A good ride always makes the world seem like a better place. It was a bit windy, but Biking Brady was nice enough to pull for the entire ride, I'm glad we got out before the real crappy weather blows in.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I feel much better
A good ride always makes the world seem like a better place. It was a bit windy, but Biking Brady was nice enough to pull for the entire ride, I'm glad we got out before the real crappy weather blows in.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Grumpy
This is what happens when I don't get out on the bike enough, guess what I'm there. I plan to try to remedy this problem a little bit tomorrow night before all hell breaks loose in the weather department AGAIN. I have never had a tougher spring to get out and get some good quality miles in, time and weather both being the problem.Sunday, April 27, 2008
Weekend Stuff
Here we are Monday is once again right around the corner. I had a very busy weekend and will hit a few of the highlights.
Friday I left for the 230th Scottish Rite Reunion in Yankton. I headed out of town about 9:15 A.M., it was raining hard and really blowing. I took it easy on the way to Yankton as there was a lot of water on the road and the wind was really gusting. Once I arrived in Yankton I made my way to the Scottish Rite Temple and checked in for the weekend. The dudes running the reunion were pulling their hair out by this time. The snow had started, people were calling in a saying they would not be able to make it due to the weather and conditions outside were only getting worse. Discussions were held on if the whole thing should be called off. The decision was made to continue with the reunion. If you have not had any experience with the Scottish Rite I will give you a little information on the reunion.
The Scottish Rite Reunions are held 2 times a year, each spring and each fall, the reunions are a chance to see other members, discuss business, and do degree work. In order to become a full member of the Scottish Rite first you have to become a Mason, once that is completed there are 32 degrees (classes) of Scottish Rite training you have to complete. The degree work started Friday at 12:30 P.M. and went until 10:30 P.M. Friday night, resuming Saturday at 6:45 A.M. and finishing up at 4:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon. After the degree work was done a dinner and banquet was held, I even had to give a speech.
The degree work is a look into yourself as a person, your relationships with others and your purpose and place in the world. The way this is accomplished it through acts, you are put into was is best described as a play and you are a character. Everyone else is in elaborate costume and knows their lines, except you. You are given instruction but part of the process is how you react to the different situations and how the different situations make you feel. It is really full theater, the sets are 100 years old and are really unbelievable.
Last but not least is the reason for the Scottish Rite, one of the main reason it exists is for philanthropy. The Scottish Rite philanthropy is children with speech and language disorders. The provide funds to run clinics and give book grants & fellowships for speech/language students. I will stop now since your probably sick of this by now, but if anyone wants more information feel free to contact me.
Sunday (today) was a recovery day, I was so tired from the weekend I slept in while the Mrs. and the kiddos went to church. This afternoon I did get off my butt and mowed the lawn. Only in South Dakota can you have a blizzard on Friday and mow your lawn on Sunday.
Here's to hoping for some good riding weather this week!
Later
Friday I left for the 230th Scottish Rite Reunion in Yankton. I headed out of town about 9:15 A.M., it was raining hard and really blowing. I took it easy on the way to Yankton as there was a lot of water on the road and the wind was really gusting. Once I arrived in Yankton I made my way to the Scottish Rite Temple and checked in for the weekend. The dudes running the reunion were pulling their hair out by this time. The snow had started, people were calling in a saying they would not be able to make it due to the weather and conditions outside were only getting worse. Discussions were held on if the whole thing should be called off. The decision was made to continue with the reunion. If you have not had any experience with the Scottish Rite I will give you a little information on the reunion.
The Scottish Rite Reunions are held 2 times a year, each spring and each fall, the reunions are a chance to see other members, discuss business, and do degree work. In order to become a full member of the Scottish Rite first you have to become a Mason, once that is completed there are 32 degrees (classes) of Scottish Rite training you have to complete. The degree work started Friday at 12:30 P.M. and went until 10:30 P.M. Friday night, resuming Saturday at 6:45 A.M. and finishing up at 4:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon. After the degree work was done a dinner and banquet was held, I even had to give a speech.
The degree work is a look into yourself as a person, your relationships with others and your purpose and place in the world. The way this is accomplished it through acts, you are put into was is best described as a play and you are a character. Everyone else is in elaborate costume and knows their lines, except you. You are given instruction but part of the process is how you react to the different situations and how the different situations make you feel. It is really full theater, the sets are 100 years old and are really unbelievable.
Last but not least is the reason for the Scottish Rite, one of the main reason it exists is for philanthropy. The Scottish Rite philanthropy is children with speech and language disorders. The provide funds to run clinics and give book grants & fellowships for speech/language students. I will stop now since your probably sick of this by now, but if anyone wants more information feel free to contact me.
Sunday (today) was a recovery day, I was so tired from the weekend I slept in while the Mrs. and the kiddos went to church. This afternoon I did get off my butt and mowed the lawn. Only in South Dakota can you have a blizzard on Friday and mow your lawn on Sunday.
Here's to hoping for some good riding weather this week!
Later
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Fried
I'm back from my Scottish Rite Reunion and I am toast. It was a fun, informative and educational weekend but also very, very tiring. I am proud to report I have now completed my 32nd degree of Scottish Rite training and am a full fledged member of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Yes I even have a funny hat, of which I'm very proud to wear. I will post more about the weekend after a 12 hour recovery nap.
Later
Later
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Biking/Family/Economics
OK, if you read this blog you probably read Biking Brady's blog as well. Well I will put in my 2 cents on this up coming cycling year and look back into last year.
Last Year - Serious training started January 1st. I put in 400+ miles per month on the TRAINER Jan, Feb, March & April.
This Year - I put in 150 miles per month Jan, Feb, March.
Last Year - Every ride was a training ride, EVERY ride. I rode TDK at 18 mph average per day, everyday except 1. I rode the MS ride at 19 mph average each day. Club rides, people stopped showing up if they knew Biking Brady and I were coming, they got sick of our all out training pace. I treated each ride as a training ride for Gut-Check trying to make myself stronger and faster. I did get stronger and faster but I didn't have as much fun as I should have. Don't get me wrong the 07 cycling season was great and I enjoyed it but training became a mission, something I had to do. It became work.
This Year - I'm going to ride lots! I will ride a lot but I have no training plan, no set speed I want to be able to ride at, no mileage goal, I want to ride as much as possible and enjoy every mile of it. I also don't have as much time for training this year, I have a family wedding/vacation planned in June for a week and 1/2, happens to be the same time as TDK. I have another family wedding in July in Rapid. These are going be fun family trips but very costly $$ wise and would take away a large chunk of training time.
The $$'s this year is a factor too. Gut-Check was a costly ride for me last year, if fact I figured out the week of TDK was less expensive than my weekend Gut-Check ride. Will I do Gut-Check again, I fully plan on it. May-be next year, it beat me once and I really don't like to admit defeat. I fully plan to stare the beast down again in the future, just not this year.
Later
Last Year - Serious training started January 1st. I put in 400+ miles per month on the TRAINER Jan, Feb, March & April.
This Year - I put in 150 miles per month Jan, Feb, March.
Last Year - Every ride was a training ride, EVERY ride. I rode TDK at 18 mph average per day, everyday except 1. I rode the MS ride at 19 mph average each day. Club rides, people stopped showing up if they knew Biking Brady and I were coming, they got sick of our all out training pace. I treated each ride as a training ride for Gut-Check trying to make myself stronger and faster. I did get stronger and faster but I didn't have as much fun as I should have. Don't get me wrong the 07 cycling season was great and I enjoyed it but training became a mission, something I had to do. It became work.
This Year - I'm going to ride lots! I will ride a lot but I have no training plan, no set speed I want to be able to ride at, no mileage goal, I want to ride as much as possible and enjoy every mile of it. I also don't have as much time for training this year, I have a family wedding/vacation planned in June for a week and 1/2, happens to be the same time as TDK. I have another family wedding in July in Rapid. These are going be fun family trips but very costly $$ wise and would take away a large chunk of training time.
The $$'s this year is a factor too. Gut-Check was a costly ride for me last year, if fact I figured out the week of TDK was less expensive than my weekend Gut-Check ride. Will I do Gut-Check again, I fully plan on it. May-be next year, it beat me once and I really don't like to admit defeat. I fully plan to stare the beast down again in the future, just not this year.
Later
TGIF (On Thursday)
Today is Friday for me so hence the TGIF Friday post, I didn't want anybody to have to miss any of my stupid Friday junk. I'm off to a Masonic Conference for the weekend. Have a good weekend and enjoy your rides.
Crack in airline window.....unbelievable!!!!!
Be aware when booking your next flight.
This is scary for anyone who travels frequently by plane!!!!
Actual crack in a US Airways DC-9 window frame!
Fliers beware of the sub standard maintenance on the airplanes that you fly on.
This is an actual crack that was found in the window frame on a DC-9.
I'll definitely think twice before flying USAir
Crack in airline window.....unbelievable!!!!!
Be aware when booking your next flight.
This is scary for anyone who travels frequently by plane!!!!
Actual crack in a US Airways DC-9 window frame!
Fliers beware of the sub standard maintenance on the airplanes that you fly on.
This is an actual crack that was found in the window frame on a DC-9.
I'll definitely think twice before flying USAir
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Earth Day Ride
What a nice evening for a ride and a great way to celebrate Earth day. Biking Brady and I headed out about 5:15 and did an easy 30 miles (thanks for not trying to kill me BB). We met up with Cycling Cathy and got to ride with her for a few miles. It's been a long winter and it's good to see old cycling friends out on the road. It was also my first ride of the year that didn't require, insulation, long sleeves or tights, I'm glad my fellow riders had their shades on so they weren't blinded by my white legs. Looks like spring has finally sprung.
Later
Later
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Better than Nothing
Well my great plans for a Century Sunday were quickly blown away by the SD wind. On the way home from church at 9:15 rain drops were hitting the window and temp was 44 degrees. I wasn't that desperate for an early morning solo ride.
I left for the group ride shortly before 1 and knew it was going to be a tough day. The SE wind was really tough, about 26 to 30 mph tough. 5 rollers showed for the group ride; Chad P., Tom, Ed F., Cactus Eyed Joe and myself. We took off for Elk Point, Cactus Eyed Joe and me quickly lined up into the wind. Ed F. is not comfortable in a pace line and Chad P (on his trike) and Tom were planning a slower pace. Our 2 man pace line held a blistering 10 mph pace into the stiff wind, taking turns pulling about every quater mile. We pulled into Elk Point an hour and 15 minutes after leaving Vermillion and discussed if we should continue on to Jefferson. We decided an hour and 15 minutes into that wind was enough and decided to head back to Vermillion. The pace back to Vermillion was a bit better 28 to 31 mph with about 1/2 the effort of riding into the wind.
Needless to say my hope of a Sunday Century is over and I ended up with a whopping 35 miles instead. Hey it's better than nothing.
Later
I left for the group ride shortly before 1 and knew it was going to be a tough day. The SE wind was really tough, about 26 to 30 mph tough. 5 rollers showed for the group ride; Chad P., Tom, Ed F., Cactus Eyed Joe and myself. We took off for Elk Point, Cactus Eyed Joe and me quickly lined up into the wind. Ed F. is not comfortable in a pace line and Chad P (on his trike) and Tom were planning a slower pace. Our 2 man pace line held a blistering 10 mph pace into the stiff wind, taking turns pulling about every quater mile. We pulled into Elk Point an hour and 15 minutes after leaving Vermillion and discussed if we should continue on to Jefferson. We decided an hour and 15 minutes into that wind was enough and decided to head back to Vermillion. The pace back to Vermillion was a bit better 28 to 31 mph with about 1/2 the effort of riding into the wind.
Needless to say my hope of a Sunday Century is over and I ended up with a whopping 35 miles instead. Hey it's better than nothing.
Later
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Century Sunday??
OK, I have in my brain a century tomorrow. I'm thinking 30 miles after church, then riding 50 or so with the Lane Hogs, then finishing up what's left. I don't know if I will get it done but it's a goal. I have all day as the Mrs was gone Friday and all day today so she has given me the green light to ride as much as my legs will take me tomorrow.
Later
Later
Busy Day
What a great spring day today. Would have been a prefect day for a bike ride but it wasn't meant for me today as the Mrs. was at a conference all day, which left me home with the kiddos. Oh well we made the best out of it. We tilled the garden and planted 60 bulbs, which will hopefully turn into flowers. Planting with a 5 year old and a 7 year old is quite an adventure. The real funny part is that they kept checking throughout the day to see if anything was growing. After the garden fun we went to work cleaning up the landscaping. We picked up all the leaves that had blown in over the course of the winter. After that we fertilized the trees and landscaping plants. Then it was on to the the lawn mower where we changed oil and cleaned the air filter. After the lawn mower we washed the pickup. Then it was time to tackle the garage. We organized and swept the garage and then installed some lights that have be dangling from the ceiling since we bought the place. Over all a very busy but productive day.
Later
Later
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Give us a break
The wind has stopped, finally. Now it's raining and looks like it may linger on through the day. Come on Mother Nature give us a break.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Weekend
Pretty uneventful weekend. The Mrs. was at a conference in FL since last Wed, so I spent most of the weekend at home with the kiddos. My sinus's were really bothering me Saturday so I spent most of the day with a Kleenex box at my side. The Mrs got back Sat evening and Sunday morning was church.
I had pretty much settled into my recliner for the afternoon, when Biking Brady call I mentioned I should get my sorry ass outside and ride. We hid from the wind and stayed in town for somewhere between 15 - 20 miles. It was good to get out and get the heart pumping.
Weather forecast sounds promising for some evening rides this week, I hope winter has finally given up.
Later
I had pretty much settled into my recliner for the afternoon, when Biking Brady call I mentioned I should get my sorry ass outside and ride. We hid from the wind and stayed in town for somewhere between 15 - 20 miles. It was good to get out and get the heart pumping.
Weather forecast sounds promising for some evening rides this week, I hope winter has finally given up.
Later
Friday, April 11, 2008
Banana Test (TGIF)
The Banana Test There is a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4 animals, a Lion, a Chimpanzee, a Giraffe, and a Squirrel, who pass by. They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a banana off the tree. Who do you guess will win? Your answer will reflect your personality. So think carefully . . . Try and answer within 30 seconds Got your answer?
Now scroll down to see the analysis.
Now scroll down to see the analysis.
If your answer is: Lion = you're dull.
Chimpanzee = you're a moron.
Giraffe = you're a complete idiot.
Squirrel = you're just hopelessly stupid.
A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS.
Obviously you're stressed and overworked. You need a vacation!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
F@%K
My emergency ride went to SHIT! I really, really wanted to get a nice ride in before the Mrs. left for her conference in FL but fate was against me. It started out great Biking Brady and I agreed to meet at said set time and said set place and planned out a 20 or so mile ride. I was ready, geared up, tires aired, water bottles filled and rolling around the parking lot waiting for Biking Brady to roll in.
That's when it happened the dreaded cell phone call from the Mrs., saying "I'm on Main St and my tire is going flat." Biking Brady had just rolled in and I informed him of the situation, he agreed to meet me at the service station in hopes we could still get a ride in. The local service station was less than helpful so we were forced to the Evil Empire (Wal-Mart). By this time I knew any chance for a ride was out of the picture as I had to get new tires on before the Mrs. left for her conference. Well needless to say the Evil Empire was happy to charge me $400.00 + for 4 new tires, but the Prius is back on the road.
I have come to a conclusion:
Cars hate bikes!
It was a perfect night for a ride: NO wind, 50 degree temp and light until 8:00 P.M.
The car knew this and decided to foil my ride.
I hate cars, the costs, the insurance, the gas, I hate it all.
F'N good ride ruined.
I don't even want to hear about how nice your solo ride was Mr. Brady.
Later
That's when it happened the dreaded cell phone call from the Mrs., saying "I'm on Main St and my tire is going flat." Biking Brady had just rolled in and I informed him of the situation, he agreed to meet me at the service station in hopes we could still get a ride in. The local service station was less than helpful so we were forced to the Evil Empire (Wal-Mart). By this time I knew any chance for a ride was out of the picture as I had to get new tires on before the Mrs. left for her conference. Well needless to say the Evil Empire was happy to charge me $400.00 + for 4 new tires, but the Prius is back on the road.
I have come to a conclusion:
Cars hate bikes!
It was a perfect night for a ride: NO wind, 50 degree temp and light until 8:00 P.M.
The car knew this and decided to foil my ride.
I hate cars, the costs, the insurance, the gas, I hate it all.
F'N good ride ruined.
I don't even want to hear about how nice your solo ride was Mr. Brady.
Later
Monday, April 7, 2008
Emergency Ride
I have to get a ride in before the Mrs leaves for a conference in FL on Wed. If your in or around Vermillion Tues April 7th let me know riding will be done.
Weekend review,
Friday- Tandem ride with Biking Brady - 31 miles - felt great to get out on the road again.
Saturday- Planned 50 mile ride- SD winds kicked our butts, we bailed at about 33 miles total. Riding on a 45 degree angle to keep upright was tough, but well worth being outside in 60+ degree weather.
Sunday- Weather sucked, made a quick trip to Sioux Falls via the Prius to get new luggage for Disney and fertilizer for the lawn. I fertilize so my lawn grows more, so I mow more. OK why the hell do I bother, I'm just making work for myself, cutting into riding time. Anyway the Prius took a hit, some bozo backed into me in a parking lot, he didn't even know he did it. I had to get out of the car, knock on his window and exclaim, "You F'N hit my car!! Anyway a foot long scratch on the bumper, paint damage is all but believe me his insurance WILL fix my car or pad my wallet, either way when you don't look back out of your Lincoln SUV and hit a Prius you will pay. Us Prius owners are a nasty bunch!
Later
Weekend review,
Friday- Tandem ride with Biking Brady - 31 miles - felt great to get out on the road again.
Saturday- Planned 50 mile ride- SD winds kicked our butts, we bailed at about 33 miles total. Riding on a 45 degree angle to keep upright was tough, but well worth being outside in 60+ degree weather.
Sunday- Weather sucked, made a quick trip to Sioux Falls via the Prius to get new luggage for Disney and fertilizer for the lawn. I fertilize so my lawn grows more, so I mow more. OK why the hell do I bother, I'm just making work for myself, cutting into riding time. Anyway the Prius took a hit, some bozo backed into me in a parking lot, he didn't even know he did it. I had to get out of the car, knock on his window and exclaim, "You F'N hit my car!! Anyway a foot long scratch on the bumper, paint damage is all but believe me his insurance WILL fix my car or pad my wallet, either way when you don't look back out of your Lincoln SUV and hit a Prius you will pay. Us Prius owners are a nasty bunch!
Later
Friday, April 4, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Enter the Ninjas
Yes, they actually broke these boards.
Mr. T. ready to start his form.
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Striking a pose
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Spring ?? May-be ??
Poached from KELO-LAND
We do have a taste of spring in sight…that will happen on Friday and Saturday. Widespread 50s and lower 60s will be likely for both days as skies will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny, but the second half of the weekend and into next week will bring in chances for rain/snow and cooler than average temperatures.
Here is the window, the break we've been looking for. I have a 20 to 30 miler planned for Friday evening and a 50 miler planned for Saturday. I can't wait!
We do have a taste of spring in sight…that will happen on Friday and Saturday. Widespread 50s and lower 60s will be likely for both days as skies will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny, but the second half of the weekend and into next week will bring in chances for rain/snow and cooler than average temperatures.
Here is the window, the break we've been looking for. I have a 20 to 30 miler planned for Friday evening and a 50 miler planned for Saturday. I can't wait!Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The Dr. is In
Dr Bike: What seems to be the problem?
Me: I have the crud.
Dr Bike: The crud?
Me: No voice, stuffed up head and a nagging cough.
Dr Bike: Any underlying causes or other symptoms you can think of?
Me: A winter that won't die, persistent snow and cold, followed by a couple of nice days that last only long enough to give me hope. Is there any cure?
Dr Bike: Quit feeling sorry for yourself and shut-up and ride. I don't care if it's the trainer or up and down your driveway. JUST RIDE.
Me: OK, I will quit bitching about it and try to turn the cranks everyday. Thanks!
I followed Dr. Bike's directions today and you know what I felt much better after 1/2 an hour on the trainer!
Later
Me: I have the crud.
Dr Bike: The crud?
Me: No voice, stuffed up head and a nagging cough.
Dr Bike: Any underlying causes or other symptoms you can think of?
Me: A winter that won't die, persistent snow and cold, followed by a couple of nice days that last only long enough to give me hope. Is there any cure?
Dr Bike: Quit feeling sorry for yourself and shut-up and ride. I don't care if it's the trainer or up and down your driveway. JUST RIDE.
Me: OK, I will quit bitching about it and try to turn the cranks everyday. Thanks!
I followed Dr. Bike's directions today and you know what I felt much better after 1/2 an hour on the trainer!
Later
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