallons and we ran dry in 2 hours.

The Friday Sprint: Roam

2007-10-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

The Roam DVD will fuel much of my winter training.

Frye...wanna race tandem next year?

2007-10-10T11:05:00.000-05:00

Strange Tandem Bicycle

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Boning up for Boom Boom

2007-10-09T13:41:00.000-05:00

If there is nothing good on tv, if there are no leaves to rake and if my hair doesn't need washing on Sunday, I might, just might consider a cruise around Boom Island.

To prepare for what could possibly-maybe be my first CX race, I've been doing my research...reading the blogs, watching youtube vids and looking at pictures to learn about mounts and dismounts and tire pressure and run-ups and you name it. I figure, with all the great "virtual" training, I don't need to do any "actual" training.

So here's what I know:

1. Pedal like hell to get a good start like this guy, as opposed to this guy

2. It will hurt. A lot. I will probably puke.

3. Unless I bunny-hop like this guy, I could end up like this guy and it will hurt. A lot.

4. Attitude is everything. Just ask this guy or this guy

What else could I possibly need to know?

Hey Look...I'm riding my 'Cross bike

2007-10-08T16:23:00.001-05:00

The mountain bike is visiting Dr. B'Rose at the Shockspital. Hopefully the squeaks and rattles and bangs just need a minor procedure and not amputation. In the meantime, Jake is enjoying life on the singletrack.

Its really fun to watch Kelly advance with her mountain biking proficiency. I noticed on Sunday that her body language on the bike is totally different than just a couple weeks ago....much more confident and ready to tackle the trails.

The Red Lantern's right...I married up.

The Friday Sprint: Cyclocross...I can do that

2007-10-05T08:27:00.000-05:00

I really should give it a try.

Rock Climbing Pictures

2007-10-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Emily Law for the great pictures. Emily happened to be walking by as I was doing my first ever outdoor climb in Custer State Park. She took these photos and offered to send them to us. I had no idea they'd be so great. They really need to be viewed full size.

Mountain Biking and Beer

2007-09-28T21:44:00.001-05:00

Earlier in the year, I had all kinds of ideas about racing CX this Fall. Since I got back from England I've been doing a bunch of mountain biking...just for fun. No intervals, no watching my heart rate, no stressing about dismounts and remounts and run-ups and blah-bi-di-blah, no training for a race, just hitting the trails, having fun and loving it.

Instead of doing a 'cross race this weekend, I am going for an enjoyable bike ride with my wife. It feels totally rejuvenating..stress free and just what I need. Its awesome that Kelly and I can enjoy this together.

Tonight, I rode with my buddy Christopher. We helped a couple guys on the trail fix a flat.... I figured it was good karma. When we got back to the parking lot, they shared some beers....really good karma.

Mountain Biking and Beer...a great combo. Tomorrow, I'll brew some Phat Tyre Amber. It'll be ready just in time for Guy Fawkes Night.

The Friday Sprint: The Mrs. and her Sweet New Ride

2007-09-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Another fun night at Murphy Hanrehan. Kelly ripped it up on her sweet new ride.

Fun at Murphy Hanrehan

2007-09-26T19:41:00.001-05:00

I've been having a ton of fun with late Summer / early Fall mountain biking. After work today, I went down to Murphy Hanrehan park with my buddy Christopher to break in his sweet new ride. The trails flow really nicely and unlike Lebanon Hills they feel very natural - no need for lots of man made obstacles to make things interesting. Tomorrow, I plan to go back with The Mrs. to break in her sweet new ride.

Time Suck

2007-09-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

Slow day at work...just shooting sheep

A Champ is Crowned

2007-09-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

The Masters 4/5 Loons pooled all our winnings from the year and purchased the finest and most appropriate head gear we could buy for your 2007 MN State Road Race Champion....that's what teammates are for. Due to the overwhelming emotion of the occasion, the acceptance speech was brief, but heartfelt.

Hopefully, he won't have to pawn his new jewels to cover his gambling habit. His horse didn't come in this time around. Personally, I'd never want to be indebted to an Irishman.

Ladsandi

2007-09-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

This time last week I was driving around the English countryside looking for Ladsandi, a cottage built by my Great-Great-Grandfather. My Grandmother (Nan)remembers spending her summers there as a young girl; playing at the cottage, in the garden, surrounding fields and streams. Its close to Bramber, Steyning and Upper Beeding, right off the River Adur. It took us a while to find the place. Botolphs isn't clearly marked on any maps, but after driving around for a good hour, up and down the same roads and finally asking a local, we found the St. Botolphs church and Chatfields cottage.

View Larger Map

The cottage was originally named Ladsandi - Lads-and-I. So named because My great-great grandfather built it with his sons, or "lads". In the front entry of her small bungalow, my Nan has an old black and white photo of her taken sitting in the beautiful garden. She appears to be about 10 years old - 75 years ago. At some point, the cottage was renamed Chatfields, my Grandmothers maiden name - her Grandfather's surname.

Here's my Mum, Brother Colin and Nan at the front gate.

My Great-Great Grandfather worked for the railway and built the cottage from railroad ties and asbestos. While we were standing around taking pictures and listening to Nan's stories, the current owner came out and asked if we needed help. A young motocross bike racer, he bought the place three years ago and has plans to build a new house on the property - sadly, I think he's going to tear the cottage down. He bought the place for 430,000 British pounds - approx. $900,000. UnReal!! He invited us in to look inside. This was really cool - Nan hadn't been inside for something like 70 years. She vividly remembered the layout - a center hallway with bathroom, kitchen, two bedrooms and living area. The rooms were tiny and it was very cold inside. The exposed beams inside were just as she described - big railway sleepers.

Next door to the cottage is St. Botolphs church. I think it was built in the 12th century. Lots of my Chatfield ancestors rest here.

The Friday Sprint: Brad Huff crash

2007-09-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

Home....

2007-09-20T11:04:00.000-05:00

I need a vacation from all this travel and family time. My 85 year old Grandmother wore me out.

Haven't been on my bike in.....a long time. I know its the start of cyclocross, but its so far off my radar right now. We'll see.

England pics posted soon.

Off to Jolly Old...

2007-09-12T13:13:00.001-05:00

...for four days of high quality family time. This will be the first time my family has been together in the same room for over 10 years.

I expect to hear lots of "Oh my, haven't you grown"

The Friday Sprint: Cricket coming to Blaine

2007-09-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

I hear on good authority that The Track is to be torn down this Fall and replaced with a Cricket Pitch. Hopefully, no sticky wicket.

Weekend Pics

2007-09-04T12:50:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend! Camping, climbing and biking in the black hills....I highly recommend it.

Dakota Five-0 Race Report

2007-09-04T06:53:00.000-05:00

As mentioned in a previous post, I felt somewhat under prepared going into this thing. I had good reason to.

Hours spent on mountain bike this year: hardly any.
Time spent doing some serious climbing on mountain bike this year: zero.
Experience with mountain bike racing: zero

I was in way over my head and I knew it. My goal was to plug along along and try to finish in around five and a half to six hours.

The race started out with a 3 block flat sprint for the first hill. The first hill starts out as pavement and becomes a gravel road. Its a 3 mile long lung buster. Everyone is hitting it super hot in order to get good placement going on to the single track.

I felt strong on the road. I quickly realized why the pace was so high and decided to back off a little. I didn't want to get on the singletrack ahead of where I should be and hold a bunch of people up.

The first seven mile stretch of single track starts and its all uphill - basically all the way up to the first water stop at mile 10. I'm in my granny gear and hanging on to the wheel in front of me.

Less than a mile on the singletrack and everything turns to shit. I manage to wrap my chain up in my front chainrings, jamming it between the derailleur, chainrings and chainstays of my bike. Not good. I pull over on the side of the trail to set it free. There's a huge long line of riders behind me. The chain is stuck good and won't come out. I tried for about 5 or 6 minutes but no movement. I realize that in order to get it free I am going to have to yank on it so hard that I'll risk breaking it. That's exactly what happened. Shortly after it breaks a good Samaritan pulls off and asks if I need anything. I need everything.

Turns out Tony was the guy cruising around on the Big Wheel earlier in the day. He owns a bike shop in Deadwood. He jumps into action removing the broken link and setting things right. Fortunately, he had a SRAM gold link with him. This should be a snap.

Fifteen minutes later, we're still trying to get my chain back together. We end up removing another bent link and finally get it patched. I reach down for my sunglasses. There nowhere to be seen. I walk up and down the trail for a couple of minutes hopelessly searching for brown colored frames amongst the leaves and grass and plants. My favorite $120 Smith Optics are now a donation to the trail.

I hop on my bike and start to pedal -- nothing. The chain is now jammed on the back end between the smallest cog and the frame. Arrrgggghhhhh!!!!!

By the time I get back on my bike I am the last person on the trail. There are now 268 riders ahead of me riding in single file up an off camber climb. The people I started with are now 30 minutes ahead and probably already cleared the 1st water stop. I'm screwed and desperately trying to make up time.

I finally get things going and catch up to the tennis shoe crowd. People are already walking their bikes, which means I have to dismount to get around them. I start passing groups of 2 and 3 then sprinting up to the next group to slowly sit on their wheels and recover and wait for an opportunity to get around, then sprint up to the next group. Big mistake. I am now burning matches way too fast. With my road racing mentality, I was trying to chase back on to the main pack. But, there was no main pack. I did this for about two and a half hours before hitting the wall.

The second water stop was at mile 23 and about 6,100 feet - the high point of the course. Shortly before it someone informed me that we had completed just over half of the 6400 feet if total climbing for the day. The biggest and nastiest climb of the day was yet to come at about mile 36. I was feeling trashed and now totally dejected. Every steep section of trail I would hit, someone in front of me would get off their bike, which meant I had to get off mine. My calves and back started locking up something fierce, not from the riding but from pushing my bike up the hills. I've never spent so much time pushing a bike.

I made the decision: If Kelly was at water stop #2, I would stop. If not, I was really screwed and would have to go on. Pulling up to the rest area I saw Kelly at the end of the trail, sitting on a log looking down the trail for me, she knew something went wrong. I hit the 23 mile water stop with a riding time of 3:04. Race time was something like 3:40. I had lost over 30 minutes due to my Mechanical. At this point my body was deep in the hurt locker. I quickly decided it was time to call it a day, pull off my number and jump in the car.

I told myself at the time that there was no shame in this DNF, that I had done all I could do with all I had and this just wasn't my day. No regrets. Of course, two days later, I have all kinds of regrets. I wonder how I would have done without the mechanical and if I hadn't killed myself trying to make up time. Was I really prepared for all of the 6400 feet of climbing? Who knows? Maybe I would've DNF'd anyway.

The race atmosphere was super laid back. In the afternoon, there was a post race party with music, free food and beer and tons of door prizes given away. Hollywood led an impromptu kids race around the park. We stayed late and watched the last of the riders come in. There were people I recognized from out on the course - people I rode with for awhile that were coming in towards the end - over nine hours on the course. Hats off to them for sticking it out.

As for my racing buddies, Dittmer did awesome, as expected. He came in seventh overall in a time of 4:17. Chad was also killing it on the course after a disappointing day in Durango. He even had enough at the end for a sprint finish. Barry looked super strong, even after throwing up the oatmeal I made for breakfast. Tim also had a great day out on the course.

Will I do it again? Hell, yeah! The terrain is like nothing else I have ever ridden on a bike. The main loop of the lollipop course is almost all singletrack. It's not ultra technical, but demanding enough that you are always working. There were no sections (at least that I saw) where you could just cruise or coast. The scenery was incredible. Maybe next year, I'll fit in some race-specific training - or at least some mountain bike training. I'm also going to buy a chain tool.

Dakota Five-O Map

2007-08-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

If you need me on Sunday...

Bob Says...

2007-08-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

...Just go faster, it's easier.

Dakota Five-0 This weekend

2007-08-28T09:30:00.001-05:00

What am I getting myself into?

With all the Crit and Road Racing the last 2 months, I have not spent the time on my mountain bike I thought I would. Its safe to say I feel a little under prepared. But hey, how hard can it be? All I gotta do is pedal, right?

Back on Track

2007-08-27T22:10:00.001-05:00

After rain stopped play last week it was good to be back at The Track tonight. Earlier today, I questioned whether or not to go. I was gimping around something fierce. A-train was right, the second day after the crash is the worst. Lots of deep down pain and soreness today. I feel like I'd been pulled into an alley and beaten with big sticks by five guys named Tony.

Anyway, I dragged my sorry ass up to Blaine. First 10 minutes were a little rough, but after I warmed up, it felt great to be riding. It was proabably the best thing I could have done to get loosened up.

Tonight's class involved some bumping drills on the infield. We rolled around and leaned against each other using elbows and shoulders. No crashes tonight. No splinters. No broken wrists. A good night.

We finished up with some standing start drills. Hot laps from a standing start. These were the first hard efforts we've put in and they were hard, intense and very fun.

3-THIRTEEN...

2007-08-26T18:14:00.001-05:00

...I'm not superstitious....I'm just sayin'

Cure for Pain

2007-08-26T12:37:00.000-05:00

After checking in with A-Train, who is well versed in road rash remidies, I decided on my course of treatment:

1 can saline rinse
1 tube zinc ointment
2 boxes 2nd skin
1 roll stretchy gauze tape
1 large Fat Lorenzo's pizza (sausage and green olive)
1 (ok, maybe 2) large glass home-brewed Irish Ale

State Road Race, Avon MN

2007-08-26T06:53:00.000-05:00

What a great day for a race! We were truly lucky with the weather this weekend, temps in the low-mid 70s with very light NW wind at our 1:30 start time. Last weekend was pouring rain and 60s, the weekend before saw mid-90s and high humidity. This was perfect

My day started early. I picked Jon up at 6:30 for the drive up to Avon. At 8 we were signing in the pre-registered riders for the morning wave. From 9 - 12 we were sitting in the sun as corner marshalls for the morning wave - probably not the way to warm up for a race.

We started with the biggest field of the day: 61 Masters 4/5 racers. LSC had great representation with 12 strong guys ready to race. Silver Cycling and Cat 6 also had a good turn out. With that many guys in the race, I knew it would be important to stay near the front in order to set tempo, cover any moves and stay out of trouble.

First time over the Tower Road climb and Tim Lewis went to the front to lead us over. He set a great tempo, steady and hard. I could tell right away that my breathing was labored due to the cold I've had all week. Moving down Quaker Road we had a slight cross-tail wind. On the first lap, it seemed everyone wanted to be near the front. There was a lot of surging, swarming the front and then slowing. This meant I found myself moving back in the pack more than I liked and really had to work to hold position. There were no serious attempts to get away, but it seemed people were testing the waters.

On the second lap, the wind picked up a little, but nothing significant. This time over the Tower Road climb, Rolle pushed the front end hard. We had a bunch of teammates at the front as we made the downhill left turn on to Quaker Road. We tried to force a gap, Andy Claflin, Jon, myself and a couple others drove hard on the front. I thought we'd be able to tear ourselves away from the main field, but not today. Maybe if the wind was stronger, we'd have it.

Mid way through the second lap, there were a couple attacks which we were able to cover easily. I think the group realized it would take something very special in order to force a gap today. Soon enough, the surging to the front settled down. I think it was at this point that guys also started to get a little tired, myself included. When bike racers get tired, the first thing that goes is concentration. I heard a lot of "whooooa!"s and "hold your damn line." all around. At the end of Quaker Road section, the front group was drifting way over on the centerline. A guy in front of me moved over to the right as a car approached. I followed his wheel. I think the rider behind me was either overlapping wheels or not paying attention as he and a couple others headed into the ditch.

On the third lap, I was really starting to feel it and my legs started cramping. I drifted back in the field a little to get some shelter. As I started moving back, for the first time I saw Bryan, aka The Cobra, making his way through the field from back to front. Approaching the Tower Road climb, I was sitting in the middle of the pack. This allowed me to go up the hill at my own pace. If I dropped back a few riders it wouldn't matter because we still had a big group and I wouldn't fall out the back. I noticed Ben Schkinke was doing the same thing - going backwards on the climb. A big ox of a guy from Silver (Brett?) led us over the first little rise and then threw down the hammer going up. It's great to see a big guy like that throw an attack on the steepest part of the course. He was aggressive the whole of the third lap.

Through the town of Albany the Cat6 riders went to the front for the first time. This looked like a planned move. They did a good job of getting one guy off the front - it looked like Drew - and managed to get a little gap. After he was caught, things settled down again over the longer hill on the backside. After the descent, I was a couple riders back from Brett. A hole opened on the left side and he zipped right through it.. I tried to follow but the door closed. He went straight to the front and kept going. The only guy we had up there was Andy who had, as usual, been doing the Lions share of the work on the front. Dan from Cat6 went after Brett and as soon as I was free from my boxed in position, I went straight after them to close the gap. At this point I was burning matches and didn't have much left.

Somewhere along the road, Rick, one of out teammates, went down right in the middle. He went down hard. I later found out he finished his race in the back of an ambulance with a suspected collar bone fracture. That totally sucks. I hope he is doing okay and heals soon. I got stuck behind the crash, trying to avoid it and got gapped from the main field. I thought about sitting up and riding easy in to the finish. Brett rolled through and started to chase back on. I grabbed his wheel and got a ride up.

After the final turn, with 4 miles to go, I looked up the road and noticed we had nobody, except Andy, on the front. How could that be? I was knackered but knew there was only a couple miles left. I made the decision to go to the front and set the high tempo in order to keep the closing miles fast and safe for the sprint. As I started moving up, I picked up Chris B, then Rolle jumped out just ahead of me. I latched on to his wheel. I hoped Bryan also caught on as we moved up the left side. On the front, there were 4 or 5 guys single file. Rolle pulled us up to about 3rd wheel, then relaxed. I decided to take the opportunity for a breather before going all the way to the front - in hindsight, I should have gone straight through.

I'm hazy on the details but it seems by now I had someone on my left, the leading train on my right and things felt good until out of nowhere (such a cliche) a GP guy is cutting right into my handlebars from my right side. I think he tried to move into a gap that didn't exist. Not good. Momentarily, I was able to lean up against him and slide backwards still upright. I tried using my front wheel to leverage off his back wheel, my elbows to push off of him, but I had nowhere to go but down.

As soon as I started to fall I knew it would be bad. The pace was high, there were guys looking for wheels all around and we were towards the front and in the middle. I hit the ground first and did all I could to cover up. Then I heard my helmet scraping on the pavement. I got spun around on the ground as other riders and bikes hit me, then fell on top of me. I'm not sure how many riders went down, I think at least 4 or 5 us, maybe more, including Chris B. I think there was one dude from Silver and one from Nature Valley. A couple were able to get back on their bikes quickly. I'm not sure if they were able to get back to the race. I was the last up. I had pretty bad pain in my right shoulder and elbow and there was a good amount of blood on my knee. I also had shooting pain in my right calf - an intense charlie horse of a cramp. I didn't want to move anything too quickly until I could assess the damage. Everything seemed to be moving okay. Chris waited for me to get up and helped me to my feet. He was looking pretty shaken himself. As for my bike, the handlebars and brake levers were twisted and scraped, the chain was off but there didn't appear to be much damage. I got on and Chris and I limped in to the finish. Chris said his knee was in a lot of pain. I hope he is doing well.

Huge Thanks to Bob and his wife Jess who helped clean me up. Especially Jess, she just jumped right in and put her Red Cross training to use. I had looked forward to meeting Jess, but not under these circumstances... anyway Thank You so much! Jon was great, he helped get me packed up and back in my car and provided me with some great stories on the way home. Without that, the drive would've seemed much longer. Andy, with his recent experiences crashing and a health care background was able to make suggestions on how to treat road rash. Thanks to Brandon, Carlton, Ben, Steven and others who stopped by to see how I was doing. Its good to know people care about you, even when on different teams. I've really enjoyed that kind of comraderie all year I think Steven has a photo of me looking pretty pitiful.

It's been a long time since I've taken a hard fall on my bike. This was my first ever crash in a road race. I've always known it is a part of racing, one of the inherent risks we take every time we pin on a number, but when it happens, it is very jarring. Road rash sucks. It stings and itches like crazy. This morning I am pretty sore and stiff all over. I think somebody must have fallen or ridden into my back, because it hurts. I guess that's to be expected when you throw yourself on the ground at 25 mph. The good news for me is that all my injuries are surface level - no broken bones and I was able to leave under my own steam. I feel for my team mate Rick. I don't know him well, we've only ridden together a couple of times, but he's a super nice guy, very friendly and a strong bike rider who is always willing to go to the front of a race and work. I hope he is doing well this morning.

Despite the carnage - 3 crashes in one race - it was a good result for the Loons Bryan and Andy finished 1st and 2nd. Congratulations!!!

So, when are you guys going to upgrade?

Pre-Registration: Why all the fuss?

2007-08-24T11:12:00.000-05:00

Over on the MCF Board there has been some great discussion about the cost to enter a bike race and the pros and cons of Pre-Registration.

Personally, I am astounded there is so much hoopla about pre-reg. New to the bike racing scene this year, my only experience with registering for races is with Triathlon. For most of the local races, registration opens on March 1st. If you haven't decided your race schedule and signed up for your races by mid March, forget it. - the races are full and you're out of luck until next year. Most races not only require registration in advance, but that you pick up your race number the night before. This way, organizers and officials can figure who is going to be racing and who is a DNS. With Ironman, the registration is open 364 days prior to the event. Good luck getting in if you don't write out your $500 check the day registration opens.

If someone were to show up to a tri or even a running race the day of and expect to register, they'd be laughed at.

I am amazed that at bike races there is an expectation that you should be able to decide 10 minutes before the race whether or not you want to jump in. I guess its always been this way and is part of the bike racing culture. I am also surprised that folks are griping about paying an extra 5 or 10 bucks for the convenience of not making a decision a couple days in advance.

Personally, I love the fact that this weekend's State Road Race offers pre-reg for a number of reasons. For one, pre-Reg gets me excited to race. My money is in. My name is on the start sheet. I'm on the Registered Riders list...I'm racing...I know it...everyone else knows it. Its great to see that the M4/5 racers have taken to the Pre-reg concept. Something like 25 riders were organized enough to commit to a race 2 days in advance. I like knowing who will be there, who we'll be racing with/against. It gets me motivated to race.

A couple of weekends ago, much to my regret, I decided to skip the Square Lake race just because I didn't feel like it. There was no pre-registration offered. I didn't have any buy-in, I felt no prior connection to the race. No commitment made, none given. The only people who were expecting to see me were the handful of people I told I might be there. Not that being pre-registered would have made a difference if I had a legitimate sickness or if there was an emergency - I would have been out my 25 or 30 bucks. Tough shit for me.

In addition to being a motivator for me as a racer, Pre-registering is a way of honoring the hard work of the promoter. Its kind of like sending back the RSVP for a wedding or a big party.. just something you do out of respect for your hosts. I think if race promoters knew with some kind of certainty how many people were going to show up - or at least what their financial position was prior to a race - they might be more inclined to provide water support or throw some kind of post-race festivities or give away a tee-shirt and other schwag. It would probably be a whole lot easier to get the attention of sponsors if a promoter could tell them we have 200 people showing up, instead of, we hope a bunch of guys come to the party, but we're not sure.

I know its a long way off - change always takes time - but I look forward to the day all races are Pre-Reg only. You didn't Pre-Reg? Tough shit, you can't race. If you can't decide whether or not you're racing a couple of days in advance, you shouldn't be racing. If you pre-reg and don't show up, consider your $27 a contribution to support the sport you say you love.

Tomorrow morning, I'll be volunteering (something every racer should be required to do) at the pre-registration table. I will be greeting all the people that pre-registered with a warm smile and a race number. I'll be telling the rest to get in line and pony up the extra cash - they should be thankful for the opportunity to race.

The Friday Sprint: 2007 TDF Stage 4

2007-08-24T08:09:00.000-05:00

is my ass too small?

2007-08-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

Slip n Slide

2007-08-20T10:53:00.000-05:00

Without the splinters, I bet The Track would make a great Slip 'n Slide in the rain.

I'm guessing no class tonight with TAFKAS.

State Road Race Course Preview - Superbad

2007-08-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

Avon State RR
Find more Bike Rides in Avon, Minnesota

I can't believe more people didn't take me up on the offer to ride 3 hours in the cold, wind and rain.

It's been awhile since I'd ridden in this weather. I wasn't sure how to dress. Jens and I both make the right decision to put on the pvc rain jackets. I opted for arm warmers, booties and long fingered gloves. Glad I did. The rain didn't stop the whole day. It's still raining now.

The plan going up to Avon was to ride the full 3 laps of the course that we'll be doing next week. Of course, being a loop, this meant riding past the car every 17 miles and having the option to bail out.

The first time up Tower Road didn't seem so bad, its a long grinder of a hill with a pretty constant pitch. Over the top and it looks like a sweet long descent, which is exactly what we did, shooting straight by the left hand turn onto Quaker road. It took me a couple of miles and another big hill to realize my mistake.

Back to Quaker Road, its still a nice descent, but the left hander could be tricky. There's been some recent road construction in the area and the surface is mostly new and fast on this 4 mile section, although a little slick in the rain.

Through the town of Albany and the there's a couple of hills, right out of corners. Yesterday's wind made for a very challenging ride over the tops of the hills.

At the end of the 1st lap Jon and I were completely soaked. Luckily not cold, just soaked. We quickly decided to continue riding for a second lap, the wind seemed to be picking up, but nothing severe in sight.

Mid way through our second loop we're greeted by four guys from Grandstay. They ease up and invite us to join them. We latch on to the back and enjoy the tempo ride through the nasty headwind section and back to the school. The last turn on the course is 4 miles from the finish. Psychologically, you think the lap is done after that turn at the gas station, but the four miles on Hwy 9 really drags out with some tough rollers. This will make for a very interesting finish to the race.

Back at the school Jon and I both say we'd be fine either calling it a day or doing another lap. I am really glad we opted for the 3rd lap. I suffered towards the end but it was really good to see how my legs would feel going over the hills for the 3rd time. I know I need to do better with my nutrition. I always forget to eat and drink enough when it is cold and wet.

Most of the road races on this year's calendar seem to have been basically flat or rolling with one hill per lap. This is a little different in that there are several hills, none of them super steep or severe, but the cumulative effect could really do some damage next weekend. I sure hope its 60, rainy and windy again. I love not being able to see the wheel I'm following due to the road spray in my eyes.

Thanks for the ride Jens.

After the ride, The Mrs. peeled me off the couch to see Superbad. American cinema at its finest. Certain to sweep the Oscars.

State Road Race

2007-08-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

Six Loons already registered for the Masters 4/5 State Road Race.

What an organized flock of over achievers!

The Friday Sprint: 1996 Keirin World Championship

2007-08-17T07:34:00.000-05:00

Last time I raced on the track, The Man with the Improbable Thighs was World Champion.

Superbad

2007-08-15T15:49:00.001-05:00

I am so there.

Track - it's like riding a bike

2007-08-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I last raced on the track - 11 years. I'd kind of written the track thing off - who has the time to sit in traffic for an hour just to ride around in circles on a bike with no gears or brakes?

Despite what all the trackies say, the risk of crashing on the track seems a whole lot higher to me than on the road. The only crashes I've had racing a bike have been on a track - two durring the stupid miss-and-out race and once on a neutral roll-out lap - clipped a pedal riding too slow and too high on the banking. Crashing on the track in Florida meant hitting and sliding down smooth concrete. The surface is totally unforgiving and will burn a hole right through shorts and skin. My shoulder still aches from time to time due one of those incidents. Hitting the boards in Blaine means further to fall - due to the steep banking - and a chance of picking up a skin full of matchstick size splinters.

Given what I know about The Track, the question seems obvious: Why did I succumb? The answer is complex. Maybe I couldn't stand to let Frye and Steven have all the fun. Maybe it was the subtle pressure from the Track Whip..."When will we see you at the track?" or maybe it was this beacon drawing me North. Whatever it was, last night I got myself to Blaine for the intro to track racing class - I figure I could use the refresher.

I felt a little shakey at first but after a few laps of pace-line riding, it started coming back - just like riding a bike!

Non-Race Report

2007-08-11T16:27:00.000-05:00

Went to bed last night all jazzed for Square Lake Road Race today. I'd conviced myself that Nason Hill was no big deal.

Woke up this morning with absolutely no interest in racing. None. I felt achey and lethargic and restless and....blah blah blah.

Went looking for inspiration at Turtleman triathlon and found none. That just made me want to seek air conditioned comfort.

Maybe if the race was in the morning, instead of 2 in the afternoon, I would have done it.
Maybe if I had pre-paid and pre-registered (if it were an option), I would have done it.
Maybe if it was about 50 degrees cooler today, I would have done it.

I didn't do it. That's it.

Look forward to reading and hearing all the reports of what I missed.

The Friday Sprint

2007-08-10T08:08:00.000-05:00

Stone Arch Wednesday. Lebanon Hills Thursday.

2007-08-09T15:33:00.000-05:00

Last nights Stone Arch Ride was a smaller group than has been typical lately, just six of us. I'm sure the threat of rain and last week's I-35W bridge collapse kept numbers down. The ride wasn't especially fast, but for some reason it sapped me. By the time we hit Ramsey hill on the way home, I had nothing left.

Got up this morning, loaded up the mountain bike and headed down to Lebanon Hills. I'd forgotten all about last night's ride and how hollow my legs felt until I started pedaling. No oomph whatsoever. I was dragging so bad, I even stopped my bike to make sure the brakes weren't rubbing. I'm sure things will be much better for the Square Lake Road Race on Saturday.

Tomorrow: Rest.

Not another hobby!

2007-08-08T14:39:00.000-05:00

Like I have time for another addiction.....Crap!!! Last weekend we spent a rainy Saturday afternoon at the climbing gym in St. Paul. The Mrs. has been wanting to do this for a long time. I've been ho-hum about the whole idea...I'm not much for heights, but with our upcoming trip to the black hills, I figure it was time to do a little preparation. So, we get there for our little safety class, and there's this whole display case of shiney hooks and clamps, and a wall full of shoes and harnesses and bags and chalk and all kinds of cool looking equipment......I should've turned around and left right then.

Pat, our instructor, was awesome. He's been climbing for like, 35 years and is the director of the training program. He was telling us about the places he's climbed and was really, really into the whole thing.... not in a freaky kind of way...but the way that your average bike racer knows the exact weight and measurments of their bike or what their Lactate Threshold is or how long they can hold 250 watts for...the perfectly normal kind of "into it."

So, we take the 2 hour class, learn how to put on a harness, tie the necessary knots, prevent someone from falling to their death and do a little climbing. At first I felt like a fish out of water, but soon enough my days of climbing over neighbors fences as a kid to retrive a lost cricket ball quickly came back. At the gym, people were all over the place, hanging upside down, arms and legs splayed all over, hanging on by a toe or finger tip. They are looking at each other and asking deep, meaningful questions like "On belay?" Cool.

We are now the proud owners of climbing gear: harnesses, shoes, belay tools, carabiners...we've got it.

Between bike racing, brewing beer, blogging, being a responsible dog owner, teaching spin classes, mountain biking, trying to be a good husband and now rock climbing, work is really getting in the way. At least I don't have a Track Habit.

Did you know that between your hands and shoulders there are these things called forearms? Mine still hurt.

Last of the Summer Wine

2007-08-05T17:18:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that today's Campus Crit was the last crit on this year's calendar. Not long and it will be time to get muddy.

The LSC masters 4/5 crew has really been coming together as a team over the past couple of months and today was another good day for the team. Its added a whole new dimension to the racing. We know each others strenghts, preferences and style. We know where to look for each other in a race: The Cobra - making moves from back to front, A-Train holding court in the front 5 wheels and Jens usually on the attack at the front. The first few laps of today's race started out pretty hot, Jens was there trying to force a gap while rest of us tried to block a little and disturb the chase down.

Things settled down pretty quickly. With about 15 laps to go, Kermish went to the front and pushed the pace, again a couple of us blocked, forcing others to jump around and chase. Through the hairpin and Marc must have over cooked it a little. I heard the scrape, then exiting the turn, there's Marc, up on his feet, pulling his bike off the course. A couple laps later, he's rolling along side me. Gotta love that free lap rule!

I put in a few stints at the front, just to keep the pace high.

In the last couple of laps when it was obvious no one was getting away, the pace dropped way down as we all looked at each other. On the backside of the course, Kermisch moves up to and then off the front, getting a good gap. I knew I needed to be close to the front going into the hairpin if I was going to stand any chance of meeting my top-3 goal. Going thru the final left turn, I make a move up the inside and cut the corner tight to gain a few positions. Coming thru the 180, it's Marc in front, followed by Tuffy, Ben from Silver, A-Train and me. Just to my outside, Ben lays his bike down and slides to the curb. Andy and I manage to get thru, but now there's a big gap in front of us and its a long way to the line. I try to latch on to Andy's wheel, but he's off. About halfway to the line and I can feel my legs have nothing left. Done. Will comes around in slow motion to take 4th. I end up with 5th.

If A-Train gets one more second place finish, we'll all have to chip in for a a bridesmaid dress.

Kermish - nice race, man! Hit the deck, roll a tire, squeeze it back on, jump back in and hold on for third. Sweet!

The Mrs. and my good friend Christopher came out and took some nice pics. The only other two races my wife has watched, I got dropped. Today removed her omen status.

Campus Crit Pix

2007-08-05T13:31:00.001-05:00

Wipeout!

2007-08-04T10:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I rode my mountain bike for a couple hours around Theo Wirth Park - call it training for the Dakota 5-0. I misjudged a jump and wiped out, crashing down from about 2'4" in the air. In my mind it kinda looked like this.

The Friday Sprint: Cavendish robs McEwen

2007-08-03T07:30:00.001-05:00

Here's the Long Version

Modified Stone Arch Ride

2007-08-02T21:51:00.000-05:00

Rode 90 minutes with the newest blogger in town on a modified version of the Stone Arch Ride. It was modified in 2 respects: 1. We didn't start at the Stone Arch Brigde, which is a little hard to get to right now and 2. We didn't turn our lungs inside out going up every hill or sprinting down Shepherd road as hard as we could. It was kind of nice, being able to breath and see straight at the end of the ride.

On the way up the High Bridge, this guy went flying by us on one of his hill repeats. I bet he's training for an upcoming race.

It was also a nice break from staying glued to the tragic world news of the day.

Collapse

2007-08-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

Incredible photos of the I-35W Bridge collapse.

The above image is of an original Bob Edwards painting, it is a view upstream from the Washington Avenue bridge, through the infrastructure of the I-35 bridge toward the lower St Anthony lock. 1981. Pillsbury owns the painting now.

Dakota Circuit Race v. 3.0

2007-07-31T21:16:00.000-05:00

Jens, aka Johnny K is on fire! Last week, the guy finds the right move and stays away for 3rd at Dakota. Over the weekend, he has a super week in 2 races at Superweek then comes out swinging at anything he can land a punch on tonight. He makes the move to get in a strong breakaway again tonight, only to get brought back. With a lap and a half or so to go he moves off the front of the field to take it in solo for the win. I'm wearing my biggest hat, just so I can take it off to you.

I kinda screwed up the final sprint. It was tough to figure things out with Jens up ahead. I followed a move up the right side of the group into the final windy section fo the course. I found myself moving to the front really early. I decided to have a dig, hoping I'd pick up Andy and Bryan along the way. I look up the road and see we are rapidly gaining on Jon. Not good. I did not want to be the guy to bring the rest of the field up to him. I hesitated momentarily, behind me, Andy had indeed latched on with Ben from Silver on his wheel. My hesitation forced Andy to come around me. What should have been me leading out Andy wound up being Andy leading out Ben. Ooops. Luckily, Jon still got to the line first.

I ended up with 4th. I should be happy with 4th but feel like I made a mess of things not only for myself, but Andy too. I guess that's why we do this stuff week in and week out - to learn. Once you start sprinting, don't stop.

Looking forward to the Campus Crit this weekend.

The Friday Sprint / We're outta here

2007-07-27T08:29:00.000-05:00

It's too hot. The Mrs. and I are heading Up North for a little camping, mountain biking and kayaking on the North Shore.

Rasmussen

2007-07-25T19:17:00.001-05:00

Liar.

Moreni

2007-07-25T14:04:00.001-05:00

doper.

Dakota Circuit Race V. 2.0

2007-07-25T05:11:00.000-05:00

Another good result for the Loons at Night School. Congrats to Jonny K for getting in the right move to land 3rd in the Masters 4/5. It feels like the M 4/5 group is riding well as a cohesive team with good communication. A-Train took another field sprint for 5th or 6th. If the race was scored on how many times you hit the hairpin in first place, Rolle would have upgraded.

Mandroid took home an envelope of cash for 3rd place in the Cat 4 race. Nice job!

In the 3s, Dr. P-Slim had trouble keeping his ass in his shorts.

For me, I rode comfortably in the pack. Nothing special. Once the break got established with Jens representing LSC along with Russ and Ben from Silver Cycling, it essentially became a training ride for the pack. Only TLB made an effort to bridge to the break in the closing laps. My legs felt surprisingly fresh after the TofGC - may have been a different story if I had to work.

Vinokourov

2007-07-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

Doper.

Tour of Granite Country: A little luck goes a long way

2007-07-23T08:51:00.000-05:00

Get comfy, this could be a long one...

Road Race
45 miles (2 laps of 22.5) One significant hill, some rollers, moderate wind.

One of my goals for this year has been to finish in the front group at a road race, something I wasn't able to do in the Spring. Lining up, I was a little concerned about the wind. Crosswinds seem to be my nemesis. With a combined field of Cat 4s and Masters 4/5s we had a group of 70+ riders start the race. My plan was to start at the front and stay near the front all day in order to avoid getting gapped in the crosswinds, corners or hills. The Loons were out in force, we had flock of a dozen riders.

For the first 8 miles or so, I was right on the front, taking pulls with Kermisch. I had a feeling guys were going to take shots going up the hill and positioned myself comfortably in the front 15-20 at the bottom of it. I'm not sure if anyone was making moves on the front or if the tempo was just high but I could tell the hill was doing damage. A few riders came around me, in panic mode a few went backwards. I kept myself comfortable, followed wheels and was able to get over the top feeling strong.

A couple of big accelerations came on the back side of the course with the tailwind. I have a feeling that may have caused some riders to drop off as well. I looked up the road and noticed A-Train was in a small group that got a gap off the front. It was soon brought back. Shortly after, Rolle got in a group that rolled away. Again, the front of the pack responded to bring it back. As soon as everyone was back together, I decided it was my turn to counter. I went to the front and just lifted the tempo - not a huge attack, but enough to roll away. I was alone for a minute or two before two Gopher Wheelmen riders joined me. We worked well with each other for maybe a couple of miles, through to the end of the first lap, then caught on the 1st hill of the second loop. That was fun...my first breakaway!

There were a couple more attempts by guys to get away on the second lap but nothing stuck. One guy, Eric, made the most threatening move of the day after the second time over the hill. Its a good thing we got him back, because he can time trial.

With about five miles to go, I found myself shuffled further back than I had planned on riding and needed to move up, which was tough because the pack was pretty compact across the road. A-Train was in his usual position of about 5th or 6th wheel, B-Lo had was a few riders up in front of me, Rolle a few back. "Neil, we need to move up with Bryan, when you get a chance." I hear Bob call. I saw an opening and darted forward, around a bunch of guys to put Bryan on my wheel. My plan was to bring him closer to the front for the final sprint. I started making my way up the outside one or two riders at a time. I guess the officials didn't like my interpretation of the center line and I got my warning..."one more time, for any reason, and you're out!" Time to work the other side of the road. I moved over the the shoulder side just as it opened up. About 5 or 6 of us shot straight up the right to the front.

By the time I hit the front we had just a mile or two to race and the pace started to lift as guys could smell the finish. Andy off to my left, Bernie was right alongside me, Chris B and Chris C were right there, our team had a strong presence at the front.

Pace approaching the final corner was good and high, keeping things nicely strung out and safe, but going into the corner things slowed and got really bunched up - not good. Out of the corner and the sprint started amping up right away. Everyone seemed to think they had a chance.

Everyone knows that in bike racing, its not necessarily the strongest rider that does well. There's a lot more too it: Patience, positioning, skill and luck. On this day, I felt I had done a good job of being patient, I had paid attention to my position in the race. Now for some luck, which came at the misfortune of 3 of the pre-race favorites including A-Train. First I heard the awful sound, glanced to my left in time to see Andy collide with Chad then they both hit the ground...hard. From my vantage point, it looked they were both trying to be in the same spot at the same time. I shifted gears, put my head down dug for the finish.

I thought I made the top ten but wasn't sure. Turns out, all of the riders ahead of me, except two, were racing the Cat 4 division. This left me 3rd of the Masters 4/5s. Its true what they say..never stop sprinting until the line...especially when the fields are combined.

Time Trial
5 Miles
Point-to-point. Mostly flat with a couple rollers.
After the Road Race, we hung out in the shade and fueled up for the afternoon TT. I knew this was going to hurt. The wind was picking up all afternoon and gusting pretty strong.

For the whole five miles, it felt like the wind was straight in our face or just off the right shoulder. Immediately before the race, the battery on my computer died. I had to race this strictly by feel. I knew it would be about a 12-13 minute all out effort.

I was right. It hurt. My time 12:22, put me in 6th place, just 3/10ths of a second behind teammate Tim Lewis in 5th.

Sunday: St. Cloud Crit.
30 minute Six corner crit, flat, fast and technical

Going in to the Crit I had a feeling I was doing pretty well in the overall. I had not seen the results from the Road Race or TT or the omnium standings at this point. It was only on Sunday morning that I learned I was 3rd in the road race and 4th overall in the omnium. As we lined up, one of the officials told me there was only 10 points seperating 1st and 4th. I needed to do well in this in order to move up. I figured out who the 2nd and 3rd place riders were - Todd, MCT and Ben, Silver Cycling.

The race started fast with Chris B from the Loons working the front like a mad man trying to get off the front. This was great for me. The pace was high to keep everyone strung out in a line going through the tight corners.

Prior to the race A-Train (yes, he raced both the TT and Crit after crashing hard) and B-Lo told me to look for them both with a couple laps to go. My plan was to hop on their wheels and sail to the finish. That was all I had to do for a high finish. Easy, right? Well, it was easy to keep an eye on Andy - he's always at the front! I'd have to torque my neck to see Bryan - always on the back!

The pace stayed high and safe most of the race, everyone seemed to be holding their lines and not to much shoving and pushing.

3 laps to go, and there's B-Lo, right one rider in up in front of me. I hop on his wheel and bear hug it. There's no way I was going to let anyone in. The two guys I was able to ID at the beginning of the race were doing a lot of work at the front - it looked like they were aware of each other and their standing.

At some point in the race, a MBRC guy got off the front and held his lead to the finish. I knew we were racing for second but was trying to do the math in my head. It's a little hard when your legs are screaming, eyes are popping out of your head and hands are so numb you can't feel your brake levers. Multi-tasking at this point in the race is not a good idea. Forget the numbers, just race!

With two to go I started getting twitchy and impatient as the MCT rider tried to go solo, with Ben from Silver chasing. I calmed myself and stayed on Bryan's wheel.
We hit the final corner in about 7th or 8th place. Andy was in about 4th. Out of the corner, drop it in the 13 and hammer. We shot by Todd and Ben. Just before the line, Bryan slowed just a touch as he and another guy were getting a little too close. I moved up the inside and thought I went round him by the line. Officials didn't see it that way - maybe it was after the line.

Anyway, A-Train won the bunch sprint for 2nd, not bad for a guy that could barely hold his head up after the crash. The guy who won the road race took 3rd, Bryan 4th, I got 5th. I think I could have asked for a review of my position, but it would not have changed my omnium position nor the fact we put 3 Loons in the top 5.

At the end of the day, I had eeked out enough points for 2nd in the overall, just one point ahead of 3rd and 2 points ahead of 4th...very close.

What can I say, I am super happy with my best result to date.

Tour of Granite Country: The Short Report

2007-07-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

Day 1:
Road Race: 3rd
TT: 6th

Omnium Standing for Day 1: 4th

Day 2:
Crit: 5th (I could've made a good argument for 4th, but, you don't do that to a teammate, and the points wouldn't have advanced me in the omnium)

Overall Omnium Standing: 2nd

Very happy. Very tired, but very happy. I didn't realize how tired I was until I sat in 20mph traffic on I-94 for an hour.

The Long Report will follow. Now: Food, Fluids and some quality time in front of the TV to catch up on Le Tour.

The Friday Sprint: Classic McEwen

2007-07-20T05:37:00.000-05:00

Golf....

2007-07-19T22:06:00.000-05:00

...nothing like riding a bike.

Chasing the white ball

2007-07-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

The first time I ever played golf was at last year's company golf tournament. This year's installment of the tournament is today. It will be the 2nd time I've ever played.

Last year, my equally experienced partner decided that the only two shots in golf that really matter are the 1st and last, everything else gets in the way of drinking beer. She'd hit the ball (sometimes) off the little white thing, jump in the golf cart, drive to the ball, pick up the ball, back in the cart, drive the ball to the green and putt it in the cup. When asked by our scorer how many strokes she took, she'd honestly answer "two" for most of the holes. We had no idea the score cards would be collected at the end or that prizes would be awarded. What a surprise when her name was called as the women's overall winner on the 9 hole course. She never came clean. I wonder if she'll be able to defend her title today.

One things for sure: There should be plenty of stories by tomorrow.

Dakota Circuit Race v.1.0

2007-07-18T12:38:00.000-05:00

I finally made it down to the Dakota County Technical College for a Tuesday night race. The Masters 4/5 field lined up behind the 4/5s. The officials approached us, the older dudes, about combining fields to make scoring easier. There was much grumbling and then outright cries of “NO!” in response to creating an almost 80 rider field with a bunch of juniors mixed in. The judges agreed with our wisdom.

So, we started with 42 guys. Five got off the front within the first few laps. LSC had a guy in the break, so our team job was to monitor the front end of the field, disrupt any chase efforts and make sure nobody was able to bridge up.

The break got caught with about 4 laps to go. In the sprint, Bryan and Andy were able to come thru again with a 1-2 finish. LSC ended up with 6 riders in the top 12. Nice!

I raced more aggressively last night than I have since Opus. It felt good to take a more active role in how things unfolded, instead of sitting in and watching from mid-pack. When we had a teammate in the break, I helped control the front end. After the break was caught, I did some pace-setting, covered moves and kept the speed up in the last couple laps, destroying myself, but hoping to help Andy, Bryan and Jon. I'd like to think my work paid off. Truth be told, they probably would of had the result without me.

A good night of racing.

For the rest of this week, I’m taking it easy until the Omnium.....that means no Stone Arch Ride tonight.

Hamel TT

2007-07-16T19:55:00.000-05:00

12.5 Miles
Rolling hills, nothing big, but constant gear changes
31:09
9/22 in Masters 30+

Bottom Line: It hurt. Time Trials are supposed to hurt. Right?

This was only my second time on my Tri/TT bike this year. I started out a little conservative. I didn't want to blow up early. One hill towards the end was just long enough and just steep enough to really hurt. It would've hurt if I went conservative or aggressive at the beginning. In retrospect, maybe I should have pushed the first few miles a little harder. Who knows?!

In the last mile, it felt like I had plenty left to give....that's not good.

Jonny K had an awesome ride. He started 30 seconds behind and just about caught me by the line. He pulled up alongside me with about a half mile to go, that's when I had to bitch slap him and get a few seconds back. I'm glad I was a good carrot for him. Wish I had the same.

The Friday Sprint: Cancellara

2007-07-13T21:30:00.000-05:00

friggatriskaidekaphobia

2007-07-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

Noun: A morbid irrational fear of Friday the 13th

Happy Friday!

Stone Arch Ride 7.11.07

2007-07-12T13:43:00.000-05:00

Another fast night on the LSC Stone Arch Ride. A big bunch showed up for last night's fun. My legs were feeling surpisingly good. I took a couple of shots on Shepherd Road and up Smith Ave. On Marie St. (my favorite uphill sprint) Kermisch looks at me and asks “Want a leadout?” “Sure” I say and Kermisch guns it. I was afraid he was pulling a Gert Steegmans and I wouldn't be able to come around, but....I got it. On Little Italy, B-Lo was kind enough to let me know I couldn’t win all the sprints. Thanks guys. By the end of the ride, legs not so good.

Race Photos

2007-07-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

BBBBQ Photos from Clear Lake

Bicycles, Blues & BBQ Race Report

2007-07-09T16:40:00.000-05:00

The Surf Ballroom is a quirky little place seemingly in the middle of nowhere. To most, it is famous for being the last place Buddy Holy performed before he tragically died in a 1959 plane crash. To me, The Surf will be remembered for having the best pre-race bathrooms. No standing in line in the hot sun to use a stinky port-a-potty, no cramming into a 10 x 10 room with 20 guys to share 2 stalls. The Surf had a long line of air conditioned porcelein urinals and no waiting! I suppose when they host the fans of acts from Yanni to Tesla, they have to be prepared for a bunch of well hydrated guys that need to pee.

When I left my house at 4:40 AM to pick up Tim it was already hot and muggy. By the time we met Bob in the parking lot of The Surf, the sun was blazing and the wind was making itself known. The weather forecasters nailed this one: Hot and Windy.

Lining up at the start, the event looked like an All9Yards club ride. Of the 29 starters. they had something like 9 guys in the green. The race started with a 4 mile neutral section through town. It was during this neutral section that I noticed one guy rolling off the front of the group and up the road. Seeing as it was the neutral section, I didn't think much about out, neither did the 27 or so other riders in our group. Turns out that was a mistake. Most of us never saw him again.

The race started out really mellow. I was spending a lot of time coasting along, not pedalling, just enjoying my comfortable position in the middle of the pack. The first turn into the crosswind and the pace quickened a little but nothing unmanagable. Another corner, another change in wind angle and another surge of speed. Once we turned back on ourselves and had the wind on our backs things started to liven up a little. With the wind assistance we were cruising along at around 30 mph. It was during this section, I overheard a couple of guys mention one or two guys had got off the front of our group and the first guy to go was still away. Apparently, the All9Yards riders had done a good job of contolling the front and allowing one of their own to slip away.

At this point in the race, I was pleased with how I was riding. A few people around me were clearly having a hard time with the heat. I seemed to be doing okay. Legs felt good, breathing was good, I was able to move around easily in the pack. Bob didn't look too happy on these flat roads, I could tell he was just itching for a hill to charge up and it came soon enough. As the road started to lift up over a roller, Rolle zips up the inside of the group, straight to and off the front. He had promised Tim and I that he'd have a dig on any hill he could and he was true to his word.

Another turn into the crosswind with about 12 miles to go and this time the race blew apart. I was further back than I should have been rounding the bend. As I exited the corner, gaps were already starting to open up in the field. Instead of jumping on the first available wheel, I put in a big effort to move closer to the front. This meant hanging out in the wind, but it was worth it to avoid closing more gaps. Guys kept passing me in the wrong direction - I was going forward, they were going back. You could feel the frustation the wind and the acceleration were causing. I had to sprint around guys at least 4 times to reattach onto the lead wheels. The group whittled down to about a dozen in no time. I found a rider who looked to be super strong and attached myself to his wheel, feeling confident I had made the split. 30 seconds later, 3 feet, then 4 feet, then 5 feet open up in front of him. He swung out of the line, I tried to pull it back together but was gassed. The two of us got sawn right off the end. We tried together for about 2 minutes to chase back on by ourselves before looking back for help. As luck would have it, there was a touch of wheels up ahead and 4 or 5 guys got laid out across the road. A couple of the guys that went down and a few others that were chasing were able to regroup and work our way up to Tim and a group of 3 he was with.

Eleven strong and we were working pretty well. I was trying to assess the situation in my head and do the math. I knew there was the first guy who attacked still away, then at least two others. I could see a couple more up the road ahead. It was hard to tell how many groups had formed.

Another turn and another change in the wind. Tim asked me what our mileage was. 37 miles in with about 5 to go. Tim went straight to the front and cranked up his diesel. One guy jumped out of his seat to chase. I dummied to do the same but soft pedaled, allowing a gap to open in the hopes Tim could get away. A strong reaction came from behind as guys scrambled to jump on the move. I paused, then jumped on the back end. I wasn't going to chase a teammate. This acceleration had the effect of dropping at least 4 of our group.

With about 1km to go a rider swung way wide across the yellow line and onto the opposite side of the road. It took me a minute to figure out this was the last stretch before the finish. At about 400 meters to go the 2 All9Yards riders in our group started talking. One was clearly going to lead out his team mate. As they amped up for the sprint, I had to dive through the middle of two other riders to get on the lead out. I caught the wheels and saw 200m to go. Decision time..brake and sit on the wheel or keep the momentum and go for the line. I went for the line and won the sprint.

The question remained: How many people were ahead of us. Did I break the top ten? Were there 5 or 6 ahead or was it more.

Turns out my big Robbie-esque sprint was for 13th. Oh well, 13th is better than 14th. Right?

Tim Putnam and the guys at North Iowa Spin put on a hell of a good show. I can't believe we didn't stick around for BBQ.

hot and windy...

2007-07-07T18:27:00.000-05:00

...that's the forecast for tomorrow's race. Hopefully I'll spend less time in the gutter than I did last night with my new french brother-in-law.

This weather makes me long for days like these.