Haulin on the Bike

I'm Back

2010-05-05T08:10:00.002-05:00

Well its been awhile but I'm still here. Life has to take first chair sometimes and as of late it has but I am back on the bike and back to training. The last two months have been good for riding but not what they should have been. I think I have a total of 400 miles in for the last eight weeks kind of sad but better then last year. The good news is in the last two days I have 98 miles in, so my average is up at least.
The weight loss thing has been going OK. I'm down a total of 31 pounds. I was down a total of 35 but life caught up and I put some back on. I guess that's how things go but I feel a lot better then I did last year and I can really tell the difference when I'm in the saddle.
Tess is doing great and growing up so fast. She has been on her tricycle every chance she can and getting better and better every ride. She has told us she wants a to wheeler, surprised????????? Not me, she is my daughter after all. So last week we stopped at the bike shop and she picked the one she likes. So being the bike Dad I am I told her to master the trike and I'll get it for her. I'm hoping she will be on a two wheeler by the end of fall.
Another great step in our healthy family life style is we are riding our bikes together. This has always been a sticking point between Erica and I as she is not fond of having to ride with traffic. But now living in Brown Deer has the traffic much less and we live very close to BD park. This is great for us as we can now go for a ride with Tess in the trailer and we all feel good.
Erica and I have both been eating better and exercising a lot more. I guess when you look at the big picture, do you really want to be a fat parent when your kid is growing up? Well......... we decided NO and were trying our best remember that everyday.
My first race will be Rinelander in two weeks. It should be a good race. I've never done it before so it will be something new. That same weekend will also be the the second annual extreme training camp. So that weekend will be full with riding but will be fun for sure.

See YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

FOR SALE

2010-01-18T15:17:00.000-06:00

Beautiful, clean and very well maintained just waiting for you. This bike is fast on the flats and an incredible climbing machine. Perfect for the person looking to upgrade their current bicycle or for that person looking to purchase a well built, great priced Road Bike.
"MADE IN THE USA"
Frameset TREK 5200
Sizes 54cm
Frame OCLV 120 Carbon
Fork Bontrager Race, carbon
Wheels Bontrager Race(Power Tap "Not Included")
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, folding, 700x25c

Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI, 10 speed
Front Der Shimano Ultegra
Rear Der Shimano Ultegra
Crank Shimano UltegrA 52/39/30
Cassette Shimano Ultegra 12-25, 10 speed
Pedals n/a

Components
Saddle Bontrager Race X Lite
Seat Post Bontrager Race X Lite Carbon
Handlebars Easton Ergo flat top 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager XXX lite, +/- 12 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Cane Creek S-3 w/cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Shimano Ultegra w/STI levers
Extras Bontrager BzzzKill,Bontrager Gel Bar Tape,
Bike has never been crashed
Freshly Tuned

Finally

2009-08-06T12:40:00.002-05:00

Finally..................
I'm starting like I'm getting back in the game. If most of you did not hear about four weeks ago I crashed a Crystal Ridge and dislocated my shoulder. So I have had a long four weeks and before that my fitness was not the best it has been, but........ Last night turned that all around. Lets start with last week. At the ridge the turn out was big, pre Wors race, the plan was just get the laps in and see how the a arm feels. Everything was great until the third lap when for some reason the lights went out and the woods got dark, I mean real dark. The last lap was like riding blind but I finished.
This week I worked a little harder in the single track and tried to hold onto Coop's wheel as long as I could. That worked great until my powertap head unit popped off in the woods right before the alpha trail, so from then it was a catch up game. I think I did pretty good and even tested the climbing speed in my legs on the finish hill.
So all in all not to bad. For three laps it ended up 34minutes,34 minutes and 33 minutes.
I feel the old randy coming back, now lets hope I can carry this into the 40.

See Yaaaaaaaaaaaa................................................

Extreme at the ridge

2009-08-03T08:13:00.004-05:00

http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-090802-bike-competition,0,6389199.story

2009-06-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

liamlivestrong.MP4 -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Movin Time

2009-04-13T10:09:00.002-05:00

This weekend is the time. Saturday morning 8am at our house on 88th. I hope to only have to make two trips(less with more people). A lot of stuff has been moved already.
Looking for some help so come help a brother out.PLEASE....................

I'm in Check cleared

2009-03-25T09:27:00.000-05:00

Its moving time

2009-02-28T14:37:00.006-06:00

As of May 1st this is where we'll be hanging our hats.

2-24-2009

2009-02-24T10:21:00.000-06:00

Will you give this to my Daddy?

2009-02-23T16:25:00.000-06:00

Will you give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in
the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to
clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the
greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they
began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to
their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered
for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who
still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung
heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go
to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our
service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up
to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for
her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, s aid he
would try and what did she want to give to her Daddy.. Then suddenly the
little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she
could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney,
told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq
for 11 months now As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney
missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of
the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other
servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing
with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to
Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told
me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just
met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told
me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home
very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood t o his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing
no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towa rds their gate, people resumed
their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were
very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of
selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling
down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day , it's good
to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red
every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called
the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for
God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media
coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.. Many Americans,
like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast
majority of America supports our troops.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the
troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded
American who supports our men and women afar will wear some thing red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday
a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances
co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is
covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is
on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things
better for you?' is....We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear
something red every Friday..

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.

I F YOU COULD CARE LESS THEN HIT THE DELETE BUTTON --- IT IS YOUR CHOICE.

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED!

Great Ad

2009-02-15T20:44:00.001-06:00

good day

2009-02-01T13:49:00.001-06:00

1hr 15 and felt pretty good. power seems to be coming around. See Ya..........................

Parts for the ride

2009-01-30T12:14:00.004-06:00

Got me a set of these last night
From this guy
If he keeps this up I'll own most of his parts.
The worst part was I ran in to him at SAMS club too, but a least his better half was with him so it didn't make it to bad.
All I have to do now is figure out the bars for the Rig and the bikes are finished.
Then I just have to finish the plan for me.
See yaaaaaaaaaa

Don't Forget

2009-01-27T22:18:00.001-06:00

The Schedule for this week Extreme Ski & Bike Indoor Training Center is as follows:

Wednesday January 28th.

Start Time: 7:00pm

Saturday January 31st.

Start Time: 7:00-10:00am, ride as long as you like.

Location: Meet at Extreme Ski & Bike, the UCI training center is in the vacant space two doors down from the shop.

BYOT (Bring your own trainer), bike, shoes, however we do have extra trainers if you don’t have one, guests are welcome. Saturday January 24th was our largest group thus far with over ten riders in attendance.

What to do when your sitting on the trainer

2009-01-26T19:30:00.000-06:00

Power days

2009-01-24T11:34:00.003-06:00

Couple of good days on the bike. A couple of stops to stretch out the legs but all in all the training is coming along well. 216lbs was what the scale read yesterday, that's 19 1/2 down. so I am happy about that. I can now see the goal is reachable and my endurance is starting to come around. 190 by race time? That's the goal and I'm not playing around this year.
Well got to get back to work.
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

img032

2009-01-24T08:54:00.001-06:00

img033

2009-01-24T08:53:00.003-06:00

img034

2009-01-24T08:53:00.001-06:00

reminder

2009-01-23T16:26:00.001-06:00

7am to 10am training ride at the shops indoor training center . come one come all. its better then riding alone in the basement.

Training day

2009-01-21T16:33:00.001-06:00

sorry for the late post but Extreme ski and bike is having a training ride tonight in the new training center. grab yor bike and your trainer and stop by. 7pm in the store three to the left of the shop.

The sickness has landed

2009-01-10T19:11:00.002-06:00

In our house when the sickness comes it comes in full force. For the last week it has run like a train, the cough is the worst because it just won't go away.
I skipped the swap today, I really wanted to go but we have been on a tight budget since we found out Erica's job is going on hold till next fall. I didn't really need anything anyway so it wasn't to bad. A few days ago my Mom said my Dad found a snowblower for us, found as in as "free"? I guess someone in their neighborhood couldn't get it to start and worked on it but then gave up and tossed it when they got a new one. So he worked on it for a couple day and then gave up, so it was my turn. Stopped over yesterday to take a look at it, plugged in the electric start and it just cranked , no fire but you could hear it try. I tinkered for awhile and then looked into the on/off switch, turned the switch back a quarter of a turn, hit the electric start and low and behold the beast comes to life and runs like a champ. I need to replace one of the rubber snow blades but it works great. So for $30.00 in parts(that I got from Ace today)I never have to shovel again(lets hope).
As i sit here Erica's at work and Tess is tearing apart the front room with all her toys. I'm going to try to get on the bike tonight after Tess goes to bed to see if I can force this shit out of my body. I tried to start the training last Saturday but I really only got about 30 min before I had to get off with a coughing fit. Well lets hope tonight goes better.
Got to go
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Loooooooooooooong weekend

2009-01-05T14:52:00.002-06:00

What a great long weekend. Got to spend a lot of time with Tess and Erica and get a lot of stuff we have been putting off done. We decided to switch bedrooms with Tess as she has a lot more stuff then we do, so she gets the bigger bedroom. That took most of the weekend as we didn’t rush it, just took our time getting most of it done.
I also got everything set up for the training and the diet plan. The training plan and dungeon are set and ready to go for tomorrow, the start of the secret training plan. As the diet goes, that started today and as I’ve been on this one before. I really don’t mind it, the food is good and sometimes it’s too much, as it seems I’m always eating (like right now, PB and J on a whole grain bagel).
The rest of life is just on auto pilot right now, work is slow so I’m trying to get everything caught up and ready for the busy time of year. Erica is looking for a new job right now because Target on 124th is closing for nine months to do a tear down and rebuild. She will be returning after the rebuild but she really does not want to travel to a new store for that amount of time unless she really has to.
Well that’s about all for now.
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Welcome to the Dungeon Baby, its time for you to die.

2008-12-29T15:49:00.001-06:00

Well it’s almost time to start the training and this year I going into it with guns a blazing.

The diet is all worked out and tonight is the time to get the basement in order for the training dungeon,

I even gone as far as getting myself a super secret coach, yes that’s right, a super secret coach that will layout my training program and help me with the issues I have had in the past. The goal is easy, sport. Yes just sport and “NO” Clyde this year just plain old age group.

The plan will be much different than in the past, as the goals have been set for almost 8 weeks and I need to stick to them, no matter what.

The bike plan is all set, a new 09’ Rig and new 09’ HiFi. One for the flat and fast, and one for the bumps and lumps. The Rig is set to go, maybe a new bar but that should be about it. The HiFi is another story, as this will be my main ride I’m taking a little more time with this one.

It lies out like this……

Frame 09’ HiFi

Fork Fox (taken from the Rig)

Wheels Sun (thanks Russ)

Stopies Hayes(thanks again)

Gears X9 all around

Cranks Bonty Xlite carbon ,running it 2x9

Stem and bars XXX stem and Xlite big sweep bars

Seat and post RXL seat on a Xlite ACC carbon post.

Grips None(I run bar tape)

So that’s the plan, well as much as I can tell you anyway. We will see, but my goals are simple and I don’t thing to far out of my reach. Now I just have to stick to it and the rest should fall into line.

See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

MARRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

2008-12-24T23:19:00.000-06:00

gotta do this to get rid of that

2008-11-29T14:11:00.000-06:00

Broken things cost money

2008-10-31T13:22:00.002-05:00

Yes they do. So at Shawno I figured out I broke my Ferrous frame, Great I really liked that frame and the color, but I figured since I already ordered a new RIG I really have no need for another hard tail so I am getting a HIFI as a replacement. But there was not a chance I was giving it up till after Shervegas and......... well here it goes.
The race it self was OK for me this year, I really wanted to make a good showing and work for a top three, Don calls go and were off, I'm sitting good and watching the leaders right in front about five bikes up. I'll sit here I figure and just watch for awhile, then some guy eats it in the first single track and there is no way to get around, SHIT..................... I'm f'd as the lead group is gone. I get back on and I have two guys to work with and we do well all the way into the tall pines when I see the group ahead and push to catch them(BIG MISTAKE). I was getting tired from playing catch up but figured as soon as I caught them I could sit in and take a breather.
I stand to catch up and hit the ground like sack of shit, I hit the ground HARD BOOM!!!!!!!!!! A sharp pain in the hand as I look down to see the last three fingers on my left hand bent backwards touching my wrist, Shit I figure I broke them, I roll around on the ground in pain for awhile, the two guys behind me stop(Thanks) long enough to get me and the bike off the trail.
I think to myself I'm done..........Fuck that I'm finishing, rip off the glove, pull off the wedding ring(good move as you'll see later) and pull my fingers back into joint, and ya know it didn't hurt that much. Put the glove back on and off I go.
The hand hurts but I figure I'll just put it out of my head and it worked. Road the rest of the single track and across the road trying to make up some time, got to the hill and figured giver and I did. The first time in five years I mad it up the EQ. and i even got payed.
Made the rest of the lap and stopped by Erica to off load the ring and the five dollars and off I went to finish the last lap. It was a good race and I even ended seventh in my field(I figured for sure I was last).
The hand was a hole bigger problem, by the time I finished I could hardly move my fingers and the swelling was getting bad but there was no way I was leaving. The rest of the night was spent in pain but not enough that a few beers couldn't help.
The next day I get up and my hand looks like a rainbow, Blue,Yellow,Purple and Green and the swelling is so bad I can't move the fingers at all(thank God I took off my ring), so i figure I should go to the doctor but I have to go into work first to get my guys to their jobs and take care of some stuff, yes I am bull headed.
Well by the time I got to the doctor it was like almost seven pm and I still need to get X-rayed.
At first look they see no breaks, WOW no breaks so back home to ice I go and by Tuesday the swelling is down and the colors Oh the colors are much worse.
At 3:00pm my phone rings, its the doctor from yesterday" Randy is your pinkie hurting or giving you any problems" "well yes it hurts more then the others" "well that's because you broke it at the second joint and it giong to hurt for awhile" "Thanks for the info".
Not much they can do for it but he was right it hurts.
Other then that not much has been going on, went to the WORS banquet, it had a low turn out from years past and I still didn't win anything. Then the sickness came to the family and for almost two weeks we've passed it back and forth till the last two day we seen to be coming out from under it.
Tonight were heading to the SUG's for "Trick or Treat" for Tess and then it's up to Green Bay for me to do a Ski swap for the bike shop. So its another full weekend.

See ya...........................................

On the note of my blog has been taken over buy a cut and past hacker I will add this.

2008-10-03T21:14:00.002-05:00

Who are you voting for?

Lets hope he has a good firewall and virus scanner.
I love computers and what they can do for you and to others.

"I AM ALIVE"

2008-10-02T15:32:00.002-05:00

Yes I am. I know its been awhile and I've been taking some shit because I haven't updated but I've had a lot to do and to blog you have to have time, unlike ASHOLE who just posts pictures of his man crush.
So where do I start.... the 40 will do.
This year was not the best, had a great ride up with John S. and Dave D. but the race was totally different. Git up at the crack of dawn to get some bikes out, then it was back to the house for some breakfast and a last check of thing to make sure I had everything and before I knew it we had to go. Got to the start line to stand around and wait( same old same old) then we were off. The road was OK but I went a little to had pulling Sug and got slammed in the field, tried to grab a wheel but the legs felt like concrete so I just sat. Felt good in the beginning, saw Regina get a flat and asked if she was OK, she was and passed me later. Saw most of my team pass me also but I figured that was going to happen, I looked at it like this, my plan was to have fun no matter the time.
At around eight to go the back started to really act up and I was all over the bike, I couldn't a place that was comfortable to sit then the rain, the rain o shit the rain. It was OK at first but around 2 to go it came down with some force and the bike suffered for it. The last hill before the finish I chain sucked and bad, it took about 5 min to get it out and I figured it cost me about 30 places, but all in all it was fun.
I did something I really wanted to do (well almost) I climbed 3/4's of fire tower hill, I couldn't climb the start because some guy fell in front of me but I got the rest and it felt great.
It was pouring when I finished so it was right to the Hayes guys condo to warm up and shower(thanks guys) so I missed alot of the stuff that was going on and never go my time till the following day but I knew it was bad so it was no great loss.
Skipped Rhinelander because of work and really wanted to make up for it in Shawno, decided to Camp even now it was going to be cold and all in all it was really comfortable (except for the leak in the air mattress).
Had a OK pre- ride, the course seemed long and very rough, not good for the back, but I liked it.
Sunday morning came and I was running late with my pre race to do list, never got to warm up till 9:30 so I was worried about the start. Got in the shoot and had a good line up, second row middle, Don calls go and were off. We all stuck together until the third turn and then someone jumped, I knew if I wanted have a good race I had to chase because the first single track has no place to pass. I gun it and I'm about 7th back, a good place for me and I feel good so I hold it.
Into the tunnel and I'm OK sitting about 6th as I get passed but a guy in my age group, well I can't let that happen time to pick up the pace.
First lap on the other side and the legs feel good and I've passed two more guys in my age group, I figure I'm forth in my group and I'm happy with that for now and set the cruise, just then I get passed by a 35+ clyd, "SHIT" I'm in for the chase, I sit on his wheel figuring he ca pull me when "SLAM" he hits a tree and he now behind me again. So what to do? I test him and every time I go I get a gap so the next straight away I go and I'm away I keep pushing and were at the down hill with the soft climb after it. I rail the down hill and get cut off on the climb and what do ya know he passes me again, Run FAT ASS is all I can think at the time.
Were at the lap point and he must have had someone giving him a hand up because he was off the course when he hit the sand and down he went again. I figured I was ok and I needed to turn it back a little because the back was starting to hurt a little and I need some power for the finish.
So I just ride smart and clean everything and make it though the tube clean, one more lap on the start side and I'm in for fourth. I get to the corn field and what do you know he's back(well he's nothing but consistent) I figure I'm not going to give up this way and I giver, I keep the line and I'm first into the single track, I clear all the hills and the rocks and I'm testing him as we go. We hit the last open field( I thought it was the last) and I give it hell to see if I can drop him, it works and i figured I was in the clear until I don't see the finish and realise I went to early, SHITTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. We pop out to the finish road and He passes me and my tank is empty.
I still felt good and I really had a good race. I checked the results and I ended up forth and I was in the race for third, O well it was a good time.
On the home front all is well, Tess will turn two in November , wow where has the time gone. other wise all is good. I will try to post more.
See Ya........................................

Its Offical

2008-09-02T12:28:00.003-05:00

Its never really been a problem for me but on Sunday the cork popped and I was in the hurt locker.The worst thing is it happened on a recovery ride. Had a good start, launched a stop ahead attack and the legs didn't like it to much but I just chalked it up to going to hard to early in the ride.
So I sat in for awhile(about 15 min) and started to feel better, see the next sign and off I go, felt good and then POP the legs let go. I look up and here comes a hill and before you know it I'm off the back and when I mean off the back I mean way off. It ended up taking me like 10min with some help to get back on and from there I just sat in.
Its been awhile for that to happen to me, I've tried to stay out of the hurt locker the hole year because I know how it makes me feel for about two or three days after.
Monday when I got up the legs felt like shit and the back was no better so it was no bike but the beer at the Timm's was good. I'll take today off also and maybe the legs will feel better for the ridge on wed. night.
As of right now the race this weekend is up in the air, at first we planned to go up and camp, but with the 40 next weekend and our 5th anniversary on the 13th I don't know if we can swing it with everything else that's going on but we'll see.

The last thing is if anyone is looking for bikes I'm selling. Looking to get rid of my Ferrous and my 5200 road bike.
My Ferrous is a 17.5 and is in great shape and I'll post some pictures later.
The Trek 5200 is size 54 and is like brand new and it has a powertap on it right now, I'm willing to sell it with the powertap or without as I still have the original rims.
Drop me a message if your interested and we'll talk price.

See Yaaa................

First time in a long time

2008-08-24T20:07:00.002-05:00

Well for the first time in a long time I had a great race and felt good doing it. At first I figured it was going to suck since I haven't touched the bike since the last race but I even surprised myself.
I got to pre-ride the course Saturday and at first I figure d I was going to die on the climb but then I got into the single track and felt a lot better, the course was fast and had good flow and I figured I could push pretty hard on Sunday. Got back to the hotel and waited for the Sugs and we headed back to the course so they could ride and Erica and I sat and talked to the BIG Gooooooooo! man himself(Don). After we had a good dinner and then it was off to bed.
This morning it was up early to get to the course, the nerves were in full effect and I was second guessing the climb, what to wear(knee warmers ,no knee warmers)(Thanks Goat)and if I ate enough or drank to much before the race, but it was start time and off I went. I did one good thing I warmed up real good on the road, something I mostly never do and it payed off big on the hill climb.
The climb that killed yesterday was a steady pace today and before I knew it we were at the top. Coming off the climb I figure I was eighth or ninth and needing to get off my fat ass and make up some places, passed a few in the field and got another just before the single track, I figure I was about sixth. I then got behind a day of guy that was moving at a good clip and we worked together in the single track but he got a little freaked out in the last section of single track and that was my key to but some time on him.
Into the lap area and I skipped the bottle hand up from Erica and tried to push the tempo to see if I could make up some more spots, up the hill and the flat and into the single track feeling good and the legs were holding much to my surprise.
Half way though the second lap and I eased off just a little knowing I still had the switch back climb to do and knowing what I know now I should have just pushed and not backed off.
Though the single track and I was all by myself pushing just to see if I could catch someone. Into the the last section and I catch two more young guys but no Clyds, I hit the open finish and push as hard as I can but in the end I was 30 sec. short of third place, but this forth felt a better then the third at Sunburst because I really pushed myself to how I know I can ride.
So all in all it was a great weekend. As I sit here and type were in a hotel in Black River Falls as I have to check up on one of my customers tomorrow and program their DVR on there network and do a training class for them, so it really worked out OK in our favor. Hope everybody else had as good of a race as I did.

See Yaaaa................................

Drive up

2008-08-22T17:11:00.003-05:00

Had a great drive up, 3 hours and 45min to Eau Claire to stop and see Ericas family. Were heading out for sushi for dinner and then were going to drive up to River Falls.
As of right now the weather looks good, 70's up here tomorrow and mid 60's for Sunday, just the way I like it. The rain they were calling for so far has held off. I'll up load some pictures tonight if I can get on the wireless at the Hotel or at least a better signal on my air card.
More later.
See Yaaaaaaaaa.................................

A wwekend away

2008-08-22T10:05:00.002-05:00

Away for the weekend, off to River Falls and then Eau Claire and Black River Fall for work.
Will update when we get up there.

See YAAAAAAA.............................

Pics from Sunburst

2008-08-11T09:00:00.004-05:00

24-9 Weekend

2008-08-04T08:50:00.002-05:00

Wow what a weekend, 5 hours of sleep and I didn't even race.Had a great weekend with Rob and Candy the Wife and Tess. The weather could not have been better seeing what we have today it could have been worse.
The Sugs(both of them) pulled off a great race, cause at 1am they where in 12th place and by 7am they had moved to 4th even with Rob meeting with the ground a few times.
Times were pretty close every lap and they looked good for the hole 24 hours.
Its weird being support and not racing but it was still fun. Got to see a lot more of things going on and I was a lot more busy then I figured I would be. The hardest part was washing bikes at 4:30am with nothing but a l.e.d head lamp on but all in all it was a fun time.
I also got to see what trouble the timing systems ended up to be for the racers was. The system is a sound idea as I work with RFID for my job but it was all set up wrong in my eyes, instead of three readers they could have used a portal(larger read range) or a double read systems. That way you wouldn't of had to scan your card but I guess it all worked out in the end. The live updates were cool as we could see lap times from all the teams while sitting in the screen tent.
So as I sit at my desk I'm still tired cause I didn't go right to be, I fixed our TV so all the components are know in the bedroom and the only thing you see in the front room id the flat screen, it kind of cool, I got a IR router to move the signal from the front room to the bedroom and it works great and cleans up the room, and know Tess can't kiss the TV any more.
Well I should get back to work, Man I need a nap.
See YAAA...............
will load pictures from 24/9 later.

RIP my good friend

2008-07-28T20:30:00.004-05:00

After a long day of worry and some tears of pain we had to put Max to sleep today. A very hard decision after his long life. It was something I never really thought about as he just kept going no matter what his age was but after this weekend all the signs were there.
For those of you who never met him you missed a very loving dog, never a bite or a nip(unless you were a dog and tried to take his bone) and he loved kids almost to a fault.
A better dog you could have never asked for.
All of you that have pets and have ever had to do this you know how it feels, as I sit here I look around for him to see if he need to go out not realizing he's gone, now comes the hard part with putting all his stuff away.

My friend when it is my time to go I hope you are waiting for me at the gates with a ball to play and a leash for a walk.

You will be missed by us all.

A weekend up north

2008-07-28T07:47:00.003-05:00

Got to the parents place around 3 AM and it was right to bed cause thats a long ride in the dark.
Got up the next morning and it was 8:30, wow I don't remember the last time I slept till 8:30. Got the motor going and decided it was time for a ride, off I go not knowing where I'm going but figured I'd fine my way. Out HWY 47 and figured I'd head towards Lake Tomahawk and before I knew it the computer was reading 24 MPH and I was feeling better then I have in a while.
Got to the lake and just kept going, 4 miles past and I figure its time to get home, hit the u-turn and WHAM the head wind is brutal, from 24 down to 14 and I'm giving it all I got to get the speed up, get it cranking and I'm sitting around 15.5 and a average of 230 watts. Make the turn back towards Woodruff and I am feeling the burn but it felt good to get out.
Got back and all the girls went to town so I figured I could get in a shower before they get back.
The thing with the shower is there is not a huge hot water tank so you have to have a plan to shower and stick with it or your in a cold shower. I don't know what it is but I think the shower right after a good ride it the best, you feel brand new and clean clean clean.
So after all that I make a phone call to find out where the girls are and find out what were doing today, Erica says, were going to Eagle River, want to go, and away we go. Its a fun time to walk around and look at all the crap thats for sale and it all the same stuff in every shop but Erica got some stuff for Tess and we had a good time.
Got back and my nieces wanted to go swimming so we hit up the beach. The water was cold at first but then got better. Tess was like a fish to water, she wanted to jump right in, hopefully she will be a better swimmer then her father a I sink like a rock.
After that we hit up the play ground and played on all the slides and tee-ter-toters and thats where I thought it was going to end. My niece and I were on the teter and all of a sudden she was on the ground, its not really clear what happened but she says I tried to kill her but I plead the 5th. In the end she was just fine and we all had a good laugh and something we will never forget.
Sunday we hit the road around 10am after some good donuts from Paul's next store. We made some stops on the way and the the best of them all "Union Star Cheese" if you've never stopped you must. Their curds are the best and cheap. So from there it was a straight drive home.
On the way I call the SUG to see how the race went and he asked if we wanted to meet them and go to the Whitefish Bay race, well what the hell, home for like a hour and a half and right back out the door. It was a good race and Tess had a blast watching all the bikes go by.
All in all it was a good weekend and I wish we could do them a lot more. I put in some pictures of the weekend, sorry for the color,there form my phone as the batteries in the camera were dead.

On a sad note it looks like my long time friend and companion Max (our dog) is going down hill fast. at the age of 12 the rear legs are going out and the weekend was hard on him, as much fun as he had I think it may be his last trip. I was in hopes he would make it though the year but I guess thats all up in the air now. The worst part of this is Tess and him are like best friends and she loves him so much. He has had a long life but I just didn't figure it would be so soon. Well I'll know more after I get home and see how he's doing. The Vet says there not much to do just let him have fun and keep a eye on him. I just hope he turns around and makes it a while longer.

Got to go
See Yaa

No Wednesday No Sunday

2008-07-22T19:10:00.002-05:00

As the title says I'm out for the racing at the ridge Wednesday and the Sunday WORS race.
Works is ball to the walls as of late and I will be in early and out late the next couple of day as I will be showing one of the office guys how to do one off my jobs they took off my plate. But as you know if your job gets easier it won't be for long, well one day to be exact and I got more stuff added to my title, not much but about another 5 to 10 hours a week of field time to keep my eye on things.
At first I was not very happy about this but after a couple of days its taken hold and rolled in my everyday list of things to do.
For Sunday it looks like we will be up north at my folks place for the weekend, we have been trying to get up there for the last two months but we just couldn't find the time until this weekend. Its a hard choice but Erica really wants to go and after this week with work I think I need some time away and the folks place is just the ticket.
As a added side note, anyone that reads this think looking for a job? My company is looking for a installers. Do you have experience installing cctv ,alarm or access control system or are you good with tools and have some electronics background? We could be looking for you.
Ok back to everything else.... Had a great weekend really doing nothing. Went for dinner with the Sug's and got my sushi fix, caught up with all the tour stages

Ridge Racin

2008-07-17T07:51:00.002-05:00

Had fun at the ridge last night, finished two of the three laps of the course as the shoulder couldn't take any more pounding. Most of the course is in good shape but there is still standing water at the bottom of the start hill and sections of peanut butter mud in like four spots.
We ran the WEMS race course last night and I have to say it really felt like a long lap and I wasn't the only one who thought that. We ran a lot of the south west side of the single track backwards and for me it sucked, I can never get any flow in that section anyways but then do it backwards and it twice as bad.
We heard the Ty is thinking about running the downhill switchbacks in reverse, YES more climbing. It would be nice if the course is set by next Wed. night for the race as I would bet the turn out will be big with people who want to ride the lap early.
The bad part is rain is in the forecast for this weekend and next, lets keep our fingers crossed that that changes.
Got some great news from my Mom the other day about my Dad, the first eye surgery was success and the doctor moved up the other surgery to the first of the month, thats great as it was unforeseen how it was going to go. Now their telling him if the second one goes as good as the first he my not even need his glasses anymore, wow, who would of thunk it.
Got a update on my niece too, the surgery took about two hours longer then they said as there was a lot more damage then they figured, it all went well but she had trouble dealing the the meds. so she had to spend the night in the hospital. The next day they had her up and walking with crutches but she said the foot just didn't feel right but they just figured it was from the swelling so she got to home. The next day she ended back it the doctors office because she couldn't stand the pain, off comes the cast to find out it was to tight, so a new cast hand she feels a ton better.
So this weekend will be fun as Erica and I are off, a fun weekend with Tess will be had.
See Yaa..................

Its a TREK thing

2008-07-15T18:37:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about this post for awhile but wanted to do some research before I posted.
I have been hearing people bitch and moan about their products for years but what I found is really funny. Look at all bikes you have in your collection, I will bet at least one of those bikes have something from the Trek bike company.(about 80% of the time)
Its funny but look. Tires,saddle,bars,post,stem,fork,frame all the way down to bar end plugs.
I heard people say "I will never buy a Trek product" but then you look at there bike and low and behold Bontrager componets, "but thats Bontrager not Trek" ya OK...........
Its just a funny little thing to think about.

Great weekend

2008-07-15T10:59:00.002-05:00

Even know I wasn't able to get any riding in it was a good weekend. Spent a ton of time with Tess, its hard to believe shes almost two years old, wow has that time gone fast.
We were going to go down to see Candy and Lynn do their Tri but were not sure if we would make it back in time for Erica to get to work but it sounds like all the girls did well, Congrats.
Looks like the week is going to be another full one, jobs are backing up so it time to do some interviewing again. Its not that I hate doing them they just take time that I don't have right know but we need a couple more people to fill our gaps.
Last night was a great night..... NOT....I spent my night in the office till nine trying to play catch up with paperwork since I've been in the field a bunch. The fun part was Erica and Tess came with, it always funny to watch Tess run around the shop like she owns the place. Erica was in shock that she knew right where my office was and how she loves the stock room, it was funny.
Now to the bike stuff, I will try to race on Wed. at the ridge as my fat ass really needs it, I plan on bringing the road bike back to the office so I can stat to ride at lunch again but I haven't even got the tire and cassette back on from when Russ worked on it, so i will plan on doing that tonight after Tess falls asleep.
Looking ahead the weekend looks good, Erica and I are both off so maybe I can get some riding in. Sundays shop ride is a for sure and well have to see about Saturday as I know we really need to clean the garage and basement but who knows. Oh plus we have to get together with the Hoffmans as we haven't seen them in ever and a year.

well got to go
See Yaa.........

Crazy week

2008-07-11T11:43:00.002-05:00

The week went by quick with not working Monday so it was like putting 20lbs of sh*t in a five lbs bag but I got most of it done. This is the busy time of the year for our company so all my field guys are now going onto five day weeks. Normally they work four tens but as the work load gets bigger so the days get longer. What that mean for riding, well it means the bike gets put in the work truck with a change of riding stuff and I will get on it when I can.
I got a call from my Mom last week saying my Dad is going to have eye surgery because the found cateracks in both his eye, so Tuesday he went in and got the first on done and all is well, talked to Mom and him yesterday and I guess he can now see better out of the eye they just did so thats good.
Then I find out my niece goes in got surgery today to have her ankle fixed. Shes a baseball player and she slid into a base and screwed up her ankle up, the doctor they went to said its OK just some tendon damage just let it heal for six weeks well not so much. There going in to break her tib/fib add like three screws and re attach the tendons "IF" they can. So shes heart broken because shes out for the rest of the season but shes taking pretty good. So I hope all goes well with that.
Dropped the power tap off at Russ's last night to get it re laced THANKS RUSS. It keeps popping
spokes and its driving me crazy to have to keep re truing it.
Other then that I think Tess has hit the terrible twos early, the last week she has got into everything along with putting a scratch in the plasma t.v. and just about killing one of the cats, and were talking about another one?????? All in all shes pretty good and the words are coming fast and loud (what would you expect she is mine). The best one so far is the statement OHHH NOOO with such conviction, its had not to laugh its so funny.
So my weekend is set a Erica has to work all weekend so I will be playing Mister Mom, got to figure out some stuff to do so we not in the house all day, maybe the museum... the Zoo out since its going to be like 95 tomorrow. We will see.
Well go to get some stuff done.
See Yaa.............

Downgraded

2008-07-08T12:56:00.002-05:00

It sits like a pit in the stomach but it was all for the best.
The race went well, all but the start as I ended up in the back but with a little work I started to work my way up from there. The trail was in great shape and all was going well till we got to the pines, way to fast and not enough control, BAM I hit what I think was the only stump in the hole trail. Jacked the shit out of my shoulder but stayed upright. The rest of it was a race and I finished OK, still 2 min down from the leader but in much better shape then other races. The time and distance fits me much better right now and that's what I was hopping for. I figured I would take some shit for it and I was right but in the long run I know it was the right thing to do.
All in all it was a good weekend, I think the best part was the ride home, yes it took forever but Erica and I got time to talk about thing that we have just been taking for granted lately. With my work load we don't have much time together right know and then when I am home she's at work so it ended up to be a good drive in the end.
Yesterday got to do the recovery ride with Tool,Coop(the shit giver),Bubba and Megatron. It was a good 27 miles in around two hours. That's the kind of riding I need but just can't seen to fit in my time line right now, well we'll see what happens in the upcoming weeks.
See Ya.

a sour pill to swallow

2008-07-05T16:46:00.002-05:00

Well as I sit here after pre-ride I feel like I kind of took a shot to the ego today. After all that has happened in the last year I made a decision to take a step down in racing classes. After the crash in fall(shoulder still not right) and the lack of training in the off season my racing has turned into a shit pile. So after the week on vacation and really seeing what my fitness level is I made the decision to go to citizen and start over.
Its a hard step but it will be for the best, after finishing most of my races more then 30 min behind the leader its really is the right answer.
So Sunday will be the first race as a Cit. Clyd.
I think the biggest change will be the start time and trying to get ready. As much as it will be a change I know its for the best.
So we will see how tomorrow goes,lets hope I don't take to much shit for it.
See ya at the race.

Vacation

2008-07-03T18:26:00.003-05:00

Well we left Tuesday morning to head up to Eau Claire. we figured Erica's family lives up there so we'll make a week of it. The drive was great, a couple of stops to`shop at the outlet malls and the next thing I knew we where here. The weather up here has been great, mid 70's and a nice wind to make it feel great. Hit up the race trail yesterday and the trail is great. There are a couple of places of some wicked sand that will grab the front wheel but the rest of it is dry and fast.
I spent some time today changing the fork out on the bike back to my shock, after last week at the ridge the shoulder has had be still hurting so................... the shock goes back on.
I not quite sure I rode the total right trail as its not marked yet but I know I got to ride a lot of it.
I don't remember there being so many log crossing in the race last year but just another reason for the fork change.
Today we went to a really cool museum about logging in the local are and another museum about Indians from the area. It was fun Tess had a good time until nap time caught up with her.
Well thats about all for now, I just sitting here watching the Blue Collarcomedy tour and eating sour patch extreme candy, now I feel like Jay, you know you just can't have one.

This + This = Trainning

2008-06-10T08:26:00.002-05:00

Fowarding from Bubba

2008-05-21T20:54:00.000-05:00

MEMORIAL DAY RIDE........ ......... .........

How 'bout a Memorial Day MTB ride on the fine trails of Wauwatosa???

The ride shall depart from Casa de Bubba at 11:00am and hit the woods
for a few hour tour of all the places I've been hurting myself lately.
We can lap past my place a few times in case anyone needs to knock off
early. Fast folks, slow folks....We can break into 2 groups if
necessary or the fast guys can wait for me at intersections and other
strategic points.
After the ride, I will be firing up the grill for some backyard
grilling and bullshitting. So load up a cooler with your favorite dead
animal parts and a few drinks and we'll have at it.

Casa de Bubba is located at 3215 N Menomonee River Parkway
Wauwatosa Wi

Better Late then never

2008-05-08T15:32:00.003-05:00

WOW, What a weekend. After the hole thing with Tess we got on the road to Iola around 10am and had a great ride all the way up (thank God for DVD players in the car). Pulled into the parking lot and found out where we could camp, well for three hours until they made us move but it was for the better.
Got all set up and Tess started with a fever again so Erica took her into the trailer and turned on the heater and they watched DVD's till she fell asleep. I on the other hand got to hit up the pre-ride.
Felt good but not the best ever, so I just rolled though it and tried to read the course the best I could. I can tell the difference with the weight loss but the fitness is not up to par yet.
Had a great night sleep even know it was cold as hell out side. We turned the heater up and sleep like a baby until 6 am when the real baby decided it was time to wake us up. Got her out of the loft and she fell right back to sleep until around 7:30 when Erica said is it hot in here or is it just me?I peek my head out and low and behold the suns out, thank you.
So I start to get ready for my race and everything feels good, head out for a warm up and get to the start line, this is weird as I haven't been in this mix in over a year, see a lot of friendly faces and the nerves start. Hear the first GOOOOOOOOOO and now its real, line up and I look up, I'm in the last row but it was all good.
The plan was just to hang on and not DNF. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and were off, had a great start until the brain figured out what I was doing and then it said to the lungs "No Way" but I held on for awhile. End of first lap and I'm over heating, I knew I shouldn't have left the long sleeve base on. I stop a the team tent and strip it off and head back out though the bowl and up the gravel to the first big climb on the second lap "Shit" I feel like shit, the stomach wants food and the legs are empty but there is no way I'm quiting.
I sit in for the ride and by the end of the second lap the hunger went away but the power is fading fast and the last lap is spent talking to myself to go faster FAT ASS. The last pines area was like I was in slow MO even know I knew I was almost done.
Pop out of the pine to stand and put some power down and get a right leg calf cramp that felt like someone shot me but who care I finished.
All in all it was a OK race, not my best but not my worst either. Had a great time and Tess had a blast outside or at least we were lead to believe.
Monday morning comes and the calf is a knot and it painful to walk but it work though it. I took a vacation day to spend the time with the family. Erica says to me that it looks like Tess got jelly in her hair, I'm like OK we'll have to give her a bath later, so we go about doing other stuff during the day and around 3 pm Erica says "LooK at this". "Thats not jelly", "Nope thats a tick" SHIT.
Yep a f'n tick, I cover it with vasaline and let it sit to back out, give it some time and grab it with a tweezers and the things snaps in half,"SHIT".
Call the doctor and we off to children's hospital to have the head cut out, three hours later and its out and Tess took it real good, a couple pokes and a scaple cut and she was good to go.
So all in all is was a soso weekend but it is good to be racing again.

SEE YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA....................................................

IF'ie weekend

2008-05-02T08:20:00.002-05:00

Well were almost all packed as of last night and set for the weekend and then..............................
Tess hit a 104.3 temp and now all the plans are up in the air. I really want to race but shes way more important then the race. Plus there are eleven more.
So I will keep my fingers crossed the med work and we still may make it but as of right now its not looking good.

Getting better

2008-04-22T10:49:00.002-05:00

Things are better all around. The mountain bike is getting all dialed in. Took it out again on Saturday and things all worked great until I got a slow leak in the front tire, babied it home but still got a good 2 1/2 hours in.
Sunday hit up the shop ride and ended up with a good turn out with about 10 strong, did the 23.5 mile loop in 1:26, not bad for a recovery ride. We got about 3/4 of the way though the ride and then everyone started to get antsy, Karrie started of the stop ahead attacks and it was on from there. I would say we went about 6 miles with attack after attack until about 2 miles to go when we all settled back down for the spin back to the shop.
All in all it was a great weekend even know Erica had to work. Thanks to Nana and Papa(my Mom and Dad) for taking Tess for Sunday morning so I could get to the ride.
Did the lunch ride again yesterday and it was awesome outside, thinking about it again today if I can stay in between the rain drops that are coming down right now.
See Yaaaaaaaaaa..........................

GOAL................ Two of them

2008-04-18T08:25:00.003-05:00

Weight goal #1 reached. Bike all put together and got out on the dirt. So that makes another two a day as I also road the road at lunch.
The only problem right now is after the first dirt ride the shoulder is killing me. Lets hope this is only because of the first dirt ride.

See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...............................................

Part of my mind is made up

2008-04-13T18:45:00.005-05:00

So this is how the day started, staring at this thing trying to figure out what to do.
Between last night and this morning I made a small step as I figured out I won't be racing single speed in WORS or for the fat tire 40, so what will that mean?

It means the Ferrous gets it first set of gears in two years. X9 all the way around, I really wanted to go with the XO but I do have diapers to buy. So the only thing left is the front derailer,
I am going to have to order one as our shop has none and none of the local shops have one either.
I also upgraded the saddle,pedals and bar ends.
So as it sits right now it will be a 2x9 ridged ass kicker(my ass).
All thats left then is the cables and the front derailer.
See Yaaaa........................

One more piece of the puzzle

2008-04-12T22:18:00.002-05:00

One more piece of the puzzle was picked up today,I have been looking into these for awhile and last week I dropped the bills for them. I have been riding SIDI's for the last couple of years but have been waiting for a carbon sole, and look what came out this year.the great part is even the carbon is replaceable.
So all the pieces are together for the year, now I just have to figure out what class I'm going to race this year, singleseed, Clyd or age group? So what do you think? Any help would be great.
Now the weather, rain all day well at the bike shop wasn't that bad but I really need to get out and get a good ride in. The trainer is getting old.
Well its getting late and I need a good nights sleep for once. Soooooooooooo....................
SEE YAA................................................

211

2008-04-09T14:50:00.003-05:00

Thats right 1lbs from my first goal of 210, yep thats right 31lbs. The diet has been working and the food has been great, haven't cheated once and I think thats the goal. Last week was a full week of riding, yep seven days straight every day. Then we come to this week and I haven't got a ride in yet.
Work have been a load this week and next week will be the same but I hope to get out tomorrow and Friday.
Got the power tap back and holy shit, they replaced everything even the head units and wiring harness, what a great company. So I will hopefully have a update on that in the next few days.
Short post today but its better then Bubba just cutting and pasting some ones else's stuff on his blog.(After awhile I was starting to think that picture was Bubba)

SEE YAAAAAAAAAAAA.............................

Road Ride 4/6/08

2008-04-05T16:43:00.001-05:00

Sunday 10:00 am
Place Extreme ski and bike
Pace No DROP
Course mostly flat
Length 1 hour 30 min

Come one come all

The count down

2008-03-27T15:56:00.002-05:00

Ha all'
The week has been slow but the bike has been more fun every day, got out again everyday but today as I has a bunch of stuff to do for work. The new diet is going great, after putting a little back on from the old diet I'm back down to 214 lbs, this is looking good for starting the race season under 200lbs.
On the bike front, I switched out the stock bars on the road bike for some of the new ergo bars(the ones with the flat tops) and have fallen in love with them, the ride just seems better and the hands really feel better. I also sent the powertap in today, ya I know it only been like a month since I talked about it but at least it went out.
On the mountain bike front, the green machine will be seeing gears for the first time since its birth, I really want to she what it will feel like with gears, I still am up in the air if I will race single in Wors but I am for sure riding gears in the 40 this year.
So otherwise things have been well, the family is good and work well its work and I need to get back to it.
SEE YAAAAAAAAAAA.........................................

Check Cleared

2008-03-25T14:10:00.002-05:00

Well I guess this means I really need to start training, made up my mind that I'm going to run it with gears this year, that should help with getting dropped on the road.

SEE YAAAAAAAAAAA...........................................

2008-03-23T10:30:00.001-05:00

Lunch ride

2008-03-20T12:16:00.002-05:00

Good ride today, hit the loop counter clock wise today so that meant a cadence hill day in the saddle. left the shop and looked up to see the flag hanging straight down, well that means no wind, ya right I should know better then that.
The ride out was fine really no wind until I got to the south side of the airport and then the cross wind came, that made the legs burn but all in all it was a good ride. tomorrow their calling for snow, What the "#@*&" so I guess the cross bike is coming with me to work tomorrow.
Got kind of boarded last night so I figured I take a walk though the Steal and Hock it show, seen some old faces but really just went there to kill sometime with Tess and it worked well, soon as we walk in she was sound asleep in the Kelty carrier, made it though the hole show with out one peep.
Diet is going well and I'll have a update on the weight next week. I find it kind of funny how on this diet I'm never hungry but on the ones in the past I was starving. Makes you go HMMMMMMM.
See YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....................

Taken it off

2008-03-18T13:22:00.003-05:00

Yes it is true, the weight is coming off. The new diet is working well and with being on the bike the last 4 out of 5 days is not to bad either. Erica has joined me on the diet it is working for her also.
I found a good 45min lap out by work so I get to ride at lunch. Leave work, west on JJ to Silvernail
and around the airport, back to JJ and back to work. Still with enough time to get cleaned up and get something good to eat. The loop seems good for now as there are some good rollers and a good climb on JJ going west right after 164.
Yesterday I felt the wind, at one point(As the Tool would say) I could have pushed my bike faster then it felt I was riding, it was blowing from north to south and of course I was going west but at the cross over point it felt great to hit the big ring and cruse at 25 with hardly any effort.
Today is my day off but I think I'm still going to hit the ellip. for a good 20 to 30 min at a medium pace to keep the legs feeling good.
Its nice to be able to ride during the day when I have Tess at night, it the best of both worlds. I really want the nicer weather to get here so we(Tess and I) can get out together, she loves the trailer.
See YaAAAAAAA.................................

Better days

2008-03-12T13:51:00.002-05:00

Yes thats right I am having better days, back on the diet full speed after the stomach thing, I'm looking at a nine week diet plan from CTS and it looks like I can handle this, the old plan was in my reach but just seeming to slip away, 2lbs last week put the nail in the lid on it. So I started the new one last night, a lot of salad and fish along with fruit and vegies. So I will keep you up to date.
Tess I sick again, but I guess its going around, nothing to bad this time I think its just a cold.
Just forwarded off an e-mail to Saris to get my power tap in for service, hope to have that ready for spring riding.
The rest of the day will be full to the brim since I was out yesterday, so I'm off to a meeting right now and then my be I can go home.

Crap,Crap and more Crap

2008-03-10T12:24:00.002-05:00

Thats what this hole weekend was. My plan was to ride this weekend but that was not to happen, I am in the same boat as the TOOL, but my stomach problems have been with me for over a week, they seem to get better but this weekend came back full speed. So I spent Sat. out with the wife and the baby till the wife had to work and then it was just me and Tess, it was fun we played, napped and played some more before we had to pick up mom from work.
We did pick up a new chest freezer for the basement, with all the new foods(trying to eat healthy) we are running out of room in the kitchen fast, plus Pick and Save had great deals on chicken this weekend so we stocked up.
Yesterday was just a Fu@k story, I got woken up at 3am, well I thought it was 3 it was really 4am all because of this stupid time change. The access control systems we put in get all their times from the networks their on, but we have like 100 customers that has stand alone systems that aren't on networks. So with all this stupid time change shit the government has pulled the calenders are off and the daylight savings change never took place. Great, so I get to field calls at 3am sorry 4am to try to tell people we will get right on it.
Now I'm up and I can't get back to sleep, I read a little mountain bike action and I hear "WAAAAAAAAA" SHIT! Yep Tess woke up 4:30am so I pick her up and walk around the house for awhile and shes back of to lala land, to bed I go. 5:30am "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" yep shes back up, now Erica gets up and brings her to our bed, O GREAT, for some reason my daughter thinks my pillow is hers and all hers but Erica holds her till shes asleep , ya for me.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" now its 6:30am I take her from Erica so she can get some sleep, out goes the lights and were back in lala land till like 7:15 and now she wants up and its play time,great.............. Erica gets up and takes her into the front room for breakfast and to watch her favorite show PEEP (it real cute) and off to sleep I go, I wake up and its like 9am(Really 10am), Tess is back in bed and trying to wake me up. OK OK I'm up, lets go do something. Remember what I said about time change, Well our car clock is the same way, so for like the first three hours I was a hour off.
So Today is the same way, the clock right outside of my office was a hour off for half the day until someone just changed it, Shit I'm back off a hour again. I try to plan my day out so I don't get screwed at the end of the day, Well????????????????
I thing I'm just going home early.
See Yaaaaaaaaa..........................................

Slow numbers

2008-03-04T10:01:00.002-06:00

The numbers have been going down slower then the past numbers have. I was down to 210 and as I stepped onto the scale this morning it was back up to 212. FU*K. Well slow is better then none.
Did some riding this weekend and it felt great to finally get out and stretch the legs.
Felt great at the start and the middle with now problems with the shoulder or the hip from the crash last fall, that was until the last eight miles. I guess I was compensating for the shoulder and hip and never knew it. All in all it never really started to bother me till Monday.
The hills on the other hand came up and smacked me right in the face, hospital hill sucks!!!!!!!
The worst part of the hole day was when I got home, Erica went to see her Grandpa with Tess and I was so hungry I sat down and ate a hole box of mac and cheese by myself, 400 calories and after I felt like shit ( could have kicked myself in the head, but at the time it tasted sooooooooo good).
Monday was a little better,up at the crack of dawn to be in green bay by 8am, well thats what I figured. A drive that I can do in 1.45 min turned into a 3hour slow as it goes hell fest, cars in the ditch and cars on there lids. Got back around 12 and worked for about 2 hours until we had to take Tess for a check up. Things all look good, 23.5 lbs and 32.5 inches long, that now puts her in the 50% range for weight and the 75th% for height, lets hope this means shes going to be tall and lean.
She did have to get three shots but she took them really good, they did put her down for the count for the rest of the night, so I figured I would take advantage of that and hit the basement for a run on the elliptical for 30 min and then a little weights.
Today is a day behind the desk to get things back in order and get parts ordered. I will hope to get back on the elliptical for another 30 tonight. Its also back to the 6 meals a day and water, water,water. Thats one thing I don't really mind about the diet, I am really starting to like water.
I was never a big water drinker unless I was on the bike before.
Thanks to everyone who came out on the ride with the Sugs and I, it was a lot of fun, and thanks for pulling me around for 29 miles.
SEE YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...................................................

Numbers for the day

2008-02-12T07:35:00.000-06:00

218.0 lbs.
Ok so after doing some stats, my starting weight that I posted a while ago was wrong.
I started at 242.0 lbs (fat ASS) and after about eight weeks I'm now at 218.0lbs, so not to bad.
Thats 24 lbs, and at first I said that was almost my goal, well not anymore, I want another 25lbs by the start of the WORS season.
The diet is going well even know the cold that I have, bike riding has been at zero for the last couple of weeks as this crap has kicked my ass. Things are looking up, the only thing left is the cough but I hear it can last awhile.
My goal is set to be on the bike at least three times a week by next week and that will help with the weight loss.
The main goal of stopping the soda is still holding for the most part, I still have a can once and a great while but no more of the 10 to 12 a day. I can't believe how that can make such a big difference in how one feels, I aways figured the caffeine was keeping me going but I have more energy now after stopping then before. I would have never figured water would be my best friend.
Well got to go more later.
See Yaaa................................

The Black Death

2008-02-07T13:08:00.000-06:00

Well day four and this sucks, went to the doc yesterday and great news, walking pneumonia.
I'm now on three different meds ans finally starting to feel better.
Thats all for now.
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa.....................

update part #2

2008-01-26T15:01:00.000-06:00

Ok so update.
The back well, better some what. For the first time in over a year I can bend and touch my feet. The pain has stopped me from that but now it seems better.
So the new Doc seems to be much better, he has a much better sports base and has some great news, He sees no disc problems as the other doc did. He see more of a alignment problem at the pelvic area with the spine, everything is tipped to the right. The X-Rays were kind of cool and I got a totally different kind of adjustment and the back feels better.
As for the weight well some has come off , so far a total of 24 lbs, so what s that mean, well first I weighed more then I thought and two I have more to lose. The good ....... I lost 24 lbs in 5 1/2 weeks from mostly diet and some working out.
See Yaaaaaaaa.......................

And were"BACK" to this again

2008-01-25T09:35:00.000-06:00

Same shit different day, so the diet is going great(well good) and now this shit. the back has been hurting for a couple of weeks but nothing I can't stand( with some pain pills) but this morning it went over the top.
So I look up my Doc in our new insurance to find out he not in our plan, SHIT, so now I have to go see a new guy at 11am to see what he can do. This guy is more of a sports guy so I hope this will help.
I hate this crap, I finally am starting to feel good after the shoulder injury and now my back goes out, WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!
Well thats my rant.
See YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

This ones for Jim

2008-01-24T08:24:00.001-06:00

1/17/08 ride and the diet.

2008-01-18T08:21:00.000-06:00

30 min on the trainer and 10 min on the elliptical and that's all I could stand. Tried to get the Power tap to work but no luck. Would like to met the guy I got it from at the swap in a dark alley with a bat. So now I have to send the hub in for service and 200.00 bucks. Well that's what I get for $50.00.
The diet is going great, sticking to it gets easier and easier every day, the Coke is all gone and the energy is coming back up.
The shoulder is better and tightness is all gone, still a little pain when I push to hard but it getting better.
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaa...................................................................

2008-01-17T15:33:00.001-06:00

FOR SALE

2008-01-14T08:39:00.001-06:00

As I got some new ones I no longer need these, $100.00 and there yours.
Great shape, I think they will need some new pads but they still have some good life in them.
The bushings in the levers have be upgraded by Hayes and they come with the frame brackets and rotors..

DIET?????????????????

2008-01-08T13:32:00.000-06:00

Yes it is true, As of last Friday I have started my diet for the 2008 race season. After taking
most of the 2007 season off I really want to go into the season feeling my best and lighter.
So I started the six meal a day plan, six smaller meals a day and no food after 9pm. So far its OK and I don't seen to be having a problem with food but kicking Coke (Soda) is the pits. After four days the slump of no caffeine is a lot better and my energy is coming back up.
Tonight starts the work out on the exercise stuff in the basement and some weights. I gave myself five days from the start of the diet to be off the bike cause I figured my energy would be in the shitter and plus Erica's off tomorrow so she can watch Tess when I'm in the basement.
The goal is 25lbs by the first race of WORS, that would put me around 190lbs and that should help with the hills. So we'll see.
Hope to see a lot of you at the swap on Saturday.
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa

What a year already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-04T14:30:00.000-06:00

Well what can I say, ya its be awhile but thing have been a train wreck as of late.
Christmas went well with making the rounds to three different houses and trying to keep Tess happy and content all the while. So we then plan for a New Years party with the Timm's on Monday night. Friday Tess starts pulling on her ears, yep ear infection, we head to the walk in clinic and as we though she has one, not bad but anyway . By Sunday Tess gets more sick, not bad but bad enough, all Monday Erica's calling me and I'm calling her"how is she, is her temp up?". Things seem good, a little temp but nothing to worry about. I get home and off we go to the Timm's , we walk in and John calls Tess over for her birthday present.......................... a pink TREK trikster , how cool is that. As soon as we found out we were having a girl I told Erica I was getting one of those and now thanks to the Timm's we have one and she loves it.She still need to grow some to fit it but she loves it never the less.
We all sit around and are shootin the shit and Erica says "she seem hot" O great, check the temp and its 101.1 not bad, get the motrin and give her some. 10 min later check her temp again and it 102.2, yep time to go, one more time on the way to the car and its 103.5 and to the hospital we go.
Hit the front doors of Elm Brook and Erica says I think somethings wrong and she was right, what was wrong was everything Tess had to eat for the past two hours including the meds we gave her were now all over Erica and her coat( that was sick even for me I can't believe Erica didn't heave). Into the hospital and two hours later were on our way home with a new scrip for a different med. Well at least we were home for midnight.
The next morning Tess is up at the crack of dawn and she seems better and her temp is down, ThankGOD , the phone rings and the folks call to see if we want to go for breakfast and were all in for that. So before we leave we try to give Tess her meds and she wants no part of it, she spits it right out of her mouth, great $110.00 for this stuff and she can't even get it down. we figure we'll mix it with some oatmeal and she'll never know, well she knew and wanted no part of it.
So we sit at breakfast and you can just she her color changing and you can feel the heat coming off of her. Check her temp.... 104.8 and we are off the the hospital again, this time we were only 1.8 miles away, get her in and her temp is now 105.0 and they get some different meds in her and we are now on antibiotic number three and $250.00 later in meds she is finally on the mend.
So what did we learn from this, if she looks sick she is, if she is sick stay home or even if she looks sick and thanks God for HSA's and good medical insurance.
Four days later and she finally slept though the night last night ans Erica and I finally got some sleep too. I do have to say I got more sleep then she did as she spent most of the nights up with Tess cause she was off all week. Thanks Erica.

Now or never

2007-12-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

Yes I am going to try to return to the bike, well the trainer at least, I hope to get the basement cleaned up this weekend and get things started. The shoulder feels better day by day and all the pain when I sleep on it is gone. Its still a little tender if I push it to much (like shoveling) but I can't wait any longer to get on the bike.
I also want to get out on the CC skis but am trying to figure out if I can do it with the Kelty kid carrier on my back to take Tess with. I know she would love it I just know if I would.
Other wise the week is OK, Erica got the tree done and it looks great and Tess seems to be OK with it, she likes the stuff on it more then the tree itself.
We went to see SANTA last night at St. Joe's hospital for the NICU babies, it was a fun time and the best was Tess never cried when see was with Santa. I'll try to post the pictures tonight when I get home from Erica's parents house(we got invited for dinner).
SEE YAAAAAAA.................................................

Just a little laugh

2007-12-10T15:04:00.001-06:00

It been awhile

2007-12-06T08:04:00.000-06:00

Well its been awhile I know but I really haven't had much to say(ya I know Randy with not much to say) The shoulder is doing better, still hurts if I push it to hard like shoveling snow. I should be able to get on the bike after Christmas and that will be the real test.
The last two weeks have been pushing me right to the edge. At work we found out we have to upgrade 18 sites by the 21st, thats like almost imposable but it has to get done or lose the hole account.
So next week it will be work from 11pm to 11am and then to the office for more work then home for sleep.Not the best thing right before Christmas but oh well.
Last weekend was spent in Madison doing a ski swap with the Timms.Everything was great on friday night, got all our stuff unloaded and off to dinner with Osiff from Trek and his wife. After the 7:30am wake up my head told me I drank a little to much. Swap went well and then the snow started. It came down fast but it seems the local government didn't see it from their windows from the capital because they never did any clean up till like 3am. driving was a bitch and parking was even worse, people just parked any way they like.Well it is Madison.
So Sunday was slow because of the snow and we never got checked out till 11:30pm(it took for ever).
This week at work pretty much the same as last getting ready for the week of death and shoveling more snow. Tess 's birthday party is this weekend , I can't believe she is a year old. Where did that year go? It all started with the scare of our life when they had to deliver her 8 weeks early at only 3lbs 14oz and now shes a year old, WOW what a year..
Ok now I feel like MTBgirl and her rant.
Enough for now maybe I'll type more later.
SEE YAAA.....................................

Dannys view

2007-11-06T09:11:00.000-06:00

This sucks

2007-10-31T23:16:00.001-05:00

Well after a good day at work I clear it with the misses and off to the all hallows eve ride I go.
Hit the park by 5:30, have a little to eat and after shooting the shit with some peeps we decide to roll a easy lap. Thing are all good and we hit the lot to pick up more people. We decide to break into two groups and I figure I'll hang with the fast guys as long as I can then tag on to the second group.
I head to the car to drop off my jacket and I look over my shoulder, SHIT, the first group is leaving, I bolt from the car and grab on to tail end.I feel good, Coop,Danny and some other guys are with us and were hanging on. We roll the hole first section and I feel great(thats not normally how it goes) so we hit the BMX track and I take a flyer to the front, Coop cracks a good one about " His one good pull, don't worry he'll pop in a minute", but I didn't I felt good, good enough to keep pushing. We come out of the north side of the trail, I hear OHHHHH, Danny hit a tree(watch it here http://velodan.blogspot.com/) so we wait and then were off. New guy leading and I'm pulling second, I figure "I know this trail as soon as we hit the open" FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK and over the bars I go.
It all goes slow motion, tuck the head,pull in the arms and slam I hit the ground. As I hit I hear a SNAP from my left shoulder, Try to get up and the pain shoots though my arm.
I finally get up, I can move my shoulder but there's a sharp burning pain, great I broke my collar bone. Everybody asked if I was all right and I say "ya I'm OK" really thinking "I'm Fucked" but not wanting to sound like a baby I try to blow it off.
Coop says " wow that was one of the best over the bars I've ever seen" I come back and ask what I hit, well it comes to be a tree stump FUCKIN STUMP.
I head to the parking lot and get Rick,Marty and Eric"the bald" to give me a hand getting in the car off I go. Head home to get cleaned up before the hospital and I'm in the ER in under 30min from the crash.

Drove to ElmBrook cause I know St. Joes would take forever. In the door and within 20min I'm getting X-rays. Now that took forever, they took like 15 of them and then back to the room to wait for the Doc. He runs me though all the BS and the pulls out the pictures. The top picture is my right shoulder and that is what it should look like but the second one is another story, look at where my collar bone hits the joint, ya not good ,thats called a AC separation and let me tell ya it hurts like hell, so I ask what do we do now and the answer is........... not much, I have to ware a immobilizer for like 7 to 10 days and then have it looked at again.
So I get home, making call all the way(thanks for the calls guys) and I figure, well get your bike shit out of the car and get it into the house and I pick up my helmet and the dam thing is cracked,SHIT i really like that helmet and they don't make it in that color anymore.
Just a great end to a even better day

Need I say more

2007-10-30T10:39:00.001-05:00

Is this still good for today

2007-09-26T12:09:00.000-05:00

Missed this year(Thanks Candy)just kidding

2007-09-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

But these are some cool pics.

9.11.01

2007-09-11T14:17:00.001-05:00

Remember

New Bike

2007-09-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

Labor day up north

2007-09-05T07:49:00.000-05:00

Spent the long weekend up at the folks place in the north woods. It was nice and it was also the first time up there with Tess. The weather could not have been better and I even got to do some riding. I hit up this place called"Ravens Woods" right out of Woodruff, it was pretty good but they need some better trail signs as the red loop ends with a sign saying you can not ride past this point due to the DNR rules. Well thats all well and good but then redo the red loop signs.
There were some good single track for where we were but the downhills with the wood water breaks was a feat of descending skills and the new reroute was like a trials ride, very tight and twisty and mostly up hill. The five mile red loop turned into a 14 miles of twisting and turning with some thoughts of " I'm never getting out of here" but after awhile and a lot of back tracking I made it out.
The new bike rode great and the new Hayes brakes kick ass. I will post a picture of the bike soon but the color has to be seen up close to see it change from green to yellow to gold.
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

New Frame on the way

2007-08-20T15:24:00.000-05:00

Well after a small wait I am going to get the Ferrous 29 frame(See Below)
But not in that blue, not a real big fan of the light blue so I had a hard think and came up with this color. Just the back color,its different so it should look good
See yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...................

Trek World Part 2

2007-08-18T22:13:00.001-05:00

Three Days of Trek World and alot of new bikes.
I set the camera for high res. so if you click on the picture you should get a good view.

Session 7

Just a little from Trek world

2007-08-16T00:19:00.001-05:00

24-9 and the shit goes SNAP!

2007-07-31T07:34:00.001-05:00

Went up to Wausau on Friday morning with Greg Parker and got a good spot for the team and got everything set up. went out and did a lap around 4pm and blew up, never even got to the second side of the trail, it was a problem I have never really had before and let me say I DON"T like it. Got back to camp and tried to eat and get my body ready for Saturday.
The rest of the team came up Saturday morning and we sent John off first and he had a great start.

Everything went well, Jim got a flat (no way) then it was my turn, and to my surprise it was OK,
I did some changes to the bike sat. like put the REBA back on and changed the gear and it seemed OK.
I like to do the night laps so I got skipped on the next go round so I would run the lap in the dark. So I set up the new lights and waited for it to get dark.I love riding the night lap, the hole course seems to be different and it seems to flow much better.
So Mike G. comes in and off I go, click on the new HID's and its like day light, WOW those things are bright. Roll though the hole first section and things are going great and this lap is way better then my first. I hit red bud road and I get passed by Nate and I grab a wheel, pedal as hard as I can and now it really feels like I'm HAULIN. Legs are burning and I can't hold on any longer Nate pulls away right before the rocks and I get stuck behind to guys walking with no lights.
Hit the cross over at red bud and I'm in the home stretch and feeling good. I see the lights and give it all I have left, 5min off my first lap , well that's good .
Get back to camp get cleaned up and eat only to find out we ended up 4th .........
Oh well it was fun, the bike was making some funny noises in the last 5 miles but I really never thought of it as my mind was on getting everything backed up so I could roll out early to get home.
So yesterday I pull the bike out of the van to give her a bath and something looks weird, the seat post looks bent, that can't be it's carbon. No it's not the seat post it's the frame, no not bent cracked. Shit, I can't even get the post out, well now I know what the noise was.
So today I will drop the frame off at the shop and see what they can do, I wasn't going to race the ridge this weekend anyway but I was going to head out there on Saturday and do a lap or two.
O well
See Yaa..........................

Wow it been a long time

2007-07-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

Yes I know its been awhile but what ever.
Had a great weekend for a change, Sat. started buy getting up and playing with Tess and getting stuff ready to head out to the ridge to help out with the WEMs race, had a tag-a-long as I asked Greg to come with and of course he said yes.
we got to the ridge, set up some stuff and went for a lap to check the course to see if all the tape was still up. You would think as much as I have ridden out there I could have a better ride but with some of the trails being run in reverse it was like it was all new. Came back, ate some food relaxed and had some fun. Waited for the 30 mile to start and went for lap two, a much better lap and things were flowing better. Hit craters and we let three riders go by but passed them on the hill. That hill seems a lot more easy on the single then with the gears. We got to the top and pulled over to see how the three we passed were doing and then hooked on and finished the lap.
It was a good time to just go ride and have fun after not really race.
Things at home have been great, Tess is getting so big and things like crawling are going to be ant day now, she has already said Dada and Mama plus Baba so things are going well.
Well goto go
SEE YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Solstice Ride

2007-06-23T23:10:00.000-05:00

****sorry about the picture, camera phone at night****

Good ride small group, The Tool, Bubba, Jamie and my slow ass. At the end it was like 40 miles and I know I'll feel it tomorrow.It was a good time I'm glad I went.
I felt great in the flats but the hills were for shit, I never ran out of energy but the power just was no were to be found.The ice cream break was a nice touch, Thanks Russel and that made the ride home that much better.
Well I hope that was the good old ass kicking I needed to get back on the bike, we'll see.
O by the way I did ride the new road bike and it was bar none the best riding bike I've ever had.

See Yaaaaaaaaa

Bubba wanted to see my new road bike

2007-06-14T13:37:00.001-05:00

The short wheel base is great and the new superman position works well but the best part has to be the comfort in the seat.

2007-06-08T16:40:00.001-05:00

The trail in question

2007-05-31T09:26:00.001-05:00

Rode this last night like six times, I think it rides better now then before.
The total amount of trail with chips is like 50 ft so it not like the hole thing.
Hoyt to hwy 100 is in prime shape, grass is a little long but all in all its in fine shape.
A lot of riders on the trail,I think last night I passed like 12 riders.
Trek 100 this weekend, I get to turn a wrench at one of the pit stops and in hopes to see the big man on his way though (Lance that is).
See YAAAAAAAAAAAA

Part two

2007-05-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

E-mail #3

If you think you're somehow better than me as a person, or more important within the sport or MTB community, you're dead wrong. You're just more experienced, but no more dedicated. You could drop me in seconds out on any trail I'm sure, but it's not real wise to hold it against me that I'm new
There's no place in any avocational club for that.

-
Reply

Well then you should have started out your e-mail post wording that, instead you start out trying to call out someone and end up going after the club that is trying to get more trails and do better things for the trails we already have. You may not have thought you wrote it like that but I will bet thats how a lot of people took it.
You say your not trying to burn me and then you pull that line about my e-mail address, think about it, its a play on words, I'm a mountain biker and I'm sorry you can't figure out the play on words but if you would just lighten up a little you might.
You must think you know who I am because I AM the one who brought up the idea of wood chips ( the guy sitting behind you at the meeting with the little girl) I hate to tell you but no place anywhere in METRO dose it say we have to vote before anything gets done, if trails work needs to be done it gets done point blank.Wood chips were the best thing for the trail, they break down overtime unlike gravel and it helps with getting the water away from the trail.
You may love to mountain bike and thats great, its always great to get more people in to the sport and I applaud you for that but thats it for some thats all it is, a sport. For others like me it is a life style, I've been where you are now, digging around to find the best price or cutting corners to buy cheaper things and if thats what you want to do thats great, because for some people it comes down to money and don't get me wrong I have been there but you have to understand where we come from also.
For most of the guys you see at the meeting we race every weekend, our helmets cost what some peoples bikes do, we ride in planed rides, not a e-mail 20min before you hit the door. We keep up the trails so we have a place to ride, it just so happens it works in the other peoples favor.
Ask Marty sometime how these trails got there? They were always there, I have ridden those trails since I was like eight years old so I guess I'm kind of spoiled with the trails but you need to understand we try to do what is best for the trail.

E-mail #4 (and I hope the last)

"it just so happens that it works out in other people's favor"--Huh??? these trails, even Alpha and to some extent Crystal, are completely on public land and open to the public. No one's ever said any trail pass is necessary to ride in MKE County. And, to ride at Kettle Moraine and other State Forest trails you get the trail pass from the DNR, not you."

Reply

Just because they are on public land dose not mean you can just go ride and cut trails where ever you want, the ridge and the tosa trails are the ONLY LEGAL mountain bike trails in Milwaukee, ask Marty, yes you can go ride many other trails but it has taken along time to get these trails to be legal to all riders.
Nate you read way to much into what I write, I try to be honest with you on how I feel and once again you fire back with shit, relax and don't read so much into what people write. I try to let you know the other side of things and you still sit with a fixed view on things. Try to look from the outside in, not everything that people write is meant to be pointed at one person but a view from the edge.
Dude take a chill and have some fun with life, its not who you know or what you do, but what you do with your own life.
Life is short and I have been to the edge and back, yes I take it to heart when some one tries to call me out on the web (and no matter what you say you did try to call me out), I look at it as I would never fire off a e-mail about you and send it to the hole METRO group, I sent it to you straight up with no bull shit. You may feel you did what you needed to do and say but you should be the one to go back and read what you typed, in the end I wrote you to set things straight and to tell you how i felt.
In the end none of this means anything but a bunch of words and peoples thoughts on things, I tried to show you how other people see things so you can take it or leave it.
Spinninmud

I'm Back

2007-05-30T07:03:00.000-05:00

Well I know its been awhile but I've been busy. Things have been going well lately except for the riding thing, the last time I was on the bike I was at the ridge last Wed. and once again I go down.The difference this time was it hurt, hit the dirt on the 90deg coming into Kevin's heaven and went down once again like a bag of shit, wow thats something new.
So the weekend was good, got to spend a lot of time with Tess and Erica, Sat took Tess to get her ears pierced and it went better then i figured it would, a little fuss and muss but in the end it was all good.
Sat. night we had some peeps over (the sug and his lady friend) had some drinks and food then oldnslow showed for awhile then his lady and one of their offspring, so all and all it worked out to be a good night.
Sunday we decided to drive to Cabela's in richfield, that place is huge, did some lookin around, the waterfall and the stuffed elk and deer are cool. Found some new paw covers for Max for like 10 bucks, good price and there good and heavy duty.
So enough about me and lets get to some good stuff, I open my e-mail yesterday and I get a post from Metro, some guy slamin me for my idea of putting wood chips over the glass in hoyt part, he calls me out like I was the one to fill up the back of my van and lay them out, so I figure I would drop him a line to let him know it was not me and I figure you guys would get a good laugh at it.
E-mail #1

Club Message from:Metro Mountain Bikers

If it's who I think it is, we did NOT agree to that during the last
meeting, and for good reason.
I've ridden that section at least 30 times without a puncture, and
despite being a new rider, have actually railed it the last 6 or 7 times.
That was fun, and boosted my confidence a lot that I could do all the
necessary weight shifting and whatnot quick enough for the turns.

Now I can't do that. Ya wanna know why? BECAUSE I CAN NO LONGER SEE MY
LINE THROUGH THE MULTIPLE ROOTS, ROCKS, AND STUMPS THAT MADE THAT THE
CHALLENGING BUT RIDEABLE SPOT THAT IT WAS.

The glass is just a "cosmetic defect," dude. It's all flattened down
flush with the level of the soil, if you actually looked at it before you
dumped that stuff. Now it's slippery, and people will crash there as the
woodchips slide out of the way and they hit one of the aforementioned
obstacles that they can no longer see.

If this was who I think it is, not only have I never seen you ride the
trail, --and I'm out there alot--I don't remember you being at any of the
work days.
Maybe you were at some that I missed, but that was very few.

Well, I guess it helps that you put them on the sand sort of, but leave
well enough alone when the trail just looks, but isn't really, bad in a
given spot.

My Reply:
Lets see..... If it was put down it was Ok'ed though Metro and I don't know about you but I think its sweet, yes it will need to get some good rides on it but it was done to better the trail.
I have been riding those trails for over fifteen years and the glass has always sucked but since Metro turned them around we now have to think more about others and not so much about our selfs. The chips will also help walkers with kids and pets not to get hurt. Don't take this the wrong way but this is about everyone not just you, as soon as it sees more riders it will get better.
Spinninmud
P.S. My trail day is everyday(but not as much as of late) I am on that trail, I pick up garbage, help move fallen trees and help out anyway I can. Some of us have to work on weekends but we do what we can during the week.

****If your going to try to burn someone with a post you should really know what and who your talking about.

E-mail#2(And the last line about my e-mail address is the best)

Hey. One of the Trocadero guys wrote me about this--and in polite fashion, by the way. Let me copy and paste what I wrote to him on why I think the woodchips are a detriment, not an asset, to the trail:

Well, perhaps from a hardnose rider's perspective, that would seem like a better setup, but one thing I didn't mention in my little "rant & rave," that I fully stand behind, is that if you've ever walked or worked on the trail there, you'd notice why the glass isn't really a problem.

Unlike most of the trail that's the nice low-erosion fast-drying hard clay, that section is all loose fill. Marty Weigel explained to me that parts of that Hoyt forested area were an actual landfill years ago and that's why you can dig up some crazy stuff out there. The dirt is almost like fluffy topsoil and the glass simply gets compressed in every time you ride there, and even in a fall, you wouldn't notice it.

The wood chips are actually gonna be giving people more trail rash, and possibly splinters too.

Ride it a few more times and I think you'll see why it was better just left alone.

--Nate

Oh--and lastly, if you crash there, you're probably gonna hit a tree before you hit the ground--the trees make it the narrow corksrew-type deal that it is, and they're all big....that's another reason why I want the chance to see what my front tire is up against. See your line, ride your line, and you won't crash. Plain and simp.:)

That's what I wrote to Casey Masterson, who had a Trocadero e-mail address. He signed his e-mail with his name.

It wasn't approved at the Metro May meeting--I specifically remember that. Normally when changes are made outside the meeting, someone uses a ClubMTB group message to inform people, and I didn't get any message.

I also have yet to get the May minutes, but Harold is very thorough and accurate and I'm sure will document the discussion and decision made.

A couple final thoughts: after reading what I wrote to Casey, do you really think this is somehow "all about me?" I don't know where you get that idea. That's great that you have 15 years in on this trail, but when I started into MTBing a year ago, having had to abandon other sports due to hip trouble, after 12 years off a bike, I dove in headfirst, gave it my all, and continue to, doing many trail days, setting up a project you hopefully will soon read/see more about to get action photos for our website and the kiosks, talking to the kids at the BMX "park" to make them feel less threatened and hopefully thus reduce the vandalism, informing other users of the reason for opposing direction for bikers and walkers, etc... Basically, following Marty & Harold's lead, as they're the guys who've been most welcoming to me and shown why they're very respected and positive in their involvement with the scene.

I always love it when someone says, "don't take this the wrong way" and then uses it to take a free shot at somebody. As I mentioned, Casey was all-class in his reply in favor of the wood chips and I truly believe I was in my reply to him.

Lastly, a little thing to think about: Unless you're into mud bog buggy & truck racing, your e-mail address could tend to lead some to believe you think it's OK to ride and rut-up rain soaked trails even though you probably don't, so you might wanna change that to give yourself more credibility as a by-the-book responsible singletrack user....just a thought

I will post more of the mail response later
See Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

A ride in the woods with fools

2007-05-11T07:17:00.000-05:00

Finally had a good trail ride, hit up Hoyt and the connector and back for some good old trail riding and saw some really funny stuff.
First I saw mister Tony G. and we shot the shit for awhile then I was back on my way, came though the opening at center and saw Tommy S. and Coops main lady on the road, now after that it gets weird funny.
I get to the sh*t stink river and I stop to answer the phone(The wife) and I watch a lady pick-up her 75lbs dog and carry it over the water(if that really is water). Then I see a another girl walk right though the deepest past, sh*t mud right up to her shins, I just had to look and laugh.
I get to the golf course just in time to watch some guy rail his head on the bridge and girl friend laughing so hard see fell in the water, And its not over yet.
Get though the golf course and make it to Hoyt, roll into the BMX track and there are two thirty year old guys smoking dope while sitting on their bikes, I roll though and again just have to laugh. Get to the hill of glass then the river and I almost get T-bones by someone coming down from the tracks. So I ride the river side, in very good shape I must say and head back to the BMX track when I hear a loud crash, when I come up on the track the two dope smokers are both laying in the middle of the track bikes twisted together and moaning in pain, seems they both wanted to hit the middle jump but didn't let each other know about it. One came from the top of the hill and the other from the bottom, by the time they saw each other it was to late.Man I wish I could have seen it. For what I did see it looked like the hit each other mid air, Fu*k that had to hurt, asked if they were ok even know I really didn't care and they both were, Dam.
The rest of the ride was good, saw Mr. TonyG again on the way back , hit the folks house on the way home and then had me a god home cooked meal.
SEE YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Crash

2007-05-10T07:31:00.000-05:00

Well I hit the time trials and when I say hit I mean hit. Felt good all day, well except for the headache but I popped some FRS chews and it was all good. Got to the ridge around 5:30 whit the wife and the little one and was still feeling good. Did a little ride with Greg D. and I was good to go.
Small group for the field as it was the first race.Gooooooooooo comes out of Al's mouth and we were off but no one went anywhere, so what the hell I'm going, Off I go (My first mistake).
Off the road and onto the grass and I'm in the lead and still push'n hard, a gut from Crank Daddy's comes on the inside and I figure I'll let him pull, ya , I take my eyes off the trail for a split second and I miss the new turn but its OK I'll just go wide. Tire grabs the grove of the old trail, I try to pull and turn and the next thing I know my bars are pointing to the left but my wheel is still going straight.
That's all I see is ground "Shit" this is going to hurt, the bars hit the ground along with me and that's all I can think is cover you head cause I can hear the bike bouncing, well I thought I did.
Hit the grass like a sack of shit, the bike is like 6 feet behind me and I jump to my feet "I'm OK".
Well I thought I was, twist the bars back and try to get my pace going, ya like that's going to work. Called it after a lap and a half, knee was all puffed up and the neck was a little stiff but I figured it was OK, wrong.
Get up this morning and I can't look to the left, everything is sore down to my shoulder. The thing i figured would hurt the must, my knee feels OK. So I figure I try to get to snap and pop Doc. today to see if he can help a little cause I want to ride tonight.

See YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

GOOD DAYS

2007-04-23T09:19:00.000-05:00

Have been having some good day as of late, two days over the week were spent on the single speed in the local woods. The rides were good, finally got to ride the new cranks and the new front chain ring(34), everything seems good now I just need to get my Bubba Beaters to the Tool to get then good and true.
Sat had to work at the bike shop and we were busy as hell, I think the first warm day brings out every piece of crap bike known to man and every freak in the area. Sun. got up early and did the team ride out of the shop and got to ride the new road bike, WOW is carbon nice and smooth on the road. Felt good till the last 5 miles and then when the tank ran out and the power was gone. Ran it in on fumes but it was still good to get out.
Spent the rest of the day with the wife and the little one doing some shopping and the hit the Timms house to drop off Karrie's B-day gift and spend a little time.
Ended the day with a good steak dinner with mushrooms,onions and some great potato's that the wife made.
The little one had a great weekend, she has found her voice and has begun to babble and has also found her tongue , that is real funny when she try's to pull it out of her mouth
More later
See yaaaaaaaaaaaa

Big day for a little girl

2007-04-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Tess had a big day today as it was her baptism and we had both sides of the family,Hoffmans(God parents) and Wolfs over for easter.It was a great day and a lot of fun.

New look with new kits

2007-04-06T23:43:00.000-05:00

Stopped and pick up the new kit and I have to say I think their the best one's yet.
Good color, nice to have the matching shorts .