Trail Head sponsors Team Strong Heart party

Everybody got a piece of cake! Pam and Larry hosted a little soiree on Sat night for the team. It was fun to see everybody and talk with the riders and crew. Melinda told me the crew is the key, riding is easy! I spoke with Ryan, one of the crew members. He said driving 20 mph across the country isn't as bad as it sounds, once you get used to it. Melinda also told me that she only had one request for the crew-keep your headlights on me when going down the mountains, at night, at 50 mph! They did!

Riders and crew, Team Strong Heart, 2008.

Neil, have some cake with your frosting! I learned something new about Neil, he will eat a plate of frosting. No kidding.

I even won a prize, a weekend at Rainbow Resort! That is cool.

Riding with the big boys and girls

It finally worked out for me to go on a club ride Tuesday night. I have Wednesday off so I could afford the time. I left the house a little before 5, did the usual Fletcher run around Tucker road and waited at the church for the party to begin. Except nobody showed! I figured they must have done a different route, so after 15 minutes of pedaling in circles I went off. The route I took would have run into the group if they were running late...and they were! I saw them at the intersection of 19 and 117 and caught up with the group. They were doing the "Neilerator".

Had a nice talk with Madonna and Jorge. Jorge was riding his Litespeed, or as he called it "my shitty bike!" (He usually rides a LOOK) I road hard with them for 12 miles. They went off on the 144 route, I went straight on by myself back for a total of 54 miles. I was tired and my knees were sore, but it was fun. I only got one photo in due to the pace. The camera was set in sepia mode, which I didn't realize. But, I think it turned out nice.

Larry and the Hemi in St. Michael.

Riding Murphy with Mr. Soul (Patch)

Well, in our never ending battle as Amigos to give each other all the shit we can manage or create, I give you Mr. Soul (Patch)! Bill turned 50 and he decided to have a makeover. First, he puts in an earring. Now, he comes in with a soul patch! We love Bill!

Anyway, my first ride at Murphy-Henrahan in 5 years or so. MORC has completely re-done the course and I have to say, it's a great course for FWK. Not very technical and it rolls with very few, if any, climbs. Those of you that remember the old Murphy know it was a freaking roller coaster that got the adrenaline going. It is a great confidence building course if you haven't been on a mountain bike in a while. I rode 24 miles on Sat. I did crash because I took my eyes off the trail. Something was stinging my leg. I should know better then to quit looking at the trail. I crashed on top of my handlebars. I'm pretty sure I broke something in my sternum. There is something moving there that shouldn't be. Not sure what Bob is expounding on in the photo above, but he had a nice crash too. His left shoulder took the brunt of the impact.

And then of course, there is Flash. We had a good time riding together and catching up on our lives. Nothing like showing up in the TT! Bob, Bill, and Flash all rode single speeds. That ain't happening with FWK. God invented gears and full suspension for a reason: ME.

Congratulations to Team Stong Heart!

Jay, Melinda (grandma!), Amy, and John

I wish I had a final photo of Tim Case, the solo RAAM rider. He's a fireman in Boulder, CO. There were 2 firetrucks waiting for him at the finish! It must have been spectacular.

All 5 of you did a great job. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how great your crews were. They are behind the scene, but they must get credit for their strong support.

Great job Team Strong Heart and crew members!

Mpls Blues & BBQ

Had a good time Sat night downtown Mpls. Diane and I, along with another couple enjoyed the music and stayed overnight at the Hilton a block away.

Didn't get the name of the pooch above. It's a Harlequin Great Dane. He weighs 155 lbs!

View from Nicollet Mall.

These 2 guys were really good. Unfortunately, I don't have their names.
Sunday morning, Diane and I went to the Mpls Farmers Market. That place has grown so much over the years. There was a table of hot sauces. Guess we'll have to take their word for how hot it is!

Also got a ride in Sat morning. Met up with Bob and then we joined the Trailhead group. First time I rode with them this year. It was great seeing them and riding along.

Team Strong Heart is off!

Swung by Amy's house last night around 6:00 to see the team off. Quite an array of bicycles and assorted stuff! Amy, Melinda, Jay, and John are ready for the first part of the adventure, which is driving to Oceanside, CA. Godspeed my friends!

60 degrees-- Nap --77 degrees

I get home from work about 1:00 this afternoon. It's barely 60 degrees. Take a nap from 2 till 3:45. Wake up, the room seems bright? WTF? I opened up the blinds and it's sunny! Go check the thermometer and it's 77 degrees! Yeah baby! We're riding! The lawn can wait!

Glorious!

The picture above is from Saturday evening, about 7:00.

Sunday:

Got on the Luna at about 8:15 this morning. Rode through the park and out on Territorial (are they ever going to fix that road?). Kept heading West through Fletcher and turned onto the road that becomes Bechtold. I was the Lonely Loon. Matt was teaching spin, Bob must have had a soccer tourney North Dakota or some other far reaching area. Bill even resisted the temptations of the flesh and was out on his bike, but chose to head towards Baker.

Anyway, as I pedaled along I was overcome with how to describe the beauty of the morning. There was no wind, 70 degrees, minimal traffic, and the smell of lilacs everywhere. The only word I could come up with: Glorious!

I pretty much did the same route as last week, back up 116 to 30, West to Oakdale, then on to Hanover and St. Michael before coming back in. A nice 45 mile ride. I'm still not hammering it like I'd like, but being on the bike is wonderful. I start my new hours Monday, get up at 2 AM, be at work by 3. I should be home around 12:45 PM. Lots of riding time!