There were 10 riders to start the Saturday Dunn Brothers ride (Todd, Marty, Kristi, Paul, Jeff G., Bruce, Tim B., and Joshua). We headed west out of town and not before we had gone a mile, we met up with Big Dave. We headed for Salem Corners and along the way, just past the Historical Society, we met up with Big Jim. So, now the 12 of us headed for Salem Corners.
We turned south for Rock Dell, when Joshua called out to the group that he had a flat. While changing the first flat, Joshua got his second flat (I guess the tube must be ALL the way in the the tire before you inflate the tire with a CO2 cartridge). After the repairs were complete, we continued to Rock Dell.
Then we headed west (into the wind). Everyone took turns at the front and the group moved along nicely. At cty 9 we turned north, again everyone took turns at the front. We crossed over hwy 14, then turned west to Dodge Center.
After a quick stop at the Dodge Center Kwik Trip, we headed north out of town and then we turned east for Mantorville. From there we kept going east until we got to cty 5. Just before cty 5 we passed another group going west. We turned south on cty 5 for Byron, while Big Jim peeled off for home.
The rest of us continued south at Byron, where Todd, Dave, Tim, and Joshua decided to really turn the heat up. Bruce went by with a big head of steam, so I jumped on his wheel and he pulled all the way up to the speedsters. We then turned east into Salem Corners and eventually back into to Rochester. Then everyone split for home.
I finished with 74 miles averaging close to 20 mph. Great ride everyone.
Tues. 8/12/08
I did the 20 mile out and back again tonight. With a SSE 10 mph wind, I was fighting the wind on the way out. There was alot of traffic on the road tonight. I guess everyone was out to get a glimpse of me powering my machine. Met one other rider on the road as I was heading out and he was heading in. If I get my usual 60 miles in tomorrow night, I will be over 3500 miles for the year. I hope the weather is nice tomorrow.
Mon. 8/11/08
Just a quick 20 mile out and back with no juicy details to discuss. Pretty much a standard, quiet, peaceful, ride all by myself. Sometimes it's good to be alone...
Sat. 8/9/08
I missed the Saturday group ride. I oversleep. My brother and nephew had come into town, so we had a few Schells and stayed up late talking smart.
After they headed out, I changed and headed for my 50 mile Chatfield route. No real wind to speak of (except it got a bit stronger as the ride went on). Made my way past the Gun Club and east to Eyota, then south across I 90 and east again past the turkey farm. No Ed, Ed, and Eddie (the three black labs that loved to chase from the one farm just before the turkey farm) this year. Must be new tenants in the farmhouse or the dogs were all in the house. Turned south and I noticed I had three big corn combines coming up on me, so I turned it up a bit to stay ahead of them.
I turned south on cty 10 for Chatfield, while the combines continued east. Up and over the rollers on cty 10 and then down the nice descent into Chatfield. I didn't know this until I rolled into town, but Chatfield was having a parade and most of hwy 52 was closed and traffic was being routed on the back streets. So, I had to deal with the extra heavy traffic and the detour around the parade route. As I went by, I heard the usual comments, "Is that Lance Armstrong?", "Doesn't you butt hurt from sitting on that tiny seat?", "Why do you wear those funny clothes?", and "Get the $*&$(*&%!#@ off the road, you $@&^*&@$&*# fairy!".
After waving goodbye to my many fans and friends, I headed west out of town on cty 2. Up the hill on the new pavement and then into TT mode for the rollers all the way to cty 1. I turned north on cty 1, then west on hwy 30 (cty 1 is still closed near Fugel's Mill). Then I turned north on cty 20. Up the Cemetary hill and then again TT'ed it to the corner of cty 16 (I think), by St. Bridget's Church. By now I think the wind was from the north, so most of this and the remaining stretches home were going to be into the wind (nice). Into Simpson and then north to cty 11. I turned east and then north on cty 11, and finally north up the "all too familiar" cty 11 climbs.
I finished with just over 50 miles, some new friends, and some tired legs.
Did I mention that I love my new saddle?
Fizik Arione Wing Flex, don't leave home without it.
I can't wait for those endorsement checks to start rolling in...
Also no sign of Steve:
or Big Jim:
or Jeff:
After they headed out, I changed and headed for my 50 mile Chatfield route. No real wind to speak of (except it got a bit stronger as the ride went on). Made my way past the Gun Club and east to Eyota, then south across I 90 and east again past the turkey farm. No Ed, Ed, and Eddie (the three black labs that loved to chase from the one farm just before the turkey farm) this year. Must be new tenants in the farmhouse or the dogs were all in the house. Turned south and I noticed I had three big corn combines coming up on me, so I turned it up a bit to stay ahead of them.
I turned south on cty 10 for Chatfield, while the combines continued east. Up and over the rollers on cty 10 and then down the nice descent into Chatfield. I didn't know this until I rolled into town, but Chatfield was having a parade and most of hwy 52 was closed and traffic was being routed on the back streets. So, I had to deal with the extra heavy traffic and the detour around the parade route. As I went by, I heard the usual comments, "Is that Lance Armstrong?", "Doesn't you butt hurt from sitting on that tiny seat?", "Why do you wear those funny clothes?", and "Get the $*&$(*&%!#@ off the road, you $@&^*&@$&*# fairy!".
After waving goodbye to my many fans and friends, I headed west out of town on cty 2. Up the hill on the new pavement and then into TT mode for the rollers all the way to cty 1. I turned north on cty 1, then west on hwy 30 (cty 1 is still closed near Fugel's Mill). Then I turned north on cty 20. Up the Cemetary hill and then again TT'ed it to the corner of cty 16 (I think), by St. Bridget's Church. By now I think the wind was from the north, so most of this and the remaining stretches home were going to be into the wind (nice). Into Simpson and then north to cty 11. I turned east and then north on cty 11, and finally north up the "all too familiar" cty 11 climbs.
I finished with just over 50 miles, some new friends, and some tired legs.
Did I mention that I love my new saddle?
Fizik Arione Wing Flex, don't leave home without it.
I can't wait for those endorsement checks to start rolling in...
Also no sign of Steve:
or Big Jim:
or Jeff:
Wed. 8/6/08
Two words come to mind to describe our Wednesday ride, "No Shenanigans". That's right, everyone behaved themselves, no Tom-foolery, or Jeff-Foolery, or Steve-foolery, or Marty-foolery, (you get the picture) and I think we all had a great time (even in spite of the rain).
We headed out under dark skies and didn't even get to the trail before we were hit with large, cold rain. Once we got on the trail, there were a few spots where we had shelter from the rain. As we got near Douglas the trail openned up abit and the rain was pretty steady. We met Jeff in Douglas and the group turned west for Genoa. About this time the rain stopped and we just had to deal with the wet roads (and the rooster tails from the bike ahead of you). Marty and Jeff S. held a nice steady pace up Genoa hill, then Big Jim and I lead the group up to the corner. From there we turned north for PI.
Again the group kept a nice steady pace into PI. We kept rolling east out of PI toward Mazeppa. Over the rollers, along a beautiful stretch of country road, then the rain started again (just for a few minutes), then it stopped again. At Mazeppa, no one needed to stop so we kept going east on hwy 60, then we turned SE on cty 7 for Chef's hill. The pace was again very steady and everyone took turns at the front. At the foot of the climb, Big Jim and Jeff G. were on the front (I think) and they held a nice steady ~14 mph tempo up the hill, so everyone hung together on the climb. Chef and family were on the deck as we rolled to the stop sign, we waved and yelled "Hello", then turned south on hwy 63 for home.
Everyone took turns and again the pace was nice and steady all the way to Rochester. Even the Rochester town signs were uncontested (I thought maybe Steve, Eric, and maybe one or two others would go for it, but they didn't, 3 Gold stars for each of them).
Great ride and in spite of the rain, I had a great time. Thanks everyone (Steve, Kristi, Marty, Big Jim, Jeff S., Al, Ben, Craig, Jeff G., and Eric). I finished with 62 miles and was home before dark.
We headed out under dark skies and didn't even get to the trail before we were hit with large, cold rain. Once we got on the trail, there were a few spots where we had shelter from the rain. As we got near Douglas the trail openned up abit and the rain was pretty steady. We met Jeff in Douglas and the group turned west for Genoa. About this time the rain stopped and we just had to deal with the wet roads (and the rooster tails from the bike ahead of you). Marty and Jeff S. held a nice steady pace up Genoa hill, then Big Jim and I lead the group up to the corner. From there we turned north for PI.
Again the group kept a nice steady pace into PI. We kept rolling east out of PI toward Mazeppa. Over the rollers, along a beautiful stretch of country road, then the rain started again (just for a few minutes), then it stopped again. At Mazeppa, no one needed to stop so we kept going east on hwy 60, then we turned SE on cty 7 for Chef's hill. The pace was again very steady and everyone took turns at the front. At the foot of the climb, Big Jim and Jeff G. were on the front (I think) and they held a nice steady ~14 mph tempo up the hill, so everyone hung together on the climb. Chef and family were on the deck as we rolled to the stop sign, we waved and yelled "Hello", then turned south on hwy 63 for home.
Everyone took turns and again the pace was nice and steady all the way to Rochester. Even the Rochester town signs were uncontested (I thought maybe Steve, Eric, and maybe one or two others would go for it, but they didn't, 3 Gold stars for each of them).
Great ride and in spite of the rain, I had a great time. Thanks everyone (Steve, Kristi, Marty, Big Jim, Jeff S., Al, Ben, Craig, Jeff G., and Eric). I finished with 62 miles and was home before dark.
Sat. 8/2/08
There were 10 to start the ride from Dunn Brothers South today, Terry, Big Dave, Jim T., Jeff S., Big Jim, Al, Todd, Tobias, and Bruce. With no wind to speak of, the group decided to head south for the Racine area. We cut across town and headed out on cty 1. The pace was nice and steady with Dave taking the Simpson sign (I think). We turned west and then south on cty 20, because of the detour. We headed back to cty 1 on hwy 30 for a bit, then south again.
Terry and Todd had to get back earlier than the rest of us, so they turned and headed toward Racine, while the rest of the group continued south to Spring Valley.
We stopped at the convience store for water and food. For the first time that I can remember, Jeff was actually grossed out by something. Some guy was in the restroom for quite awhile and when he came out, Jeff just couldn't stand the smell the remained. So he passed on the reststop.
We headed south and then east on cty 12 and with everyone taking turns the pace stayed nice and high. What a beautiful day. We turned north for Wykoff, where my shear power and speed won me the coveted town sign. From there we hit the rollers north of Wykoff. Here is where Bruce and Big Jim pretended to be Energizer Bunnies. They just kept going, and going, and going, all at a blistering pace. Then it was Big Dave and Jeff's turn to make us all suffer a bit.
Finally (thankfully) we made it to Chatfield. Again we stopped for some water at the Kwik Trip. Some local fella told Dave that cty 2 to the west of town was open, so we decided we needed to see the new stretch of road. Dave and Jeff towed us up the now straight and fairly steady grade climb, that once was several curves and several steep spots. But the pavement was nice and it is a sweet stretch of road. I can now do my old 50 mile route again, yippie.
From here everyone took turns at the front and the pace stayed high all the way to cty 1. From here we backtracked to hwy 30, then north on cty 20. I turned east and headed home, while the rest of the group was headed past the airport (I think) and then were going to come into town on cty 8.
What a nice day for a pleasant ride with good friends (and Jeff). I finished with 90+ miles and averaged 19.5 mph (including my lazy pace into town and back home after I turned). Great ride guys.
Here's the map:
Steve, where were ya???
Terry and Todd had to get back earlier than the rest of us, so they turned and headed toward Racine, while the rest of the group continued south to Spring Valley.
We stopped at the convience store for water and food. For the first time that I can remember, Jeff was actually grossed out by something. Some guy was in the restroom for quite awhile and when he came out, Jeff just couldn't stand the smell the remained. So he passed on the reststop.
We headed south and then east on cty 12 and with everyone taking turns the pace stayed nice and high. What a beautiful day. We turned north for Wykoff, where my shear power and speed won me the coveted town sign. From there we hit the rollers north of Wykoff. Here is where Bruce and Big Jim pretended to be Energizer Bunnies. They just kept going, and going, and going, all at a blistering pace. Then it was Big Dave and Jeff's turn to make us all suffer a bit.
Finally (thankfully) we made it to Chatfield. Again we stopped for some water at the Kwik Trip. Some local fella told Dave that cty 2 to the west of town was open, so we decided we needed to see the new stretch of road. Dave and Jeff towed us up the now straight and fairly steady grade climb, that once was several curves and several steep spots. But the pavement was nice and it is a sweet stretch of road. I can now do my old 50 mile route again, yippie.
From here everyone took turns at the front and the pace stayed high all the way to cty 1. From here we backtracked to hwy 30, then north on cty 20. I turned east and headed home, while the rest of the group was headed past the airport (I think) and then were going to come into town on cty 8.
What a nice day for a pleasant ride with good friends (and Jeff). I finished with 90+ miles and averaged 19.5 mph (including my lazy pace into town and back home after I turned). Great ride guys.
Here's the map:
Steve, where were ya???
Thur. 7/31/08
One last ride for July. I did the 20 mile out and back with a pretty nice tailwind on the outward section. I had to stay in the drops on the way back (just because). I felt good the whole trip. I think my legs are starting to recover from the past weekends follies...
No sign of Steve...or Jeff...or Big Jim.
No sign of Steve...or Jeff...or Big Jim.
Wed. 7/30/08
We had 11 riders leave from Erik's last night. I don't think I have all the names but here's who I can remember (Steve G., Kristi, Marty, Al, Eric, Ben, Jim, Jeff G., Hewey, and Dewey). We followed Marty's pre-mapped route for every turn. After a bit of a wait for Jeff's front tire, we headed north on the trail until we got to cty 3, then we stayed on that until PI. No one was foul-hardy enough to sprint through the stop sign for the PI sign (good thing). We headed NW out of PI for Roscoe. Steve was threating to go for the sign, but in the end he didn't come around (Marty talked him out of it). So, Kristi took the sign uncontested. From there we turned south on some new blacktop, up the nice little climb and then turned south on cty 11. After another nice climb we all enjoyed the downhill section, until we had to slow for the stop sign at the bottom. Continueing south on cty 11 we got into a nice pace with a dual rotating paceline. everyone took turns out front (nice). We made our way into Mantorville, with Steve winning the sprint (nice "rocking the baby" salute). We stopped in Mantorville for some water, then headed south and east past the golf course. With the rollers, the group had plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs. We came back together and continued south and then turned on old 14 for Byron. Jim took the Byron sign uncontested (I wanted to go, but my legs said "NO"). At Byron, Jim and I headed south for Salem Corners while the rest of the group stayed on Marty's route and headed north for Oxbow. Jim peeled off near Bamber Valley School and I continued east past the fairgrounds and then for home. It was about 9:15pm when I rolled in, so plenty dark. I finished with 70 miles and a nice average of 19.5 mph. Great ride everyone.
Tues. 7/29/08
Did the 20 mile out and back just to stretch the legs. Warm, humid temps with a pretty good WSW wind. I breezed to the turn around and passed Mr. G and company as they were heading back into town (I waved and they waved back). I turned around and heading into the wind and for home. I felt very good and made sure to drink alot with the high temps.
No flats and no sign of Steve... :(
No flats and no sign of Steve... :(
Sat. 7/26/08
One for the Story Books...
Once upon a time there lived a brave knight who would load all of his bike gear into his vehicle and depart (at 4:00am) for an epic ride. But this year the knight decided to switch it up a bit...
Our story begins with a series of phone calls to help coordinate the next day's adventures. Our hero would depart from his castle and meet up with two other brave souls in Douglas at 8:30am. After they met in Douglas, the three amigos headed north for Pine Island. But shortly after they got started our hero had a flat tire and they had to stop and do some repair. Once fixed, they continued their adventure. At Pine Island they continued NW to Roscoe and at hwy 57, they met up with the Knights of the Round Wheels (the Silver Cycling boys). At this point our band of merry men, headed back into Pine Island for some refreshment at the local Kwik Trip.
Once their thirsts were qwenched, they headed east out of town for Mazeppa. Then they turned the steeds onto cty 7 and up the big hill to Chef's home. Chef was not there, but our group stopped and chatted with Chef's queen for a short time. Then they all mounted back up and headed for Zumbro Falls. The group turned east on hwy 60 until they came to cty 2, where they headed north for Lake City. At this point our hero was starting to wonder how long Big Jim and Jeff the Brave would continue on this adventure. They had only planned on a 4-5 hour tour. But they continued with the group all the way to Lake City.
Once there, our fellowship stopped at another local convenience store for nourishment. Again the brave two continued on with the group as they made their way to Wabasha. Just before Wabasha our hero encountered his second flat tire (bummer). After the repair was made the group continued into Wabasha for a hearty feast. Our Rochester Band of Brothers, then decided to call it a day. We bid fairwell to our compatriots and headed off alone.
Up and over the Mountain of Doom (or the climb out of Wabasha) they went, each taking turns at the front as there was a fairly steady wicked wind from the west. As the adventure started to wear on our hero, Big Jim moved to the front and pulled with all his might to help get our hero back to the safety of his castle. Our group stopped in Zumbro Falls for one last round of gatorade, then they made their final surge on to the village of Rochester.
Once in the village Big Jim and Jeff the Brave peeled off to their castles. As they did, they prepared for the onslaught of questions that would be hurled by their respective queens (i.e. where have you been, why were you gone so long, what did you buy me).
Our hero continued off alone, to make his way back through the Black Forest and onto the safety of his own castle (and a shower, something to eat, and a Schells Beer).
For their bravery and performance above and beyond the call of duty, both Big Jim and Jeff the Brave were knighted into the Holy Order of the Round Wheels.
Congratulations to both of you and I hope your queens weren't too mad...
Here's the adventure of our brave travelers:
Maybe next year, our hero can plan this thing out better and have a new rear tire???
Once upon a time there lived a brave knight who would load all of his bike gear into his vehicle and depart (at 4:00am) for an epic ride. But this year the knight decided to switch it up a bit...
Our story begins with a series of phone calls to help coordinate the next day's adventures. Our hero would depart from his castle and meet up with two other brave souls in Douglas at 8:30am. After they met in Douglas, the three amigos headed north for Pine Island. But shortly after they got started our hero had a flat tire and they had to stop and do some repair. Once fixed, they continued their adventure. At Pine Island they continued NW to Roscoe and at hwy 57, they met up with the Knights of the Round Wheels (the Silver Cycling boys). At this point our band of merry men, headed back into Pine Island for some refreshment at the local Kwik Trip.
Once their thirsts were qwenched, they headed east out of town for Mazeppa. Then they turned the steeds onto cty 7 and up the big hill to Chef's home. Chef was not there, but our group stopped and chatted with Chef's queen for a short time. Then they all mounted back up and headed for Zumbro Falls. The group turned east on hwy 60 until they came to cty 2, where they headed north for Lake City. At this point our hero was starting to wonder how long Big Jim and Jeff the Brave would continue on this adventure. They had only planned on a 4-5 hour tour. But they continued with the group all the way to Lake City.
Once there, our fellowship stopped at another local convenience store for nourishment. Again the brave two continued on with the group as they made their way to Wabasha. Just before Wabasha our hero encountered his second flat tire (bummer). After the repair was made the group continued into Wabasha for a hearty feast. Our Rochester Band of Brothers, then decided to call it a day. We bid fairwell to our compatriots and headed off alone.
Up and over the Mountain of Doom (or the climb out of Wabasha) they went, each taking turns at the front as there was a fairly steady wicked wind from the west. As the adventure started to wear on our hero, Big Jim moved to the front and pulled with all his might to help get our hero back to the safety of his castle. Our group stopped in Zumbro Falls for one last round of gatorade, then they made their final surge on to the village of Rochester.
Once in the village Big Jim and Jeff the Brave peeled off to their castles. As they did, they prepared for the onslaught of questions that would be hurled by their respective queens (i.e. where have you been, why were you gone so long, what did you buy me).
Our hero continued off alone, to make his way back through the Black Forest and onto the safety of his own castle (and a shower, something to eat, and a Schells Beer).
For their bravery and performance above and beyond the call of duty, both Big Jim and Jeff the Brave were knighted into the Holy Order of the Round Wheels.
Congratulations to both of you and I hope your queens weren't too mad...
Here's the adventure of our brave travelers:
Maybe next year, our hero can plan this thing out better and have a new rear tire???
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