I have a major exam to study for in Spanish and a big project to finish up for Wednesday in my info studies class, so what am I doing?
writing in the blog I haven't touched for a month.
Typical.
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we've been getting the NY Times Sunday edition for a few weeks now and I came across an interesting article as I was finishing my coffee today (there is absolutely no way to finish reading it on a Sunday-or even make a dent in it in my case).
It was about a new challenge to gay marriage. people were arguing that since gay couples can't procreate they shouldn't be able to marry. The main couple they interviewed tried to say this had absolutely nothing to do with religion, but the funny thing was they were an infertile couple.
so my question for them is, should you have to be able to prove fertility to be able to get married then? because there is no difference in their inability to conceive and a gay couple's inability to conceive.
GET OVER IT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!
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The wife bought the new oasis album this weekend.
I have decided there are 2 requirements for every Oasis album.
1. there must be at minimum one line that directly references a Beatles song or lyric
2. there must be at least one song that is a direct rip-off of a Beatles song.
that is my review. 2/5
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In biking news, I hit my season mileage goal this weekend with an awesome ride along the river road. leaves were at peak and the temps were great.
too bad I dressed for slightly cooler temps and was roasting by the end.
Season total - 1504
wondering if I can get another couple hundred miles in before the weather kicks me off the streets.
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In other biking news, shouts to Phillipe Gilbert for winning Paris-Tours this weekend and schooling the sprinters who thought they were going to get their chance.
One last big road race this weekend and then I will have to focus on Cyclocross to get my fix.
Showing posts with label biking diary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label biking diary. Show all posts
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
the end is nigh
at least the end of my lazy summer.
one class that had little to no homework followed by 3 weeks of chill time and now it's time to go back to the real world.
start my new schedule at work and my new semester at school this week.
Liane and I did get out of town this weekend though for a trip up to the cabin in Ely for possibly the last time (at least until we help her parents move out). kind of sad but it is a little far for them to keep driving not to mention the layout of the lot is getting to be a bit much as well.
I was able to get a little mtn biking in up there and riding on dirt roads is a surefire way to get your throat all scratchy.
If I had another month of vacation I could definitely hit my season goal but it looks like I will need to count on the weather staying relatively nice into the end of October at least (I'm planning on riding until Thanksgiving but we will see how that goes)
Month Total - 300
Season total - 1200
miles to goal - 300
one class that had little to no homework followed by 3 weeks of chill time and now it's time to go back to the real world.
start my new schedule at work and my new semester at school this week.
Liane and I did get out of town this weekend though for a trip up to the cabin in Ely for possibly the last time (at least until we help her parents move out). kind of sad but it is a little far for them to keep driving not to mention the layout of the lot is getting to be a bit much as well.
I was able to get a little mtn biking in up there and riding on dirt roads is a surefire way to get your throat all scratchy.
If I had another month of vacation I could definitely hit my season goal but it looks like I will need to count on the weather staying relatively nice into the end of October at least (I'm planning on riding until Thanksgiving but we will see how that goes)
Month Total - 300
Season total - 1200
miles to goal - 300
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
living the glamorous life
since I joined twitter, I find myself posting here less and less.
i suppose it could be a combination of the easy add nature of twitter, combined the the perceived effort to actually type something up.
----
the big in-law family reunion was this past weekend so I got to spend some quality time in des moines.
we went to the IA state fair on sat and it was interesting to see the differences from the MN fair.
it definitely seemed like there was still more of a connection still to rural life than MN. we checked out the animal barns and got to see part of a sheep shearing competition. also checked out 4-H and the agriculture building which not only had all the winning veggies on display, but the infamous life-size butter cow as well.
one other notable difference was in the food selection. I did not see one cheese curd or mini-donut booth the whole time I was there. lots of pork chop on a stick however, and if you go I recommend the IA pork growers assoc. booth--YUMMY!!
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I picked up a couple of CDs before we left that I was completely unable to listen to even though I had them uploaded on my ipod (that is a different story though)
2 weeks ago I picked up the new Hold Steady and the Fleet Foxes
a lot of people seem to be thinking this is the hold steady's chance to make it to the big time but I am not so enchanted with this album. definitely not up to their last one and probably nothing will ever touch seperation sunday. I get the feeling it must be more palatable to non-hold steady people since those critics are the ones crowing about it.
Fleet Foxes is not up to all the hype but it is a very good album. you've no doubt heard the CSNY and 60's referencines so I won't repeat them here but it is a solid debut and I look forward to more music from them in the future.
right before the trip I grabbed the new various and a couple of used CDs: Bowie-alladin sane and PJ Harvey-Is this desire?
The new various is a collection of their remixes (including one of the sugababes) and others remixes of their work. given some of their more experimental reinterpretations via white label 12"s I was expecting a little more. I also felt a little let down by the remixes of their own work. the one "new" track limbs showcases their strength and I am still looking forward to the new album hopefully soon.
as for the bowie and pj harvey, they are both classic albums that you should have if you don't, so don't even think twice.
-------------
since I've missed a couple weeks again here is a quick catch up on the biking (2/3 of the way to my goal)
w/e 8/3 - 91
w/e 8/10 - 52
season total - 1043
miles to goal - 457
i suppose it could be a combination of the easy add nature of twitter, combined the the perceived effort to actually type something up.
----
the big in-law family reunion was this past weekend so I got to spend some quality time in des moines.
we went to the IA state fair on sat and it was interesting to see the differences from the MN fair.
it definitely seemed like there was still more of a connection still to rural life than MN. we checked out the animal barns and got to see part of a sheep shearing competition. also checked out 4-H and the agriculture building which not only had all the winning veggies on display, but the infamous life-size butter cow as well.
one other notable difference was in the food selection. I did not see one cheese curd or mini-donut booth the whole time I was there. lots of pork chop on a stick however, and if you go I recommend the IA pork growers assoc. booth--YUMMY!!
-----------
I picked up a couple of CDs before we left that I was completely unable to listen to even though I had them uploaded on my ipod (that is a different story though)
2 weeks ago I picked up the new Hold Steady and the Fleet Foxes
a lot of people seem to be thinking this is the hold steady's chance to make it to the big time but I am not so enchanted with this album. definitely not up to their last one and probably nothing will ever touch seperation sunday. I get the feeling it must be more palatable to non-hold steady people since those critics are the ones crowing about it.
Fleet Foxes is not up to all the hype but it is a very good album. you've no doubt heard the CSNY and 60's referencines so I won't repeat them here but it is a solid debut and I look forward to more music from them in the future.
right before the trip I grabbed the new various and a couple of used CDs: Bowie-alladin sane and PJ Harvey-Is this desire?
The new various is a collection of their remixes (including one of the sugababes) and others remixes of their work. given some of their more experimental reinterpretations via white label 12"s I was expecting a little more. I also felt a little let down by the remixes of their own work. the one "new" track limbs showcases their strength and I am still looking forward to the new album hopefully soon.
as for the bowie and pj harvey, they are both classic albums that you should have if you don't, so don't even think twice.
-------------
since I've missed a couple weeks again here is a quick catch up on the biking (2/3 of the way to my goal)
w/e 8/3 - 91
w/e 8/10 - 52
season total - 1043
miles to goal - 457
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wasting my time
Hey, I got a great idea.
When you provide me content for a group blog you are contributing to, don't send me the same exact post you put out on your personal blog the same exact day.
I spent the better part of an hour finessing a really rough piece only to find it already posted for the world to see.
thanks. appreciate you.
---------
apparently I am very mechanically uninclined, because last sunday Liane got a flat on her fixie and I thought I had patched it-problem solved.
fast forward to Friday night and her tire seemed a little low, but I just pumped it up and off we were to run some errands and grab some coffee.
2 miles in tire is flat-again. Apparently the glueless patch didn't stick completely down and was bubbled up from the air, so I ripped it off and tried another one which proceeded to do the same thing and we had to rack the bikes on the bus to get home.
awesome.
----------
haven't posted any biking info for 2 weeks so here's a quick recap
w/e 7/20 84 miles
last week 111 miles (first 100+ week this year and I can feel it)
total miles - 900
miles to goal - 600
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in other biking news, I was glad to see Sastre beat Evans in the TdF. It definitely showcased how much of a team sport cycling is.
interestingly for all those haters that were mad at the ASO, what do you have to say about Gusev getting sacked?
imagine if the ASO had relented and allowed Astana in, only to have that happen? they probably would have had the whole team kicked out and banned for life.
When you provide me content for a group blog you are contributing to, don't send me the same exact post you put out on your personal blog the same exact day.
I spent the better part of an hour finessing a really rough piece only to find it already posted for the world to see.
thanks. appreciate you.
---------
apparently I am very mechanically uninclined, because last sunday Liane got a flat on her fixie and I thought I had patched it-problem solved.
fast forward to Friday night and her tire seemed a little low, but I just pumped it up and off we were to run some errands and grab some coffee.
2 miles in tire is flat-again. Apparently the glueless patch didn't stick completely down and was bubbled up from the air, so I ripped it off and tried another one which proceeded to do the same thing and we had to rack the bikes on the bus to get home.
awesome.
----------
haven't posted any biking info for 2 weeks so here's a quick recap
w/e 7/20 84 miles
last week 111 miles (first 100+ week this year and I can feel it)
total miles - 900
miles to goal - 600
----------
in other biking news, I was glad to see Sastre beat Evans in the TdF. It definitely showcased how much of a team sport cycling is.
interestingly for all those haters that were mad at the ASO, what do you have to say about Gusev getting sacked?
imagine if the ASO had relented and allowed Astana in, only to have that happen? they probably would have had the whole team kicked out and banned for life.
Monday, July 14, 2008
been a long lonely time
so apparently business students need to be told that creativity is important in developing new products/services in businesses.
My professor emphasized this for about 15 minutes of a little over an hour lecture. I kind of thought this would b self-explanatory but might be explained by his other comments on creativity.
He told the class that creative people don't always fit into company culture and may for example say things that are inappropriate in business settings or may dress differently. This is ok because they are creative.
This is why I am not getting a degree through the business school.
----------
haven't checked in with riding mileage for a couple weeks, but I have been too busy to get much riding in. If I was commuting so much it would be fairly pathetic actually (the wind last weekend didn't help much either).
I am almost halfway to my goal for the year however, so that's not too shabby.
W/E 7/6 - 51
W/E 7/13 - 57
Season to Date - 706
Miles to Goal - 794
My professor emphasized this for about 15 minutes of a little over an hour lecture. I kind of thought this would b self-explanatory but might be explained by his other comments on creativity.
He told the class that creative people don't always fit into company culture and may for example say things that are inappropriate in business settings or may dress differently. This is ok because they are creative.
This is why I am not getting a degree through the business school.
----------
haven't checked in with riding mileage for a couple weeks, but I have been too busy to get much riding in. If I was commuting so much it would be fairly pathetic actually (the wind last weekend didn't help much either).
I am almost halfway to my goal for the year however, so that's not too shabby.
W/E 7/6 - 51
W/E 7/13 - 57
Season to Date - 706
Miles to Goal - 794
Monday, June 23, 2008
last week on the bike
Given a week of actual good weather I was able to hit the roads either commuting or on the road bike everyday but Thu (and that was by choice), so it all added up to my biggest week yet this year.
I'm a third of the way to my season goal and am over 200 miles for the month with a week still to go.
week total - 83
season to date - 521
miles to goal - 979
I'm a third of the way to my season goal and am over 200 miles for the month with a week still to go.
week total - 83
season to date - 521
miles to goal - 979
Monday, June 16, 2008
back to reality
living in a world where the twin cities is filled with top level racers had to end some time and Sunday was it (heck the nature valley team had their travel bike boxes out 15 min after the race).
I did get to ride in the women's peloton in Mankato in comm 2 w/ Jenn x. That was pretty wicked and her incites and understanding of the peloton was incredible. It was also fun to see her turn on the announcer voice for her phone ins.
Sunday, Liane and I helped out in the morning at Stillwater and then watched the last half of the women's race and the men's race from chilkoot hill. I picked the other side of the hill from last year and definitely did not get as good of pictures so I now know the best place to stand next year.
I will be uploading pics and vids as I get time and may link to them here.
--
After the race Liane and I ran errands (groceries and free mulch) before biking over to Chipotle for a free burrito.
and speaking of biking, I actually got more miles in than anticipated despite not being able to ride to St. Paul on Wed and being to lazy to ride there to the TT on Fri.
If I have any hope of making my goal, I better get a move on though.
weekly miles - 33
season total - 439
miles to goal - 1061
I did get to ride in the women's peloton in Mankato in comm 2 w/ Jenn x. That was pretty wicked and her incites and understanding of the peloton was incredible. It was also fun to see her turn on the announcer voice for her phone ins.
Sunday, Liane and I helped out in the morning at Stillwater and then watched the last half of the women's race and the men's race from chilkoot hill. I picked the other side of the hill from last year and definitely did not get as good of pictures so I now know the best place to stand next year.
I will be uploading pics and vids as I get time and may link to them here.
--
After the race Liane and I ran errands (groceries and free mulch) before biking over to Chipotle for a free burrito.
and speaking of biking, I actually got more miles in than anticipated despite not being able to ride to St. Paul on Wed and being to lazy to ride there to the TT on Fri.
If I have any hope of making my goal, I better get a move on though.
weekly miles - 33
season total - 439
miles to goal - 1061
Sunday, June 08, 2008
the human sloth
at least that is how I am feeling right now.
barely any miles for the week and I feel completely drained.
Of course some of that has to do with being out at the velodrome this weekend for the Fixed Gear Classic and baking in the sun today, but still I feel kind of lazy.
--
finally got liane's bike into the shop and one on one was fast as lightning getting it ready to go. now she has a sweet single speed (nicer than mine) so that we can cruise around town together.
--
busy, busy week coming too with the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I don't know if I will even be able to touch a bike let alone see my wife. Yikes.
--
I got so few mile that I'm not even goign to list them this week (and probably not next week either)
barely any miles for the week and I feel completely drained.
Of course some of that has to do with being out at the velodrome this weekend for the Fixed Gear Classic and baking in the sun today, but still I feel kind of lazy.
--
finally got liane's bike into the shop and one on one was fast as lightning getting it ready to go. now she has a sweet single speed (nicer than mine) so that we can cruise around town together.
--
busy, busy week coming too with the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I don't know if I will even be able to touch a bike let alone see my wife. Yikes.
--
I got so few mile that I'm not even goign to list them this week (and probably not next week either)
Sunday, June 01, 2008
another time around the sun
another birthday has come and gone...
...everyone asks if I feel older but I don't feel any different than yesterday or last week or a couple months ago. It not that I am all about the "age isn't a number but how you feel" kind of thing.
To me age is something that creeps up on you until one day there it is looking back at you in the mirror or telling you it's a better idea to stay home and watch a movie on Friday night.
----
Liane gave me a flip video ultra for my birthday and the weekend was filled with lots of good food. We went to Cafe Twenty-Eight with my mom on Friday and Liane & I went to Masa on Saturday.
----
I got a couple of decent rides in this past week en route to my second best week of riding. If I didn't have the NVGP coming up which is going to eat into my riding time next week, I think I might make up the mileage I'm down from the bad weather this spring.
Weekly Total - 68
Season Total - 388
Miles to Goal - 1112
...everyone asks if I feel older but I don't feel any different than yesterday or last week or a couple months ago. It not that I am all about the "age isn't a number but how you feel" kind of thing.
To me age is something that creeps up on you until one day there it is looking back at you in the mirror or telling you it's a better idea to stay home and watch a movie on Friday night.
----
Liane gave me a flip video ultra for my birthday and the weekend was filled with lots of good food. We went to Cafe Twenty-Eight with my mom on Friday and Liane & I went to Masa on Saturday.
----
I got a couple of decent rides in this past week en route to my second best week of riding. If I didn't have the NVGP coming up which is going to eat into my riding time next week, I think I might make up the mileage I'm down from the bad weather this spring.
Weekly Total - 68
Season Total - 388
Miles to Goal - 1112
Monday, May 26, 2008
chillin' and grillin'
planned a little birthday/holiday bbg at our place Sun in honor of stewtron's recent and my upcoming birth celebration. For a bit I thought we were all going to have to hide in our basement, but aside from a 5 minute little shower we had pretty good weather.
Follow-up up our food fest by going to the NE bulldog and everyone else ordered more food!! We finally were able to grab the shuffleboard table (the first time in about 8 visits) and after 3/4 of 1 game had some pricks on our jocks trying to get in on the action (keep in mind I have seen guys run the table for hours before). Dudes need to chill out. I decided I didn't need to be stressed out at my party so I bailed at 11.
--
The new Bike fest website is finally live
--
thought I would get out on the bike Saturday but too many errands and prep for the party but I did get out with Liane for a short easy ride Sunday morning.
kind of though that with the lack of school I might get out a little more as well but only found the time on Tuesday. guess we'll see what happens this week.
Weekly Total - 23
Season Total - 344
Miles to Goal - 1179
--
side note: I got my first pair of bib shorts as an early b-day present and took them out for a spin today and was completely sold on the awesomeness compared to regular shorts. The ones I got were on the low-middle end and the chamois is super comfortable and the construction seems solid. The only issue that I've seen is that the leg grippers are so strong they kind of pull on leg hair if you try and adjust them like I did before the ride (I just don't think I can do the leg shaving thing)
Follow-up up our food fest by going to the NE bulldog and everyone else ordered more food!! We finally were able to grab the shuffleboard table (the first time in about 8 visits) and after 3/4 of 1 game had some pricks on our jocks trying to get in on the action (keep in mind I have seen guys run the table for hours before). Dudes need to chill out. I decided I didn't need to be stressed out at my party so I bailed at 11.
--
The new Bike fest website is finally live
--
thought I would get out on the bike Saturday but too many errands and prep for the party but I did get out with Liane for a short easy ride Sunday morning.
kind of though that with the lack of school I might get out a little more as well but only found the time on Tuesday. guess we'll see what happens this week.
Weekly Total - 23
Season Total - 344
Miles to Goal - 1179
--
side note: I got my first pair of bib shorts as an early b-day present and took them out for a spin today and was completely sold on the awesomeness compared to regular shorts. The ones I got were on the low-middle end and the chamois is super comfortable and the construction seems solid. The only issue that I've seen is that the leg grippers are so strong they kind of pull on leg hair if you try and adjust them like I did before the ride (I just don't think I can do the leg shaving thing)
Monday, May 19, 2008
art. yard work. Rascal. NVGP
another year, another Art-A-Whirl over.
Actually made it out a little bit this year......ok so just in the Northrop King where Liane's studio is but at least I made it out this year.
Crowds seemed ok. Fairly busy Friday and a little slow sat but busy by the end. Liane sold a couple paintings so not bad for her.
--
I thought that with the good weather finally that I would be out riding a ton but yardwork got in the way instead (and the wind on Sunday morning). I love having a house but taking care of the garden and the yard can definitely take the wind out of your sails some days.
In the end it was probably good that I didn't get a chance to ride Saturday, since I rode so much during the week to school and work. Sunday was windy when I went out but I think I was just worn out because I haven't ridden that many days in a week since last Aug/sept time frame.
Hopefully the weather stays nice so I can make up for some of the riding that I missed in mar/apr as well as some of the riding I am sure to miss in June due to the NVGP.
Weekly Total - 74
Season Total - 268
Miles to Goal - 1232
--
speaking of the commuting I did last week......after aaw Fri, I went to the Triple Rock to see Dizzee Rascal and EL-P.
got there in time to see Busdriver, who I was excited, to see but he just wasn't my thing.
Rascal on the other hand was an awesome show. I couldn't believe how many people knew all his stuff and he worked the crowd really well. I missed him the first time he came to MPLS with the Streets, so I am really glad I didn't miss him again.
Unfortunately I was to tired stay for more than the first 4 songs from El-P but what I caught was pretty wicked.
--
speaking of the NVGP, it is getting closer and the work for it is picking up.
I spent my free time over the weekend getting content uploaded to the new website which will hopefully launch this week.
my other task is helping to manage the TRIA Your Cycling blog so I am trying to wrap my head around all that is needed for that today.
as for race day(s), if all works out, then I will hopefully be giving live updates via twitter or through the blogs. will depend on access to wi-fi and probably more work than I think it will be (which is a lot) but it should be pretty wicked if all goes well.
Actually made it out a little bit this year......ok so just in the Northrop King where Liane's studio is but at least I made it out this year.
Crowds seemed ok. Fairly busy Friday and a little slow sat but busy by the end. Liane sold a couple paintings so not bad for her.
--
I thought that with the good weather finally that I would be out riding a ton but yardwork got in the way instead (and the wind on Sunday morning). I love having a house but taking care of the garden and the yard can definitely take the wind out of your sails some days.
In the end it was probably good that I didn't get a chance to ride Saturday, since I rode so much during the week to school and work. Sunday was windy when I went out but I think I was just worn out because I haven't ridden that many days in a week since last Aug/sept time frame.
Hopefully the weather stays nice so I can make up for some of the riding that I missed in mar/apr as well as some of the riding I am sure to miss in June due to the NVGP.
Weekly Total - 74
Season Total - 268
Miles to Goal - 1232
--
speaking of the commuting I did last week......after aaw Fri, I went to the Triple Rock to see Dizzee Rascal and EL-P.
got there in time to see Busdriver, who I was excited, to see but he just wasn't my thing.
Rascal on the other hand was an awesome show. I couldn't believe how many people knew all his stuff and he worked the crowd really well. I missed him the first time he came to MPLS with the Streets, so I am really glad I didn't miss him again.
Unfortunately I was to tired stay for more than the first 4 songs from El-P but what I caught was pretty wicked.
--
speaking of the NVGP, it is getting closer and the work for it is picking up.
I spent my free time over the weekend getting content uploaded to the new website which will hopefully launch this week.
my other task is helping to manage the TRIA Your Cycling blog so I am trying to wrap my head around all that is needed for that today.
as for race day(s), if all works out, then I will hopefully be giving live updates via twitter or through the blogs. will depend on access to wi-fi and probably more work than I think it will be (which is a lot) but it should be pretty wicked if all goes well.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
last week on the bike
well it seems like minnesota can't make up its mind because the weather will be nice one day then cold and crappy the next.
I was able to get out for a decent amount of riding but almost all of it was commuting to school and back. Once finals are done I am hoping to be able to get out and ride a little more regularly and most importantly longer. I haven't been able to get in over a 20 mile ride yet this year, just pathetic.
Weekly Total - 51
Season Total - 195
Miles to Goal - 1306
I was able to get out for a decent amount of riding but almost all of it was commuting to school and back. Once finals are done I am hoping to be able to get out and ride a little more regularly and most importantly longer. I haven't been able to get in over a 20 mile ride yet this year, just pathetic.
Weekly Total - 51
Season Total - 195
Miles to Goal - 1306
Monday, May 05, 2008
going up around the bend
well I think that after yet another week of crappy march-like weather in April/May we might have finally turned the corner.
Saturday ended up being a pretty great day and Sunday was better. the only down part of the weekend was not getting out on the road bike Saturday. I did make it out Sunday morning for a short ride though. I only had about an hour so I went here:
The rest of the weekend included getting ready to have Jennifer and Monte over for dinner Sat evening, so lots of cleaning and errands to pick up supplies.
We got a couple of awesome desserts from Bellaria Bakery. a dark chocolate mousse torte and a petite chocolate cream cake (kind of like a really fancy hoho). both were fabulous. I also picked up a key lime tart for teh next day and I was less enthused about that. The key lime filling was right on but it was in a regular pastry tart crust vs. a graham cracker crust.
For dinner we made simple quesadillas for apps and our entree was Chicken in Escabeche with onions, carrots, and roasted poblano peppers. We also made a great side dish of Braised Fennel with a Guajillo Chile dressing.
During our errand running we stopped at the Fetus so I could pick up the new Nick Cave which is awesome. I have never been a big Nick Cave fan, liking a few songs here and there, but the new album is great from beginning to end.
---
Weekly Total - 30
Season Total - 144
Miles to Goal - 1356
Saturday ended up being a pretty great day and Sunday was better. the only down part of the weekend was not getting out on the road bike Saturday. I did make it out Sunday morning for a short ride though. I only had about an hour so I went here:
The rest of the weekend included getting ready to have Jennifer and Monte over for dinner Sat evening, so lots of cleaning and errands to pick up supplies.
We got a couple of awesome desserts from Bellaria Bakery. a dark chocolate mousse torte and a petite chocolate cream cake (kind of like a really fancy hoho). both were fabulous. I also picked up a key lime tart for teh next day and I was less enthused about that. The key lime filling was right on but it was in a regular pastry tart crust vs. a graham cracker crust.
For dinner we made simple quesadillas for apps and our entree was Chicken in Escabeche with onions, carrots, and roasted poblano peppers. We also made a great side dish of Braised Fennel with a Guajillo Chile dressing.
During our errand running we stopped at the Fetus so I could pick up the new Nick Cave which is awesome. I have never been a big Nick Cave fan, liking a few songs here and there, but the new album is great from beginning to end.
---
Weekly Total - 30
Season Total - 144
Miles to Goal - 1356
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Maybe I just don't have it....whatever it is
This "spring" and I use that term very loosely has been miserable for biking.
I have the colder weather gear and all, but riding when it's below 35 degrees just isn't that fun. It might be easier if I had some strong reason like training for a ride, racing, losing weight, etc. but at this point I just don't have that strong of a reason.
Of course this week the real issue has been rain and snow yesterday, but hopefully we will turn the corner sometime in the next few weeks.
I tried to go out for a short ride today around 4 and a half mile from my house it decided to start snowing just enough to make my sunglasses impossible to see through and make the road wet. I cut the ride short and when I swung back onto Stinson I not only had snow but wind in my face as well. No fun.
Weekly Total - 37
Season Total - 114
Miles to Goal - 1386
I have the colder weather gear and all, but riding when it's below 35 degrees just isn't that fun. It might be easier if I had some strong reason like training for a ride, racing, losing weight, etc. but at this point I just don't have that strong of a reason.
Of course this week the real issue has been rain and snow yesterday, but hopefully we will turn the corner sometime in the next few weeks.
I tried to go out for a short ride today around 4 and a half mile from my house it decided to start snowing just enough to make my sunglasses impossible to see through and make the road wet. I cut the ride short and when I swung back onto Stinson I not only had snow but wind in my face as well. No fun.
Weekly Total - 37
Season Total - 114
Miles to Goal - 1386
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Not with a roar but.......
well in the end everyone got something apparently.
Rock racing is in the Tour de Georgia.
The Tour which has had more than its share of financial issues has a new "Founding Sponsor"
The fans get.....well maybe a pretty good race with the overwhelming favorites Astana (and their wah, wah we're the greatest thing since sliced bread routine and machine like efficiency), beloved dark horses Slipstream (Zabriskie, Vande Velde, Pate), and the team everyone loves to hate-Rock Racing (will the Puerto boys be kickin ass and taking names?)
As for my riding this past week, I had my biggest week so far but the crappy midweek weather put a damper on too much riding. Saturday I tried out a couple of the hills I like to ride over by the U and I definitely have a ways to go but overall I felt pretty good.
Week Total - 39
Season Total - 78
Miles to Goal - 1423
Rock racing is in the Tour de Georgia.
The Tour which has had more than its share of financial issues has a new "Founding Sponsor"
The fans get.....well maybe a pretty good race with the overwhelming favorites Astana (and their wah, wah we're the greatest thing since sliced bread routine and machine like efficiency), beloved dark horses Slipstream (Zabriskie, Vande Velde, Pate), and the team everyone loves to hate-Rock Racing (will the Puerto boys be kickin ass and taking names?)
As for my riding this past week, I had my biggest week so far but the crappy midweek weather put a damper on too much riding. Saturday I tried out a couple of the hills I like to ride over by the U and I definitely have a ways to go but overall I felt pretty good.
Week Total - 39
Season Total - 78
Miles to Goal - 1423
Sunday, April 13, 2008
weekly recap
Hopefully we have turned the corner on this awful weather we have been having.
Monday I rode to class in snow flurries and I wasn't able to out again until Sunday.
Only had a half hour to ride though so noting big just the cemetery hill loop with just enough of a head wind to make me sad.
I am hoping to ride to class tomorrow and wed morning as well as work Friday so hopefully the weather holds out like they are saying. I wouldn't mind ditching the cold weather gear.
The weekly recap:
Weekly total - 22.4
Season Total - 38.4
Miles to Goal - 1461.6
Monday I rode to class in snow flurries and I wasn't able to out again until Sunday.
Only had a half hour to ride though so noting big just the cemetery hill loop with just enough of a head wind to make me sad.
I am hoping to ride to class tomorrow and wed morning as well as work Friday so hopefully the weather holds out like they are saying. I wouldn't mind ditching the cold weather gear.
The weekly recap:
Weekly total - 22.4
Season Total - 38.4
Miles to Goal - 1461.6
Sunday, April 06, 2008
weekend recap
I took the road bike out for a spin Sat morning for the first time this year. Nothing fancy, just my early season/no time route down Johnson back on Stinson and then up cemetery hill and around to the new bike path (A little over 8 miles with a good hill).
It felt really good and I kept up a nice avg speed so I am definitely sure I am ready for a 15-20 mile effort next weekend unless I can find the time this week.
On Sat I was also able to try out some of the new gear I picked up over the winter and I was well pleased. The Craft thermal windstopper jacket I knew was good from Friday, but it really vented well as I started to get sweaty.
The other big plus was my Pearl Izumi Gavia gloves. Very warm but still easy to grip the handlebars and shift. And the little grip pads made sure I didn't drop my water bottle when I unexpectedly hit a pothole while drinking.
After spending the day running errands and finishing the final retakes for the music video I am in, Liane and I went to the Artcrank opening at One on One. Holy Cow!! It was seriously packed with tons of people spilling out onto the front sidewalk and out the back. The line to buy prints was from the bike counter to the coffee counter. It was nice to see so many people out for (and buying) local art. Liane and I each picked up a print. Mine was by Sean Turbridy and Liane's was by Amy Rice.
The weekly recap:
Weekly total - 15.2
Season Total - 15.2
Miles to Goal - 1484.8
It felt really good and I kept up a nice avg speed so I am definitely sure I am ready for a 15-20 mile effort next weekend unless I can find the time this week.
On Sat I was also able to try out some of the new gear I picked up over the winter and I was well pleased. The Craft thermal windstopper jacket I knew was good from Friday, but it really vented well as I started to get sweaty.
The other big plus was my Pearl Izumi Gavia gloves. Very warm but still easy to grip the handlebars and shift. And the little grip pads made sure I didn't drop my water bottle when I unexpectedly hit a pothole while drinking.
After spending the day running errands and finishing the final retakes for the music video I am in, Liane and I went to the Artcrank opening at One on One. Holy Cow!! It was seriously packed with tons of people spilling out onto the front sidewalk and out the back. The line to buy prints was from the bike counter to the coffee counter. It was nice to see so many people out for (and buying) local art. Liane and I each picked up a print. Mine was by Sean Turbridy and Liane's was by Amy Rice.
The weekly recap:
Weekly total - 15.2
Season Total - 15.2
Miles to Goal - 1484.8
Monday, November 12, 2007
Season wrap-up?
Some might consider it laziness, while others-like my wife-might consider it common sense, but given the weather I have not been out riding in the past week and unfortunately it looks like I won't be getting on my bike unless it is attached to my trainer for the foreseeable future.
Given that it is getting dark at like 5 now, weeknight riding seems to be out, and the yardwork needed to get ready for winter kept me off the bike this past weekend, I should probably just accept it and give in.
I am hoping for some decent temps (45+ because I am a sissy) to hold out into next weekend however to maybe get one last weekend ride in. Otherwise it looks like I am stuck sprinting along to my Giro and spring classics DVDs in the spare bedroom. Probably fine for me, but Liane says that I make the room smell like sweat and that I should move the trainer downstairs into the unfinished basement.
Well I suppose this is the joy that is living in MN.
Maybe I can luck out and get my dream job in CA after school. Heck if I am dreaming, how about a nice marketing position in Italy or Spain?
Given that it is getting dark at like 5 now, weeknight riding seems to be out, and the yardwork needed to get ready for winter kept me off the bike this past weekend, I should probably just accept it and give in.
I am hoping for some decent temps (45+ because I am a sissy) to hold out into next weekend however to maybe get one last weekend ride in. Otherwise it looks like I am stuck sprinting along to my Giro and spring classics DVDs in the spare bedroom. Probably fine for me, but Liane says that I make the room smell like sweat and that I should move the trainer downstairs into the unfinished basement.
Well I suppose this is the joy that is living in MN.
Maybe I can luck out and get my dream job in CA after school. Heck if I am dreaming, how about a nice marketing position in Italy or Spain?
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Last week on the bike
In what could very well be my last installment of a biking diary for the season I am very psyched taht I made my stretch goal of 1500 miles for the year this past week.
I went out Tuesday in what is looking like the last really nice day of the year (I know we have had 60 degree days in Nov. before, but I am not counting on it) and got in a nice 15 mile ride over the stone arch where I ran into someone else riding in a Quickstep world champion jersey to my regular Quickstep jersey. what was better was when I spilled out from the greenway onto the river road and there he was again.
If I hadn't been pushign the available time in my schedule already, I probably woudl have sat in with him but alas 'twas not to be.
Unfortch I was not able to ride on Saturday but did make it out Sunday for a short little 8 miler.
Despite the baselayers and shoe covers, the weather is looking like it might be beyond my self-imposed limit this weekend with highs barely in the 40s.
So for now anyway...
Week Total - 23
Season Total - 1509
I went out Tuesday in what is looking like the last really nice day of the year (I know we have had 60 degree days in Nov. before, but I am not counting on it) and got in a nice 15 mile ride over the stone arch where I ran into someone else riding in a Quickstep world champion jersey to my regular Quickstep jersey. what was better was when I spilled out from the greenway onto the river road and there he was again.
If I hadn't been pushign the available time in my schedule already, I probably woudl have sat in with him but alas 'twas not to be.
Unfortch I was not able to ride on Saturday but did make it out Sunday for a short little 8 miler.
Despite the baselayers and shoe covers, the weather is looking like it might be beyond my self-imposed limit this weekend with highs barely in the 40s.
So for now anyway...
Week Total - 23
Season Total - 1509
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Last week on the bike
Finally in what felt like a reprieve, we got a break from the rain of the past month and I was able to get out for more than 1 day last week.
I went out for quick rides on both Wed and Thu up the cemetary hill and around the loop towards Roseville.
Sun I rode what is becoming the my new standard route, across the stone arch-along the LRT-up the greenway-and then some sort of loop of the river road, for a 16 mile ride.
I got to try out the shoe covers at last on Sun even though it wasn't that cold. I do think they will be nice, especially in the spring.
Almost at my goal of 1500. I will definitely hit it next week.
Last Week - 32
Season Total - 1486
I went out for quick rides on both Wed and Thu up the cemetary hill and around the loop towards Roseville.
Sun I rode what is becoming the my new standard route, across the stone arch-along the LRT-up the greenway-and then some sort of loop of the river road, for a 16 mile ride.
I got to try out the shoe covers at last on Sun even though it wasn't that cold. I do think they will be nice, especially in the spring.
Almost at my goal of 1500. I will definitely hit it next week.
Last Week - 32
Season Total - 1486
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