WTF???

So I'm on my way to the in-laws in Excelsior for my mother-in-law's 80th birthday party. I get 4 miles from home and all of a sudden it feels as though my right foot is de-cleating. I look down just in time to see that I'm actually de-pedaling! The whole freaking pedal came off on my shoe! Thankfully I wasn't standing on a climb. Years ago in spin classes, the instructors would have us spin with one leg only. I never did it. I agree with Bill, if you can't do it on the road, don't do it in spin class. Well, here I was pedaling with one foot/leg the 4 miles back home.

Got out the Talladega, gave her a little lube, and off I went to the party.

What do you think????

Being married to a hair stylist, I'm used to having all sorts of shampoos, conditioners, etc constantly gracing the bathroom, shower, etc. Imagine my surprise when I opened up the cabinet today and saw what's pictured above. I know, it SAYS it is a "straightening ultragel," but it looks suspiciously like something else to me!

Sunday biking, Uptown bikes

Early Sunday morning, on my way to meet up with Bill.

Bill, taking my picture at Fletcher church. We're both raised Catholic, so we're covered.

Minneapolis skyline, viewed from Stella's Fish House.

Uptown, Sunday, late afternoon.


I'm always amazed at all the bikes locked up in the Uptown area. It's great to see that so many people are riding their bikes not for fitness, but for transportaion. So many older bikes, still in use, making an impact on people's lives.

And then there are the classic Harleys-beautiful bikes in their own right.

FWK doing what he does best. Newcastle Brown Ale, mmm-good!

Speaking of beautiful, here's shot of my wife at Figlios, where we chose to eat on the sidewalk. We visited several places: Stella's, William's Pub, Chiang Mai Thai, and finally Figlio's.

A very nice Sunday!

Beer commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnFdEQe8VxM

I am so SF

Here's my daily routine on my working days: I get up at 2 AM, get dressed, make a sandwich, brush my teeth and am out the door by 2:25. I drink a Red Bull during the 30 minute drive to work. I usually eat my sandwich and an apple about 7:30. I get off work around 12:30 PM and get back home by 1. I have a light lunch, usually a salad and a sandwich or some leftovers, maybe some soup. I take a nap for 2 hours. If I'm going to ride, I will have 1/2 cup of coffee with a banana or honey bread.

Today, however, when I got home from work, I looked in the cupboard and spotted an open bag of blue chips. And salsa. Paul Newman's pineapple salsa to be exact! Well, when you work in a bakery, salty stuff sounds soooo good. Anyway, I got into about half of the bag of chips with salsa. Then I decided I better eat some good carbs, so I had a bowl of Kashi heart healthy oat flakes with blueberry clusters. Satiated, I then went to bed for my nap. Got up after two hours, had my 1/2 cup of coffee while reading emails, decided I didn't need to eat anything because I was going for an easy ride, got dressed and off I went.

2 1/2 miles later in the park, I had what Bob calls a "stomach bonk." I mean I damn near fell over. I could barely turn over the pedals. I shifted into the granny gear and STILL could barely keep the bike moving. I broke out into a sweat and started to veer all over the trail and thought I was going to tip over. I turned around and thought about sitting down on the side of the trail. I decided to try and make it to this picnic table that is just off of a horse trail. I made it to the table and sat down. I ate a gel and drank the Propel I had in my water bottle. (the Propel, along with 6 bottles of Nevada Sierra Pale Ale, somehow showed up in my cooler after Cheq last weekend!) I sat there for 10-15 minutes, and all I could think about was food! Pizza being in the forefront. I finally felt strong enough to get back on the bike and pedaled home. I was craving salt and carbs. I opened up the cupboard and found a bag of kettle popcorn. This helped the carb part, but not the salt. I went to the freezer, pulled out 2 strips of pre-cooked bacon and nuked them. I finally started to feel better. Took a shower and then had a couple beers.

What can I say, but SF!

Happy 10th Birthday to our little buddy!

Our little boy, Charlie, is 10 years old today! For those of you that don't know Charlie (those of you that do- know to protect yourself, soccer style, when you come over!), he is a Wheaten Terrior. The picture above is graduation day from "puppy school." He learned to sit, stay, and lay down. He'll do them on command for at least 2 seconds-unless there is a treat involved, then he'll stay put for a while longer. Those of you with sharp eyes will notice the Fat Tire hat I'm wearing, vintage 1998. Diane is going to kill me for using this picture.

Charlie's "crabby old man" look.

Taking a snooze on the bed.


Freshly barbered, ready for Christmas.

Yes, he does sleep like this on occasion.



This photo is from the Rin Tin Inn kennel in Elk River, where Charlie stays when we are out of town.



Charlie has a peculier habit. We call it "nukking." Whenever he needs to relax, or is stressed, he will grab one of his stuffed balls and gently bite, like a child's nuk.

The "Look."

Give me a treat!

When you don't have kids, it's amazing how much love you can give to a dog. The devotion they give back to you can't be measured. Charlie always greets us when we come home, tail a wagging. We miss the hell out of him when we are gone. The joy and companionship he has given us for the past 10 years has been fantastic. He knows our habits, our moods, when we're leaving, when we're having company, and, when I take my naps! He loves taking naps with dad.

Happy birthday buddy! I hope we have many more.

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival 2008

As usual, Bill is detailing his bike.

Bill, Bob, and Matt getting serious with the pasta!
Saturday morning, Rob, Bob, and FWK, about an hour before the race. Last year it was 22 degrees. This year, it was 45, but the threat of rain loomed.

Rosies Field-Matt is on the left #1856.


Bob rocketing in (#523). Bob finished in 2:40 on a single speed. All those hill repeats paid off!

Dave H is the 2nd cyclist in the picture. He finished at 2:35! He and Bob spent a lot of time training together. Our helmets our off to both Bob and Dave for their great performance.


FWK, Matt, and Bob after the race. They got colder then heck waiting for Bill and myself to finish. It was disappointing not to have the group of Loons and other local riders get together after the race. Understandably so, most everyone headed to where it was warm and dry.

Oh, and if you're wondering where Bill is-he's undressing in front of God and everybody on the side of the truck while the picture was being taken.

Last year I had a great race, this year, not so hot. I finished 19 minutes slower then 2007. Bill was riding very strong, but he had mechanical problems that kept him frustrated. Matt did better then last year, and Bob was actually 1 minute faster this year on a single speed then he was last year on a multi! Had he drank some Scotch the night before, who knows how he would've done?

Great time overall. It's always fun to be with the Amigos, eating, drinking, and riding. Can't wait till 2009!