How Long?

NO-NAME 30ft

EAGLE LONG 35ft

River Video's (so many skinnies)

DOWN BY THE RIVER

Many new log skinny finds this year. 2 more finds today alone.

Many short "log skinny" vids below enough to bore a many.

Still pic is EAGLE LOG 4 nights old. 

NO NAME log we all look at right? Today both exits clean.

Looks easy on videos and to some extent without snow yup easier.

Thursday night will be interesting....don't hide now.

**USE SPACE BAR TO PAUSE AND RE-START VIDS**

NO NAME LOG my bar cam

NO NAME LOG Jimmay(2pin) for silver

"EAGLE LONG aka Fish Spine" Jimmay & bar cam

"2pin FG Stump" Jimmy gold easy direction,

he got gold both ways I silver'ed (no vid other dir)

"OUT DITCH LOG" bar cam

2PIN's  TEETER AREA backwards complete 

(I failed my ramp-up, but got rainbow & teeter clean!)

FLAT skinny by Jack's barrel, bar cam

J logs B Dog

B Dog entrance log

CREEK LOG eastward

Skinny on da ground by creek

CHOCO CHIP

Later.

What's Hot & Not

HOT- Moonlander, saw in action. Nate's, last batch in stock now. River, new creek skinny got it both directoins first try. New River log after largest creek crossing going west to blm fr. from Indian, been eyeing. Cleaned it last night. Sauber did too, rest scared. Log on left just after creek area into maze. Up and over with interesting left exit (it's done). I call it Eagle left. Jack cleared branches off same log going right. It's a 25ft ride compared to my left 15ft'er. Who will clean? The River Mars Route, Jack led to what he called Mars like. Off-camber to ice then launch over, repeat. We crossed creek at least 6 times hucking to avoid rear wheel suck n stuck. Once I felt the quicksand pulling the back tire in. The scene was sand dune blocky off camber  down to ice and creek (more like criick with frozen sides) all while traveling between/under 20ft walls on either side. Fanfrickingtastik! Cookies, had 6+ after post river bar food when home. NOT HOT- Toe warmers, find the right fleet with origin Japan or your grabber and hotties will not work. My legs, or is it age, I skipped riding Tuesday instead went to gym for change up. I've hit the top stair or valley of doom, there will be no compensation to time if I continue like this. This is my 5th year on pug factor but always keep the careful careful, respect what your body is or isn't saying. Guess I'm lucky year over year my body supports what I ask Summer & Winter. Snow, lack of. neophytes will be god struck what snow really means. We want snow!

Can You Relate?

Someone shared this with me.....

Bike Choose River?

DOES THE BIKE PREFER THE RIVER?
Other trails are good but it's the river the bike (ha) chooses river as tread-tas-tik.
Can you relate?
RIVER RULES BECAUSE:
--The stench brings wonders of previous waste disposals?
--Each season trail changes from floods & nature, does it really?
--Logs challenge, stick attack, sand dunes, ice, snow, weeds, be alert!
--Corners tight, roads long, take the path of most resistance
--Those that have been around have stories down by the river
--How bad will you smell if you don't make them creeks?
--Did you see the big cat yet, tell a story
--Need a witness to ride those logs, I got a new one brewing, you too
--Eagles fly, turkey vultures fight, crows, fox, deer, beavers rule
--You climb hills, and investigate like a kid in the woods
--Make a new line down by the river, but don't get too close
--Hwy13 to Hwy18, up the bluffs, down the scree 9 mile, sanctuary all in a day
--It was a great day even without snow
--What at the river for your bike?
Great day at the river with FG and 2PIN. See you in 4 days.

FART. You Bought A Fat Bike?

YOUR BLURRY.
WEATHER IS A FART!!
LAUGHING OR CRYING?
WHAT NOW?

Recovered from Fatbike 55miler & D-Man now has D-License!! (twitter w/o twitter)

Pug Wind Smacked

Today I rolled like double Darrel ya, and twin Nates to Leb, for a full lap and then back. The southbound route there was worthy. Even went down to the bottom of Ft. Snelling to ensure a climb out. Don't want to be cheated. Once at Leb lot I realized how windy in the face it was, whew, effort.

I didn't have any issues other than cold hands after chowing down once at the Leb lot. The gloves came back even after being soaked, close, almost had to put the choppers on. Leb is fast and the tires frick'n rule. Hit many logs and got some firsts again. Oh my front D cable is frayed. Might be the original cable when I put the bike together in 07'?

Leb now has the bmx course closed!! Go figure... guess my liability, humans, trees future blog post rant was right on.  The Catfish gang is riding Sunday. A time finally set, after today not sure I can swing it. Trying to get a read on Amy. Not sure if the penalty points would be to great if I disappear again. Tough time of year to wing it!

VIDEO of PREVIOUS RIDE - LEB LOG RIDDLE
I scored a fresh downed log and Eddie did up a long skinny good.



My front D cable frayed. Hilly Eagan a worthy trek from Saint Louis Park.

Corn Bread and Jill's Scene

Last night for a post River Ride Mexi-Fest at Scottie's I made jalepeno corn bread. It will be good with taco's tonight. Yesterday morning I made the kids muffins, Leo helped make icing. Last night me and the kids combined 2lbs of hamburger with 2 eggs, worchester and bread crumbs for 4 huge burgers. Mom was out. Duncan, Alta and I polished...Leo did a half juicy lucy. Cooking for kids and bikers is good stuff.

All this fatness is helping me to enjoy Jill's story. The pictures and stories of this gal totally rules. She's on a mission/race, and cannot eat. But keeps going!!  http://arcticglass.blogspot.com/ I have an ongoing link to her blog on left Up in Alaska. Check it.

AM Commute: Destructive Humans & What Tire?

FACT. A rouge trail or river rat ever changing trail, no matter how abused by mother nature rules on the government approved trail. I mean a trail that erodes in abuse, cares nothing about liability and has real challenges built by kooks is way way way better than a city park trail. I'm a kid at heart. Ok ok, I admit humans are taking over the trees. Future trails will depend on advocacy.....not that I like the future.

This AM I came accross a tree destruction area. It seems a xc ski trail or houses will be arriving just off west of theo pkwy, south of 55. No more ok to ride west woods to the legion. All mowed over by bull dozers. Why coudn't we just use e'loise butler garden area already beat down by tornado?? Oh well, it will rouge again this summer. Brownie is still there, for now. AGAIN, rouge, hard, abusive, without concern for liability is my choice. Remember, keep Murphy fast and bring back the teeter at Leb? I digress and I am a human destructive machine myself. I tried to get on the CAC board for Brownie, imagine that! To the future, sorta.

It's the thrill "Winter" riding over logs, skinnies and such that gives the "kid" thrill no? I had fun this AM until my light burnt out on a sqrl log crash. I walked off bike and bike kept sliding backwards on the headlight. Trouble is a new garment for da fat bikes that makes climbing in snow way easy. It only comes down to leg strength now. Or we need 6 instead of 3 inches to make it hard. Guess what tire is amost totally sold out at quality already?

Jeremy was late, his camera on time

Gates of Steel

Theo was closed, or was it this AM. Gates of Steel we're closed. We'll some gates we're some were not. Conversation on MORC makes it appear like it's rocket science. Who cares, bike worked great through hwy 55, theo area and other secret 2-Pin log skinnies.    Below video of Gates of Steel, and a something I thought about this AM while riding to work. READY FOR SNOW.   Play music then go to 1 minute into THEO VIDEO, ha ha ha. RIDDLER funny stuff, where are you!!! Posting on riddle board I see. Expect a call out.

White Industries Hub Guts

The popp-itty pop pops left me in awkward gears, like single speed puggin at the river. Just a few anoyances on the almost full standard route. Next time sanctuary to ferry and back. So about the White Hub, now that I'm inside to clean and re-lube i like'em even more.Love'em. The design is solid. I use'em every Summer and Winter in ALL conditions. Hmmm I wonder if it's really the problem? 

OK, leave to my pops to have the goods. I re-lubed the hub with FREE HUB SOUP. Ionized copper five part blend, and most impressive -49f to 120f, 100% water proof. I also stopped by Guse's shop for a new cassette. If it still pops and skips i'll know those pauls are worn out for sure. I also put on a new triple up front. Chain new already new (one 4 hour tour only). I'll need a new middle ring with ramps and 24t as that was also a sucky problem on the rock ring set-up, other ring set....but that's another story. See you on the commute tomorrow early!

Turkey Flop

Turkey ride at the River. The weather was so nice it messed up every ride. That's my take anyway. Too many people doing too many different things. Small rides became big, big rides became small. Werd. Good to be out. Good to see everyone. 

I love the river and looking forward to an honest night river effort soon.  Had some fun on some log, sand and water riddles today. It will count when snow comes. Can't wait for that!!!! Will say that Zilla gets the water point. Honest move.

Had time to take a picture.... Jimmay may have more of actual riders. I'll post later. Anyway the dirt road by 35w lot, in picture the water line was way higher at one time. See the water line? +8. 

I gotta go oil is almost boiling,,, Have a great day Turkey!!!

* * TEETH * * CHATTER * *

Wall of Death

We need one of these for cyclist. Looks like a harmless wipe out....

Mill City / Bayport CX Day 2 45+

I had a good race again. 4th. I tell ya fast 45+ CX guys are a dime a dozen (different than MTB). This being my second year I'm finally starting to recognize who's who. Sunday wasn't too busy but straight away I saw Michael Phillips, John Thompson and Gregory Goblirsch. I learned who Scott Robertson is. Paul Schoening was there but as race director didn't race day 2.

The course was really fun for a CX. Ha! To start race a straight away on grass, hairpin, straight, hairpin, barriers, long pathway straight away and up really nice sized tar path climb, hairpin, down hill off camber fast grass sweeper, tar path segment, a super sketch 15ft sandy spree up and down a wall (most ran it), and more grass sweepers, large sand playground to run through, a steep lump to suffer up with SS, more fast grass, baseball diamond, hairpin, creek crossing, a maze and start over. Whew. Yeah CX!! Good variety and competition ahead and behind kept me on the gas all day.

Off the start Mike and I we're head to head. I didn't fight as near the front was all I wanted so I could draft a fast guy down long path to hill. Mike was my guy. I chased, didn't feel like drafting though with 44x17 gearing (very fast speeds). I could feel another guy close. Up the curved path climb we we're moving. I saw Mike tubulars almost rolling...no wonder why he slowed. John went by me (I was in third), I almost passed but kept cool. As we descended the sweeper Mike was seemingly cautious, John went around and I tried to follow but tar path just ahead made it a bit silly to pass so early (risk). I looked back on tar segment, the three of us had a gap. I stayed on Mike and John's pace all the way around and through sand pit. Finally on super steep lump my SS was a grinding, Scott Robertson went by.

I stayed on all 3 of them but eventually fell off just a bit. Especially after my reverse, 180, over the maze barrier..... Yep, pants stuck in seat, could not lift bike, falling forward, had to reverse bike football move and step over barrier backwards un-hooking bike from shorts and then pulling bike merry go round behind me. It was smooth, seriously. Catfish gang was cheering and laughing big time. Thanks bros, I meant to do that so smoothly.

So that was it, I chased and watched John reel back in Scott. Then I was gaining on Scott for two final laps. Gregory and another unknown rider we’re falling farther behind me but chasing. Gregory was the guy I couldn’t take over for the win at JR Ranch. Anyway, I was reeling Scott in slowly however ended 10 seconds behind him? I was pretty close and saw 2^nd place just ahead too! Good day. I thought one of the guys ahead was 55+ but was wrong. I ended 4^th, not bad! Fun!! Fast race. Next weekend is a big CX weekend. Looks like I have my work cut out for me as my call up is row 2 or 3. See you there…

Cat3 Video of Course

Eleven is Goin Viral

Charlie often has good ones. His latest blog post is no exception. He has top eleven lessons of endurance bike racing listed. Drew did his too.

Here's my Eleven lessons. I think these relate to any bike racing not just endurance.

Lesson1- Ride it like you train it. I stole this from Leadville Ricky. If you ride it any other way, you will fail or under perform.

Lesson2- Train like you'll ride it. Do I really need to explain? This includes hills, speed, force, fuel, gear, etc. This becomes hard as I like endurance, XC, and now CX.

Lesson3- The bike is ready. If you freak about your bike, and start changing things too close to the race, it won't work. I know so many peeps (me included) that messed with something too close to the race, and then the bike doesn't work right. Avoid last minute changes if at all possible.

Lesson4- Don't focus on the negitive or you're race will go negitive. Dwelling on one negitive thought erases many more positive thoughts. I went a titch negitve at the Cheq100 this year, I could tell I was slowing. When I pulled myself out of it I was cruising again. Happens. Picture yourself doing more. Sort of like frowning takes way more muscle than smiling. Just smile and ride! Sounds easy.

Lesson5- The bike works. Use what you got. I can't tell you how many times I've ridden with no shifting, or grips that slipped off half the time, or no seat. Those are more tangible issues, but if even you think the bike has issue, it will. Be positive and use what you got. Make it work. It works. You'll finish if you realize it works.

Lesson6- Know pain. In every race you should suffer. It may hurt. Some pain is short, some pain is long lasting, some you make up. The more pain you know the more it becomes part of your plan. Make it a strength. Pain isn't bad, you are.

Lesson7- Don't listen to anyone. If your thinking about what someone said or someone did as comunication method your not racing your race, your racing theirs. Only you can ride your ride. What do they know? They know their lessons and training, not yours. Your race or their race? Na na na na na, i can't hear you. Mumbler.

Lesson8- Use the past if positive will result. Thinking about good history is always good. However, don't dwell on past results or mis-haps unless it makes you stronger. If you dwell on what you did wrong you are training your brain on that method. Think about a bad thing only long enough to dwell on the new, improved method. Dwell on the improved way.

Lesson9- Focus on mini-goals. Whether improving your fitness or racing, mini-goals guide you. In fitness training focus on baby steps, not riding 8 hours day one. Apply this to racing, "i'm going to hammer to the top of that climb." "Now I'm going to push it pretty hard to the end of this road" "I'm going to stay in the drops until that mailbox way ahead" One year at Leadville I counted on the map how many switchbacks there we're. I counted as I went up all 10 of them. I did way way better than the prior year when I got lost in mysery not said mini goals. Mini goals distract you from thinking about the bad.

Lesson10- It's only a flesh wound. So many times what hurts is only skin deep. The ache, the fatuige, the loss of energy or breath. Demons are only on the outside. Be strong, if you let them in deeper the wound will grow in your brain....and you'll talk yourself into slowing or stopping. It's only a flesh wound!

Lesson11- Quit only if future ride days will suffer. If you think about it like this maybe you won't quit so much. I only rode off the course once that I can remember. It was because I felt it would cause less future ride days. I don't quit. I almost quit the Ragnarok this year when both legs completly locked up both thighs and both knees. Both legs would not move!! That was a fiirst and related it to prior in the week hospital visit. I was ready to quit and then everything un-froze. I figured it won't hurt future ride days to keep going. 50+ some miles later I finished and was stronger for it. Yeah, I went a lot slower but had a great time. So glad I finished. Not many have done all Rag's. A few weeks later killed it at Cheq100.

These are mine. I think they relate to any type of race. For what it's worth, some of mine should be different than yours......I do want to read yours though.

Mary Jane Outhouse Drunken Frenchman

Over dressed today on the AM commute. I haven't commutted or done the river enough this Fall. We'll figure out the cold weather thing again... Been thinking about snowboarding. Need to get the kids set up again. Duncan's so big can use my stuff. Anyway back in my day, like 1989 the rad tricks we're way different.720's we're rad. Only a few did 1080's. Big cliffs we're shitman shit and rocket air's do-able with duct taped moon boots or sorels. Pics show my 87' Sims Kidwell at A-Basin or 91' Kemper (sponsored), of course my big cliff drops not captured. It's hard to take cliff pics cause you need to stop to click (who does that on epic pow day?). Pictures at A-Basin one WinterPark Mary Jane in 89' either drunck'en frenchman or outhouse. 

This & That Pictures

The weekend started with a trip to the UofM Engineering School.
Can you beleive we are shopping for colleges for D-Man!
MNSCS Awards.
Velo CX SS fun. I was pack filler. I just gotta laugh at my technuiqe.

1st Mask and Muff

First chilll commute of the new Winter. Used a gator and ear flapper hat. Commuting rocks. I haven't bagged enough am's this year. Ready for snow...... then the river calls.

Not 1st loser, even worse for 1st!

The Summer MN MTB series results are posted. Just like a few years back I end 1st in Pro. Truth is the top 5 overall series points leaders get pulled out of age group rankings (including pros). So basically I end first in pro age group category by loser default! Funny. Last year 5th this year 7th overall pro/elites. Good year anyway. My highlights for series we're when I was in form at DuLac, SS up the start climb and bagging a good race. Afton series race ending with top results. Only one race of 8 used gears. Other good times Afton 24 with D-Man. Cramping at Ragnarok was a highlight, Heath Hill at RAG! Cheq100 4th overall on SS. What's your summer highlight and goal next year? Not sure if I'll hit form before cx season is done (it's all new fun).....

I'm Not Skidding

Biked to work today. The pug in the am. It's dark. Lights don't work as good when no snow on ground. First time through Theo trail since mid-summer. Those logs, last years vision are looking bare. Can we ice'em up again? Will they last in 2012? Also, why is skidding on a pug so worthy. Big fat skids....just can't help it. Slow skid, fast skid, straight skid, left skid, up skid down skid, skid kid skid!

Flat Gravel No Wind

See the Bike?

Too Hutchinson 60mi  Saturday, a deju va or du jevu, déjà'vu, exactly! Not really like the April version. Instead of 44x16 29'er went 44x18 orange cx.  I had cables and old rear derailuer on night before but deceased the old derailleur bolt upon install. Put 18 on as time was limited. Seeing things seem better from the bike on a blue sky day....

The Ride I Saw:

--Boots and such to start 40 degrees, sunny

--Chased nice Kenwood guy for 1/2 hour, 44x18 catch 44x17 (Jeff?)
--Saw guy mushing 6 dogs, sled, wheels (really)
--birds, 200 black birds (loud) flying near
--Corn rows perfect at bike speed

--Pheasant forced our of near tree (big bird)

--Eagle flying

--Hunting dog running with me

--Too many geese in one pond, also seagul type filling a lake

--No wind

--Carp 

--A long wheel borrow (deer hauler or unicycle trail)
--I saw many things ah ha ha

2 Steps Back 2 Much Fun

Good times in excess leads to an about face. Long story short after a barely hang on Saturday, Sunday was the stopper. Too much. See last few posts. Just having fun, now over trained. So taking more time off this week. Maybe hit the gym once to non-bike it.

Last weekend:
SAT---at 45+ race got the hole shot, started gapping em, then blew up. Worked a few weeks prior to finish second. Highlight was riding the 3 log step ups 3 of 4 tries on cx ss bike. Crowd loved it. Ended 7th. After the race cleaned out garage, painted stairs and swaped old wooden bunk for futon in Alta's room. Neck got sore.

SUN---thought Saturday after being off bike since Levis weekend might have loosened me up. Nope. Sunday I did hit the hole shot 2nd but ss & legs said no no no. Dnf was prudent!

Over the last three weeks of killing it for fun.....i'm trashed a bit. Although i got a 2nd and some fast starts the cx guys prob think i'm nuts. Nuts having fun!!

For now i'll look at my White Industries goodie box. Great stuff!!!!

D-Man Levis Climbing

8-10 hours of quality riding this weekend. D-man is a lucky kid. And quite a capable rider I might add. 

Good Times Ahead

Duncan and I will be doing some quality time this weekend. The first big night ride Duncan did was at Mammoth when he was 11. Good time, yeah, good times. This weekend we will top that effort.

S I C K the future

so 6 races in 12 days, feeling it. Time for fun rides, no races for a while. Check out the vid. The future is open wide....

Another Big Push - Jr. & Sr. Podiums

Secret year long training, the Push Mower! Yeah the old mower didn't work so I pushed it all year long. No gas burned. It's a real pain but my tri's ending up loving it. As of late 10 days 5 of them race days. After Tuesday night CX it will be 6 in 12. That's a good push...... I'm coming around and feeling like I'm racing again. Once recovered after this push, absolutley looking forward to more CX! Duncan and I both headed to JR Ranch Sunday and we both made the podium. Nice father son day for sure! It was good times watching D-Man race.

I actually got the hole shot with CX set 44x19SS. Greg was able to get by at the top of first climb, Paul was chasing. I stayed close to Greg trying to pass once early in lap 1, Paul chased. I passed Greg at least three times, one almost stuck. We'd chase each other and pass attacking back and forth. Paul faded lap 3 or 4. Finally on the last lap I cracked a bit. I just couldn't bridge back the SS steed before the last climb and traffic. 1st loser yet again this year that's 6 times (3 Bucks, a Hillside, a St Cloud SS and this CX race). Can't complain I'm having a great year and looking forward to more. Best part is Duncan says he wants more this year too!

Seasonal Disorder

What's with the seasonal disorder? Thoughts doing 180's all the time?? Mid-Summer it was ready to pug ride now! You know bored with Summer heat and racing MTB thoughts.... Then later in Summer reality hits and you want more Summer (enjoy the last days). I've gone from sick of racing MTB to Winter sounds good to CX is the answer to the ride at lunch today rocked! Yeah at 80 degrees today it was a 180 day. Too hot but once on the bike the legs melted away last nights CX pain. Now the legs feel it!! Summer breeze was that the last one in 2011 or not!?! Last night 11th in 35+ feels like I'm getting faster anyway....liking it more. Maybe put gears on the CX. Yes I said it. Liking the sore spots here and there too. Feels like Spring training again ha! Hillside at night with big tires. Yeah!! It's practically Fall fat tires in the woods for fun time too. Biking just rocks.....

This & That & Chatter

It's been a good run. All year and the last week. For the year 7th overall expert/pros. Not bad. Duncan with no training came into form mid season and kept getting faster. He's on the overall podium this year. He's easily a top sport guy, that was me in 2005. So maybe I have a few years before he catches me? So what if he's taller now! My Dad and Amy also had good MTB bike seasons. Chequamegon included. By the way Jack has a video up of Cheq40. My Dad just had knee surgery to remove floating peices, it will be interesting to see his recovery potential.

TUESDAY night cx races have been fun. Looking forward to more. The single speed effort and nature of CX is by far the most painful race style. Oh the 100 mile races hurt plenty too. But between deep muscle ache of endurance or lung searing non-stop pain, it's the latter cx that hurts more. CX is like the first buck hill of the year but non-stop effort. At my age it's use it or loose it. I'll suffer.

FRIDAY was the second Hillside night race. Not many showed up. It's a good time. Although I had a good gap and won by 5 minutes, It was a fun workout. I coulldn't help but keep a good pace. 1.5hrs for 6 sections (2.5 laps). Bonfire afterward had me leaving the lot close to midnight.

SATURDAY was the single speed state race. Last year I opted out of ss. I decided my recent efforts have been solid. One race is enough so it was the SS race. This year was my 4th year and 4th time on SS podium. Brendan showed and scored the "W" I was the first looser again a few minutes back. I led out the prolouge at moderate pace then amped it up until hurting (Hillside the night before lingering). Brendan as before just hung out on my wing until I say where are ya, then he rides away. I couldn't hang with his 44x16 26'er gear long, even with 36x17 29'er. This year the prolouge ended with a few surprise steep hill climbs!! The first climb I oped to jump off half way and run 50ft instead of tweak it up. It put me into third place but i was able to regain 2nd before the woods. Once in the woods we all relaxed and yammerred out words like whew, owe, yeah! The start hurt! Brendan was already gone going solo. Once recovered I separated from the next competitors and rode solo. I paced pretty hard through the twisty to ensure a good gap. The rest of the race was stress free and simply fun pace. I was 30 seconds then 1 minute then ended a few minutes back. 3rd place was about that behind me the whole race too. It's a fast course so each 1 minute back is like 2 minutes anywhere else. Good training starts again! Motivated.

I saw a bear - and I liked it

Chequamegon weekend. I supported Amy, D-Man and my Dad. Good times. Duncan was top 40 in the16. My Dad at 70+ not getting slower, even with bum knee. And Amy keeps finishing no matter what bike and gear set up.

I did an ojibiwe lap aftet the fam finished, I saw a little black bear. At first it was exhilirating sp. and fun, then it was like, where is momma? All good. Actually I was more scared on the Sat night solo ride for two hours. DARK!!

Sunday after the rest of the family headed back for Alta's soccer game D-man and I hit Makwa trail from OO. Good times. Sloppy, tacky, loved it. Me and my boy having a good time....on single track bliss. D-man loved it too.

Tonight was my 3rd cx race of the year. I still suck at barriers and much in general. I think I broke top 20 in 123 on ss 44x19...all good.

Check It !!!!!

TNCX Newbie

So far I've bagged maybe 6 CX races including the TNCX's. Last night Duncan and I hit TNCX again. Duncan did fine again. This time of year D-man starts focusing on school and basically does nothing all Winter,  I'mglad he got out. I have a feeling he'll back way off soon. The kid is all about school. I'm not complaining.      I raced this week. My race went fine. First CX of the year and maybe 4th time on road bike since Ragnarok! Interesting summer, surprised how long my fitness actually stayed this summer without mid-season steady state big ring. I did the 35+ race and it hurt. Once it was over I realized it was fun :). Last lap I actually wanted it. I think my gearing was a little stiff at 44x19 but I'll leave and see if I grow into it. From what I hear my bike is big. Yeah about an inch of seat post is showing. What ever, at my age cx is simply about use it or loose it...fun. I enjoyed watching the 123 race. B Moore showed up and battled with C. Fisher for 5th/6th. Catfish bud B Bellow is kicking it ending solid top 10 again. Go to MCF.net for other 123 deets. Maybe I'll do 123 next week and see if I can break top 20.

Two Really Different Tires

Not super exciting but worthy. Wanted 10 hours Sat and Sun, got 7. All i can say is my life ain't simple. Alta had two soccer games, mom was gone, car issues etc etc. Big thanks to my Dad for helping out! Solid effort of car wrestling for grey sqrl. The 4 runner has new parts and solid again.

Riding pugsley to Leb for a full lap and back home Saturday was a good beat down (4.5hrs ride time). Saw new Leb stuff 1st time on pug. Good day on pug. I miss the old winter pug races..... So missed 10 hours but a good weekend anyway. It's nice to switch bikes. Many theo and surronding trails on cx Sunday was sketchy fun. CX season will be interesting....

Awe Bummer Dude

There it goes......say goodbye to Summer. I'm actually, and have been, looking forward to seasonal changes! This weekend will be a good dose of hurt.......more soon.

Maplelag Where Everyone's a Kid Again

Duncan doing the lake jump!!!

Simply put, the weekend is a no brainer. I'd get in trouble if I said let's not go. Every single family member would hate me for not going. That makes a racing weekend easy!!! It was fun as heck.

Alta runs with the kid pack doing everything from swimming to talking smack with other kids her age. Friday night was a glow frisbeee game that only the kids knew the rules. Leo did the dirt jump track til his hands hurt, and kept going for more air. He did suicide hill three times in citizen course too. Mom talked it up with other moms, bikers and had fun like I. She grounded Leo for getting close to passing her in citizen race. She got a medal for her efforts.

Duncan killed it on the ss. 29'er 32x18 with maxis tt front and ralph 2.2 rear scored 6, 7 or 8th in all three events. He used our one front shock. I used our one cassette free wheel (I should fix that for cx season). Anyway the kid went from bottom 25% of sport to top 10 in one year!!! No he will never catch me!

I finally had some legs Sunday after deep painful Saturday events. I actually dropped out of the tt. I never do that, but that's what I get after an all in no prep duathlon....... All I know is the single track is what I like and Maplelag has it. 10 miles 9 of it single track. It made me look good as I was only a few minutes off my best season form. In other words for being out of shape and lazy of late, a good single track is all I need. Yeah I felt like a kid again jumping into the lake too! It was way easier that I thought it would be. Sure wish the drive train didn't freeze up, more air would have been better going into the lake. More pictures soon. Skinny ski has many, and I have more too. Later....

Duncan's Dad doing the lake jump. I must say the way D-Man killed the sport race and all three events on ss motivated me (pops).

Tuesday Night Cross

My legs we're simply too pain ridden from the Duathlon to race, but Duncan did. Every Tuesday right in my hood there's a practice CX race. Tuesday Night Cross. Jordan Cullen beat out Doug Swanson and other to win lasat night. Cheap, mellow, and good training. Duncan sufferred good using the bike we have ready.....a 23lb front sus mountian bike! He did really good pushing big tires and bike araound.

Minneapolis Duathlon post Camping trip

FAMILY CAMPING TRIP: Tuesday to Saturday the whole family headed up to Walker Mn area (not too far from Maplelag actually). Kind of cool to be up north many days then come back to the big city for a huge duathlon the next day. More on the Minneapolis-Duathlon below. Back to family trip first. We found this resort that has two camp spots and about 20 cabins. We pop-up camper'd. It's a great place as the row boats, kayaks, and canoe's are use at will. Fishing was great, 28 kids running around all swimming to the dock and enjoying Summer. Mom and Dad had fun too! We had lots of fun family time. One day we biking on the trail 8 miles to the next town for lunch. Alta wasn't too happy but we all made it. One day I showed Duncan the roadie style pulling him 10 miles one way on mountain bikes on path. It was the first time I've done steady state road type miles for two months. Duncan never did it before. He said he didn't like it much but funny how he basically hammered the next day doing it again in spurts on aforementioned family ride.

MINNEAPOLIS DUATHLON: http://www.minneapolisdu.org/race-day/results 5km run, 18 mile bike, 5 km run again. I did much better this year. I took 8 minutes off my total time!!! This year my transition times we're 3 minutes total instead of 6. That's the time between running and biking. This year no shaking bottles, goo or tying shoe laces! My runs we're 7-8 min per miles instead of 8 & 9 minutes. AND surprisingly my BIKE time was 3 minutes faster with average speed over 22 miles an hour vs. last year at 21mph(no drafting allowed).

Biking hurts a bit after running when your suck at running. Overall I placed close to 130th of 1,400. Last year close to 200th overall. That includes women who are pretty fast. I'm pretty happy especially since I didn't run outside once (like last year). In fact other than early Summer speed tread mill efforts I quit running many months ago (just like last year). Also felt like this year did much less commuting and road miles mid summer.....and my racing shows it as of late. I burnt the race don't train match about a month ago. But I signed up so it was time to step up. Glad I didn't wimp out. I'm re-invigorated for CX season..... Maplelag next.

Oh wait. Last minute note. Yes another topic. Look what I got in the mail. Nice gear guide pictured below.......I do miss it so I buy the mag........if I lived in the mountains again duathlon would NOT be in my vocab... there I go whining again. I got it pretty good. Like I always say, "can't have it all."

Hillside Thursday

Ma, Leo, D-Man and I made it to Hillside Thursday. Alta was at a friends. It's a trek to get there with traffic and all but worth it. It's always low key and fun. The swag is entertaining and much like an arcade mystery prize machine you never know what you'll get. Leo got a Lexis model car. I got a car vac. Ma a cutting board. Duncan got the 1st place podum champ shirt.

Yep Duncan did the one lapper and even with 32x19 on 29'er he scrambled down the road and passed others into 1st place. As far as podium, Amy made womens and Leo made the kids comp podium too! I was the big loser. Actually no big deal.

It was my first time on the bike since Afton 24. Wasn't tender sore from Afton (9 laps ss 2 laps gears) but my legs we're sluggish! Off the start I chased rocket Ray down the road, then Eric flew by too fast to get on. Then Sam decided to hammer by. I was able to stand and with 4 good cranks got on his wheel. In third and set to ride out two laps...then at start of beginner loop chain fell off my 1 by 8. I got back going again slowly in 10th? Anyway a few more chain drops later and still made back into 4th. Yeah the bike didn't get any care since the 24. It was tough as Broten and others we're after me and my stale legs. Hey, just realized no dnf's this year. I don't dnf much at all as I'd rather finish slow than dnf. Not sure when I dnf'ed. Knock on carbon. Looking forward to more causual Hillside fun...good times.

26 Races in 2011 so far....

Duncan has about 20 races in too.....

Single Track Attack MNMBS ended 8th (dana's pics)

So far all races for me have been SS and rigid and happy with results. The exception was Cheq100 ss with front shock and 2 of my 11 laps at Afton24 used 1x8 with front shock. Maplelag I need gears at least, gotta figure out bikes. I only have one wheel with cassette freewheel (cx open pro rim). I may need to lace up another.....

Afton 24hr Attitude

Afton 24. I know it's called Salsa now but to me it will always be Afton 2 4. I was interested in winning the 2-man but my real "attitude" was ensure Duncan had fun. I promised myself I wouldn't push, stress or be a jerk. It was worth it.

Reese(now angry catfish) and Matt killed it. Killer "attitude" from the start. I thought tortoise and hair might work. But the 17yr olds didn't sleep. Duncan and I had a great time so met my top goal. Talking about "attitude." Zilla wanted fastest lap and proved. He must have been flying on those downhills and around those corners. Rocks and dirt were a flying for sure. Earlier this year TJ at Afton race averaged 30min laps for 4 without manhandler. Richie lap close to 34m with manhandler and DLA added!! = "Attitude." How does Z roll so fast?

Z training food. Grease. Z attitude, it's all downhill.

Anyway the work week and family chores left me packing late Thursday and Friday AM. Shopping for food etc etc. We arrived Friday afternoon and we set up. Lot's of bike work was needed!!!! I removed a cassette off one wheel and put it on another, Duncan's bike (my black Misfit.) 1x8. I removed the crown race on the Reba still on and un-touched since Cheq100. Put shock on his bike with disc brake. I borrowed a wheel with a 160mm disc and spacered in a 21t cog for my bike. Finally I put tubeless tires on here and there to complete 2 singles and a 1x8. Anyway the bikes works great! If that wasn't enough. I proceeded to stay up Friday until 1:00am keeping company with the bad company. No worries I was up and ready Saturday AM.

The LeMans start was a long uphill run with a your front wheel in hand. Duncan had a 30ft gap all the way up then Richie passed him. Duncan still came in second back around to the bikes. Really weird start idea but fun to watch Duncan run.

Not sure what else to say. Course was slippery then got tacky, it rained a bit but it was welcome in the afternoon heat. At night it was thick fog, like droplets floating. The vibe was fun. The guy on the top of manhandler was abnoxious. Course mainly tacky. Our camper was a mess. Duncan left food and food containers open and all over. I for some strange reason just kept cleaning and maintaining lights and happy attitude...it was awesome. We had a good time. My butt was thrashed halfway through, I got bad shorts with terrible seems that rash my cheeks (overshare I know). Anyway, it was a nice break from ripping 13 Buck races and 7 MN series races. I'm trying to take a break and revive for maplelag and especially CX. I'll just race.....I mean ride for fun. September all CX practice. No real training plans, just race and ride back into shape.......maybe.

Hawk on a Shoe String

Duncan and I hit the Hawk Chase race. I'll make this quick. While others are coming into form, mine has been. Add in the fact I went too hard at Buck on the pug and whine whine whine. Devin gets the stop start stopstart medal for blocking 5 of us many many times, right before every steep up too. Many un-neccessary SS start from stop grinders in first 1/2 lap. Hawk is a tough course for SS. I may sound flaky but I'm putting gears on for a few events. My arms are fine but may put a shock on too. My legs and mind need a change up. To further augment, a nice beat down schedule coming up; Afton 2-4, Mpls Duathelon(I may skip) and Maple-Lag to name a few. 15th at Hawk yesterday for me obviously I'm already toast!!!

Duncan did a great job on his rigid single. 3rd in age. He looked good in the Angry Catfish suit. But that's another story......

Fried Green Tomatoes, Venison, Bruschetta Aioli at Hillside

Ok not that food at Hillside. Hillside does have it all though. More on Single Track Attack race next. Momma sqrl and I cooked up the pro food tonight ha ha ha. Momma scored some green tomatoes so we fry and that's that. Jack, thanks for the venison (last steak). Get those wheels over for spec check. Back to food. Not just tomatoes but basil aioli dip. I like onion rings and jalepeno too, done. Add a salad, home made bruchetta with more of Amy's fresh herbs. Feast. Full.

Hillside was another hot one. My Dad raced again, said he felt good. He finished before sport. But no pics of him up yet. My Dad summed it up well saying, Richie really knows how to run a race. It goes off like clockwork, course is marked well, really organized, it's fun, prizes great too. I won an ipod.

Duncan continues to get faster.... He had a good race. He went for gears on 29'er again this time. I have a few pics below thanks to Todd skinnyski.

While out supporting D-Man in the woods I saw Dana. Dana and I both had bug spray on with deet but it didn't help. Wow these photopeeps go through the thick to get pics of us. I'd be sore from all those special photo taking stances not to mention the schlepping, skeeters and Sun. Yeah Todd Bauer with skinny ski and Dana (Dana was already tired from a few wedding shoots but still provides).

Expert/Pro Race:  Single speed. I haven't put gears on the Niner yet. Not sure I ever will. My results at Cheq100, Cheq40, RedWing, DuLac, many more and now Hillside pretty much suggest gears not needed. With preferred start I got off the line first. My goal was to get a good enough gap up front to hold my place...to my surprise that effort worked. Just like DuLac (because of the heat) I think everyone went out slower. Lucky- I can get out of the gate first often. I hamster spun the single around the start corners and down the road first. To my surprise when I looked back just before road exit and onto climb, I had a 30ft+ gap on everyone.

Up the prolouge climb I led the field to the top! Only Brendan went by before top. The downhill and road was totally a blur. I remember seeing Brendan rocket away when we got to the road. I chased Devin, then Barry and Eric's wheels loosing every one. Again to my surprise I hit the beginner loop single track in 5th. One guy went by on beginner section downhill (he flatted soon after). SKJ took an inside line on a grassy corner and nearly knocked me off my bike. I wobbled my front wheel to stop from falling and almost clipped his pedal. Spokes into pedal at that speed would have been a bad crash for both of us. Earlier I actually heard his weeds into hidden rocks OTB at top of prologe climb. SKJ's claims Devin cut his way forcing him off. He was still a freaking charger to catch leaders when he hit me. All good I guess. I should have had my elbows out.

The effort to stay with the front was a big effort yet it felt ok so I kept the pace. I got by Barry early in lap. I chased SKJ and Devin for a while until SKJ crept away. Owen was heard and then seen behind chasing for near two laps. I can't recall but think we went back and forth a few times talking a bit too. Kevin who was on my wheel earlier chasing Barry crept back up to Owen and I, with Barry in tow. I let Barry and Owen go by as early efforts and the heat made legs feel full(and hot). I later chased them and eventually got by Owen(on his ss too) ending 8th behind Devin. Good times!!! I'm never satisfied but happy with 8th. The field was stacked pretty good.

Skinnyski

P.S. go to Buck Hill this Thursday 8/4 for the last race. It's also a benefit for the Andrew Morris family. A fellow racers family going though tough times. A very sad story, toddler with terminal cancer. more here

First & First Loser Again!

Last weelkend we all went camping. By Thursday we un-raveled and whole gang hit Buck#12. I promised to take the kids swimming after, they we're game (except D-man). Alta brought two friends the rest of us raced. After the race I put my swimsuit on but no one really wanted to go!

It was the last race of series 2. I got the 1st place attendance award gaining the most series points. Catfish team mate Brendan got 2nd overall, sweet. Jesse won the race. I was the first loser for the 3rd time this year. Barry and I battled, Dave was close. Duncan made page one again and mom raced too. Leo said he had a bad start but stayed in to complete a lap.

I've been thinking about Winter. Funny all those Winter layers and cold seem appealing now. I'm thinking of first tracks powder, early solo am commutes, racing the tank at hillside and picnic tables. Later on that. For now Hillside summer suffer heat fest.....

Yes today i did

Buck#11 Angry Red Squirrel

Mount Graham Red Squirrel, one of the most endangered mammals in North America!!!!

ANGRY RED SQUIRREL! That being my nick name I searched da web and found a t-shirt a few years back. People asked me last night and always where I got the shirt. Here you go. Interesting stickers and garb too. The Angry Red Squirrel sticker is going on my bike, not yours. :) I hesitate to share such a fine find.

So Buck Hill after Du Lac Dirtspanker was hard. I had a sandbox start. Found myself chasing Zilla and Broten and many other riddlers. All good. I went into the weeds to get into 3rd by first little woods section. Kevin and I then went back and forth chasing after Matt for a lap. Jesse to far up. I got by Kevin for good, and maybe it was when he dropped out? Not sure what happened to him. Long story short I battled Du Lac demons and Matt ending 2nd behind Jesse.

Duncan has a good start and said he was near top 20 before he went 4x4 into the weeds at end of lap1. He still finished un-harmed. Leo did the one lapper and did a bronco almost going over the bars but said he survived fine, no scratches. Mom did rec and got 2nd as well!! Alta just hung out and had fun. We all went to Burger Jones after. Good times.

Du Lac 3 No No's and Furnaced

Duncan at Buck, and we thought that race was hot. Ha DuLAC was much hotter, Duluth area even!

I raced with no shock, no gloves and no gears. I like the no gloves because it may keep me cooler and gloves can leave marks, bunch up and I really don't need. Sure it's a bit slippery sometimes but 10 years back my grips would actually fly off at times (that was fun). The no shock helps me climb and stay sharp all day. The no gears, the same. I will admit it was a tough day...

I will say DuLac is so far the most challenging SS course this year. It's bumpy. It's a steep opening climb, and the bottom to top climbing longer than Red Wing. At the start we all joked about the heat and a roll out start. I got a little attention for the 3 No's. The gang knew my speed was what it was going to be going up that climb. I went an easy gear this year, 32x19. Brendan et all paced. I crested the grassy climb in first. Brendan went by at the saddle/road. Yep it's true, even he breathes hard when working. I was hammered from the climb, Brendan, Jesse, Scott, & Devin went ahead, Joshua a bit up the road too. I held the rest off pounding up the top steep part of the road. It was hard even with 32x19. Into the woods in 6th....

Later in 1st lap Eric wanted to go by. Then I was 7th. That was that. It was a game of keep it steady and pound or run up the road faster than chasers could see. They never saw me after start of lap2. On last lap I was realing in Devin, but didn't have any left to bridge the short distance. Ended 7th and in the money!
Gitchee Gumee? Also that's my Angry Catfish jersey in pic. All I can say is good things about my carbon Niner and the Angry Catfish shop. So far a swell year with good results all around.

Grandpa finished his citizen race slow and safe. Duncan on 1x8 placed 9th overall in sport!!!!!. It was super duper hot, blazing like a furnace - way thick heat. We all felt way blasted after the race. I can't wait to see pics of the sufferfest. I have links on right for usual pic peeps.

Something funny? Or Anoy'n. Go to my 2006 post about Du Lac. Duncan video taped the Comp and Expert DuLac starts. Duncan was 11 ha ha. Check out Lonnie!! Check out The DuLac start climb. Ha ha. Later.