11/28/10

Steve and I got out for a nice ride this morning.

We met by the colored condos and started out on the off-trail, but as the weather got warmer the trail got softer.

So, by the time we got just north of Douglas, we jumped onto the road and headed toward Oronoco.

From there we continued heading east, then we turned back around and doubled back to the Douglas Trail.

Then we made our way back to the cars from there.

Nice to get out...

CX gravel ride

Well, I made my way up to Lakeville on Saturday to ride with Silver and the boys.

We had eight total as we headed south and east out of Lakeville and it wasn't long before we were on some nice quiet gravel roads.

The cold NE winds were in our faces as we headed east on some sections, but it was to our backs going south.

Then we turned more east and started the northward sections. Here is were the cold wind was the worst. Fortunately, it had warm ed up a little bit during the ride.

We stopped at Farmington for some nice warm coffee and to dry out a few things...

Then we wrapped up with a nice 10 mile ride back to Lakeville.

We finished with around 40 miles of great friends and good times.

11/07/2010

Met up with Jeff and Steve on Saturday for a nice offtrail ride to Pine Island and back. It was a bit chilly, but Jeff still managed to show up in shorts.

We hit the same route again on Sunday, but this time Dr. Tim joined in the fun. He's in great shape and kept the tempo right up there.

Sunday was even warm enought for Steve to do the ride in shorts and short-sleeves. What a macho guy.

11/2/10

Get out and vote!

I missed the big ta-do for Silver. Wasn't feeling too well Saturday morning. Looks like everyone had a good time (and Silver looked to be having a great time), by the pictures.

I was feeling a bit better on Sunday, so I got out for a spin with Jeff, Steve, Jim, and Dave. We made it to Douglas, then Dave turned back (as he had been out for awhile already). The rest of us continued up to Pine Island to inspect the misplaced bridge...

Then back to Rochester.

10/14/10

Been hitting the indoor stuff lately.

With the darkness setting in so early, riding after work is a bit sketchy.

Maybe time to get the CX bike out and hit the off-trails?

10/10/10

Well, today was a perfect 10!

The weather was fantastic for October and I was able to get in a nice 25 mile ride.

Light winds made the ride go great in all directions.

I do need to give the bike a good once over here in the next couple of days or so.

It's getting pretty dirty.

10/7/2010

Not much for outdoor riding lately.

It's getting dark much too soon to get in any decent rides after work.

I'm holding off getting out the lights, but I'm guessing it's time for that.

Kathy and I have been getting over to the Healthy Living Center after work, so that's some consolation.

Riding (or running) indoors is just not the same...

Last day of Sept. 2010

I got in a quick 20 miles again tonight.

Lighter NW winds didn't have much impact, other than you could tell you were working a bit harder on the way back.

I did spot Jeff and Chuck (I think that's his name) on their way back from Eyota.

It was a nice cool evening for ride.

Mon. 9/27/2010

I got in a quick 20 miles tonight.

The WSW winds made the outbound leg very nice, but the homeward bound stretch was a bit more work.

As I got close to home I noticed another biker coming the opposite direction.

He had a real weird riding style, funny clothes, and looked a bit out of place.

When he got close enough I realized it was Steve, so that examples the weirdness...

Anyway, I turned around and chatted with him for just a bit and then let him get back to his ride.

From there I turned back and headed for home.

9/19/2010 S.C.U.B.A.

No riding (outdoors, anyway) to speak of.

With Marie's wedding plans in full swing, Kathy and I have plenty to do. So, a few hours out on the country roads by myself are out of the question.

I did however, manage to get signed up for S.C.U.B.A.(Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) classes (go figure).

Both Justin and I completed the confined (in the Rec Center pool) dive portion last weekend. The plan was to do the open water portion together, also. But, Justin came down with a sinus infection and had to put the second weekend dives on hold.

I did make the trip over to Black River Falls, Wisc. to dive in an old taconite mine.

We did three seperate dives on Saturday, showing off our "skills". Then we only had to do one dive on Sunday to complete the entry-level Open Water Diver requirements.

Since I am typing this, you can tell I didn't drown or sink to the bottom (much)...

Floating at 30 feet below the surface was a lot of fun and once I got the hang of it, I got to play with the little sun fish that were curious.

The water was only 66 degrees, so even with wet suits you started to feel it after about 30 to 45 minutes.

Anyway, if you lose anything at the bottom of a lake (or a pool), give me a call. I might be able to help you find it...

Lately,

Haven't seen too many road miles lately.

I got out with the group last Saturday, but they went easy because of their big ride planned for Sunday.

I was out for Sunday, because of the big move for Bill and Cathy.

I have also gotten out for a couple of short solo rides to help me not lose too much conditioning.

Oh well, the season is starting to wind down.

Time to hibernate.

Sat. 8/21/10

A group of 10 from Dunn Brothers South decided to head NW today.

We made our way to Byron, one rider turned back as we neared Byron, then the remaining 9 headed west past the golf course and on to Mantorville.

After a quick water stop, we continued west toward West Concord. The winds started to pick up a bit as we rolled along. After West Concord, we turned north for Kenyon. By now the skies looked a little darker.

Kenyon was getting ready for their Rosefest, so we made another quick water stop and headed east out of town back toward Pine Island.

Now with a tailwind Big Jim and the several others decided to up the pace a bit and it wasn't long before we were rolling into Pine Island.

After our third water stop we headed for Douglas and at Douglas the group split a bit as Bruce wanted more miles and the rest hit the Douglas Trail for Rochester.

I parted ways at 7th Street and cut across town and headed east to home.

Sat. 8/14/10

Well, I made it (again).

The annual Dawn to Dusk (number XIV) was this past Saturday.

We had 16 riders roll out of Lakeville just after 6:00am. This year Pat followed along in his truck, so with a SAG we all packed a bit different (except Steve, who went ole school and carried most of what he needed).

We picked one rider on the way to Northfield and another 10 riders at Northfield, now 27 riders headed south and east toward Pine Island.

As we neared Pine Island most of the short-timers turned back, so we were now down to our 13 original riders (one of the starters turned back at mile 55 and a couple of others headed back with the Northfield group) and five other Northfield riders who were continuing on a bit further.

We rolled in and out of Mazeppa and up toward Chef's. We passed Big Jim going the opposite direction, on the way. After a quick stop and regroup at Chef's we headed for Lake City.

At Lake City three Northfield guys headed for home and the rest of us 15 headed for Wabasha. At Wabasha, Ted's in-laws were there with a terrific lunch all setup and ready for us. Not only delicious, but a very fast and relaxing lunch stop. Great idea, Ted. And many thanks to the in-laws for the much appreciated lunch.

Then i was on to Nelson and up the Wisconsin side of the river. Here is were I first felt my left calf start to complain. And it continued to complain until we reached Red Wing. So, needless to say I suffered up the big climb after Maiden Rock.

The group split a bit as we left Bay City, but we caught back on just as the group rolled into Red Wing. Then is was onto the Cannon Valley trail for the 20+ miles of high tempo riding to Cannon Falls. Again, the group split a bit, but we eventually all regrouped at the Econo Foods in Cannon Falls. Even Pat eventually found his way there, so we could all get stocked up on water and gatorade. Except Shad had to get some roasted chicken from the store.

Then is was westward and northward back to Lakeville. We got just some very light sprinkles and had some nice cooling cloud cover as we rolled back to Lakeville. A much welcome rest after the warm sun of most of the day.

With the fantastic SAG support and the terrific lunch in Wabasha, we made record time back to Lakeville and were easily back before 8:00pm.

I vote for SAG support and the picnic lunch every year!!!

I'm really spoiled now.

Tues. 8/10/10

Got out for a quick 20 miles in this hot and humid weather.

I took it easy because of the heat index and the fact that the D to D is this Saturday (I'm tampering).

Then the storms rolled through as we were eating at BW3's with Marie.

Hopefully, I can get one more easy day in then it's "rest up for the big day".

Sat. 8/7/10

The boys from Dunn Brothers were heading out at 8:00am, so I made my way down there.

Unfortunately the sky looked a bit dark to the west and sure enough the weather was predicted to be unfriendly to bike riders.

But like fools, we still decided to head out and if it didn't clear up we race back in.

We headed SW out on cty 8 past the airport and on to High Forrest, but by then the sky was really not looking very nice, so we decided to turn back for town.

I hung on with the group (as the pace got turned up a bit) until the airport road, where I turned east and headed for Simpson.

Just out of Simpson, I felt the first little sprinkle and it wasn't too long before I was on some pretty wet roads. The rain was mostly light, but enough to get me good and wet.

I got in just over 40 miles and now I have to clean my bike...

Tues. 8/3/10

Man, it was hot and humid today.

I decided to take it easy, drink lots of water, and get some spinning time in.

I headed east to Eyota and then on to Dover. There were several other riders out as I neared Eyota, (I think it was Jeff and Chuck?, and I also spotted Martin out there). I continued to Dover feeling strong until I turned around and realized I was getting some help from the wind on the way out.

So, I did my best to keep the RPMs high and cruised back home against the wind.

At least I got a nice cooling breeze for the ride home.

D to D is on the horizon...

Sun. 8/1/10

I made it to Dunn Brothers this morning, where we had 9 riders ready to head south.

We made our way to Simpson and then onward to Spring Valley.

We lost a couple of riders who had other commitments before we arrived in Spring Valley.

After a quick water stop, we continued south to Ostrander, then Leroy, and finally the Iowa boarder. From there we turned back to Leroy for more water.

The ride back to Rochester was a brisk pace as the group rotated nicely.

I peeled off and headed for Stewartville as the group turned toward High Forrest.

I finished the day with 97 miles and very sore legs.

Sat. 7/31/10

I rode up to Jeff's from my house.

Then Jeff, Steve, and I headed NE toward Hammond, Millville, Elgin, then toward cty 9 and finally back to Rochester.

I finished with 57 miles. It was getting warm out by the time I rolled into the driveway.

Thur. 7/29/10

What a beautiful night for a ride.

I decided to go long and did the 50 mile loop from my house to Dover, then Chatfield, Fugel's Mill, Simpson, and then home again.

I tried to push it a bit more, because I really need some miles before the Dawn to Dusk ride on August 14th.

Did I mention that it was a beautiful night for a ride???

Wed. 7/28/10

Kathy and I went up to Lakeville and helped out with the Farm Dog TT that Silver was hosting.

They had about 60 riders, which wasn't bad for the first TT at the new location.

I was a holder and Kathy helped at the finish line calling out numbers.

There were a couple of chains that popped off at the start and one guy started his ride with a flat rear wheel (only to cut it short because the bike was handling funny).

Silver did the route twice (number 1 and number 60). Great job, Steve.

And congrats to Silver Cycling for another outstanding and successful event.

What a great group of guys!!!

The riding looked fun, I should really give it a try sometime...

Sat. 7/24 and Sun.7/25

Jeff, Steve, and I got in 60 miles on Saturday.

After meeting near Century, we headed NE to Mazeppa, then we continued east to Plainview.

After a quick water stop we headed back to Elgin and then back to Rochester from there.

I got out for a quick 30 miles on Sunday afternoon. THe east winds made the trip out a bit hard, but the ride back was pleasant.

I should have gotten my lazy butt out of bed ealier and rode with the group as they planned a long route to the river and back. But I needed my beauty sleep...

7/21/10

Jeff and Steve made their way over to my side of town tonight and we decided to head NE.

As we neared cty 9, we spotted several other riders (I assume Recyclers out for their Wednesday evening ride) and we also noticed that the first part of cty 9 had been sprinkled with pea gravel.

We made our way east on cty 9 until the pea gravel stopped and then we continued east until cty 7.

From there we turned north and then west back toward Viola.

And from Viola, we stayed westward unitl we reached cty 11 where I turned south and Jeff and Steve headed back to Rochester.

I wanted to go longer, but it was a good idea not to as we quickly were running out of daylight and Jeff would have had to ride home in the dark.

I think he's afraid of the dark...

7/20/10

I got out for a nice spin tonight and decided to extend my route to Chatfield.

I pretty much followed the same route that Jeff, Steve, and I did on Saturday (without the climb to Century HS).

Unfortunately, the winds made the trip to Chatfield a breeze and the journey back much more painful and a lot more work.

But I made it back in spite of the wind and ended with just over 45 miles. Otherwise, pretty uneventful.

7/17/2010

Well after spending the last week in the car driving thru Canada and back, I needed to get out for some spinning.

Jeff called and mentioned that he and Steve were heading out, so I went along for the ride.

We meet up by Century HS and then headed south and east to Chatfield. From there we climbed back west toward Stewartville on cty 2 and then home thru Fugel's Mill and Simpson.

I ended up with around 56 miles and the temps were starting to climb as I made it home.

So, it was a good workout for me considering I haven't been on the bike for a bit.

7/6/2010

I did my Eyota to Dover route tonight, but they have started the road construction north of Dover.

So instead of coming back in on cty 9, I just turned around and backtracked home.

The humidity was pretty high and it wasn't long before the sweat was getting into my eyes. I guess I should carry just some plain H2O in a bottle for washing off on these type of days...

Sat. 7/3/2010

Well, I made it down to Austin and met up with a number of Silver boys as they once again placed their mark on the annual Spam race.

I didn't get an official count, but there had to be 12 to 15 Silver in attendence.

As usual, the pace at the start was brutal and with a stiff tail wind it was even more brutal this year. Everytime I glanced down at my speedometer, it read 32 mph.

Just before we turned east (and into a head-cross wind), H-wood and Todd Peterson launched an attack. Two others went with them (one guy from Flanders and one from the group from Owatonna).

With so many other Silvers in the group, the pace slowed as they let the break get away. No one else stepped up to the front to chase them down, so we all settled in for the rest of the race. Which was good for me, because I was well past my comfort stage.

We turned south (into the nice stiff 20+mph headwind), and I smartly tucked in back on the the left side of the group. There were a number of Silver near the front and to the right of the group. We moved along nicely, until someone cut off Chris and he went down (along with Sea Ray, Expresso, and two other riders).

As I went past, I noticed the Silver jerseys in the mix, so I pulled off and turned back to see if there was anything I could do. Chris was in the ditch and he laid there for a bit, while Ted was chatting with him. when he turned over, his face was pretty bloody, he had a nice couple of cuts by his left eye (one above and one below). Chris sat up for a bit and started to feel a bit better, but was pretty light headed. I told Expresso and Sea Ray to go on and ride in and I would stay with Chris until a SAG vehicle showed up.

I guess we waited about 10 minutes for the SAG, we put Chris' bike in and the SAG guy had some paper towels for Chris to hold over his cuts.

As Chris got in, I got back on and started the ride back in. Now of course, I was alone and had to tackle the headwinds for the next 5 or 6 miles by myself. But I made it back anyway.

H-wood ended second overall, with Todd finishing fourth, the girls finished 1, 2, 3, plus we had anumber of others finish up in the individual categories (Bruce finished 3rd in the 50-59 age group).

So a pretty good showing considering our group was missing 4 riders to the big crash (3 strong riders and me)...

7/1/2010

Well, I've missed a lot of opportunities to get out a ride lately. Mostly because: the weather, family-related travel, weddings, work-related travel, and being lazy.

Anyway, I got out for 32 miles last Friday (6/25) and got in 20 miles today (7/1).

I am planning on meeting up with Silver and the boys at the annual SPAM race this weekend. And Yes, I am in no way, shape, or form, ready for a 25 mile race.

I'm guessing it will be more like a ride for me, as I watch the group pedal away at some point early on in the race.

Oh well, at least I can't get lost and I get a cool t-shirt out of the deal...

Wed. 6/16/10

There was a good turn out for this evening's ride (I guess all the days of rain makes everyone ready to ride). I think we started with 11 riders.

We headed east on 40th and then north on 18th until we got to 75th, where we turned east again.

Followed that east until south a bit on cty 11 and then east (and north) to Elgin. There was a slight pause in the action as someone experienced a rear flat tire.

After the repair, we continued north to Millville, where we stopped for water.

Then a nice steady tempo along the river, through Hammond and up to hwy 63.

I started to feel my calves cramping up, so I slowed my pace a bit to recover. The group eased up a bit, so after a few miles I was feeling better and was able to latch onto the back of the group.

From there, we followed hwy 63 back to 75th, then west to 18th, south to 40th and east back to Erik's.

Great ride everyone and thanks for waiting up for me...

Sunday 6/13/2010

I made it out with the Big Dogs (minus Big Dave) today.

I got there a bit early, so I sat and had coffee and read the paper till everyone showed up.

We had 8 riders as we headed east out of town.

Dr. Tim peeled off as we turned toward Plainview. At Plainview we stopped to refuel and that is where Bob turned and headed back. The rest of us fools followed Terry to the Mississippi River.

The run down to the river was much more fun than the climb back home and as we hit Rollingstone I could feel my legs starting to run out of energy. By the time we hit Elba, everyone was ready for a stop, but I had enough water and feared if I stopped I would never get going again (and Beebe would have to carry me).

So, I kept rolling up and out of the Whitewater Valley and back to Viola, then I went south until I got to cty 9 and then I headed west back to Rochester.

The boys caught up about halfway back on cty 9, so then I tucked in back for some nice draft.

I got home with just under 100 miles and according to Terry we had over 3700 feet of climbing for the day.

All under cloudy skies and the threat of rain all day, not bad...

Great ride and thanks for pulling me around (Terry, Dr. Tim, Bob, Beebe, Dan, Bruce, and JP).

6/7/2010

I have been able to get out the last couple of days for some nice rides.

The other day I did my 32 mile route to Eyota, Dover, and back on cty 9.

And last night I got out for a quick spin on the 20 mile out and back route. I played "catch the rabbit" with a tractor that was up the road a bit. That gave me an excuse to push it a bit more than usual.

5/29/2010

Met up with Jeff and Steve today.

There were pretty stiff winds from the SSE, so we headed mostly east to Elba.

Then we made our way back through Elgin and rode part of the new bike trail to Viola.

From there we backtracked to Rochester. I cut out at cty 11 and headed home from there.

Nice long miles...I'm still behind schedule.

5/28/2010

Got out for a nice spin on the Douglas Trail with Kathy and Jamie.

It was nice to spin the legs, nice and easy.

I still need more miles, though.

5/22/10

Another very big "Hats off" to Big Dave...

Congrats, Dave.

5/19/2010

Made it out with the group from Erik's.

We had 10 riders and with the ESE winds, we headed across town and out past Century HS. Then we headed south on cty 11 and east past the gun club to Eyota. From there we went north on cty 7 until we hit cty 9 and we followed cty 9 back to Rochester.

We saw a lot of other riders out that way, must have been the Recyclers groups.

Anyway, I ended with just over 42 miles and we averaged just over 20 mph. Which isn't half bad considering all the crosstown riding.

5/18/2010

Tuesday Night Terror (TNT) == BRUTAL

The night belonged to the younger, faster, and better looking.

I was glad they waited up for me (several times).
But, I do plan on attending more.

It reminded me of the RCF Tuesday rides when you may have gotten some mercy, but you expected none.

I can only expect these rides will get wilder and stronger as the summer comes.

Great time, Dave, Bill, Dan, and Al.

5/15/2010

To celebrate my 50th birthday, I let Dave and Terry drag my sorry a$$ all around SE Minnesota.

We started with 6 riders, but as the day progressed they each turned back at different points, they had other commitments and such...

The three remaining diehards made our way south until we crossed into Iowa, turned around and enjoyed a nice south breeze all the way back to Rochester.

I finished with just over 100 miles for the day.

Thanks for the fun, Dr. Tim, Al, Jeff G., and of course Dave and Terry.

5/13/2010

I haven't seen too many road miles lately.

We just back from a week-long cruise and I really didn't feel like taking my bike to the Caribbean.

Anyway, it's been cold and rainy around here, so indoors is fine for now.

Hope to get out soon.

And BTW, we had a great time in the warm island sun, drinking Corona and margaritas.

Last week

Got in several nice 30+ miles routes during the week, but as the weather turned iffy I headed indoors over weekend.

I see that Big Dave finished first at the Ken Woods Memorial RR Masters 50+ this past Saturday. Great job, Dave.

I missed the Ironman ride and at least one ride with Steve and Jeff.

Oh well, it's only April...

4/18/2010

Didn't get up to ride with the SC boys this weekend, Dang.

But I did get out for a nice spin later in the afternoon on Sunday.

Nice temps, even as the wind started to pickup a bit.

Congrats to Big Dave for a second at the tradionally hard Durand RR.

I can only dream...

Sun. 4/11/10

Met up with the Dunn Brothers group this morning at 10:00am.

No real wind to speak of, but it was supposed to pickup from the SE so that is the direction we headed.

When we got to Simpson, Dr. Tim headed toward the airport and his return leg home.

The rest of us (five now) headed to Marion, then south on cty 19 and finally back on hwy 30 and cty 1 to Simpson.

I continued north for home from there, while the others headed toward the airport for a few more miles.

Great day for a ride and fun ride guys (Big Dave, Bruce, Jim T., Ian, and Dr. Tim).

Arkasans 2010

Here are a few pics from Arkansas...


Sunrise from the cabin


Morning mist coming up the valley


climb out of Low Gap


climb out of Mt. Judea


Looking out across the Mt. Judea valley

Two great days of riding, 170+ miles on the bike, unknown vertical feet of climbing (a lot), and 4 great days with friends and away from work...

Thur. 3/18/10

Well the weather is supposed to turn back to normal for Minnesota in March, with cold, rain, and possibly snow this weekend.

But for me, I've gotten several indoor spins in here lately.

And today, I got back outside in the almost 60 degree weather for a nice 20 mile ride.

Just spinning nice and easy, don't want to overdue before Arkansas...

Sun. 3/14/10

Didn't make it out with the group this weekend, but I got a couple of nice indoor spins at the DAHLC and then since Sunday afternoon was so gorgeous, I took the good bike out for a nice spin on my 20 mile route.

On my way out, a minivan pulled up next to me with the window down (part way, there was a big white dog in the passenger seat) and the driver was saying something to me, but with the wind and the noise of the engine I really couldn't hear.

I smiled and waved and he drove off without giving me the bird or anything, so I guess he wasn't upset that I was on "his" road.

Maybe he was impressed with my early spring fitness...or my nice bike...or he might have thought it was a bit early for shorts.

Either way, it was a great day to be outside.

Sat. 3/6/10

Well Chris fired the first shot. So I met up with the group (7 others) for a nice base mile ride on Saturday.

We headed south into the wind and kept the pace nice a light.

I finished with almost 40 miles (including my ride in and home).

Nice temps, good pace, and great conversation.

What could be better...

2/27/2010

Well, I finally got the courage to get the bike back out on the road.

Kathy was planning on running up to my daughter's at Kenyon, so I hitched a ride to 75th street NW and road my CX bike to Kenyon.

Unfortunately, I under-estimated the NW winds and was really having to work harder than I thought.

I did spot Big Jim as he headed toward Pine Island. I tried to wave him down, but he must have been in a hurry (or he was ignoring me).

Anyway, I made the 35 miles to Kenyon without freezing anything.

I am definately feeling the after-effects.

2/23/2010

Not much outside activity lately.

Got out with Jeff and Steve awhile back, only to mix it up with a rude, trail-hogging snowmobiler.

Other than that, lots of hampster-spinning time at the Healthy Living Center...

Can't wait for the Arkansas trip.

Arrowhead 135

Way to go Dave, taking third on the bike (what can you say, the other two were from Alaska)...

And our own beloved Jason Novak (in his rookie attempt) came in 14th overall.

Great job, guys!

Now, go thaw out.

Arrowhead 135 Blog Info

Update 01/18/2010

Well, not much to talk about (as if you haven't noticed)...

Spending lots of time indoors spinning like a hamster in his little wheel.

Boring, boring, boring. Did I mention how boring it is?

Planning on eventually getting back out on a "real" bike here shortly.

And I can hardly wait for the Arkansas trip in the end of March.