Kids in the Woods

Finally built that skinny I've been eye'n since before the snow flew.

I got it clean twice. Point Jimmy!! Thanks for the help.

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train

On the commute home the rails we're train wrecked. Train came through and melted the line to the rail and beyond. Like I said...it's rare when you can ride the rails!! 6 string!!

Railing It!

Ride the rail. When the shoe marks dispursed into multi-directions I was left with the rail line or walk. Always a good day when the slippery rail line is rideable. Today was that day. Seven degrees when I got to work. Now I can't get the Ozzy song out of my head. Crazy, we'll that's how it goes....millions of people, living as foes. Maybe it's not too late...., to learn how to love, ....And forget how to hate. The guitair is my favorite part.

Snowboard Instructor Rating

Today I taught Leo, Alta, Leo's friend & Leo's freinds Dad how to board. It's been a while since I taught. Bet you didn't know I was one of the first 100 PSIA certified snowboard instructors in the USA, 1991. Amy and I competed in snowboard nationals way back when too. Anyway, within about an hour I had all 4 of them riding the chair and taking runs under control. I'll rate myself a 9.5 of 10 thank you vm. They could already ski, now they can all board too! Duncan's the only one in the family to never have skied. He's been a knuckle dragger since 3 yrs old..... Below Leo's friend Eric's 1st run down the chair. And Eric's Dad.

Theo Set Fat

Amy and I shoe'd Theo last night. I carried a shovel and tweaked some trail. It was already packed when we showed. This AM commuted with Pug again. Theo was 2ft wide, soft but packed and fast for Pug. One lap 30-35 minutes. It was sleeting. I got wet. Awesome. Can't wait to bike home.

Hillside Ride-a-Bull

Bronco billy the climbs. 6 of us etch-a-sketch and surf the downs. Building sled couse today. Help me shovel?

Minus Commute

Right now, trails and pathways a bit harder than thought would be. -8 degrees and toasty!

Poof Poof

Sending from my phone not sure if picture or formating will sinc. A nice near 3hr stomp near theo and around theo. What we stomped will be ride-able for fatties. 6 of us. Deep snow was easier to run through instead of push pull through deep snow. The trick is to run so when you lift shoe out of deep zones the snow is still moving. Poof poof, lots of work.

Chasing My Shadow

Almost 3 hours of river bottoms again last night. Indian Mounds School to Ferry Bridge again. Good variety including total powder mess, iced over far crossing, boot pack, ski track, etc. Tore my pack right off my back on a low tree! Borrowed my apparantly good light to Stairmaster. Hence my light went out after near three hours, again. I'll flip batteries btwn chargers. Next week i'll know what is up btwn two lights fo sure. They are old lights in motion li-ons. I followed FG for about 20 minutes without light. Sorta fun as I had to photographically delay what I saw in his light then try to stay on track, in the woods to boot. When we went down hill or around corners it was freaky! Climbing out I led. All I could see was my huge shadow as FG light followed my darkward visioned ride up and out. Oh, almost all of us attempted 2-Pins choco chip mound o death, all with a thunderous of a flip. It's been a while since I laughed that hard.

Triple Seven 4"

I was after a 7am start 7 miles and 7 degrees. I started late, it was colder and more distance too. Although first to parking lot, which to my surprise was open, an Angry Catfish pulled up way excited and bolted in. Rob was his name, abort from Salem was his game. I would have rode with him but I woke up Eddie and he was on his way. Did a FULL lap, all of it. 4+4=8 on pond Jan's rock, 5ft log roll yadda yadda yadda and LCR riddle down to the ice. Got some good vids and a pic (see the lcr and 8? expand second pic)

3.5 Hrs Indian Mounds to Ferry Br.

Nice little ballon tire ride last night. From the 98th St. East side start, 1/2 of black dog then complete Ferry Bridge and back. A little East West beat down, ride time no less than 3 hrs. Brought no water, got no cramps. All good.

Angry Catfish Bicycle

Surly Rolling Darryl, that's all I got for now.

Surly Rolling Darryl Rims

No I don't have them Darryl's yet. I'll have pictures tommorrow late. I have a new favorite shop. Actually I've always liked what I've heard and seen related to this particular shop. The LCR guys are thinking I'm abandoning ship. Feeling dark this winter, hmmmm. There are many options for rims out there but what the heck I'll grab a pair of Darryl's and compare to my speedways. I'll have first impressions and a shop plug soon. Not sure if I'll sell off the speedways yet...  RIVER PICS, thanks J2Pin

Snowp it Didn't

Guess the howling wasn't loud enough. The snow was minimal, sort of thought that might happen. Still was a nice 20+ mile days on the fat tire to work, through woods, and back home. Dark when I left and dark when I returned. River up next.

Rain to Snow Monster

So my boy the scout, noticed this rainy tree phenom at the Church when I dropped him off. Afterward we went home, delivered some more scouting popcorn, took some pics & scored some grease ball fries from McD's. Good times for my boy and I. We took a few shots with the mini 5meg pocket cam. He got the best shot. I'm was thinking snow tonight, ride to work tomorrow, ba ha ha ha....

Postage Paid & River to Leb

River on T-Day just 4 days after Ft. Worth. Ft. Worth temps in the 70's, River temps in the teens, both awesome. Still sore from T-Day logs, pile ups and hippity hops. Big bike, bike muscle tweaks. Going to Leb today on 4x4. Rag postcard sent. Yours?

Escalera Loco Think Finance CX

Cow town racing in TX. Thorn flat at first race which was called Escalera Loco. I'll add the stair climb picture soon. Killer course with tons of torture. Was doing well before the flat tire even with the chain drop off the start. Why is it I warm up 35 minutes into the CX thing? Second day was at Trinity Park with a fine high speed course with a few run ups. Picture attached. I was much faster than I thought I’d be on the road sections. I passed one in the grass and two on the pavement finish. I was strong on the road. Mid-pack 40+ finish but a heck of a beat down. Burnt a big hole in my gutt with the last multi-minute race finish effort(worse than any Buck Hill effort, wow!). Legs a little toasted from multi-hour road ride the day before. Yep after the Saturday race decided to push it out in the 75 degree Saturday afternoon wind, winding around the river of Ft. Worth. Sweet way to contemplate life’s' adventure and future challenges. Changes are coming soon. All good. Snow and ice back home here.....4+4=8 inch tire situation up next.

Zak Dab SS

CX. I returned this AM to find open paths & open road. Same course just no snow, all mud and/or open pavement. Pedaled through volley court and up every mucky sloppy hill. Rushed home and changed out the 19 for 17t in back just b4 race! Whew, still not stiff enough w/36. Off the start I chased Ezra in 2nd. After yesterday my mojo wasn't full force. Ended 4th. Maybe next year I'll train and maintain for CX. It's a blast. Turns out the guy I asked at 45+ finish line yesterday if he was 6th, who said no, confused me. I did end up 6th in 45+. I was qouted in Care11 article yesterday. Lots of vids http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5SKROgS2Xg and pics at mcf.net forums http://www.mcf.net/  bla bla bla sweet!

Rolly Polly Snowman

For hours i wondered if i'd race my 4th CX race. Snow Snow Snow. I asked cx guys,  is this  what it's about. Red line in the flakes? Not the 4.0 fat tire mellow ride I"m used to. ANYWAY frozone CX rules. I had mucho fun today. 45+ 2nd to hole for a while, my rolly polly mid section prevailed. Good times. Top 10(actualy 6th). I may be hooked, watch out next year............................

Ragnarok105

Good luck Ragdoll. Date posted. Cheq100, date posted there too? MN MTB awards last weekend. Duncan, my pops & I went. I took pictures of grey pops. I got 5th OA elite/pros. Far out. LCR 3rd oa and 3rd elites. Zilla got 1st for best race venue of the year (the man). Crappy weather and mud rules! Amy got quoted in the Cheq40 rage for her 1st place Cheq16 SS win. Ha. That's my girl. My pug works the way it is. CX then CX in TX soon. I'm confused what bike to use. All in. I'm likin bikin again. Too lazy for pics.

Hillside Halloween

My brother with long hair really had a fun time cranking the beasty bike. Not to bad results on the fat wagon. Fun times. Nice pics thanks to Matt...here.. www.studiohdr.com

Grovel with Gravel Ragnalike

Up to top, then back down to the river valley below. Min Maint CX.

Snuk a grovel o gravel in while the family slept. City folk on quick excursion to Lake City. Nice gravel loop with very nice min maint roads thrown in. Past old Frontenac Hill (now golf?) to Hill Ave and back via Territorial Rd. They call it Hill Ave for a reason! Min maint road up, and picture of valley below from top of maint road. LOOKS LIKE, FELT LIKE. I do love the gravel. New used CX works very nice.

Theo Cyclocross ? 45+

First CX race ever for Duncan, second for me. I had a ton of fun cheering on Duncan as he hauled his 29'er SS with 2.2 & 2.0 tires. He ran the stairs 4 times. Nice job D-Man!! He had a great day at CX race and hanging with kids his age on the trails. I can't find pics of D-man. Help. .

This was my second CX race ever. 45+ for 45minutes. 7th oa. It went better than that one Tuesday night. My wheel stayed on and my rear brake had two pads (brake worked). Pictures from i bike mpls and skinny ski. .

Recap: I hit the top of start climb in about 6th by Mike Phillips? I don't know most of these guys. At 36x19 29'er my gearing was a little spinny!! 30 wide tires we're ok. I had trouble keeping contact with lead group mid lap 1, or was it 2? Blurry was I. .

I recall Wallace going by & Thorny leading. Although I saw Wallace contact lead group only 7 seconds ahead I could not muster a bridge(that was the time!!!) Later in race...Piotr passed me then I passed him back. Thorny faded, then got my back, then I passed him once again. Charlie & John T got me but I passed them both back later. In the end I stayed ahead of Charlie. John T got by and too close to the finish line to catch finished 3 seconds ahead in 6th.

Check out Patty's crash video!! Patty goes down! Results Oh was that Mike behind in the mud pic, I heard the crash, lap1. I'm liking the vibe, people and tourture of the CX!! later

What? WHAaat! Where?

CX Confusion

Did I say my bikes have the big tires on? Fall MTB ready. Then why did I switch a pair of wheels to 30 wide CX? Ha ha .

• -tried my first cx race last night .
• -it took 2 yrs to finally do a CX (no school) schedule eased .
• -my 29'er scandium mtb looked funny but enabled a goofy finish .
• -my wheel fell off at the gun, bye bye 35+ racers .
• -i put wheel on laughing and caught many tail of packers .
• -rear brake was "gone" as pad must have fell out when wheel fell off, gone .
• -wiped out by applying too much front brake on off-camber, no rear brake .
• -front 35psi, back 45psi, I didn't know tires wouldn't blow like at Cheq40 .
• -lap 2, 5 min into 40, wheel fell off again I'm no quitter! put'er on .
• -later I caught the "they made put on a jersey with sleeves" Eddie .
• -with Eddie in tow went for 18 inch barrier hop at speed, back wheel hit hard .
• -knocked barrier over big time, cart wheeled magnificently after front wheelie .
• -i knew I'd fall down but it was hilarious fun .
• -i finished bottom 20% .
• -it was fun regardless if race had way more runs, run-ups than normal .
• -my inner legs don't hurt, it's my ass and back, arms ok .
• -generally last 2 months included no road rides, big ring muscles hurt .
• -ss next time, racing is the training .
• -oh I'll giver a couple more tries before pug season .
• -i also learned I'm in the 45+ age group cause next years age counts .
• -didn't hurt too bad, month since Buck VO efforts, kept mellow back of back .
• -maybe next race I'll put a race together....or do another circus show .

Signed MTB'er with misplaced 2.4 and 2.2's

2.4 & 2.2 NO SS STATE

Recent race re-caps soon. First just had to share it's big tire season!! I raced with my Fall tire selection of 2.4's or 2.4&2.2's. Both MTB's are set with big tread. The pug is also out. Picture and video from last Fall. Are you ready??

Nope, I didn't do the SS State Champ Race. I might have done well but after three good races last 3 yrs decided Hillside Friday Night sounded better, and it was. Hillside is a blast cause the course is a good workout and the after party (with bonfire) always a good time. I ran the SS 2.4 front and rear. Spinning like mad I was able to stay ahead of the crowd. Down the road and accross the parking lot for hole shot then kept that place. Duncan's bike is also set up ss rigid like pops. He had a good 1 lap race and pulled another 3rd place podium on hid 29'er. Leo hung out by the fire blew up mushrooms, cans and such (fire crackers). After the race we ordered a pizza. Domino's delivers! I gave a piece away as swag.

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St. Cloud Jail Trail Race- I gave Duncan the choice if he wanted to race Sport race, SS. He wanted to sleep instead. So that was the call. I hit the Expert race at 1:00 solo. The semi-long double track race start was sorta painful after prior night Hillside race. I was able to get into the woods top 10. From there I chased the leaders with Barry in front and Devin close behind. Devin snuk by and the train continued. The leaders we're in site for quite a while. After the prolouge around parking lot I went by Barry and Devin into woods, Nick followed. At that point I felt pretty good. With Nick chasing close he asked if anyone was up there. I already had my eye on Luke up ahead and let Nick know. I chased Luke down and passed him. Nick got by me later in lap and I chased hard. I began to tire a bit before lap 2, Luke went by. At start of lap 2 I saw Devin and Barry chasing. I held them off until the start of the third lap where they bot got by me. I rubber banded behind Barry and Devin trying to stay close, they slipped away mid-lap. I held the rest of lap 3 in that place for 12th. The straight aways we're more work as the 2.4 and 2.2 tires took there toll. In the woods the tires we're awesome. Love this time of year. Come on leaves, mud and cold. It's the wet and wicked season. Below video, try the log backwards....watch my tires...close to the edge and hop is the way.

Plus Three Minus One Cheq

Chequamegon 40 ReCap:

• AMY (Momma Sqrl) raced the S & F 16, won the Womens SS division. CT was second. They podium again. In years past there was more than 10 SS F's. This year they we're all scart. Nice finish time momma!
• STEVE (Grey Sqrl) also raced the S & F and did well again. Go grandpa still tearing it up rolling 29'er. Look out 70+ 2011 category.
• Duncan (Sqrl Jr.) you got it. S & F. At 15 he hauled pretty good at 14.5mph to score top 85. His rigid 29'er worked great and he is pumped. How many years do I have left in the lead??
• My Race (ARS Angry Red Squirrel) I finished and that's what really counts!! My bike was dirty, not prepped & without the love I deserved the long day. I will say Momma's and D-Man's bikes worked like a charm thank you very much (they matter most). Honestly my race plans we're in the air until Thursday. That's when Alta and Leo had transport /supervision lined up.

SO off the start it seemed easy, felt good. A slow pavement lead out to rosies this year. I had gears for a change. Up rosie's and in felt ok, sorta painful but not too bad. Later into the trail I noticed others around breathing really hard. I was not. I amped it up and found myself trading places with Jenna, Nikoli, Dave O, and other familiar faces. I decided it was a good place to settle. Sara KJ was around and really gunning for Jenna. Fun to see. It was Nikoli and I with Dave ahead Sara back a bit I think. Then BAM the dirt single track was NOT the line. I double rimmed both wheels harder than I ever remember. I was flying on a shallow downhill and just didn't see it coming. 5 miles in I slowed down to look as I was sure I double flatted...not yet. But 100ft later rear flat. Tubeless tire wouldn't hold air as rim wall was bent, not enough stans. Risk realized. But D-Man's and Momma's bikes worked I tell ya!!

Anyway, tube in was off to the races looking to make up 5 minutes in a recless way. It was mile 5? Soon after flat again!! Tube out, wiping off stans, could not find hole. Later with sandpaper and patch kit started patching a hole, then another. Then I started twisting the tube to help determine where more holes we're. The scenery changed....riders changed, alot. Variety. At that point it was heck no I will finish. I saw the sweep crews starting to pass. A nice fellow gave me a tube! Nice. I hammered a good pace racing and drafting no one. No one wanted a ride on the train, I swerved as safe as possible holding a pace. To OO I was 30 minutes slower. OO to finish 8 minutes slower than year before....finished 3hrs 4minutes with one bee sting on neck and sticking freewheel to boot (SS next year). Highlight was the 2 foot plus deep puddle, glad I didn't drown! All good, this race wasn't my A goal. Not sure what my goal was this late summer. Still coasting through the last half of the XC season... Next year another age group class, or not.

4.5hr Tour Sun. 34x16 29'er to Leb 1 lap+1/2

Re-Post. Serves me right for trying to remote post. C-dog, it was only a lap and a half at Leb. The rest of the time was on the road there and back. So a small gear on road most of the time. I thought you we're giving me crap. Which I deserve.

Bikes I've Owned or Own

If it had wheels it was a bike to me....nothing too special really. What's your list? Fun to recall. So about... 1968- Red tryke with white wheels 1969- lil red wagon, fast on downhills, many scabs on arms and legs 1970- Big Wheel, plastic bomb baby! Side pull brake. 1971- 8" inch wheel'd kmart special til training wheels came off 1973- Schwinn stingray, banana seat, 2 inch wide rear slick, skid-a-riffic 1975- after 1st stolen schwinn got another stingray w/3 speed stick 1978- GT skateboard & many to follow...many scabs, not a bike, who cares 1978- used mom's ugly yellow 5 speed shwinn, way big but 5 speed levers! 1979- Kabukki 10 speed road! Paper route savings 1980- Kabukki 12 speed road, 12 speed!! 1981- Robinson Pro bmx w/cranks, tuff wheels, redline bars 1985- Colongo 10spd stickers said. $2bills from betty. 2 fast scared sold back. 1987- Specialized Stump Jumper, not comp $800 new, funded by illegal jobs 1996- C-dale F700 Altlanta RwBlue $850 new bought w/layaway Amy's ss now 2004- Cannondale Scalpel Frame/Fatty I built, raced it 2005- Misfit Phycles SS 26'er i built up and raced then broke 2006- Misfit Phycles SS 29'er " " still race it 2007- Kona Kula 29'er, my versitale ss or geared race bike 2006- Scored a really old puegot from a hillside racer for free, commuter 2007- Pugsley Grey built it up 2006- Bought a 2001 used green bianchi 10spd Last 5 bikes I still ride and/or race. Amy has my 1996 c-dale as SS now. D-man has his own Misfit 29'er now. Leo is on D-mans old 15 inch haro. Alta ride a t-jay special for now.

Maplelag: Pop-Up, Pop-Down, Pop-Up

You thought Duncan is getting fast? Watch out for Leo, he likes it. Three Citizen races plus other races this year. Ok the story, the fab five headed up to Maplelag. The resort rocks. It's hard to explain how awesome the weekend is, how great the people are etc etc. Your missing out. SO! With Pop-up in tow we made it (almost not), more on that later. I'll make this a quick post. Basically Leo, Duncan, Mom and I all raced. Alta just had fun camping etc etc with friends. Here's are some highlights:

-Mom got a podium using SS in Citizen open age Women class

-Leo got a podium in Citizen open age class

-Duncan didn't get a podium but from what I see in pics and beore chain drop, he's getting so fast. Maybe ST is his thang. Or is it Afton 24 8 LAPS

-Back to LAG, I got a podium. We'll 15th for cash ain't bad

-Although I ran a Du-Athelon the Snday before (my first run race, my first run outside this year) and couldn't walk at State Fair Tuesday, I felt fine at Maple. I had a great start to XC race.

The big distraction for me, other than Friday night late night 2AM (getting yelled atfor being too loud) fun was the POP-UP. Yep, about an hour before the ST I noticed the wheel was almost falling off the Pop-Up camper. Freaked me out as it was late Saturday, holiday weekend and 5 people worth of crap was in there. Bearings shot, wheel hosed, what do I know about that stuff. I learned. What about my race????? Long story short I did the ST while thinking about the Pop-Up. Was able to fix Pop-Down on holiday weekend and Pop-Up made it home Sunday!!!! Notice the bearing races and outer ring in pic above. Yeah no bearing, no lube, all luck it was salvage-able!!! Crazy stress. Next is St Cloud, Chequamegon, Hillside, maybe CX. Levis Trow in the forecast. Maybe more running. Oh by the way. Check out Cody Larson's blog link on right. See ya

Perhaps Something Different?

Did a few new events recently!! Camping with 3 kids & their 3 friends, a few of our friends too. 6 kids for Amy & I all weekend. A handful is an understatement. Murphy TT: My first M-TT. Duncan's first time on trail. . .. Hillside TT: Duncan makes podium. A first at Hillside. Afton 2-4: Duncan 8 laps solo. OMG!! I didn't race at all. BTW sorry to anyone in sqrl range Friday night! Wahoo. Watch for sqrls on road, crazy this time of year ya know. DuAthelon: Did my first Du. Felt weird to start an event without helmet. What me run? 3 mile run, 18mi bike, 3 mile run again. Did good. Ouch still. sore.

Under Willow River Falls.

Slogging Onward Training Recap & Duluth

TRAINING: I'm amazed my fitness has held somewhat. I'm not tearing it up but doing fine consistant results wise. There's nothing wrong just not on the bike. This is year 2 of the grand mid-summer family experiment (less-is-more). Early season and prior year memory enables a maximization of less-is-more. This season included 5 pre-season 9hr on bike weeks before April 30th, Ragnarok included. Don't know about you but 9hrs a week is a alot for my schedule. May on-bike normal. June & July both 15 hours on bike almost half my normal training!! My training has been Buck, Hillside & MNSCS races really no other hard rides to mention. I've enjoyed more dirt and more riding with the kids. Look out I'm going to start training for maplelag now! Oh, check out the USA Cycling rank 40+ and all PRO listings. Ha, must be my consistency in all conditions and regional placements? At my age I'll take it!! DULUTH CAMPING & FUN TIME: Since I averaged one ride a week the last few weeks I decided to keep it going. Ma and Alta had weekend plans. The boys and I road tripped up to Duluth. Near Duluth at Cloquet KOA as it was close enough for Sunday Hawk Chase race. Good times cooking out. Camping (work). Brewski, soda pop, hot dogs cooked on blazing fire etc etc. The KOA has a game room and a swimming pool. Between turning our SS'ers into geary's and above we had fun!! Saturday we actually went on the new Spirit Mtn Alpine slide. No brakes, two rides. Leo loved the alpine slide the most. Not a bad ride at all. Sunday I was worried about Leo all day while racing. Bad feeling with river and long pants. I found him after race and go figure that's when I let him go in river (he did listen while I raced). So once I was back that's when big brother witnessed his panic. Thanks Kent. It was karma that day for sure had me freaked all day.....whew. GREAT HAWK MNSCS RACE: I didn't feel I did that well - felt sorta crappy beat by new folks. Let me back up and say he course was killer. Muddy or dry the climbing potential, fast downhill spurts and bumpy landing make for a great course. Site unseen off the gun I held with the lead pack. But once Doug shot ahead it broke apart, I felt heavy and couldn't respond like I wanted. Once I finally recovered it was hammer time. I passed near 10 to regain top 10ish position before woods. The Freds we're not too furious and the Ravens not too bird like. Needless to say it was challenge. As I led Nikolai, Jake, Devin and Charlie through lap 1 woods I felt settling ready to respond. Trouble came when a car blocked the entrance. Being first time there I went around behind car, most aforementioned boys zipped into woods ahead of me. So it went as did some mental fire. Later lap 2 Doug and I traded places as I did with Mike B. earlier. Late in race Eric O slowly reeled me back only to have his chain break for his second mechanical! No hardware issues just software for me. Duncan still gets faster! Anyway see you soon, looking forward to the next gig. Signed mr. steady.

Hillside Thunder Dome

All good as Leo, Duncan, Amy and I headed to Hillside Thursday. It was hot. Rain seemed remote, but what did we know. The race went hot, sandy in eye, drizzle, dusk, rain, wind, getting dark, holy crap darkness to I think I can see to finish in windy mayham. I missed the wall cloud but saw funny clouds and heavey rain come. The beach unbrella was popped for rain. I'm talking downpour have a beer and watch lightning rain!! The unbrella, leaned against the hatchback then released a bucket of water on my dry shirt and shorts (brrrrr yeah!!). Surprise, family laugh. That was it we joined the "in the rain crew" and ate Amy's salsa. Later we all went out for din din with Z, Jag, & Stairmaster. Good times. Duncan, Mom and I all ss'ed it. I ended 2nd place behind Sam maybe 3 minutes? Definetly not 30sec. 36x19. Out...

Domestic Side Al Tendencies

Dana's MNSCS series photos are posted through Buck Race

AS OF LATE: After 11 Thursday Night Buck races and an MNSCS (see bloody knee :) ) the last Buck race Thursday was a good one. Fun party and race for family. Of the start i had a pedal pop, then clipped both in while spining off start. I like to push forward with toe on ground to help immeadiate forward progress. Sometimes i push too hard and clipped toe will go off the front (hard to explain). Regardless up the climbs i worked to 6th into hole shot (traverses). I was gunning for Ezra & Charie accross traverse. SS after another SS'er sweet. I got both of them lap 1. Later lap 1 Sam & Adam passed me. I chased but couldn't hang. Jesse went by lap 2? Something like that until last laps Dave, Matt and I Settled into a chase group. I led the 3 of us controlling before each climb to enable fresh ss climb efforts. I held them off at the line for 7th. Ended 2nd in BH series#2. D-man & Mom had good races too. Fun party with DNF band. Watch out for D-man, he appears to want to keep racing...

THIS WEEKEND: Putting all aside today to secure proper homeward points. Aka, keep momma happy. Carpet tore off stairs. Doors off boys rooms for painting. Going to dump to clear out garage. The tow truck took the dead van away this am. Poor D-man on his first freeway juant and van went kaPut on first accel. Hope the van will survive...kinda. Fun last night at a deadly bbq. Leo back today from week long boy scout camp. More fun tonight. Sunday maybe climb, canoe or Wisco. Living the domestic life this weekend & hopefully on the sharp end soon.

50-100% more BuckBump for 100-300% more$$

Kidding, the MN State race today was worth the ticket, and did not disapoint in PAIN per dollar spend. I have Buck Hill wired, have not fell this year. Well, today, in the hot 90 degree sun, I fell. Hairpin turn on southern ridge washed out nicely. Not that fast but blood from the knee to the sock! Left knee, and right elbow got some cuts via on-the ground twister action. Break dance buck bump style! I'll be fine. I regained myself and found my pace again for remaining laps. 9th place overall - not bad. Kept a 4 lap pace for 6 laps today, even with a crash and handle bar re-tweak straighten on lap 4 did A'ok! SS 29'er 36x19.

Duncan figured out how to ride single speed 34x20 on lap 3 and 4. His first two laps left him without a shirt, running up and down hills (then he woke up and rode). We'll lap 3 he fell and also like Dad, got some cuts on his side. We're tough and will be fine. No shirt, no good. I chased him up the hill to make sure he was good to continue start of lap2. Anyway way to hang tough and finish D-Man.

Anyway we both finished and survived a very HOT day. GRANDPA was the winner scoring 3rd in age, without a scrape. Nice!!!!!!

Pictures already up at skinnyski.com also I talked to Dana, she will have her always fab pictures available soon.

BY THE WAY, STAY OFF THE ROADS D-MAN has permit.

Buck#11 Ebb & Flow

Last weekend back pack or was it luck, or was it lack of biking? 15th for me. Minutes slower than prior week on same or faster course. Chain popped off. Used the 3lbs heavier bike last night. H-wood again, big block with his bike full accross trail. All good fun though. Funny how a drop chain can ding my knee and opposite calf via air spin. Glad the jewels escaped though. Duncan kicked it- was 19th, then 13th & last night 10th in rec class SS 29'er!! Leo got the hole shot again & has the speed bug. Unfortunatley he took a wrong turn and tried to end the lap via finish shoot before he started. He still refused to shift gears. Maybe set him up ss.

Normal Right

These kids actually still like the back pack camping deal. We train'em well. HUNGRY!!!!!!! 1 mile into Afton State Park for the fab 5. Quite the decline then incline to get to high meadow....if there is such a thing around here. Pack it in, we pack it out too. Baby got back. Not a bad workout for short & steep zero class/rating commitment. All in, all good. Cross training twas. Rain over an inch, others left we we're good. Wood on shoulder to avoid another tarp drag. All the goods 1 mile from car.

EGGS and PANCAKES ON

SUNSET HIKE

Buck #10 and July PRO Ranking

All 5 of us hit Buck Hill last night. This was Amy's 2nd race this year. Leo a handful. Alta likes to go for fun. Duncan hit almost every race, I hit them all. 10 races already!! I had a good race. Off the line with a little pedal slip no hole shot. To start I was third btwn H-wood & Barry. H-wood starting moving over fast to get aisde Barry & didn't know he was cutting me off fast!! I said H-wood H-wood!! It was un-nerving as I could sense and see Chris and Brendan's wheels beside me. We managed to avoid issue as no tangle or crash noises occurred. All part of the thrill. After that Brendan, Chris & I hammered past H-wood before 1st set of woods we gapped others a bit. Cody was charging, went by later on hill traverse. I chased those 3 hard but could not hang. That's how it went for rest of 3.5 laps. I held off Barry, John & Dave for 4th! Backwards lap with hairpin funk corners and punchy climbs was fun on SS 29 rigid 36x19! Picture below, current national pro rankings. Funny my ussual top 6 pro finishes around here would equate to 15+ at a local populated western race. And at national circuit race what 40th+ of 50? Regradless it's fun to see my name so high in nat'l ranking. My highest rank yet!!

MNSCS#6 Hillside -and- Buck#9

Duncan roll'n 29'er at Elk River www.skinnyski.com

Thursday before Hillside race Leo, Duncan and I hit up Buck. I felt good on the SS and got the hole shot. Well, led the race to halfway up the big grassy hill. Brendan must have been saving it for Hillside. Anyway Brendan went by and I couldn't hang. Cody, then Chris too. Barry and I rallied until lap traffic slowed us. I waited when he got hung up. Chris had a mechanical. I was able to open up a gap on Barry by 45 seconds for 3rd overall ! http://penncycle.com/articles/july-15-2010-pg1167.htm

Leo ready to roll Citizen class!! Finsihed and liked it like WORS Citizen.

My Hillside Race went well. I used gears for the first time at MNSCS or WORS this year. I did one Buck with gears before Chequamegon100, otherwise all SS. Gears was a good choice at Hillside. Mainly because of the prolouge. Hillside rocks on single but my legs didn't have full power so gears worked. Basically I got a good start then held for three laps. Barry, Dave and I raced together most of the race until Barry hammered away. I couldn't catch him. Barry got me by the 45 seconds I got him with at Buck. Good times. Hillside is faster than most think, 30 seconds is hard to make up. There was a chase group after us but I was able to hold them off for three laps. All good 7th place and money. Cody got his fist win! The LCR gang all went out for dinner after race to celebrate a great day. Richie really knows how to throw a show huh?

WORS White Trash Racing (sqrl training)

To put it simple:

• Family 5, pop-up camper
• Knats, Mosquito, Sun, and Drizzle
• Totally dry course
• Community pool on Saturday 90+ degrees
• Mom says it's not ALL about you (more sun bake, high dive, junk food)
• Sat. pre-ride with sisters n kiddo's, 2x
• More camping maintenance (I gots da 6-pack)
• Pro call up, racing SS 36x17 29'er
• Top 12-15-ish prolouge into woods
• Top 20 start of lap 2 (could see'em all)
• Top 25-ish start o sunny lap 3
• Top 30-ish pedaling for fun lap 4 start. Ect. Ect
• 5 hours a week training no workey!
• Duncan SS 32x18 29'er a success, what a "Sport"
• Leo at 11 yrs completes "Citizen", "this course is buuutal" he saw carnage
• Alta was to run 5km foot race but said NO-WAY to 8:30am start time
• Mom completes Citizen 3rd in age SS 32x19
• Big Hair Day at WORS