Rolling

Something about riding on cobblestone that I don't miss.  Did they call "pot-holes" during these times or "missing-a-brick-hole?"

Lady in Blue!

Southern MN Dirt - ALMONZO 100

my first Century Race

This is the only real photo I took of my bike after 100 miles of grueling,cold-n-wet, gravel/mud riding.  I made it in the 12 hour cut-off: 11.01 hours to be exact. We had a few minor break downs like my crank flopping off at mile 50. It was back on after a quick water-bottle rinsing. My Raleigh Grand Prix pulled through. Just not sure I will ever get all the dirt off it!

I enjoyed watching the crushed limestone crusting up on my legs; it actually kept me warm.  I believe 388 riders started and only 150 finished within the 12 hours. At the check-in at mile 65, we heard of others shivering and figured the cold, wet weather was stopping people from finishing.  I rode with 4 others on tandems: Matt & Renee and John & Jen.   Still feeling some tingles in the tendons and not sure if this is a ride I would do again (in the rain that is).

Wanted to thank everyone that had a part in putting on this event especially the event coordinator - Chris Skogan. http://almanzo100.blogspot.com/

Surfers in that Puddle

Just in. They found out recently what's been going on in those puddle that I dodge, jump and roll through slowly and rather jerkingly. I am creating the best puddle waves (even here in MN). These are the same waves that crash our chain, frame and rims, tubes and.. My chain is chewy and gooey and fun. It looks really good on my old rags.

Why bike Cedar Ave?

I take this road quite a bit either north or south. It's traffic cycle is heavy going North in the morning and South in the evening commute. All those cars headed to work through a tiny street with parking on both sides through much of it. Not the fastest street for cars as the Speed Limit is 35 for cars (or at least last time I checked it was.)  On occasion, when I drive I see bikers on Cedar. Why bike Cedar Avenue?

There is Bloomington Avenue that is just West; a much smoother road with less traffic and generally slower cars moving down the way. Or East is 29th Avenue which is a bit rough with less cars. No one cares that you are a silly bike trying to compete for car space. The moustache handle bars are not going to make you immune to being crushed between a parked car and an oncoming vehicular ouchie.  Cars always win that fight. I hope you are wearing a helmet because you may need to check your head if you think Cedar Avenue is bike friendly. It is not a bike friendly street.

I think there is a good way to let others know that the direct route is usually not the safest route. That taking a curved approach by choosing a better commuter street would make all the difference in your sanity and personal safety.  Maybe a sign, like some I have seen in Oregon:"Bike lane is 2 blocks that Way" would be appropriate.  I would contribute to that signage. I see these signs on 40th street that cross Cedar. But 40th Street goes East-West. I want to go North and South and so I disregard the sign and head south on Cedar Avenue. Where's the sign for North and South folks?

20 Million Bucks for Clean Air

I guess some scientist is looking into building a scrubbing machine where 100 million of them could scrub the world's air of carbon . Start-up cost $20 million. I'm sure it works. 


Or 20 million dollars worth of bikes. A cottage bike community. Engaged biking neighborhoods that support bike planning, trail development and bike safety.

Making Rainbows

videohttp://www.thedonutproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/robo-rainbow_2.jpg

Just a few things I liked about this design. 1. The battery powered drill that moves the arm. 2. The actuated spray mechanism with an over spray guard. 3. The bike trailer 4. The fact that he stays inside the rainbow during production 5. He's got the colors of the rainbow right!