Get outside. Do something!

Pondry

2012-01-16T13:31:00.003-06:00

Should I , or should I not ?
Dakota 50

The spirit says YES. The bank account and body say maybe.

The 3rd time might be a charm to finish under the 7 hour mark.
Bike willing...

Giving it another go.

2012-01-06T10:33:00.002-06:00

Another metamorphosis of the black bike. With some 29x2.2 tires , it is now a true 29er.
The flat bar gives it a good XC feel, and even though the thing is a heavy beast , it feels quick over gravel , which is what was intended with the build.
I was curious about the whole 29er concept and a little skeptical about it when it really hit the mass markets. They truly do have their place. I have never been much for sticking with tradition, with anything really. A bike like this is a nice change of pace.

Where do things go.....

2011-12-24T20:23:00.004-06:00

When we don't think about them...

Sometimes the end... Will lead you where you need to go..

Where things grab your attention.. They wave back at you..but we don't always see them.

Smile. Smirk. Happiness.

Birth

2011-07-25T21:45:00.002-05:00

The cell.
Forming
Developing.
The birth.

All in a day...

2011-06-05T21:28:00.002-05:00

a visitor.

2011-06-04T11:14:00.001-05:00

You'd be a daisy if....

2011-06-04T11:09:00.003-05:00

about 10 minutes ago.....

2011-05-02T19:47:00.002-05:00

Looking out my back doors... about a 1/16 of a mile away...

I love where I live.

Things seen - Perry Nature Area

2011-04-04T17:46:00.005-05:00

My wonderful wife snapped these shots when we were frolicking around the Perry Nature Area east of Sioux Falls. An Interesting place. Check it out sometime if you are in the area , and if you know what sorts of birds are in photo #2. Leave a comment and let me know...

The itch ( is back)

2011-03-31T09:36:00.001-05:00

Over the winter, I have lacked any will to exercise. I spent the season , eating , sleeping , and being lazy. I had no drive to do anything except for the occasion snowshoe outing , or working on finishing our basement. Since November, I joined the elite cycling group of those who get fat over the winter. Yeah, I set up the road bike in the trainer with the intent of watching hours of The Simpsons while spinning into oblivion . I even looked at our treadmill once or twice , thinking that I should consider jogging on it, then turned , went to the fridge and grabbed a beer.

Now, spin the clock forwards to the present day. The snow is nearly melted. We had the early spring teaser of warmer temps that felt like heaven , for a few days at least, and we know that summer , could be right around a corner, down that road somewhere , down , over there… Oh wait, it is the end of March.. Ok, two more months before we may see temps in the 70’s, who was I trying to kid… My bicycles are hanging out in the garage, cold , ever patient. Much like myself, hanging out in the house , but warm , usually in front of a gaming console.. Preferably with a beer within arm’s reach.. I went to work , came home , went to work, came home. It is a vicious cycle.

The other day I saw my bicycles hanging in the garage , as I took out the garbage one day, and the itch came back . The itch to get back on the bike, to be out in sun, in the wind. To roll along the prairie on two wheels…. Now, I just need to let the gravel roads dry out…

beer joke

2011-03-24T09:52:00.001-05:00

Man sitting at home on the front porch with his wife and he says, "I love you."

She asks, "Is that you or the beer talking?"

He replies, "It's me.............. talking to the beer."

paths

2011-03-15T20:17:00.006-05:00

human: in running shoes.
Human: in boots
weeping ? for a warm late winter day , or patiently waiting , for spring?
Flight lost ? Or flight gained?
Dog: Big Dog. VERY big dog.
Deer: He or she , who travels through.

As in life , it is not about the destination , but about the journey. The path shared.

food for thought process

2011-02-28T11:04:00.001-06:00

Time = money

Money = beer

Beer = enjoyment

Enjoyment = no more money.

wisdom ?

2011-02-24T09:25:00.001-06:00

Follow your heart.

Listen to your gut.

Use your brain.

Dark Roast ....

2011-02-16T15:44:00.002-06:00

...goodness. Going down smooth.

Sometimes...

2011-02-12T10:16:00.002-06:00

...its not about where you're going..

How cold was it ?

2011-02-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

...so cold that they had to take the brass monkey off the Empire State Building so he wouldnt freeze his balls off...

Our at home weather station recorded a -16 degree F temp with -44 wind chill this morning at 5:30AM.

The Official recording at the airport in Sioux Falls at -8 F with a -29 windchill, this morning at 6:30AM.

The lowest temp recorded for Feb 2nd in the Sioux Falls area was -37 in 1905.

...and now you know.. the rest, of the story.

Embracing Winter

2011-01-09T18:45:00.002-06:00

A Journey into the cold. Embracing winter in the Northern Plains.
Waiting for Spring , it sleeps. Ever waiting to awaken.
Hanging on for another day , as it will fall to the earth.

The gray , the white, as the land and the horizon blends. Yet they wait to push to the sky.

There is no bad weather, just bad choices in clothing. - Norwegian Proverb

King Corn

2011-01-04T08:23:00.006-06:00

I watched a movie last night called King Corn.

It was a documentary styled film that told the tale of 2 friends from Boston who moved to Greene IA to grown an acre of corn after discovering that their body composition was primarily based on corn. They grew the acre of corn and tried to track where it went. What they found was that the majority of corn ends up as animal feed , or as High Fructose Corn Syrup. They also found that the corn that is grown in my neck of the prairie , isn't edible at all, until it is refined. It is essentially an industrial raw material, heavily subsidized at that, and made me think more about where the food we eat comes from , and about the area we live in. It motivated me to want to start a garden (even more than I already wanted too) and check out food labels a little more, and avoid fast food even more than I already do.

After doing some more research on the subject of corn and the ag industry, and where I live. I hadn't realized how heavily funded farmers are by our government, and how much corn contributes to obesity and diabetes. About how we are what we eat, and I dont want to be corn.

I am fine with industry turning it into plastics or ethanol , they need to get their resources from somewhere , why not grow it ?

Frankly I was a tad disgusted to find that most of the food available on the market is crap and in its raw form wouldn't even be considered edible. Fast food , and most of the products on the shelves at stores.

When I moved into the country back in 2008 , I knew that I was moving into an industrial zone. I made no qualms about it. I wanted to get away from the city and have my own space to share with the person that is now my wife. To have some quiet and have a place to call home,where I felt at home . I will admit that I do love where I live. I love having land and being on the open prairie.

I never have been much of a meat eater , or a corn eater at that.

I'd rather be a fruit, or a vegetable.

snow rainbow

2011-01-01T09:25:00.002-06:00

Sun in the sky + blowing snow in the air = snow rainbow

Sundogs

2010-12-31T16:06:00.003-06:00

In the middle of a snow storm , the sun came out to play.

What a difference a day makes.

2010-12-29T17:06:00.004-06:00

Yesterday
Today.

Old South Dakota proverb: If you dont like the weather. Wait a while.

bright

2010-12-28T09:32:00.001-06:00

The sun and snow. Light reflection. It brings a glow, blindingly bright , to the prairie.

Glazed Ham

2010-12-23T09:33:00.004-06:00

Comin' round the Holiday time I catch myself day dreamin' o' spring.

That spring time when the cold ground radiates itself and gives in to some warm rain and you can smell that earthy spring smell in the wind. I know it is a good 100 days or more off, but a man can dream.

Then there is the hankerings. To eat, and sleep, and maybe go sledding. Sledding , as in snow sledding , down hill. The way Mother nature intended. Not sledding , as in snowmobiles.

Even though myself and the Mrs' have entertained the idea of getting some sleds , AKA snowmobiles, we know all to well that the winter we get some, there will be a dry-spell winter with little , if no snow at all..

We will stick to the old timey sleds, the kind you need to carry up the hill with you , after your sped down it. There are some mighty fine sledding hills in my neck o' the prairie.

Comin' round the Holiday time, I find myself wishing that all humans should realize they are created equal in the face of their gods. Not being a religious man myself, it is all I can do to wish peace upon the minds and hearts of all inhabitants of this planet we all share.

Respect yourself and others. As you would want to be as well.

Blizzard time!

2010-12-11T10:49:00.004-06:00

Our home weather station reported a wind gust of 52mph.

windchill at minus 11.

FUN!

In the Evening....

2010-12-03T17:08:00.001-06:00

Thoughts on winter...and beyond

2010-11-30T09:06:00.002-06:00

It snowed. It is windy.

The blowing snow looks of white sand slithering though a desert.

Looking past the Solstice of late December.

The passage of time will bring spring again. The wait .

Time to put the road bike in the trainer and get some use from the treadmill.

Put in a DVD of The Simpsons and laugh and spin and run.

Try not to eat to much, or sleep to much.

Try to be productive, until the grass grows again.

Perhaps I will try to play Hockey ?

rolling out

2010-11-06T10:00:00.003-05:00

It is fall on the plains. The leaves are gone , the crops are nearly all harvested.
It is hunting season, I wonder if they got their limit. Never knew there was a season for Stop signs.
It is part of the road we travel. The fall of the year, it gets dark sooner, it gets cold.

It leads us down the road we travel , that takes us from fall , to winter, to the warmth of spring.

I will be patiently waiting...

Go juice.

2010-11-06T09:24:00.001-05:00

Shiner Bock

2010-11-04T11:47:00.002-05:00

I noticed that a few grocery stores in Sioux Falls carry Shiner Bock now.

I tried some , and it is pretty good stuff.

I have read that one of Lance Armstrong's favorite beers was Shiner Bock.

Lance Armstrong was in Sioux Falls last week.

I wonder if there is any correlation in this?

...or Gravel Road Bike ?

2010-11-03T18:28:00.003-05:00

I got to thinking yesterday about the drop bar mtn bike experiment and decided that with the few rides I have done with the Salsa Woodchipper installed that I really did not like it.
I didnt care for the hand position on the drops. I didnt care for the hand position on the hoods, or anywhere else on the bar for that matter. What this did help me realize was what I really wanted.
I wanted something that felt fast , like a road bike , that could cut into the wind, but something beefier like a mtn bike, that was more comfortable to ride off road and on gravel than a cross bike. I wanted suspension for off-road and gravel comfort, but liked the fast feeling of having your hands on the hood.
I got to looking around at the parts I had , and I started thinking some more , and after checking out some 29er and gravel grinder blogs , and reading , I saw these words.

" Gravel Road Bike"

Hmmm..... Interesting, I thought to myself.
Not quiet a mtn bike , more than a cross bike. Something you can take anywhere.
I did some tinkering and came up with my own variation.
I took it for a short spin and really liked it.
I need to take it on a longer spin.

Oh, nothing.

2010-11-01T11:40:00.001-05:00

I haven’t been riding my bicycle much over the last month.

I haven’t been running much either.

I’ve been lazy.

I would like to ride more; I’ve just been busy, doing nothing.

I started running about two years ago.

I started running to help be in better shape while on the bicycle.

It did help increase stamina, and it also helps me breathe better.

I liked it.

I really haven’t been doing much of anything for the last month, except getting ready for winter.

Getting the tree trunks wrapped to keep the bunnies from eating on them.

Getting the garage cleaned out so I can park the car in there before the heavy frost hits and the snow flies.

The Sun goes down to early.

I'm all ears

2010-10-20T08:15:00.002-05:00

Breath deep the dark

2010-10-19T13:57:00.003-05:00

Every year , about this time of year, it begins.

The light turns to twilight , and then to darkness , oh so early.

Every year, this time of year.

The color of green gives way to a brightening display as the reds , oranges and golds bloom.

Then disappears , until the green begins a new.

The dusty draws of the air gather in the breaths of old, and you can smell the snow , right around the corner.

A mood somber, a mood sobers.

A view up to the sunshine as it breeds its last burden of the day.

Slowly sinking below.

sunset

2010-10-11T19:46:00.001-05:00

29er Exhibit C Drop bar gravel grinder

2010-10-10T09:11:00.002-05:00

I have had the above pictured bicycle build for a month now and have put about 150 miles on it.
It is a steel 29er frame with a Salsa Woodchipper bar (42cm). As you may notice , it also has a stem with a steep rise. This was recommended to me from a few other websites about drop bar set up on a mountain bike. The idea is to get the drops about where your normal flat bar set up would be. After putting on 150 miles of varying terrain I have noticed some pros and cons to this set up.
Cons:
1. Is a terrible climber
2. Reacts poorly in traffic
3. Will have to try many stem combos to get your body in a comfortable position.
4 poor aerodynamics when going into a dakota headwind
5. you feel like a dork riding it and other make fun of you.
6. Hard to get on a bike rack with other bikes.

There are a few pros however.
1. Many nice hand positions
2. Feels VERY much at home on rolling gravel and open roads/bike paths
3 You can use Barend shifters . and they are cool

I am debating over setting it up to feel more like a road bike , as i like to ride on the hoods.
Maybe get some STi levers and a carbon fork.
A lower profile will also help heading into the wind and gets you into a better climbing position too. I am sure there is compromise to be found somewhere.

Admittedly , I need to put more miles on it to find that happy medium.

Cruis'n

2010-10-10T09:09:00.001-05:00

Fall in the Northern Plains

Evening:Sept. 15th or how I spent my Birthday

2010-09-15T21:24:00.004-05:00

Working on my drop bar mtn bike and helping my wife set up her new Cannondale CAAD9 road bike ( that I bought her for her B-day on Sept.13th) while enjoying a few great brews. The weather was rainy and windy , so I really couldnt ask for anything more.

Dakota 50

2010-09-07T09:27:00.002-05:00

I had a great time out in the Black Hills this past weekend.

Rode in the Dakota 50 for the 2nd time and finished in a little over 7 hours and 30 min.

They made some course changes to it this year and it had much more technical singletrack than last year. I liked the challenge ,even if my legs didnt. Being a flatlander with limited access to technical riding, I simply wasnt ready for it. It was all in good fun.

Are you ready ?

2010-08-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

85 years

2010-08-30T19:05:00.001-05:00

R.I.P Grandpa George.

I will have one for you tonight.

Drop Bar mtn bike: The evolution of something different

2010-08-23T20:53:00.003-05:00

Tinkering during a mid summer T-storm. More rain than noise,but that is besides the point.

Still wanting something different ,I read up on many a blog about drop bar mtn bikes. Not for use on off road trails , but for those long mid-west gravel grinds. As I pondered the South Dakota wind and its countless miles of gravel roads I could only question what would work best for what I wanted this bike to do. What is that ? An all day , comfortable gravel go getter.

All the ideas of other drop bar mtn bikes say to put the drops where a "normal" mtn bike bar would be. The drops are where it is at. I tried 4 different stems and rode up and down the wet gravel road I live on multiple times trying to determine what would work best in hour 4 of a 6 hour gravel sun baked fun time ride. It did not make sense to me to put the drops where a regular bar would go. Perhaps some of the past hours on a roadie bike has brainwashed me into thinking that the hood , or on top is where it is at, to get aero into that strong dakota head wind. I tried all the varieties of hand positions this bar has to offer and did not find one uncomfortable spot. Time will tell however.

All the reading and thinking led me to one handlebar , the SALSA Woodchipper.

there are basically 4 handlebars designed for a drop bar mtn bike. The On-One Midge , WTB drop bar , Origin 8 Gary bar , and the Woodchipper. (Ha,ha,ha, bodies in a woodchipper)

After looking at profiles and reading reviews and testimonials, the Woodchipper seemed to be where it is at for price , availability and comfort. I installed it with an open mind ready for adventure, not knowing what to expect.
It was VERY comfortable just cruising without bar tape , and I look forwards to a long ride with bar end shifters and bar tape to see what it is all about.

Ghost Bike

2010-08-19T10:02:00.001-05:00

Ghost bike placement 57th & Galway Thursday 8/19 @ 7:30pm. Sioux Falls SD

STUPID DRUNK DRIVERS

sunshine saturday

2010-08-14T12:18:00.002-05:00

Scenes of yesterday

2010-08-05T20:02:00.002-05:00

sunset

2010-08-02T20:44:00.002-05:00

Maiden Voyage , or things seen today.

2010-07-24T21:27:00.004-05:00

Stopping by the old Catholic Cemetery approx. 1 mile southwest of Montrose SD.
I am enamored by old prairie headstones.
It's amazing , and interesting to know people were 120+ years ago.
Since 1885. Rest in Peace .

A view east.
A view west.
A quick glance down along the pavement. Cruisin' .
The road to Montrose SD.

Tomorrow. Hopefully, a hilly 2 to 3 hour ride to prep for the Dakota 50 .

29er Exhibit B - Something different

2010-07-24T12:56:00.003-05:00

I've had a scratch to itch for a while now. An itch do to something different.

Something I have never done. To build a different kind of bicycle.

A drop bar 29er mountain bike.

A few weeks ago I got all the parts I had laying around the garage together . I got a inexpensive frame and fork and assembled a flat bar 29er. It was nice , but not quite different enough.

I wanted something more.

More ideas popped into my mind and the question loomed...."What else could I try with this ? "

Here you see it.... Well above you see it..

I finished putting it together this morning and will take it on it's maiden voyage this afternoon. Cruising it up and down our gravel road , it feels good. Really good.

It may need a slightly shorter stem as I feel a tad stretched when on the hoods. It feels perfect when slightly above the hoods. I like the variety of hand positions with the dropbars, should be great for gravel grinding as it was quite stable in loose gravel with the tires at 60 psi.

We will see how it soaks up the South Dakota countryside.

29er Exhibit A

2010-07-12T22:04:00.003-05:00

Question if you will, Exhibit A of the 29er thought.
An inexpensive ,but somewhat heavy steel (4130 Chro-mo) frame and suspension fork.
Yes I picked a slightly heavy, inexpensive and durable frame and fork vs. a lightweight , expensive and durable frame. Remember , you can only pick two of three, lightweight , durable , inexpensive.
Steel can equal more comfort , and that , is what I am going after. Comfort, over lightweight and performance. Flat bars for starts , because that's what I had. I had nearly everything , except the tires , frame , fork and seat post.
I have put about 100 miles on it so far , mainly bike path and gravel roads , with and without bar ends. So far , I like it without the bar ends . Why ? Because I have more board shoulders and I like to be able to have a wider grip on the bars. I like the way it handles. I like the way it rides.
Eventually , I will be putting drop bars on it. Yes, a drop bar mountain bike with a suspension fork.
my hands and wrists cannot take a bike with a ridged fork much longer. And I like the idea of multiple hand positions , and the aero feel of drop bars. I feel my wrists ache on the flat bar already. Time will tell how long the flat bar lasts.

Clouds

2010-07-07T21:19:00.001-05:00

I love the cloudscapes out here.

The other day...

2010-07-07T18:37:00.002-05:00

Tired Dog

2010-07-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

He was worn out!

Morning Visitor

2010-06-27T10:43:00.003-05:00

A nice dragonfly hung out on the back patio door this morning.

After the Storm

2010-06-26T21:06:00.002-05:00

29er on my mind

2010-06-21T11:29:00.001-05:00

29ers on my mind and bodes the question.
Flatbar for XC or dropbar for monster-cross ?

Gravel , dirt , bike path.

2010-06-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. - Jack London

Yesterday

2010-05-17T21:20:00.002-05:00

Kayaking

2010-05-04T21:45:00.002-05:00

East Fork of the Vermillion River , south of Montrose SD.

fluffy

2010-04-27T19:31:00.002-05:00

interesting?

2010-04-26T20:39:00.003-05:00

Union Grove State Park

2010-04-18T10:52:00.003-05:00

Union Grove is a small State Park in South East South Dakota . It has roughly 4.25 miles of single and double-track. It is a nice place to ride if you have a free afternoon and want to ride some flowing trails and don't mind driving and seeing the rolling prairie. Expect to see Equestrians , you will find that some of the trails are quite grooved from horses. All the horse riders I have met on the trails have been friendly as long as you respect them. Remember that horses get spooked by bikes quickly and can be somewhat unpredictable.

A view of the prairie

2010-03-28T20:46:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of getting out for a gravel grinder today.

19 miles in 90 minutes. It was a beautiful day.

Of all the car parts, porno mags, litter , and harvest time left-overs I have seen over the years, and miles of riding about the rolling prairies of South Daktoa, finding a ceramic bowl with a small scoop of dirt and half full of water in it , as to be one of the oddest.
Just a little bit of slushy ice left on the lake.
Controlled burn. burn baby burn!
Signs of a distance past.

wind

2010-03-26T17:29:00.003-05:00

55 °F

Clear

Humidity:	44%
Dew Point:	33 °F
Wind:	14 mph from the SSE
Wind Gust:	30.0 mph

I don't see the wind as an adversary , as much as I do a companion.

As you head into it , it pushes you to do more. It shows you what it is to struggle, to suffer.

As it is at our back, it helps you along , it lets you savor the moment, to feel that of flight.

As it is at your sides, it will tell you a story, if you listen good enough.

It will tell you of other places , of other times.

As it swizzle the blades of grass, it tells the tales of those who have been there before you,

and holds the secrets of the ages.

yesterday

2010-03-18T09:11:00.001-05:00

The blue sky.

The brown earth, slowly returning to green.

The sound of knobby tires on pavement.

These are the essence of spring.

Tantalizing in-view

2010-02-03T09:54:00.000-06:00

The groundhog saw the shadow. Run and hide. Winter will last , 6 more weeks.

Tantalizing as it may seem to the rest of us above the 38^th parallel , here in the upper Midwest, spring is not “just around the corner”.

The calendar hanging on the wall says that it is a mere 6 weeks away. While marking its moment in time on the post-it note for the human time monitoring operation, with the sun arching itself halfway to its solstice. It doesn’t mean a thing while the roads are a sloppy mess , you have to dress for the worst weather possible , have enough food ready if you are stuck at home for 3 days , and when the temps seldom get above 20. When walking out to the mailbox over a ice encrusted driveway is treacherous enough. When the cabin fever gets to you enough that you “just have to” , get outside regardless of the windchill.

You can smell spring in the air however. In little bites, filled in between the snow , the gravel dust , and the gusts of Canadian air.

It is there, but you really have to look for it. It is there , when the wind shifts , coming from the south , when the suns shines bright and reflects its wavelengths of the fields of white. It is there in the brown patches of grass that smile at you between the drifts , patiently waiting to sprout and grow.

It can make you feel warm , if you try hard enough.

the wait

2010-01-28T08:06:00.002-06:00

Is there seldom a time in a man’s life where he can proclaim he is happy , or is it a contemptible state of mind ?

As in all life’s there are hardships and trying time’s. As in all life’s there are times of happiness and joy. As in all life’s , there are peak where we oversee the land and path we have taken. As in all life’s , there are the valleys where the soul must tread , ever looking up, striving ,wearily trudging up the hillside. It is the journey that mends one soul, and puts them where we dream to be.

Waking up to the cold blue, as the stars breed light in my wakening eye, I saw the moon set in a dust of clouds. All pale amber , it slowly sank as it went to rest, reeling in its sky bound travels. The beams bounding off the ice and snow laden land . I thought of spring and the smell of freshly turned earth, and realized I was where I wanted to be. The gaze of the prairie moon beckoned in me the whispers of past men and their ghost dance. The ponies that paraded across the plains in pursuit. The land that unrolled before them.

I stood before their sprit , with the pre-glow rising , I looked home bound. I am where I stand. I stand , where I should be. All in the pursuit of that happiness that humans should strive for , to find their place in this circle of life. I have found the happiness. Our ponies of dual wheels, turning the circles that carry us across the bountiful prairie rest as they dream of what is to be around the next corner, up the next peak. With ever opening eyes we go forth into the day , awaiting the next adventure. Waiting for spring.

snowshoeing near Lake Vermillion

2010-01-09T17:06:00.002-06:00

Get my drift ?

2009-12-28T16:32:00.002-06:00

blizzard

2009-12-25T10:42:00.001-06:00

Snow

2009-12-24T22:20:00.002-06:00

Winter Solstice

2009-12-21T08:34:00.002-06:00

Happy Winter Solstice !

Today, the day of the year for us up north where we have the least amount of sunlight over any day of the year.

Sunrise: 7:57AM

Sunset: 4:54 PM

At least I'm not in Alaska.

today is the time

2009-12-15T09:45:00.002-06:00

Things to remember.

Things said.

I love my wife.

I love my daughter.

I like cats.

I like dogs.

I love where I live.

I love to ride bicycles.

There is more to life than what you see and do.

The role of a parent is to turn a child into a good adult.

You get a different perspective on top of a horse or tractor.

The cold makes you appreciate the warm.

There is no bad weather, just bad choices in clothing.

You are only here for a limited time, make the most of it.

Play with your children often , they will remember you most for this.

Never raise your voice, reason and rational work better.

Live , love and laugh.

It's that time of year.

2009-12-10T14:36:00.002-06:00

Nearly winter, Dec. 21.

The snow falls. We need a little more!

THEN! Time to break out the snowshoes.

The bikes are set up next to the treadmill in the basement.

Until spring.

The weather

2009-12-07T10:45:00.003-06:00

It has been snowing.

This. Or as we call it in South Dakota, a Monday in December.

I did enjoy this , and found it amusing.

RAAM

2009-12-02T10:01:00.001-06:00

GO,Mike. GO!

Oh! Here's the answer.

2009-12-02T08:44:00.001-06:00

Americana per se

2009-11-27T14:02:00.001-06:00

The other day I was in a discussion about what it was to be American.

I wanted to come up with the 3 "c's" of being American but could only come up with 2.

Complain , consume and ......

I couldnt come up with a 3rd word.

The 2 "C's" just doesnt roll off the tongue.

tired

2009-11-20T07:54:00.002-06:00

Where to pro , and upper level athletes get their energy from?

Caffeine? wheat bread? Internal Nuclear reactor ?

It's about all I can do , to get out of bed in the morning.

Palin

2009-11-20T07:31:00.002-06:00

Sarah Palin is coming to Sioux Falls.

A Co-worker asked me if I was going to go see her.

I chuckled and said no. Then I asked what the appeal of this person is.

(crickets) then.... She's good looking..

Umm... No.

I really dont understand what people see in her, or why I am even mentioning it here.

I just gave the subject , ungarnered attention.

That wasnt to bright of me.

Grumpy Grinch

2009-11-19T14:38:00.002-06:00

I need to rant. It's been such a long time.

This time of year, is not my favorite. Give me a 80 degree day in late June anytime.

The lack of sunlit hours , is depressing.

The Holidays are coming up. I never really cared for them.

On the bright side, once we get through the holidays , and winter. Spring.

The cycle begins a new.. Next year this time. I will probably be grumpy too.

My Social Security check is late.

Things cost more than they use too.

Young people use curse words..

Old man rant off.

Hi. How are you doing?

your MPG

2009-11-13T15:14:00.000-06:00

37 miles per gallon

Created by The Car Connection

waiting

2009-10-30T13:31:00.002-05:00

Waiting in the Atlanta airport for a flight to Cancun. Going to get some sun and warmth before winter.

I discover Sweetwater Brewing Company's Sweet Georgia Brown Ale and their 420 Pale Ale. 420 is quite possibly the best Pale Ale I have ever had.

Shadows

2009-10-26T20:33:00.004-05:00

The Autumn sun casts long shadows. The crisp air hollows us as we inhale.

We give life to the road. It gives it back as we exhale.

Tuesday Afternoon

2009-09-29T19:44:00.003-05:00

Dakota 50 results

2009-09-10T10:10:00.002-05:00

The results are posted from the 2009 Dakota 50
I met both my goals. I finished 98th out of 120 in my age group with a time of 7 hours 32 minutes.

race report - Dakota 50

2009-09-08T13:59:00.001-05:00

It was very warm , and dry on Sunday for the 9th annual Dakota 5-0.
I think nearly 400 riders of all experience levels were there.
The sea of humanity , that was the crowd of racers, was as spectacle to behold.

I had 2 main goals , and one tentative goal for this race.
First, was to finish, the 2nd was to not finish last. With the help of my friend and race vet Ross, both these goals were met without much fanfare.
The 3rd goal , was to try to finish with 7 to 8 hours.
I had scoped out the course online a few months ago when I signed on to do the race.
Having been riding in the Black Hills a dozen times before , I had ridding nearly 2/3rds of the course.
The Tinton , to Big Hill , to Rim Rock to Old Baldy. These are some prime trails. After that, the trails were unknown to me, so with some need for adventure and a pining to ride some singletrack, I went forth into the woods..

The morning of the race, I felt really good . My legs felt light and I didn’t have a problem breathing.
Stacy and I came to the Hills a few days earlier to ride part of the Centennial trail near the Pactola Reservoir and to camp just south of Lead/Deadwood to get use the elevation change.
Living at 1900 ft and then riding , let alone racing at between 4000 and 6000ft can take its toll on a flatlander.
The beginning 12 miles went slow for me as I constantly felt overheated and couldn’t seem to drink enough water.
I also was caught behind slower riders and never found a rhythm along the Tinton.

After a quick break at the first aid station near the Big Hill Trailhead , a pepsi and a peppermint patty consumed, thankfully supplied with a kiss and a good luck hug from Stacy, I departed on my way to Old Baldy. I made a mistake here however , in my haste to get going. I forgot to refill my camelback with water. A few miles down the trail, this would haunt me . I ran out of water along the upper rim rock trail. I was about 3 miles from the Old Baldy trailhead, where the 2nd aid station was. I could feel my hamstrings starting to tight up too. The dry conditions and hot temps didn’t help either. I had to get off and walk most of the steeper uphills , to help recover and stretch the legs. As I was walking up the steep parts. I also noticed another sign of trouble. My shoes were starting to rub through my socks, and causing blisters on my heals.. After walking up 2 or 3 steep sections, my heels really started to hurt.. I kept those words of Mister 24 in my head though… Keep going…

I made it to the 2nd aid station at old baldy and asked if they had band aids or moleskin.. They didn’t have any mole skin and the bandaids they had were too small.. Lessoned learned for next time… Bring Moleskin with you on longer rides..
I refueled and met up with my friend Ross , and we pressed onward along the Old Baldy trail. While riding I had forgotten how awesome this trail is..
It had been nearly 10 years since the last time I had ridden on it. There is some nice flowing trail here, with just enough technical spots to keep it interesting.. About halfway through the Old Baldy loop, we cut into trails that I had never ridden on our way to the 3rd aid station.
I was feeling good and along with the comradery of some fellow cyclists , it felt like a grand day for a long , wonderful ride.

We made it through some technical spots and quickly came to aid station #3. They thankfully had some larger bandaids and tape there for my aching heels, and I would need it. There were some majorly steep and long climbs ahead , that I knew that I would be walking up.
The people at the aid station were great. They always had fresh fruit , gels and cold water ready for you and there was also a small crowd at them , ready to cheer you on.

We grabbed a handful of gels , loaded up on water, and set out for aid station #4 , and the cardiac climb.
There was a short , but steep climb that took us to some ATV trails that took us down hill quickly to stop #4.
Due to that short , steep climb , the bandaids I had patched my feet with , quickly became useless.
I really didn’t notice the pain , except when I had to walk . Thankfully along the trail to stop #4 , we didn’t have to walk much.
Something happened too , that has never , ever happened before, and you couldn’t script this either.
I was following Ross about 25ft back , down this flowing downhill. The route had some smaller rocks and gravelly spots.
His rear tire spits up this baseball sized piece of granite .. I see it coming , and try to move out of its way.
We were going about 20 mph, I didn’t have many options to move too. Then smack…
The rock hits me in the right knee… Then manages to get stuck between my rear swing arm , and my tire.
I slowed down as fast as I could. I couldn’t believe what had happened , I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.
I was bewildered….

After a short moment of comic relief , and checking to make sure the bike , and my knee was ok. We continued downhill .
We stopped at station #4. The bandaids I had on my heels fell off , I asked the folks at the aid station if they had any of the Handyman’s secret weapon. Duct-Tape, and low and behold.. They did. I taped up my heels , hoping it would suppress the pain of shoe, and worn away sock, rubbing against raw, tender skin. Some fresh fruit , a PB&J sammich , and some gatoraid later , we continued on our way.
While at the stop, there were tails of Bacon and Beer at the top of the climb. The Cardiac climb.

The guy that put stop #4 , right before the Cardiac climb. Is sadistic .
But with great pain and suffering , comes great rewards and pleasure.
It was told that the climb was only about 1 mile long. It felt like 10.
Unless you had bionic legs, and a 3rd lung, as far as I am concerned, it isn’t ride able.
It just kept going up, and up, and up. Did I mention it kept going up ?
Only to have a false flat that you thought you could ride , for maybe 100ft.
Then it went up. And up..and up..
Then faintly , from out of the forest. You see a truck parked along the trail. . You heard music… DJ Nevada.. Pumping the beats..
There was beer, and homemade bacon.. and it may have been the best tasting PBR I have ever had and the bacon couldn’t have came at a better time as… I was craving salt , and break. I kept telling myself.. 10 more miles to go.

10 miles to go. The trail went up, just a little more.. Then came , DOWN.
The short , steep , rocky , gravely downhill.. You could see that many a rider , came to a stop here, and hoofed it.
Skid marks , and foot prints abound.
It looked hairy , but I thought I could ride it.
It looked like a ¼ mile down. I made it all but 50ft.
It was just about the time I thought to myself. “ I should really walk this” .. and a rock grabbed my front wheel.
The classic over the bars endo… My left side, hit the rocks… My bike, right on top of me… It stung… and I bled.

I have always told myself , that if you draw blood on a ride.. Your having fun.
There was no denying that this day… I dusted myself off. Checked my bike, and continued..

Keep going … Your almost done…

At the bottom of that heinous downhill, we had some jeep – fire roads to traverse.
After riding sweet singletrack all day. The wider fire roads played tricks on your mind..
You would follow the signage for the race, and the road just seemed to go on forever.
There was no talking about how long it felt..

Then, a quick flowing downhill, a few technical spots and we were back to the Tinton trail.
Down, back to Spearfish.. 4 more miles of single track. 3 miles of roads..
If there was ever a point in my life as a mountain biker that I asked myself if I had ever ridden enough single track in one day.
I was at that point. We crossed the dusty forest service road and went down the Tinton.
It flowed. We wanted to finish. Thinking the trailhead was around every corner.
Finally , the trailhead. We let gravity take over, and lead us down , back to town.
Back to the start .. For a split second, you forgot all you had been through that day.
For a split second you knew you were done.
We had finished…

I felt sore, and tired. But I felt great.
I am looking forwards to doing this race again next year.

ideas

2009-09-01T13:50:00.003-05:00

I have this idea for a mtn bike race.
We have the 12 hr format, we have the 24 hour format.
We have other ultra endurance events like Trans-Iowa or the Great Divide.
In all these races , a rider can stop and sleep.
Why not have a race where the participants cannot sleep.
They have to start riding . They can stop for food and water, breaks are limited to 5 minutes, then they have to keep riding . The minute you stop , and fall asleep , your out of the race.
It would have to be on a smaller coarse. Where race marshalls would have to patrol the course, so no riders would be off catching a nap in the woods..

The longer you can ride and stay awake, the better your chances of winning..

Falling water

2009-08-24T13:47:00.002-05:00

The sounds of flowing waters ,like that of the wind , is like a pleasant daydream.
It lets go of these earthly bounds and allows us to go.
To link our pasts , to our futures.
Reminding us that we must flow and adapt, to survive.
(inspired by the water falls at The Japanese Gardens at Terrace Park in Sioux Falls)

worlds collide

2009-08-19T08:15:00.001-05:00

Bier Bike

If only I spoke German. One way plane ticket to Munich please!

dragonsfly

2009-08-11T13:39:00.001-05:00

Have you ever felt the wind off the wings of a dragonfly?

Hovering , floating above , you can feel it on your hand as it streams by. This way.

It beckons you to follow. Bright blue going into forever.

Gone.

Storm!

2009-08-08T14:50:00.001-05:00

high winds , heavy rains and golf ball sized hail. It was a good storm!

5 favorite beers

2009-08-04T14:21:00.002-05:00

My 5 favorite beers at the current time:
1. Boulevard Wheat
2. New Belgian Skinny Dip
3. New Glarus Totally Naked
4. Tommyknocker Jack Wacker Wheat Ale
5. Grain Belt Premium

If you see them . Pick some up and give them a try. Let me know what you think..

Levi-Trow mound trails - Wisconsin

2009-08-04T07:29:00.006-05:00

Those of us who live on the prairie need not always look west for some good singletrack.
If we go east to the Minneapolis area , or even farther to Wisconsin you can find some awesome trails. This past weekend , Stacy and I took a voyage to the Levi's-Trow mound trail system near Neillsville WI , in the Black River Falls area. This is a very well developed and maintained system with miles upon miles of trails , for all types of skill levels. This particular trip was probably my 8th time to the system. If you go , I highly recommend that you ride The Toad Road , Goat Dance, The Hermosa's and YellowJacket Trails. These are my favorites.
Stacy really liked Select Cut , Swap cut , YellowJacket and Lower Glen trails.

Along the Snodgrass trail.
Brilliant Orange.
My best side- Riding along the Toad Road
Coming down on the Toad Road
The Crack.
Our bikes like each other. :)
The views from some sandstone outcroppings along the Corkscrew trails were amazing.
Along the Lower Glen Trail.
Descent.
A Sandstone outcropping along the Upper Hermosa Trail.
Our Hero. :P
Taking a break , along the Hermosa Trail.
Choice Singletrack.

Jaunt

2009-07-25T16:04:00.002-05:00

I needed to get some extended saddle time in before the Dakota 50 . So Stacy and I headed out for a 50 miler this afternoon. It was a tad breezy , but a few hours in the saddle beats any time on the couch.

Space age

2009-07-16T07:12:00.003-05:00

Where was never a time in my life where their wasn't space travel.
Today, July 16th, 40 years ago , in 1969 . 3 men launched to the moon.

I remember the first time the space shuttle Columbia went up.

I remember when the Challenger exploded.

I remember when we got the first photos from Hubble.

I remember hearing about Skylab crashing to the ground, and when we tried it again.

The stellar views, our tiny blue planet on the edge of a galaxy.

There is a lot of world to see.

Camden State Park , Minnesota

2009-07-13T19:53:00.003-05:00

Camden State Park , near Marshall Minnesota is a very nice park if you enjoy birdwatching , or want to see dragonflys and butterflies. It has some very nice trails if you are a hiker , or just want want to see some sweeping views of prairie vistas and Burr Oak forests that runs along the Redwood River. They have a wide selection of campsites and a clear spring pond you can swim in. It would be a nice destination to ride your bike too, and to hang out , or camp. It is a very pretty spot and breaks up the rolling plains.

However , if you are a mountain biker looking for nice midwestern singletrack.....? meh.

Most of the trails here are mowed grass or double track. It would be a good place to go for a novice who just want to get comfortable on their bike , or someplace you would take your S.O. to introduce them to mountain biking. There is very little single track that a intermediate mtn biker would enjoy.

Saying this I don't mean to negative. This park has plenty of potential for trails.Sadly , most of the choice trails are for hikers only. But the beauty of the area makes up for the lack of choice trails.

Rollings and goings

2009-07-10T10:06:00.002-05:00

Are you keeping tabs on the TdF ?
How about tracking Mr.24 at the Breck-epic ?
What about FabRad ?

There are plenty of exciting things happening.
We are going camping at Camden St. Park in MN to check out the trails .
I hear they have a mtn bike race there from time to time...
Might have to check that out...

Hank has words

2009-07-09T11:45:00.001-05:00

WLN pt3.

2009-07-02T10:52:00.001-05:00

Want. Lust. Need.

rollin'

2009-06-30T22:13:00.003-05:00

I went for a 2.5 hour mtn bike ride this evening, mainly on hilly gravel roads and a little singletrack.
I had time to think about how to train , and get ready for the Dakota 50.
The altitude, not the mileage or trails will be a big obstacle, as it can be for low altitude flatlanders riding in the hills.
I also figured that I will probably be on the bike for some 6+ hours during the race.
I came up with 2 goals.

1. Finish
2. Don't finish last.

I went 26 miles during the ride today.
I came to the conclusion that there is only one thing will keep me from meeting my two goals. It will not be my legs. It will not be my lungs . It will be staying in the saddle.

Time to get some Chamios creme....