Heath, Amy, Duncan, Alta & Leo's Mtn Bike Fun

Slop to Captain Crunch

2012-01-27T08:14:00.001-06:00

Last night nine of us hit the river. Finally it was white not brown like tree daze. Riding trees not so much. Ice across creeks yes. It wasn't 0' like week before, it was over freezing to start. Started sloppy and within an hour all loud crunchy grippy ice n snow. If they weren't before are now, legs fried. Saturday fun ride in new snow. Oh boy an inch! Sunday I hope to make Catfish race. Cold

Hillside Cold Bear#2

2012-01-22T21:50:00.002-06:00

Mind over matter. We do control our bodies right. I say what happens and when no? I went into this race after a tough week of smackdowns (work, biking, crashes, life.) Like all of us good to get out and enjoy a ride or race. I decided Friday night with more NO SNOW in forecast to go single speed fat bike again. Nates. Dented not broken I was determined to use the force. Lots of people, even a

Zero Degrees Dented Not Broken

2012-01-20T13:16:00.001-06:00

Last night was another cold one. I'm not talking beverage it was 4 degrees actual temp, zero when done? I arrived at parking lot about 15 after the hour with 15 minutes to ready. To my surprise I could see 4 of 6 riders near ready to ride. Sure enough they started circling the lot showing ready. Crap! I changed from work clothes and layered up in record time. I went so fast i forgot to lube up

Crashed Ice

2012-01-15T17:57:00.001-06:00

We biked over to St. Paul on the fat last night. 10-ish degrees seemed cold at first but through the night it got warmer as I warmed up and lubed up. Left at 5:30pm got home at 1:30am, whoops. Jimmay and I pretended we we're walkers weaving and balancing through crowds. No injuries no tip overs, all clean. Funny how people still freak and positive over the new? fat bikes. Lots of positive

FOUND then HILLSIDE PUG RACE

2012-01-08T17:52:00.003-06:00

FOUND THURSDAY NIGHT AT RIVER SS PUG at HILLSIDE for 2nd of 37. Nates The race was fun. Duncan did a lap on my Dad's Pug. Leo was hacking around the fire pit. Good to have them around. More snow than expected. Trail was 70% white-ish, icey in spots, not wet (but was warming). I like many crashed on stairs lap 2. Went down on ice patch later in lap2 as well. All good. Off the start Ben got

How Long?

2011-12-30T11:34:00.008-06:00

NO-NAME 30ft EAGLE LONG 35ft

River Video's (so many skinnies)

2011-12-26T18:51:00.012-06:00

DOWN BY THE RIVERMany 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

What's Hot & Not

2011-12-23T11:31:00.005-06:00

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

Can You Relate?

2011-12-19T14:22:00.000-06:00

Someone shared this with me.....

Bike Choose River?

2011-12-18T15:05:00.002-06:00

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

FART. You Bought A Fat Bike?

2011-12-14T21:29:00.000-06:00

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)

2011-12-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

Pug Wind Smacked

2011-12-10T19:35:00.000-06:00

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

Corn Bread and Jill's Scene

2011-12-08T06:36:00.000-06:00

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

AM Commute: Destructive Humans & What Tire?

2011-12-06T10:43:00.013-06:00

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

Jeremy was late, his camera on time

2011-12-04T16:39:00.001-06:00

Gates of Steel

2011-11-30T18:17:00.001-06:00

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

White Industries Hub Guts

2011-11-28T19:12:00.026-06:00

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,

Turkey Flop

2011-11-24T16:48:00.000-06:00

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

* * TEETH * * CHATTER * *

2011-11-18T21:15:00.000-06:00

Wall of Death

2011-11-16T07:27:00.000-06:00

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

Mill City / Bayport CX Day 2 45+

2011-11-14T22:17:00.004-06:00

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

Eleven is Goin Viral

2011-11-11T13:58:00.001-06:00

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

Mary Jane Outhouse Drunken Frenchman

2011-11-09T09:42:00.008-06:00

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

This & That Pictures

2011-11-08T16:58:00.000-06:00

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

2011-11-03T22:46:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-11-02T07:23:00.001-05:00

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

I'm Not Skidding

2011-10-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

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

Flat Gravel No Wind

2011-10-24T08:11:00.004-05:00

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

2 Steps Back 2 Much Fun

2011-10-17T21:56:00.001-05:00

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

D-Man Levis Climbing

2011-10-12T18:24:00.009-05:00

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

2011-10-06T22:07:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-04T23:26:00.002-05:00

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

2011-10-03T21:32:00.003-05:00

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

Seasonal Disorder

2011-09-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

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

This & That & Chatter

2011-09-25T12:13:00.002-05:00

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

I saw a bear - and I liked it

2011-09-20T22:14:00.004-05:00

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

Check It !!!!!

2011-09-14T23:35:00.000-05:00

TNCX Newbie

2011-09-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

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

Two Really Different Tires

2011-09-11T21:26:00.001-05:00

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

Awe Bummer Dude

2011-09-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

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

2011-09-05T22:30:00.003-05:00

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.

Tuesday Night Cross

2011-08-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

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

Minneapolis Duathlon post Camping trip

2011-08-28T16:23:00.003-05:00

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

Hillside Thursday

2011-08-21T13:05:00.002-05:00

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

26 Races in 2011 so far....

2011-08-17T08:02:00.000-05:00

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

Afton 24hr Attitude

2011-08-16T18:15:00.001-05:00

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

Hawk on a Shoe String

2011-08-08T12:49:00.001-05:00

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

Fried Green Tomatoes, Venison, Bruschetta Aioli at Hillside

2011-08-01T21:08:00.006-05:00

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.

First & First Loser Again!

2011-07-30T14:15:00.001-05:00

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

Yes today i did

2011-07-26T21:32:00.001-05:00

Buck#11 Angry Red Squirrel

2011-07-22T14:43:00.000-05:00

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.

Du Lac 3 No No's and Furnaced

2011-07-18T13:34:00.004-05:00

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

MTB Nationals Idaho - Ain't Buck

2011-07-15T20:35:00.004-05:00

Nope I didn't go to Nat's in Idaho. Jack Hinkins got second in U23! Nice timing. Jake was there and had a respectable finish. Can't wait to hear about it. Guess I'm boring but I only get away with so many trips a year. Too many trips & I get the betty crocker rolling pin accross the knoggun effect. Hurts. I hope Amy don't read this or I'll get it anyway. So it's 10 for Buck series this year,

The Steady Arrow Hits The Target

2011-07-11T22:53:00.001-05:00

Leo's birthday present. Steady.... Steady... All us squirrel's have been steady of late. Steady and straight like an arrow Duncan has been enjoying Buck. 4 laps no big thing for him anymore. He did well last Thursday and on Sunday. My Dad raced on Sunday too. Check out the pic from skinny ski (there's a few pics I will e-mail and buy from the ski). Skinny ski is so cool. http://

Cross Training Tips

2011-07-08T23:11:00.001-05:00

My cross training tip: do it with the kids. See pics. Canoe'n multiple days, once with whole family pulling a raft behind canoe. Many hours paddling!! I did find time to bike to Leb to do a quick lap and back 50+ miles on 1by8spd MTB. Letting training secrets out below. I get asked lots of questions about training. I always tell the story about my 2005 base miles, details that worked for me.

Buck n Roll

2011-07-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

With 102 degree heat index it was bound to be a good Buck. No excuses. I'll make this quick. I got the hole shot with Dave tracking my wheel. Dave blasted by at start of lap2. I chased/finished second with Matt keeping my chase honest. D-Man did the showman finish line wheelie with a special trick to end the show. He's ok. Duncan gained 10 minutes vs. prior week in 4 lap race. He's rocking the 29

Guilty by Associations (at the wing)

2011-06-27T20:19:00.004-05:00

Red Wing MN MTB series race, a great time! Funny how we are all guilty by association. I'm not just talking about my 70yr old pops (on-right) or Duncan either. We do this thing called MTB racing. All kinds of us goofy types. One thing we all talk and seek is a good start. The best part about the start is, although it matters, it's not the end all deal if your not stuck in too slow a group. The

Wet Dogs

2011-06-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

Saturday Leo and I working the Cub Foods dog stand. Boy scout work for Leo, saving for Scout camps.

Buck#7

2011-06-24T18:44:00.001-05:00

Buck#7 Thursday Night!!!! Guess not that exciting.......not many showed up. Subaru Cup on the mind or maybe the rain threat. Jack showed so guess who got first. He showed Hollywood the Eurowood move cutting in just before first short woods. Nice J.H! Barry and i got by HLWD and crept away from chasers. Basically we traded lead often. A good battle. I had some sketchy braking and surfing. Fun!

Afton Mind Games

2011-06-20T20:31:00.015-05:00

Duncan and I headed to Afton for race#3 of the MN series Sunday, fathers day. I still call it MNSCS. Cloudy in the AM after heavey rain...we all knew...when the sun came out it was gunna get humid! HOT LIKE Red Wing or last years Buck series race, way hotter than prior Mankato race. A good race to simply finish. Money Shot, old bald guy 7th!! Duncan, being my size now used my Misfit with 1x8.

Buck#6 Attendance Award

2011-06-18T10:28:00.002-05:00

Mom threatened but ended up not attending this week. Alta is not really into biking and not enough kids at Buck her age, so no Buck was her vote. Leo came out and raced. So just the boys hit it!Duncan and I both scored the attendance award. What I mean is show up to all 6 series races and end up top 3. I ended 2nd overall again for series. Last year I was also 2nd both series1 & 2. It's been

Buck#5 - Road Bike - Pincusion Mt

2011-06-14T12:15:00.001-05:00

Been a while since last post. I've been busy, needed a break too. I should be on the trainer right now but I hate that thing. Been riding less than I should, but there's all season. Buck last Thursday really heated up the legs (other than 30min trainier) it was 1st time on bike after Kato. Ouch!! At Buck I felt dragged down. Finally on lap 4 I went after Barry. Reeled him in but couldn't pass at

That's D-MAN !!

2011-06-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

http://www.danaschoppephotography.com/MNMBS-RacingThanks Dana! I'll be buying more pictures this year for sure.http://www.danaschoppephotography.com/MNMBS-Racing

Kato Hot Confusing 5 lbs Trebuchet

2011-06-06T19:40:00.004-05:00

Weekend report. Race report below too (confusing results at first). SATURDAY went fishing with Leo. Jack took us to a secret lake to get sunburned on. We caught 3 big pike, one got away. Saw a big bass and caught many sunnies too(thanks Uncle Jack for the filets). Leo caught and reeled in the biggest 5lbs fish! I got a bit burnt on the legs from sitting in canoe. Had sunscreen just didn't put

One Off - Again!!!

2011-06-03T12:25:00.000-05:00

What's with losing 3rd & ending in 4th place?? Cheq100 now Buck. Most of the race I wanted it more than doubted it. A good race. Had a good start and although it hurt, kept it going. HURT: not like muscles - how to explian- it's hurt like being turned inside out. You know what I mean, going hard at Buck feels like a fish flopping between the lungs and a vise on the head restricting blood flow.

A Causual Wind Ride

2011-05-31T20:18:00.000-05:00

The wind was ripping today!!! I ALWAYS think Ragnarok when it's blowing. The first Rag year was the best worst, period. 25-30mph per weather channel today gusting even more. So the motivation in a dark denial attractivness way - the wind. I decided to hit the greenway taking challenge if it came along, otherwise pedal lightly and check out the lakes scenery. Ah yes, the greeenway rat race after

Buck#3

2011-05-26T22:44:00.002-05:00

The whole fam hit it tonight. D-man's 16th b-day. Cake, fun, friends, family. All good. My race was a big ? anyway we all made it. Family stress has it's pro's and cons. I did ok on the start rocking through a sand dune start position. After lap one I saw Ezra again & was after it. Owen passed going after the same carrot. I was feeling strong, POP, chain came off. I changed the fork back to

Chequamegon100 SS Kicked It!

2011-05-22T22:04:00.002-05:00

Cheq100 was super fab. Organized well. Course well marked. Rain didn't hit til 3:30PM. Leading up to Cheq100 was interesting. 10 days earlier at Buck I was toast because of this & this. The two prior weekends of self landscape work kicked my ash. Good hammy, back and arm beat down work. So leading up to Cheq100 my week was simply a few half hour rides and Buck Hill race. I scored a respectable

Buck #1 Bit O Pain

2011-05-14T11:43:00.004-05:00

Duncan & I we're giddy to be back at Buck! Dreary day yet perfect weather for Buck. Met more of the Angry Catfish team and had fun talking with many familiar peeps. Not hot and not cold racing, no dust, course condition great. The course had familiar sand boxes, climbs, twisty woods, hammering and not too loose anywhere...good you know. The coughing afterward was genuine lung bust not dust.

The Sting of Summer

2011-05-10T19:09:00.028-05:00

We lucked out with all the cold weather!! No bugs, no worms, no sweat until now. Easter I wore Winter boots & gloves!. What we got a few days of crusty sweat. You know the temp somewhere btwn 38.1-46.5 when sweat sticks and makes your helmet strap white. Today was all sting in the eye...85 degrees...hot. I won the greenway race - lost 10 pounds. Near baseball size hail. Ready for Buck Hill pain.

Serious Cross Training

2011-05-04T12:42:00.000-05:00

Admit it vacuuming the house is cross training! No time to bike or Gym time so cross train with...

TrainSaVainia Gravel Wind Somewhere Scary

2011-04-24T23:29:00.003-05:00

So I still need base miles right? Can't all be about dirt single track fun. Compromise, MTB SS 44x16 29'er 32 CX'ers into the wind, on gravel or soft-ish surface. Dracula would be proud. Stuck a huge pheasant feather in my camelback today (literally). What is this all about? Today I biked into the wind accross open farm lands, on surfaces that kicked my wind in the face SS ass. Put 60 miles on

First Dirt First Carbon Shirtless

2011-04-23T18:36:00.001-05:00

Did a few hot laps at Hillside today on my new ANGRY CATFISH race frick'n machine. Oh yeah. Felt like home on a carbon based planet carbon based bike carbon based human powered. Had lots of fun today. Found myself hammering into a heavy breathing fit. Loco-motive was I - almost went cross-eyed, or did I? http://www.dschoppe.smugmug.com/D-Man has no shirt again. Not sure what color he'll be

Rubber Side??

2011-04-16T14:10:00.000-05:00

Psycho Rubber.........need to borrow or try a 29'er tire? Crow - Raven - Captians - Ralph - F. Fred - Karma - Race King - Crossmark - Albert - R. Ron - Exiwolf - Aspen - 8-Block

Ragnarok: The Things We Do

2011-04-10T11:53:00.003-05:00

Ragnarok = thing of beauty, beast, a worthy pain bomb of spring medicine The race was fantastick. Weather great, people awesome, course best yet. Well run. However...my dose this year contained a bit more PAIN than ussual. I was able to hammer a few climbs for top 5 KOM. Hill Valley was quite rewarding. As we climbed I settled behind a pack of 15 or more with a few starting to separate ahead.

Happy by Night Anxious by Day

2011-04-04T11:05:00.002-05:00

Funny how the brain twitches at night. Over the weekend I had interesting mental projections. -ONE NIGHT I dreamed I was riding my new SS through parks and tough places kicking butt on CX bikers struggling, dabbing and cursing. I can only assume this is my excitement to ride my new bike, and the weather change means bike choices. It very well could be second guessing the CX bike choice for

Red Rubber Balls

2011-03-24T11:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday on the way to work, through woods the pug tires made a sound just like a dodge ball. You know the sound when you slap or smash the dodge ball...pong pung poog - pong pong pung. As the pug sunk into 3+ inches of granular ice balls over slop the pug tubes sung to me, loudly, through the quiet morning hours. It reminded me of summer time 29'er rigid with 2.3's on (makes the fwappita sound)

Half Enjoyed

2011-03-17T11:32:00.001-05:00

Afton Alps

Worthy Video Like Good Pow Pow Day

2011-03-04T14:40:00.000-06:00

VCA 2010 RACE RUN from changoman on Vimeo.

Hillside, Legs Got Hellsided

2011-02-21T11:27:00.000-06:00

More than just tires too mushy on Sunday.... Wanted snow for race. No snow in Elk River for race. Weird, while we raced 6 inches plus fell in cities (now foot+). Pictures from great week. Concert, digging snow forts. Rode 3+ hrs CX street w/fenders Monday. Sucker punched my legs and back in prep for race, wahoo! The race started ok until my legs filled and hurt, mush, never could clear'em. Held

Snow Fort Survived More Snow Snow Snow

2011-02-18T22:20:00.001-06:00

Sunday Sunday Sunday. The big event is Fat Tire Fest! I feel sorry for all the out of town Frost bike travelers. I hope the Hillside race on Sunday looks like the CX State Champ race weeknd. Z agreed the show must go on!!! CX it made national news. Guys I raced against down in Austin week later heard about the MN CX fun. This MN winter mtb race better go. Oh yeah....

Roof Jupming Meatballs??

2011-02-06T20:26:00.003-06:00

Blame it on the parent. Kids on roof helping shovel made me nervious. However, "no wrestling", "no snow balls" and lot's of "be careful and get back!" comments occurred. In the end there was so much snow shoveled off....jumping off for me and the boys came easy. See pics. Good or bad parent??? Next post will be the huge snow fort I shoveled up with the roof snow. No biking but a good weekend of

D-Man's Giant Meatball

2011-02-05T10:32:00.002-06:00

Duncan has been talking about a Giant Meatball production. He saw it on u-tube. Last night it was time to cook up the mega ball.Hambooger, sausage, pancieetta, eggs you name it.Inside was garlic, butter noodles with herbs galore.Cook, flip, place on focccatia, butter-up, melt cheese/sauce.More bread and butter etc.You'll see in pics. Blurry eye'd we're we by end oh dinner...

Laying it Down

2011-02-01T08:37:00.000-06:00

As I commuted to work today, and did a lap at Theo....I couldn't help thinking about how warm 4 degrees is compared to -1 or -18. Additionally my work pack with extra battery and big cable lock weights a sixth perhaps of the Arrowhead135 dudes. Looks like Jeff won it again and Heather for women, both beating prior course records. AH135 Site. My commute was toasty, fun and north woods stress free.

Hillside not like Arrowhead

2011-01-31T13:50:00.001-06:00

I SOLD THE KONA The Hillside race yesterday was a blast. Easy to say now that it's over. Scored another second this year behind Brendan M. He said I was making up time on lap two. I was about 3 minutes closer to him this race, no matter. Lap two caused many to DNF. It was a delerium of sweat, tears and no-gears (running). Just think if you sweated like that at Arrowhead!?? Coldbear! All good.

Manhandler, Shady Ln & Cliffs Edge Backwards!

2011-01-22T13:27:00.002-06:00

Overnight camp n ski trip with Leo's boy scout troop. Fun stuff full speed on sb.

Hillside Negative Ride

2011-01-20T19:58:00.002-06:00

4 Riddlers start at zero, end at -5. Good times!!

Some Things a Blur?

2011-01-17T20:10:00.000-06:00

Not a blur, as I feel it deep:Thurs, Hillside snowy banked corners lap.Saturday Leb full lap plus, two flats. Don't Ask.Sunday Theo and many rouge trails with JimmayToday commute to work with full, not a feature missed Theo riddle. Then similiar back home.Yesh! I think I'll run the hamster treadmill Wednesday. Bike to work balmy Thursday. Duncan running the stairs this CX season with his 29'er SS

OTB at 6:55AM

2011-01-11T09:38:00.002-06:00

Hold onto the bars tight: this post is about an AM commute OTB -and- a little Hillside race recap too. I've been avoiding a stump up-and-over at Theo. I called it the OTB. The picture shows why. I blame it on the big ring. It was Jimmy's way of getting me back for leaving LCR. That's really all to report. Soft snowy landing. Hillside Race Recap.... A great day raging through the woods on

Rambo Development Program Commence

2011-01-03T21:38:00.004-06:00

Building a sled course twice in 2 weeks does cause some pain. Hot lap at Leb Friday, 2 fair pace hot Laps at Leb Sunday riding all new packed log lines. Then today. Today had the day off. It was bike to Theo for some pain? Sounds silly. HOWEVER. Met up with a fine young lad and we put down some lines. Oh it was a mellow flat theo ride - right? Nope - twas slow death. We did all Theo, then

Success: 2 Injuries

2011-01-01T17:32:00.011-06:00

We had a house full last night. Sled party another great success. Thanks for the good times all. The line up was 10 deep at times to take one of the luuugee courses. Adults even hit the gap jump and step up line. Some bloddy knuckles, no major injuries. Kids from 5-50 years old took the lines into 2011. Video's from this am. Course was slower due to fresh snow. Oh, regarding skinny Jimmay and I

Kids in the Woods

2010-12-29T19:55:00.001-06:00

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

2010-12-27T21:30:00.002-06:00

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!

2010-12-27T09:38:00.001-06:00

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

Snowboard Instructor Rating

2010-12-23T22:00:00.002-06:00

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

Theo Set Fat

2010-12-21T13:58:00.001-06:00

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

2010-12-18T12:09:00.004-06:00

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

Minus Commute

2010-12-14T07:51:00.001-06:00

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

Poof Poof

2010-12-12T22:37:00.001-06:00

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