Tegeder Off the Back

First Ski Race Of The Season

2011-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

My first ski race of the season was Saturday, January 29th at Phalen Golf course in Saint Paul. It was the revival, after many years off, of the King Boreas 15K event. Things went about as well as could be expected for a guy who needs to lose a few pounds... I started out with Bill Stuber and John Wyland. Bill was right in front of me during the early going until a couple of skiers got in-between us. Stubes looked very smooth as he gradually pulled away from me. I kept up my pace and found some other guys to ski with. After a while, the top women, who started one minute later, started to pass us. I never got into a good rhythm though and wound up passing skiers, who then passed me back and then I'd pass them back again. Amy Cichanowski caught up to me and stayed behind me for a kilometer. Then, she passed me and I figured her pace was pretty good so I decided to follow her. I finally got into a comfortable groove and passed some more guys. We passed one more guy with a couple of hundred yards to go. He passed me back on the inside finishing corner but I out-sprinted him to the line to grab 68th place. Stuber got me by about a 1:30 and I got Wyland by 1:50. Lori Belz, Tina Olson, Nora Bengel and John O'Connell all did the race too. Afterwards, we all went to Bill and Kim Stubers house for food and beer. Others there were Tom and Jan Bengel, Jerry Engen, Bob Woodruff, Pete Thurmes, Joe Stuber and a few more.

Back from New York

2011-01-06T10:39:00.001-08:00

I had a good time in Upstate, New York in the Saratoga and Lake George Region. The total time out there staying with Kathleen's relatives was almost three weeks. I cross country skied at Cronin's Golf Course in Warrensburg and at Mount Van Hovenberg in Lake Placid with Dave and Wendy Matthews. I also climbed French Mountain in Lake George. It's 1,040 vertical feet to the top. As always, I climbed it without stopping. Don't know why but I'm much better at climbing mountains than I am at riding or skiing up hills... I also went downhill skiing at Gore Mountain with my Co-Bro (Common Law Brother In Law) Frank. The place has 2300 feet of vertical. During a crash though, I pulled a calf muscle that put me out of commission for skiing and climbing for the rest of the trip. The broken toe from November was still healing too so it was probably good I didn't do any workouts for over a week. Also went to the Saratoga Battlefield National Park. Colonial General Gates defeated British General Burgoyne there in October 1777. Since getting back, I've cross country skied a lot at Lake Elmo and Green Acres. I'm not as concerned about my skiing but it is a great weight loss program. I came back from New York at 181.5lbs. Mid-170s now. The picture above is Lake Elmo from a couple of days ago.

A Few Pictures Lately

2010-11-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

Skiing at Lake Elmo, the Solis road bike and rollerskiing the Afton Coulee.

Back on the Blog

2010-11-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since the last post... Months... I'm off my job for the winter so I've got a lot of time to keep this thing going. If I didn't mention it already, I'm selling asphalt and concrete driveways, patios, sidewalks and parking lots now so I get the winters off... With my first year of selling asphalt and concrete, I didn't ride much. I worked a lot and was learning the business. I only have 2,345 miles on the bike this year. That should change as I get better with time management. The weight was hovering in the low 170s for most of the summer but I somehow got back to 180lbs a few weeks ago. I rollerskied a lot this fall and got in some good training. When the snow came, I got in some classic skiing with the waxless crowns and then some good crust skating on a local golf course. That ended when I broke my toe last week while skiing on said golf course down a hill after the sun went down... I plan on trying to skate ski in a few days. Classic skiing will be prohibited until the bone heals... Anyway, I raced four time trials this year with mediocre results and then only two cyclocross races. I would have raced more cross but my weight kept getting in the way of fast times...

Afton Cruise

2010-06-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Bill Stuber and I rode to Afton today from my house in Saint Paul. I rode the new Solis Umbra carbon bike. It's made by RavX, the company I sell components for. The bike worked great on the 48 mile round trip. Otherwise, I got in a few rides during the week including one time trial training session on the Greenway. Plus a few rides on the Bottecchia fixed gear.

Building The Solis And Enjoying The Lake

2010-06-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I worked on the Solis carbon fiber road bike over the weekend. They sent me two left side SRAM Force shifter/brake levers so I have to get the one for the right side. Also, I went fishing with Jerry Engen and his 15 year-old grandson Zach on Sunday. After getting my boat and truck stuck in Lake Jane (thanks to Barry Torgerson for pulling me out), we went to Lake DeMontriville. I caught a big northern and a few bass plus one sunfish and a perch. Zach caught a northern, a few bass, one sunfish and a rare, blue sunfish. Jerry got a bunch of small sunfish with one big one and he also caught a bass. It was the shakedown cruise for the Hiawatha boat's 28 hp Johnson motor.

Second Bike Race Of The Year

2010-06-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

I rode in the rain with John Wyland last Saturday. We rode the Greenway loop. A light rain at the start turned heavy about 1/4th of the way. We stopped at Chipotle for lunch so that was okay. It was 31 miles of riding... Sunday, it was back on the Greenway for more time trial training. Another 31 miles with time trial intervals mixed in. The Ride and Glide Tuesday Time Trial was postponed to Wednesday because of rain. Tommy Bengel and I drove out and raced it. I got 19th in a time of 33:15. My average speed was 24.36 mph. On Friday, I got in 20 miles on the Greenway, Kenilworth Loop. I rode the fixed gear Botecchia.

Selling Asphalt - Riding When I Can...

2010-06-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

I've been selling concrete and asphalt driveways and parking lots with some appointments in the evening so I'm riding when I can instead of posting on the blog. I'll try to update it more frequently. I rode the TCBC All Club ride out of Snail lake last Saturday. That one was 67 miles. Joining me were Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Rob Belz and John Wyland. Otherwise, I've been hanging out on the Greenway Loop. That's a great course for time trial training. Anyway, I'm at 1,417 miles for the year so far...

Riding And Racing

2010-05-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

I've gotten in some rides and a race since the last post. A 52 mile road ride with Tom Bengel, John Wyland, Tina Olson, Jerry Engen, Lori Belz and Rob Belz on the 1st. On the 2nd, I did a 12 mile mountain bike ride at Theodore Wirth with Rob, Tom and Lee Bengel and Bill Stuber. We rode over from Kenwood. My first race of the year was the Ride and Glide Withrow TT. Tom Bengel joined me on that one. Everyone had a slower time than last year with the 20mph wind gusting to 40mph. I got 22nd out of 70. Thursday was a 31 mile loop on the Greenway System with Steve Prast. Today, I did the same ride with John Wyland and Bill Stuber.

Caught In The Rain

2010-04-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

I took the Bottecchia fixed gear out for a little spin this evening. I wasn't planning on a long ride but a rain storm turned it into a 6 1/2 cruise...

More Time Trial Training

2010-04-28T19:52:00.000-07:00

31 miles of time trial training on the Greenway with Tommy Bengel on Monday. We did five speed intervals. Today, I took off for the Greenway again and more time trial training. I ran into Tom Bengel, Dag Selander, Paul Schoening, Mike Shaw and Big Dave out for a ride. I rode with them between the nine intervals I did. I got in 30 miles.

Sunday Cruise

2010-04-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

Tom Bengel and I waited for the rain to clear and the roads to dry up before going for a 19 mile cruise. We rode down Summit, up the High Bridge, the Marie climb, over to Fort Snelling and up the river on the Minneapolis side before heading back on Summit.

Hitting The Hills

2010-04-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

I rode up the High Bridge and the Marie Avenue climb after work today. I got in 18 1/2 miles.

Another Synergy Ride

2010-04-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Synergy had the Ridley Factory guys at the ride tonight. They had some demo bikes for people to try. Now Bikes is going start selling them. We rode into Eagan and back. I got in 25 1/2 miles.

Time Trialing With Tommy

2010-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

More time trial training for Tom Bengel and me tonight. We got in 31 miles on the Greenway Loop with five long intervals and lots of tempo work. Tons of people were out on the trails.

In Synergy

2010-04-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

I joined the Synergy group ride from the Saint Paul Now Bikes Store out to Eagan and back. Neighbor Steve joined me along with Mike J, Alex D and Maria, Nicole, Chris, Jim and Nate.

Road and Single Track

2010-04-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Saturday ride was a couple of loops on the single speed mountain bike at Salem Hills. Bill Stuber and Steve Prast joined me. The trail was in great shape. Today, Lori Belz, Jerry Engen, Bill Stuber, Rob Belz and I rode the roads from Lakeland through Lake Elmo, Washington County and Stillwater. We got in 31 miles.

Everyone Knows It's Windy...

2010-04-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

Tom Bengel, John Wyland and I rode from my house down to Eagan and back for 28 miles. We headed south into the wind so we would have a tail wind on the way home. It worked out pretty good... I still have the Bottecchia for sale at $350.

Baseball - Bikes

2010-04-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

I've been getting in some more bike rides since the last post. 31 miles of TT training on Friday (Greenway Loop), 29 miles of hills into Woodbury on Sunday and 31 miles of TT training with Tommy Bengel tonight on the Greenway Loop. Plus, the Twins game yesterday!

Mixing It Up

2010-04-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Sold a couple of bikes since the last post. The red Specialized Allez went to my neighbor Steve. The orange DOT fixed gear bike went to a bike commuter. One road ride, a mountain bike cruise at Battle Creek and two time trial training sessions on the Greenway loop since the last post. Soem of the peeps I rode with include Steve Prast, Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Bill and Joe Stuber, Tom and Lee Bengel and John Wyland.

More Rides

2010-04-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's ride was 26 miles after work with Jerry Engen, Tom and Nora Bengel, John Wyland, Bill Stuber and Rob Belz. We rode the Greenway, Kenilworth and Cedar Trails. Today was 20 miles of time trial training on the Greenway and Kenilworth system.

Time Trial Training On The Greenway

2010-03-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

I got in 26 miles of time trial training on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails after work today. I rode the Specialized Allez Time Trial Training Bike. There weren't too many people out considering the great weather...

Weekend Rides

2010-03-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Friday, 18 miles, Saturday, 10 miles (after the TCBC Swap), Today, 80 miles... I rode with John Schmidt, John Wyland, Tina Olson, Lori Belz and Rob Belz. Tina and Lori went 40 and the rest of us went 80. We rode from Afton to Hudson and into the hills of Western Wisconsin.

Rising Waters

2010-03-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

I rode 20 miles after work today on a route that took me past the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. While climbing the High Bridge, I checked out the river by Harriet Island. Yeah, it's very high. Next, I crossed the Minnesota via the Sibley Bridge. The water has flooded the whole valley there. Anyway, there were tons of other people out on their bikes.

Another 30

2010-03-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Today's ride was a nice 30 mile cruise from Baytown into Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, north Washington County and Stillwater. I rode with Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, John Wyland and Bill Stuber.

Long Time Posting

2010-03-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. I kind of got hooked on the facebook thing but I will update the blog more frequently now. Over the past month, I finished my 24th Birkie in a time of 2:47. I think I was around 600th place. Based on past Birkies with similar conditions, my time in '97 was 2:27 so I'm ten pounds heavier, older and 20 minutes slower than when I used to train big hours for ski racing. I figure it's hard to hammer all year 'round though some guys can do it. I guess I work more towards bike fitness than skiing... I've gotten in quite a few rides lately too. The longest has been 31 miles which I did twice on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trail Systems. Today, I rode with Bill and Joe Stuber and my neighbor Steve Prast. We rode 30 miles into the northeast metro and back.

Training On Snow Again

2010-02-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

I'm back to cross country skiing after a ten day hiatus due to weather a few weeks ago. I actually came back a week ago Saturday with a classic ski at Lake Elmo and then did the William O'Brien skate race last Sunday. This week, I got out Tuesday and Wednesday at Como and then did 2:15 and 1 1/2 hours of classic at Lake Elmo yesterday and today. Peeps I skied with lately have been John Wyland, Lori Belz and Jerry Engen. I finished painting the frame on my latest bike project so I'll put it together this week. Anyway, check out the picture from Lake Elmo. Is that a UFO above the sun?

Back To Now

2010-01-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

I went back to Now Bikes and rode the trainer for 1 1/2 hours and 24 miles while watching the 1976 Joergen Leth film; "A Sunday In Hell". The film covers the 1976 Paris-Roubaix bike race on the cobbles of the north of France. The main players were the greats of the day including Eddy Merckx, Roger DeVlaeminck (who got third), Marc DeMayer (who won that day), Freddy Martins, Walter Goodefroot, Jan Raas, Hennie Kuiper and a very young Francesco Moser (who placed second).

Virtual Time Trial-First Ride Of The Year

2010-01-23T12:39:00.000-08:00

I got some training in during the week. Last Sunday, I classic skied for 40 minutes at the famed and storied Highland 9 Hole Golf Course. Tuesday, I got in an hour of skate skiing at Highland. I knew I needed some longer sessions so I skated for 2 1/2 hours at the Comenkollen. That was 7 laps... Thursday I took off and then yesterday, I got home from work, put the ski stuff on and went outside. It was drizzling out so I promptly went back inside. Today was the Withrow virtual time trial course on the trainer at Now Bikes. I did one full warm-up lap and then started hammering to time myself. After 1 1/2 minutes, I blew the computer apart. Mike Johnson reset the computer but by then, I decided to bag it. The total time riding was 50 minutes giving me 15 miles. The virtual course is harder than the actual course...

On A Few Courses

2010-01-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

I did some more cross country skiing this week. I skated a few times at Como and then skated at lake Elmo Park Reserve yesterday. Today, I got in a few loops of classic skiing at the Highland 9 Hole Golf Course. Check out the picture from Lake Elmo.

10 Days Since The Last Post

2010-01-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

I've been busy lately and haven't posted for 10 days. I've been cross country skiing at places like Como Park, Lake Elmo and a new place I skied today called Green Acres. It's in Lake Elmo, has snowmaking and has hosted the Green Acres Cyclocross Race the last two years. The ski course is fantastic! This could be a decent place for a future velodrome... Yesterday, I drove down to the Cronometro Bike Swap in Madison, WI with my neighbor Steve. There were a lot of great deals to be found. Paul Schoening and Dag Selander were selling stuff at the swap. Check out the picture from last year's swap and the picture from Green Acres today taken by Bruce Adelsman. The Green Acres picture is Jerry Engen followed by me and Tom Bengel.

A Triathlon To Close Out The Decade

2010-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

The last few days of the decade included a personal triathlon for me. Within the last week, I rode the Cobro's (common law brother-in-law) beater GT mountain bike, skied twice at the famed and storied Highland 9 Hole golf course and yesterday, the third leg of the triathlon, coyote hunting... I finished the year with 3,527 miles of biking. That was 525 miles better than last year but still down from the 4,200 I rode a few years ago. Anyway, while coyote hunting yesterday, I tried out the new winter camo insulated bibs that I bought while in Saratoga, New York last week. They worked great as I tracked a pair of coyotes for about a mile before I ran out of land for hunting. I need snowshoes though as I broke through the crust layer of snow numerous times. Regardless, Happy New Year to everyone!

One and Done

2009-12-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

Kathleen and I got home today after visiting her family in Saratoga, New York. After a week of basic inactivity, I got home today and skate skied one loop at the Highland 9 Hole. I was planning on doing some skiing in New York but a bad cold kept me on the side-lines. I did manage to get in a 12 mile bike ride on Sunday when the temp there hit 45F. Otherwise, I watched TV and hung out with the in-laws. Check out the Cobro's (common law brother in law) beater GT mountain bike. The shock is totally shot...

Training On Snow

2009-12-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Since my last post a week ago, I've cross country skied five times. Last Saturday, I skate skied with Johnny Wyland at the Highland 9 Hole golf course. On Sunday, I went to Como after the football game. Wednesday after work was back at Como for some more skate skiing. There weren't too many other skiers on the trails. Yesterday, I went back to the Highland 9 Hole and skied over three laps plus I helped coach some of the Cretin High School kids with Tommy Bengel. Today, I went out to Sunfish Lake Park in Lake Elmo. I skied with Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Tina Olson and Bill Stuber.

On Snow!

2009-12-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

I got the cross country skis out for the first time this season yesterday. One of the best places around for snow so far is just a mile from my house. The famed and storied Highland 9 Hole golf course in Saint Paul... I skied a lap and then played keep away with the Tom Bengel coached Cretin Derham Hall High School ski team. I followed that with a couple of double pole sprints with the Central High ski team. After that, I skied another lap. Before the snow arrived, I rollerskied the neighborhood loop on Monday.

Stripper

2009-12-06T14:34:00.000-08:00

I've got a few workouts in last week. On Tuesday the 1st, I rode 16+ miles on the Stone Arch U of M route. Wednesday was a skate rollerski session on the neighborhood loop. Then, on Saturday, I skate rollerskied with Tom Bengel, Jerry Engen, Lori Belz and Barry Torgerson. We cruised the roads of Lakeland and Stillwater. I am still working on the next bike project. It's another single speed. I stripped the Tunturi frame and have it ready for painting. It will be a theme bike. Check out the pictures.

Jay T's Thanksgiving Ski Camp '09 Sunday

2009-11-29T17:09:00.000-08:00

Another highly successful Jay T's Thanksgiving Ski Camp is in the books. Today, I cleaned out the garage...

Jay T's Thanksgiving Ski Camp '09 Saturday

2009-11-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

We had another successful day at Jay T's Thanksgiving Ski Camp. The plan was to do some highly specific ski training so we rode the bikes on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails for a total of 30.75 miles. Tommy Bengel, Bill Stuber and my neighbor, Steve Prast joined me on the ride. Earlier, I dropped off some furniture at Bridging when a guy leaving some stuff off asked if they take bikes. They don't but I told him I did... I got a sweet Schwinn Continental from the guy. It's in great shape! The size is about a 25" which is way too big for me but I'll convert it to a single speed and sell it...

Jay T's Thanksgiving Ski Camp '09 Friday

2009-11-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

Jay T's Thanksgiving Ski Camp started off today with a couple of bike rides. Some Thanksgiving Ski Camps are on snow but not this year... The nice weather is great though and it could last a while longer as far as I'm concerned... The first ride of the day was a 2 mile round trip to Now Bikes and back. I had to show Ambrose (the mechanic) my Bottecchia fixed gear bike that I built. The second ride was 16 miles down Summit, River Blvd, West River Road and the Greenway and back. I sandwiched the rides around working on my next fixed gear project involving the Tunturi frame pictured to the left. The finished bike will be for sale.

All Things Italian

2009-11-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Got a mixture of biking and roller skiing in over the last week. Sunday and Tuesday were roller ski workout days. I got on the Schwinn Peloton on Wednesday and Friday for a some cruising on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenileworth Trails. Today, I rode the Niner on the Lake Elmo Park Reserve trails woth Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Tina soon to be Olson, Ron Belz, Barry Torgerson and Rob Belz. The three rides totaled 55 miles. Plus, I finished the 1960s Bottechia Frame build. I found it in a basement and built it up with black components. It's a single speed/fixed gear with a flip-flop hub.

3rd

2009-11-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

I got out rollerskiing for the 3rd time this season on Sunday. The arms aren't in shape but the snow isn't here yet... Jerry Engen and Barry Torgerson joined me as we cruised the hills of Afton. The group of loyal and devoted followers were rollerskiing Afton as well.

Missed Again

2009-11-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

The weather has been great this month so I've just been riding. Usually, I rollerski about ten times before the ski season to get in shape. The two times I've rollerskied so far were two months ago and two weeks ago. I rode the bike for 22 miles on Tuesday taking the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. Yesterday, I rode 18 miles through parts of Saint Paul and Minneapolis along the river. Anyway, I did go pheasant hunting on Monday in the east metro with Jerry Engen. We only jumped one rooster but I missed again. He was pretty far away but I had to take a shot...

Sunday Drive

2009-11-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

My neighbor Steve joined me on the shakedown cruise of the Schwinn Peloton. We rode the Greenway west and then took the light rail path to downtown. After getting through there, we hooked up with the Kenilworth Trail and then took the Cedar and Greenway Trails back home. We got in 22 miles. The frame pictured to the left is a Bottechia from the 1960s. Made in Italy, it's my next bike project. I already cleaned up the frame. The plan is to make it into a fixed gear single speed.

Biking, Building, Riding, Racing

2009-11-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy few days building, riding and racing bikes lately. I finally got the Shimano 105 black crankset to finish the build of my 1998 Reynolds 853 steel Schwinn Peloton frame. The theme is all black components for the blue frame. I used Shimano 105 black brakes, shifters, front and rear derailleurs and crankset plus Ritchey WCS handlebars, stem and seatpost. I've got a bid in on a set of WCS wheels which I'd like to add to the bike. I cobbled the headset together out of Cane Creek and Aheadset parts. Anyway, check out the picture to the left. As for riding, I got in a 22 mile cruise on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails on Thursday. I would have gone longer but the sun sets pretty early now. Friday, I spent more time working on the Peloton and only had time for an 11 mile ride on Summit and River Blvd. Yesterday, I did the Velocross cyclocross race at the Velodrome in Blaine. I got 18th out of 30 in the M45+ race. Those placing in front of me included the usual suspects Paul McKinney, Greg Goblirsch, Dave Ludwigson, Rob Belz and Dan Meyer. John Stamm and Todd Trembley got me this time too. I stayed in front of Mike Lyner, Stu Benson, Mike Brumbaugh and Mark Rathbun. I got in 15 miles with the warm-up, race and cool-down.

Storm Front

2009-11-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

My neighbor Steve and I got out for an after work cyclocross ride on the roads, trails and single track of Roseville and Saint Paul's North End. Steve has lived in Minnesota for one year and it was his first time riding those trails. He used to race bikes in high school and college back in Indiana. Anyway, he's into classic, mountain, road and cylocross bikes so he's a good neighbor to have. His cyclocross bike is a Felt. He also has a Motobecane single speed 29er. We got in 16 miles with the storm front on our western flank the whole ride. When we turned on to our street for the half block ride home, the rain started...

Cold Weekend

2009-11-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

I stayed away from the cyclocross races this weekend due to a cold. It's pretty much a head cold right now. I probably could have done the race today but instead, I went for an easy 1:20 rollerski with Jerry Engen and Barry Torgerson. We cruised the roads of West Lakeland and Bayport Township.

Chasing The Sun

2009-10-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

There isn't a lot of daylight left after work these days. I did manage to get another day on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. This time, I brought a red tail light for the ride back. Lots of other riders out including a guy on a nice steel Merckx. I got in 31 miles.

World's Greatest Bike Race Announcer

2009-10-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm proclaiming myself the World's Greatest Bike Race Announcer after my excellent performance at the Green Acres Cyclocross Race Sunday in Lake Elmo. Thanks to Bob Sumada at Now Bikes (the race sponsor) for handing me the microphone. It was a blast! My competition for World's Greatest comes from Matt Anderson, Hollywood and Dave Towle. Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwin don't count 'cause they're from another planet... Thanks to Robbie Halvorson for the picture on the left. Anyway, today, Tommy Bengel joined me for part of my ride on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. I got in 31 miles. Could be getting a cold though...

Marine Life

2009-10-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

I got a few rides in the last few days including the Bikery Cyclocross Race today. The rain and mud splattered all over my cross bike on Tuesday as Rob Belz and I rode around the trails at Lake Elmo Park Reserve for 10 miles. It was cold too... On Thursday, I took the Gitane out for a 10 mile ride on the Summit, River Blvd, West River Road, return to Summit loop. I rode slow enough to talk to Todd Johnson while he was rollerskiing. The Bikery Cyclocross Race today in Marine on Saint Croix was excellent. What a course! Maybe I should say, what a course for me... Firm ski trail after all the recent rain plus a nice long asphalt section where I time trialed my way back to the ski trail. The course was long with three barriers including a hill run-up after one of the barriers. There was one other short, but steep hill that I rode up all six laps. Anyway, I placed 14th out of 27 in the M45+ race. Among those finishing in front of me were the usual suspects including Greg Goblirsch 1st, Paul McKinney 2nd, Mark Engen, Dave Ludwigson, Paul Schoening and Dave Herbert. I sprinted against Jeff Colbeth for 14th and got it. He was getting tired because he did the 4 lap race earlier. Some of the riders placing behind me and Jeff were John Stamm, Rob Belz, Rob Ogren, Mike Lyner, Todd Trembley, Tom Bengel and Tim Power. Other peeps raced too including Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Tina Olson and Stu Benson in the 4 lap event. Three Loon State Teammates did the Cat 3 race including Tom Manderfeld, Shane Kullman and Dan Cleary. Thanks to the Bikery for the great race and thanks to them for the picture at the left.

Another Day On The Road

2009-10-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

With nice weather yesterday, the road bike beckoned. I've been riding the cyclocross bike and the classic Gitane lately. The rain has kept the riding days down for October so I've only had a few road rides this month. Anyway, I took out the white Specialized Allez and rode the Greenway where I ran into Dan Kueffer. We rode together on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. After negotiating Downtown Minneapolis, we took the path next to the light rail back to the Greenway and Saint Paul. As usual, I got in 31 miles.

Cross Nutrition

2009-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

I found out today that it is a bad idea to have a chocolate covered doughnut, two Hersheys with almonds and a Coke one hour before a cyclocross race... I was doing okay for a while until the big bonk hit. I have to re-think the pre-race meal... Anyway, I sucked but some of the other Loons did well including Rob Belz, Mike Lyner and John Stamm. Andy Frye looked pretty good in the Cat 3 event. I got in 10 1/2 miles with the warm-up, race and cool-down. Props and thanks to Dave Meyer for finding the thorn in my tire and fixing the flat before the race.

Road And Trail

2009-10-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

The weather hasn't been great lately but I did get a couple more rides in since my last post on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I took the cyclocross bike out for some training on the dirt trails around Como Park. The front tire had a slow leak but by the time I was done with the 14 mile ride, the tire was almost flat. Today, I got back on the road bike. Tom Bengel and I planned to do a 20 mile ride on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. However, I got a flat when a thorn went through my rear tire as we were about to reach Hennepin Avenue. I fixed the flat and then we rode back to the Freewheel shop on the trail where I put some more air into the tire. We rode back to Saint Paul from there and got in 16 miles.

Another Day On The Gitane

2009-10-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Riding the Gitane is pretty fun. It's your basic late 60s early 70s Euro, steel, lugged bike. The ones shipped to the U S were set up for 27 inch tires. With the long fork rake, wide tires and steel frame, it's a very comfortable ride. Anyway, I took it out for a 7 mile spin after work today on Summit Avenue.

Crossing

2009-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

It was the first cyclocross race of the season for me today. The event was held at Theo Wirth and it was a tough course. About a mile and a half long, there was a log jump, a tricky downhill, a monster stair climb and several other U-turns including one at the bottom of a hill. There was only one set of man-made barriers. The race went pretty well for me. At the start, Rob Belz got around me but I was ahead of Mark Kowali, John Stamm, Dan Meyer, Todd Trembley and a bunch of other guys. Things were going well until I dropped my chain on about the third of seven laps. Kowali had already passed me becuase he's a tough racer. While I was trying to get my chain back on, Gary Friedell, Stamm, Trembley and a few others passed me. I was able to catch and pass about three or four of those riders but Friedell, Stamm and Trembley stayed in front. All in all it was a good effort even though I got lapped by the top three guys in 45+ including Paul McKinney, Greg Goblirsch and Dag Selander. The total miles including warm-up, race and cool-down were 16. Lori Belz did the women's Cat 4 race and did pretty well. Rob Belz had a decent race finishing fairly high in the standings. Other Loons racing included Dan Cleary and Don Schmeicel in the Cat 3 and Chad Macy and Kent Throlson in the 1 - 2. Framebuilders Curt Goodrich and Erik Noreen were at the race as was newly hired Team Radio Schack rider Bjorn Selander. Thanks to Tommy Bengel for the hand-ups. I grabbed the water bottle on every lap.

Freedom Of The Road

2009-10-10T15:31:00.000-07:00

Freedom of the road began for me when I was fourteen years old in 1972. Before that, I had a typical kids bike with clunker tires and a heavy frame. We used those to get around the neighborhood. When I was in eighth grade though, my oldest brother, Mike, got a brand new Fuji Finest with tubular tires. He had a white twenty four inch Peugeot U08 that he gave to my brother Tom. Tom then gave me his blue twenty three inch Peugeot U08. It was the typical Euro import of the 1970s. Ten speeds, twenty seven inch tires and drop handlebars. They were all the rage at the time. My buddy Dan Schroepfer had a Gitane and my buddy John Osen had a Batavus. Those bikes were the ones that started Schwinn's downhill slide. Instead of buying heavy Schwinn cruisers, Collegiates and Varsitys, people started buying the much lighter Euro bikes. They had Simplex, Sachs and Mavic components. France, Belgium, Holland and Italy were where all the hot bikes came from. Peugeot and Gitane were French and Batavus a Dutch brand. Well, the three of us did a lot of cruising around on those bikes. We went all over the place and rode for miles at a time. The fun lasted through eighth and ninth grade and on into tenth before we all got our drivers licenses. Fast forward to today, I bought an early 1970s Gitane twenty three inch off a guy for $75. The Gitane, Peugeot and Batavus bikes are going for over $300 on eBay now. I'm not planning on selling this one though unless someone offers me a lot of cash... After I picked up the bike, I started to clean it up and bought a leather saddle from Ambrose at Now Bikes. When I got it home, I took it for a 3 mile ride wearing jeans with a rubberband around my pant leg to keep the grease away. That was exactly the way we rode them back in the day. Check out the picture.

Another 31

2009-10-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Another dry day and I couldn't resist 31 more miles on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails after work. It was cold though. I wore shorts, tights, a base T, long sleeve jersey and windbreaker. The way out was into the wind and I was starting to get a little warm with the sun out. I planned to take the windbreaker off on the way back with the wind but the sun was setting and it was blocked by some clouds. My toes got cold on the way back which is something I usually don't have a problem with. Maybe regular bike socks were a little too thin at 46 degrees. During lunch, I stopped into a couple of bike shops. I always stop at Erik's Bike Shop to check out the Specialized stuff. Then, I go over to the Bicycle Chain to buy or order any of the Specialized stuff I thought was cool over at Erik's. It's just window shopping now though... My straight commission sales job isn't the best in this economy...

Waiting For Better Weather

2009-10-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

I got back on the bike today for the first time in a week. The rain keeps me off the bike but next time, I'll have to check out some parking ramps. The only day I would have rode was Sunday. Spending the day moving a friend's mother kept me from doing that. Anyway, Tom Bengel and I rode the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails for 31 miles. I did a couple of speed pick-ups.

Crossing 3000

2009-10-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

I crossed over 3,000 miles for the year yesterday by doing my first cyclocross training ride of the year. The course was the usual place on the other side of the river. Anyway, I got in 12 miles with two climbs each of of big stair sections and three climbs of a short hill.

Into The Woods

2009-09-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

Saturday was an outdoors day as I got up in the morning and drove north for some grouse hunting. I worked a couple of wildlife management areas and a state forest. The first wildlife management area I hunted was by far the best place. Several others were hunting the place so I went to the eastern section of the 159 acre area. There were tons of small birch and aspen trees which are really good grouse habitat. I didn't flush any but I heard a few shots so someone got the birds up in the air. Check out the picture of the area I was hunting. When I got home, I took the fishing boat out on one of my favorite east metro lakes. I caught one sunfish but came to the realization that the 70hp Mercury is too big for the 14 foot modified speedboat... Anyway, today I got in 31 miles on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails.

Still On The Road

2009-09-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

The weather has been pretty calm lately as I've gotten in a few more road rides on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. Some guys have transitioned to cyclocross training already. Anyway, I got in 23 miles yesterday and 30 today.

Back On The Bike 3

2009-09-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

I got back on the bike after missing the Chequamagon Fat Tire with the sore throat crud. Actually, I felt decent on Sunday and went for a 20 mile cruise of the Greenway, Downtown and the U of M. Today, I went for 30 miles on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails.

What Fat Tire?

2009-09-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

I should have raced the Chequamagon Fat Tire 40 miler today but I got the crud that has been going around lately. Sixty bucks down the drain...

The Latest...

2009-09-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

The last three rides I did were a 20 mile Battle Creek mountain bike event with Bill Stuber, Lori Belz, Jerry Engen, Tom Bengel and John Wyland. That one was on Saturday, the 12th. The next day, Sunday, Jerry Engen and I rode the Saint Paul Bike Tour with my neighbor Steve. We got in 34 miles and rode with Bob Sumada, Tracy, Maria and Alex from Now Bikes. Tuesday, I got in 20 miles on a trip up the High Bridge, Dodd Road, Fort Snelling and Minnehaha Park. Since then, I've had a cold...

30 Thirty

2009-09-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

I got in a couple of 30 mile rides the last three days. As usual lately, I rode the Greenway, Cedar, Kenilworth combo on Tuesday and today. It's a good loop and there are plenty of good places to do speed work.

Holiday Weekend

2009-09-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

I got in a few rides since my last post. Plus, I've been working on my 1960 Hiawatha aluminum speedboat. On Tuesday, I rode 25 miles which included a trip up the High Bridge, out into Eagan and then back via Fort Snelling and Minnehaha Park. Wednesday was another 30 mile ride on the Greenway, Kenilworth and Cedar Trails with numerous speed pick-ups. Thursday and Friday, I worked on my boat. Saturday was the TCBC All Club Ride. I rode with Rob Belz, Pete Thurmes, Jerry Engen, Lori Belz and Bill Stuber. That was 50 miles. On Sunday, we went to the fair in the morning and then I worked on the boat in the afternoon. Labor Day was a 21 mile ride on the mountain bike on the Lake Elmo trails. I rode with Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, John Wyland, Bill Stuber, Tina and Rob Belz. Anyway, the work on the boat is finished. I tore out the old, wooden bench up front, which was rotten. The back rest was removed too. Then, I replaced that with a new bench and added swivel seats with back rests. On the bench in back, I added a swiveling pedastel chair. Check out the pictures.

Off Road

2009-08-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

I got in a little off road training on Saturday. The weather was cool at the start but otherwise it was perfect for some mountain biking at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and other trail systems of the far east metro. The ride group included Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Bill Stuber, Barry Torgerson, Mark Stolpe (in from Idaho) and John Wyland. We got in 20 miles. Today, I joined Jerry Engen, Jay Wenner, Ben Popp, Pete Thurmes and others for some rollerskiing in Afton. It was my first time out this season. I went up Trading Post two times and got in 1 1/2 hours.

The Routine

2009-08-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

I got back to the usual after work routine with a 31 mile cruise of the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. There seems to be less people on the trail as summer winds down. It was a perfect day for a ride though.

TT PR

2009-08-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

The Withrow Time Trial was the race of the evening on Tuesday. I set a personal record on the course with a time of 32:14 which was 25.13 miles per hour. I tied for 18th out of 115 racers. Among those finishing ahead of me were Timmer, Rick Christenson and Dave Ludwigson. Finishing behind me were Steve Knowlton, John Stamm, Ben Popp, Tom Bengel, John Fitzgerald, Michael Gotsche and Piotr Bednarski. Anyway, with the warm-up, race and cool-down, I got in 31 miles. Check out the picture taken by Bruce Adelsman of skinnyski.com.

My New Boat

2009-08-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

I got in 107 miles the last four days which included a couple of trips through the U of M and across the Stone Arch Bridge mixed in with trips on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. Today, Tom Bengel and I got in some more time trial training. On Saturday, I managed to play nine holes of golf. I shot 44 which included a triple on the last hole... Sunday, the after ride fun was fishing on one of my favorite east metro lakes. I had two northerns and a bass all spit the hook back at me... Anyway, check out my new boat...

Testosterone Fog...

2009-08-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Since it's been raining the last couple of days, I'll update the blog. Tom Bengel and I got in a big time trial training session Monday. We rode the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails with five plus speed segments. We jacked the speed up to 24mph to 25mph and held it for a few miles. I think the speed sessions have really worked to get the time trial speed up. We got close to 32 miles. On Tuesday, I joined the Now Bikes ride to the west side of Saint Paul and into Bloomington and back through Fort Snelling. That was a hammer fest as a testosterone fog enveloped many of the riders. I did my best to hold on... We got in 31 1/2 miles.

Crusing

2009-08-15T11:48:00.001-07:00

Another 31 miles on the famed and storied Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. The ride started out sunny and ended up cloudy with a few rain drops. A lot of people were out on their bikes. Anyway, I rode with a steady tempo and didn't do any speed pick-ups.

Heading Downtown

2009-08-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

The after work ride was 21 miles through Downtown Minneapolis via the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. They need to find a route for the bike trail through Downtown to where it picks up again by the Metrodome. As I said earlier, Saint Paul needs a system of trails like the ones across the river.

Blackdog A Go Go

2009-08-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

When you do the Blackdog Time Trial, you better go fast! I set a PR tonight with a time of 16:14 but I was still 9th in the M 50+. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm thirty seconds slower, I'll still be 9th place... The usual supsects beat me including Dave Ludwigson, Gary Hrska and Rick Christiansen. I did get Steve Knowlton and John Stamm tonight. Tom Bengel was behind Stamm but also set a PR. The total miles were a little over 24.

In Synergy Now

2009-08-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

I rode with the Now Bikes/Synergy guys tonight. It worked out well since the Saint Paul store is only a few blocks from our house. We rode out to Eagan and back with about a dozen riders. I got in 33 miles.

TTT

2009-08-10T17:23:00.001-07:00

Time Trial Training. That's what Tom Bengel and I did after work today. We did a bunch of speed intervals on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails. The total miles were 31.

Between Storms

2009-08-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

I got another ride in on the ________ Trail today. Go ahead, fill in the blank, you know which trail I rode. The total miles were 30 1/2 if that gives you a clue. Anyway, it rained in the morning so I held off until the afternoon. On the way back, a few blocks from home, the rain started up again... A few people were training on their time trial bikes but most were just cruising.

Framed

2009-08-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

I went to the Minnecycle local frame builders show at the Vine Arts Center in south Minneapolis yesterday. Tom Bengel met me there after work. The show featured custom bikes from Curt Goodrich, Vincent Dominguez, Chris Kvale, Terry Osell, Capricorn, Clockwork, Freeman, Peacock Groove and Wyganowski. There were only about fifteen to twenty bikes there but it was pretty cool. Goodrich showed off a couple of his Team Issue cyclocross bikes. He's sponsoring a cross team this year. Erik Noreen of Peacock Groove had some really cool track bikes displayed plus a Pugsley sized mountain bike with a triple chain. Note, not a triple chain ring but a triple chain... Noreen gave Tommy and me a tour of his shop in the basement of the building. He's right next to Kvale. Wyganowski had a bike there with stainless steel lugs. It was a good show. Check out the picture of the Goodrich Team Issue cross bike and the Peacock drop out on one of the Noreen track bikes.

Predictable

2009-08-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah, another day on the Greenway, Kenilworth and Cedar Trails. I think that's three rides in a row... If you want to do longer miles, it's pretty convenient. I got in 28 miles as I looped through downtown Minneapolis.

Gruenweg

2009-08-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

Another day on the Greenway. I got in 31 miles on the fabulous Greenway, Kenilworth and Cedar Trails. As usual, there were a lot of other riders on the trails. Saint Paul could use a similar system. Right now, there's no easy way to get from south of I94 to the area north of the freeway and Saint Paul's north end.

Going Green

2009-08-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

The after work ride was another 30 mile time trial training session on the Greenway and Cedar Trails. Lots of people were on the path.I came across Greg, one of the Endurance Athlete Trainers.

Stillwaters Run Deep

2009-08-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

Bill Stuber and I rode out to Lake Elmo and met Rob Belz for a ride. We continued on to Stillwater and then took Stagecoach south to 10th which we followed all the way back to Saint Paul. The headwind on Stagecoach was huge so we took turns leading. There were a lot of other riders out in the area too. Rob's getting a lot of miles in as he prepares for the Leadville 100 in a few weeks. The total miles for the day were 44 1/2.

2000

2009-08-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

I hit 2,000 miles for the year on Friday with a ride down to the U of M, north on West River Road, through downtown Minneapolis, over to the Cedar Trail and then the Greenway Trail home. That was a little 22 miler. The highlight of the day though was my trip to Lake... Wait a minute, I'll just say one of my favorite east metro lakes... I caught this big Northern Pike on a jig in about 10 feet of water. I should have gotten the tennis ball out of the picture so the fish would have looked bigger... On the other side of the lake I missed a big one about 1 hour later... Anyway, a Loon flew overhead, an Eagle dove down for a fish and a Great Blue Herron was standing on a dock.

Every Black Dog Has Its Day

2009-07-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a few rides in lately wrapped around having guests in town and hanging with them. Anyway, I can't seem to get out of 9th place in the M50+ at the Blackdog TT. Tonight, I had my second best time trial of the series with a time of 16:30. One guy who finished in front of me just got back from riding in Colorado. Maybe I need to do a little altitude training. I got in 22 miles with the race, warm-up and cool-down.

Dodging Rain Drops

2009-07-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

I joined my Loon State teammates for the Wednesday Stone Arch Ride. I started late because of the rain so I rode down to Shepard Road where I joined up with The Red Lantern, Painman, Throlson, Belz, Kullman, Bolinsky, Olson, Delaney, Jens, Cobra and Paidosh. Anyway, I was there for all of the tough stuff like the High Bridge/Smith Avenue climb, the Maria Climb, the time trial section along the river, up the big Ohio/Cherokee monster and then up Ramsey Hill. I got in 23 miles. Today, I did another time trial training session on the famed and storied Greenway, Kenilwurth and Cedar Lake Trails systems. The total miles were 30.

Chasing Bikes And Trains

2009-07-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

I rode my second best Blackdog time trial of the year on July 15th. I posted a 16:38 but that was still a long way from the 16:17 I did a month ago. I need to race and chase a little faster... Anyway, the total miles with warm-up, race and cool-down were 26. Saturday was my next ride and it was a long one... I got in close to 6 miles as Kathleen and I celebrated our anniversary with a neighborhood cruise. We spread mulch next to our new patio earlier in the day. Sunday came around and the Tour featured a mountain stage plus the final round of the British Open was on. I watched Contador put Lance in his place and then watched the Open until the playoff started. I had to get in a ride so I headed out to Lake Jane and back. The public access at the lake is pretty small now as the water level is way down. The total miles were 33. Today, I got in another time trial training ride on the Greenway and Kenilwurth trails. I chased a train on the way out. Actually, it blew past me because it was really flying... On the way back, I got a flat only to find out that my spare tube was patched and it wasn't holding air either. A young guy gave me a tube. I went straight to the Freewheel shop along the trail and bought a couple of tubes and a CO2 cartridge. I got in 30 miles.

In-Laws And Out-laws

2009-07-13T17:29:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time between rides... 6 days to be precise. I got in 38 miles last Tuesday at the Acapulco ride in the East Metro. Today, I got in a 30 mile time trial training ride. In between, the in-laws came into town including my divorced father-in-law and mother-in-law and my two sisters-in-law. We went to Eau Clarie for the weekend for Kathleen's cousin's daughter's wedding. I did manage to get in two rounds of golf while there and I added two pounds with all of the food and beer...

Lance! Lance! Lance!

2009-07-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

I've had enough Lance crap from the Versus network. The guy got away with juicing in the TDF for seven victories imho. How do you beat a juiced to the gills Ullrich, Basso, Vinukorouv, Mancebo, Landis, Hamilton, Pererio, Heras et al without being on something yourself? Now, he's trying his comeback as a clean rider. Cancellera, Contador, Wiggins, Kloden, Evans, Leipheimer were among the nine riders who beat him in the opening time trial... He probably thinks he's team leader after today's stage when he was in the right place at the right time. Wait until the first mountain stage. Bruyneel better not tell Contador to ride for Lance. Contador should attack Lance up every mountain and finish the guy off for good... Anyway, Tom Bengel and I got in a 31 mile time trial training session on the Greenway, Cedar and Kenilworth Trails.

Party Time

2009-07-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

We had the annual Fourth of July party on Saturday. I got a few rides in and even a race over the weekend. However, last Wednesday I raced the Blackdog Time Trial. I had my worst time of the year at 16:51. I went out easy to save myself for the second half of the race. It didn't work. I always suck after the momentum killing turn-a-round-cone. I'll have to rethink that strategy... Anyway, I got in 17 miles. After that, I did a 32 mile time trial training ride on Thursday and a 17 1/2 mile ride Saturday. On Sunday, I went to the Chippewa mountain bike race in Eau Claire with Tom and Lee Bengel. I placed 7th in the 50-54 Sport event. The total miles Sunday were 19.

Another Move

2009-06-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

I got in a few short rides over the weekend. On Friday after work, I rode the Lake Owasso loop from Saint Paul. That was 25 miles of nice cruising on the Specialized road bike. Moving day is what they call Saturday on the PGA Tour. That's when the good golfers seem to make their move to get into contention. Well, for me, Saturday was an actual moving day. My brother Tom and I moved the last of my mom's stuff from her condo to Saint Thereses' in Hopkins. I did manage to get in a short 11 mile road ride on Summit Avenue after the move. Mountain biking was the theme on Sunday. Bill Stuber, Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, John Wyland and I rode the trails at Battle Creek. They've got a couple of new trails there along with some more log jumps and a rock garden. We got in over 12 1/2 miles.

Working It Out..

2009-06-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

I got in a 20 mile ride after work by going east on Summit, up the High Bridge and then over to Fort Snelling and Minnehaha Park. I did a couple more time trial pick-ups and tried to go fast up the High Bridge. Climbing the High Bridge Fast is tough though because you always have to watch for glass.

Not Much Riding Lately...

2009-06-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

I've been busy lately with all kinds of stuff that has kept me off the bike. Yeah, if I was really serious, I would make time... I know, I know... Got a 20 mile road ride in Saturday evening then had the family over for Father's Day on Sunday. What happened Monday? Rain? Tuesday I was all set for the thirty six mile TCBC Acapulco ride when Kathleen informed me we had the neighbor's birthday party to go to... So I decided to get in a quick ride around the neighborhood. Yeah, it was quick. I made it one mile before the rain started. I turned for home and got in a total of 2 miles... Today, I got in 21 miles on the time trial training bike with five speed sets. I rode the Greenway and Kenilworth trails plus the trail from downtown south to the Greenway.

Paying For Speed

2009-06-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Speed can be achieved in bike racing via many methods. Training, racing, buying the best equipment, bike position and hiring a coach are the most common. I paid for time trial speed by getting a time trial bike, disc rear wheel, deep section front wheel, skin suit, aero helmet and lycra shoe covers... However, last night, I paid for speed a different way, I went out way too fast at the Blackdog TT and paid for it on the way back when it seemed I was barely moving! Two weeks ago, my time was 16:17. Last night it was 16:45. That was one second slower than my first Blackdog TT of the year... I'll try to TT at a more even pace... Anyway, I got in 19 miles last night at the "Dog". Tonight, I got in a little over 20 miles by going up the high bridge and then west to Fort Snelling before heading back to Saint Paul.

Riding, Training, Volunteering, Spectating

2009-06-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

I've been getting some decent rides lately and I did some volunteering for the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Tom Bengel and I worked the Downtown Saint Paul Criterium as Course Marshalls on Wednesday. Paul McKinney helped us on the corner of Wacouta and 6th. As usual, I did most of the work. Tommy spent about half the time talking to the Kueffer family and others. McKinney stood on the lamp post the whole time except for 10 seconds... Thursday I rode and did time trial training on Lillydale Road. Friday, Tom Bengel, Rob Belz and I were NVGP Course Marshalls for the Uptown Crit. We rode our bikes over from Saint Paul and worked the Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street corner. The new phrase when closing off the street crossing is; "Shut uhr down!" Saturday was a medium length training ride. Tom Bengel and I rode to North Oaks and back for 32 miles. Yeah, I've spent too much time with Tommy B lately... I'll ride with some others for a while... After two days of volunteering, Tom Bengel, Rob Belz some MNJRC kids and I rode to Stillwater for the Chilkoot Hill Criterium. We had fun watching the race. I threw on a NVGP vest toward the end and helped Big Paul with crowd control. It got a little crazy. They needed more Course Marshalls. With the ride home, we got in 51 miles.

Timing It...

2009-06-10T14:26:00.000-07:00

The rain kept me off the bike for a few days over the weekend. I did manage to get in some training with an 8 mile, rain shortened time trial training session on Monday. Yesterday, I raced the Withrow Time Trial. Either I have to race flat courses only or get in some hill training. The hills aren't big on the course but they come at you the last half of the race. Anyway, I got in 21 miles which included posting a 33:48 in the 13 mile time trial. I placed 25th out of 79 and wasn't too far out of the teens. Among those who beat me were Rick Christiansen, Dave Ludwigson, Alex Dahlquist, Benn Popp and John Stamm. Placing behind me were Dan Meyer, Mike Lyner, Dave Haerle and Steve Skarvan.

150

2009-06-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

The ride of the day was 25 miles from Saint Paul over to the Greenway and Kenilworth Trails in Minneapolis. Tommy Bengel joined me as we took turns leading some speed pick-ups. Anyway, the picture is a Glastron speedboat, trailer and 70hp mercury I picked up today for $150. I need the motor for my other boat. I'll fix up the trailer and sell that for more than I paid for the whole package...

I'll Take A Masi

2009-06-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

My 1972 50hp Evinrude "dun blow'd up." Copyright SCTV. As a result, I need to raise some cash for a new motor... Something has to go... My loss is your gain... I'm selling my Masi Coltello Track Bike. It has a fantastic aero frame and is very fast. The frame is worth over $500. I'll sell the whole bike with cranks, wheels, saddle, handlebars, seatpost and stem for $500! The wheels are standard track wheels and not the ones in the picture. Frye got the disc...

Course Record...

2009-06-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

I've been riding more lately now that the swine/bird/ebola thing seems to be gone. On Monday, I got in 8 miles on the time trial training bike. I wasn't going to ride but my wife needed her car moved from the ramp to the courthouse. Summit to downtown Saint Paul was the route I took to get there. Tuesday was my first Acapulco ride of the season. I got in 40 miles on the bucolic roads of Stillwater, Lakeland, Afton and Lake Elmo. Jerry Engen, Lori Belz, Rob Belz and John Wyland joined me on the TCBC ride led by the legend, Bob Hoffman. Wednesday was the Blackdog Time Trial. Tom Bengel and I drove down to the start. I went off as the 16th rider and set my new personal best with a time of 16:17. Those who finished in front of me included Dave Ludwigson and Alex Dahlquist. Among the riders I beat were Skibby, Steve Knowlton, John Stamm, Dan Meyer, Bill Kosfeld and Tommy B. I got in 20 miles for the night.

Afton Avalaunch...

2009-05-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

Jerry Engen and I rode from Afton over to Afton Alps to watch the Afton Avalanche mountain bike race. It's a really tough course. Lots of big climbs with way too many rock gardens at the top and some real hard single track. Tommy Bengel, Rob Belz, John Wyland, Stu Benson, Bill Stuber and Super Rookie were among those in the Sport Event. Anyway, Jerry and I got in some riding on the trails too. Check out the picture of Tommy B climbing to a rock garden.

Little Lori Has A Nice Bass

2009-05-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday's ride was an easy 26 mile cruise from Lakeland north into Grant and then east to Stillwater. Jerry Engen, Lori Belz and Rob Belz joined me on the ride. We came across Jay Wenner going the other way on the Gateway Trail. When we got to Stillwater, we stopped at the Bikery. Rob bought the giant Brownie so we all ate it. Tim Power and Randy Moses were there after their Bikery ride to Scandia and back. Later in the day, I took Jerry and Lori out fishing on one of my favorite east metro lakes. I caught twelve sunfish, Jerry caught a couple of small bass and Lori landed a nice bass and a couple of other fish.

Riding With Kids Part 2

2009-05-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

I joined Tommy Bengel and the MNJRC kids for a 31.97 mile ride on River Blvd, the Greenway and Kenilworth Trails, through Downtown Minneapolis and back to Saint Paul. Their goal for the evening was to send one person up the road and then chase the gap down. It worked pretty well... We did that about ten times. Now I need to get some more time trial training in...