RED BULLS

Today it was made official, the "Red Bulls" will be back in the sandbox.


Thank you for your good thoughts and prayers. Yes I will keep myself safe, Or as we say in the military "my head down". I still have a few spinning nights left and look forward to spending some quality time with coach troy. Ok, maybe not him, but with all you at the shop.

A good neighbor of mine sent me this Christmas Poem.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a MN Guardman, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear, '
Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!'
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' '
It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.'

' So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.'
'But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son.'

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
'Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.'

May you all have a joyful Christmas.

Spinning

Yes Neil, I know it has been awhile since I last posted I shall make a concerted effort to post at least weekly.

Spinning at the bike shop has been going great. It is really great to exercise with friends. I look forward to the tuesday night spin not just for the exercise, though I sure could use it, but more so to reconnect with people who share the passion of biking enough to ride indoors on a trainer or exercise bike.

Headwater 08

Racing the Tour: As Madonna put it. What a great weekend for a 100 mile ride/race. For those who raced the race and those who raced the tour: What a tremendous ride. The weather was ideal for the ride and social fire. This event is one of my favorite events...right close with RAGBRAI.

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I felt great on the ride and get pumped for headwaters. Once again the wild rice soup was the best (I had to have two cups). The first cup: Splendid!! The second cup: Even Better!! I sorely missed this last year in the race, so had to race the tour to make the soup a priority this year. I really like all my biking friends. We were there for each other with encouragement and strong pulls. We tour racers specifically got an early early start so we could be back in time to celebrate as the "Racers" came across the finish line.

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What I like about this event is that our group comes together as a family. We are there for each other and that was very evident this weekend. We cheered for each other and cared for each other...(Hemi took a spill caused by another rider infront of the finish line). For me this is the grand finale before the winter season kicks in. Yes there will still be some more miles for the DBR but this event is the last event where a vast majority of us are all together in one place (26 I believe this year), doing what we all enjoy. Hydrating...I mean biking...and socializing.

The banter around the fire was very entertaining again and went into the wee hours of the morning. It all comes down to having fun and as a group we do this very well, on the bike and off. This is why our Trailhead, Team Strong Heart group is special. We come from all walks of life, with varying biking abilities and we gel.

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Thanks for a great year my friends.

Wednesday Night Ride

What great weather for a fall Wednesday night ride. There are a few others not pictured whom seem "ahem" camera shy. Thanks Quang for being the camera guy. Lots of talk about Headwaters this weekend. Looking forward to the wild rice soup and biking Comraderie!

Though the weather is starting to turn cool and yesterday was extremely wet, tonight was picture perfect (see right). It was nice to see such a large group out tonight. I can say that this year has been very successful in getting riders out for the Wednesday bike group. I am proud to be part of a riding group that values the group over the individual, respects the road, enjoys the ride for the ride, and is approachable. Yes we talk alot, and still chew up the miles on the road. I look forward to my next challenges, but am a little saddened to see the season end.

Hope you all have a great ride. Did I mention that the wild rice soup is awsome at headwaters. Ummmm wild rice soup!

Tuesday Night Ride

What a great night for a ride. Wonderful weather and fast riding. I have to give thanks to Bernie for the pulls up the hills. While riding I got to have a good conversation with Bernie about Limitations. I follow the Clint Eastwood philosophy: A mans got to know his limitations. Bernie's was don't let your limitations prevent success. Too True! Knowing and defining are totally different. Press your limitations until you have achieved higher marks. I jokingly replied mine was to suck tire tonight (though that was my goal..which I have never attained) but surpassed that by being in the front (even if it was short) among all the greats. Yes they are greats and this is not idle boasting...Their recovery pace is about my max pace...so they are always pushing me past my limitations... for that I thank you all. My legs however say $&#*! They can only get better.

I also have two other biking rules...never draft behind dave (he just goes faster)...never get in front of dave (he just goes faster). I violated both of those rules tonight (he went faster). Ok they are not rules per say...more like guidelines...Thanks for getting me out of my comfort zone though.

This was a great night of riding with good friends. They even let the King of the downhill keep his crown down the steep one. WooHoo.

Citizen Soldier

Had to "play" armyman this weekend (I call it play because I do enjoy it, so I don't consider it work). Well the cat is out of the bag. Heard the local news reported that our division is going back to the sand box. Now the news is published I can say it's true. Regardless of whom becomes president, the wheels will stay in motion. Any who... found a great video tribute to the national guard and will post the video link. I don't know the band as I am still stuck in the classics but they are "3 doors down" and the song is Citizen Soldier. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. There is a better veiw if you go to the guard web site and click on play the movie. That web site is http://www.1800goguard.com/movie/index2.php . I am not a recruiter so you don't have to peruse the site just click on the movie and enjoy.

A ride in the Dark

I never really had this type of experience for very long...sure maybe 3 miles and not too fast...but tonights ride was a a ride in the dark. I was unable to participate in the Saturday morning ride because of my fantasy football draft and sunday I am home with the kids. This left me with an evening ride. The plan was to be home around 3-4 and ride until sunset. Well, that didn't work out, because someone else had other plans. I wasn't able to get on my bike until 7ish.

I wanted to do my loop from home which is 47.5 miles and knew that I would be finishing in the dark. I did have the front light and a tail light as I was riding on the road. The last 15 miles were different. I couldn't see how fast I was going and couldn't see past my head light (5-10 feet). I have to say I was more focused and aware of my surroundings as reaction time had to be instant. There was a very unique part on the road where the trees on both sides of the road come together and make a tunnel and it was pitch black. I could see the less dark at the end of the tunnel and I actually said out loud "this is cool".

I finished the ride without incident, but have to say the 3 miles of bike trail from stacey to wyoming were the most tormenting, as I came across two walkers and a casual rider all without lights. The biker was going my direction and started to move "into the light" which just happened to be me. I think that he might have been tipsy as he seemed surprised that the light was moving and there was a voice behind the light.

The good news is I was able to burn off some frustration and calories gathered from the great food at the fantasy football draft. The ride was great and I have new admiration for those who spent nights riding on RAAM.

Time flies by

Yes, It has been months since I last posted:( Sorry Neil. I have had some really great times on the bike. Just finished RAGBRAI and can say it was a blast. I will post pictures as soon as I can get them. A week long ride across Iowa (the motherland) is just about right for the glutes. The DBR held up very well with only the need for a minor adjustment. I also finally saw another DBR podium 4 on the road for the first time in 2 years! It was a great site to see as it flew past me in mach 4 as only the DBR could do at the hand of a skilled rider.

I can say that I have enjoyed the summer and all the miles along the way.

1st outside ride of the season

The warm weather tonight was a blessing. The wind only made the workout effect well, harder. What a nice turnout of friends for the first ride, I believe at least 11. Lots of strong riders and great smiles to be out on a nice warm night (66 deg F).

I tried to pull a Rotauch but it ended spectacularly. I jumped a few twigs on the trail then had to try the bigger stick. From experience, I wouldn't recommend this trick if the trail curves right after. I made the trick went off the trail, front tire sunk in the ground, I made a nice front flip (with the bike) and managed to avoid the trees (thumbs up). Luckily the sticks and soft ground broke my fall (I just wish that I would have had the video). I have been keeping my guardian angel busy this year with the skiing and now off road biking adventure (thanks for keeping me safe despite myself).

Biking out doors is really great! Oh by the way, the bike and I are doing fine.
Neil happy 40th!!

Had some computer problems toward the end of my vacation. Am back now and had a great time.

The weather was great this weekend and I was unable to enjoy it on the bike:( Armyman this weekend was very busy. Hope to get on the bike and ride this tuesday as my monday evening will be busy with water aerobics. I am behind on the miles as ironman is very soon upon us. On the plus side it was great that we broke into the 40's today.

HOT WATER

Now here's a guy having a great time. The temps in this pool were 109 deg F. It sure was nice after another awesome day of skiing. The hot springs really loosened up the muscles.

We are meeting some very nice friendly people on this trip. While at the springs we met a Forensic Engineer from Lake City Co. A makup artist for the movies from los alamos, some people from NY and some locals. All with very interesting stories. However most were transplants from Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan or some midwest area. Really enjoying the scenery and the people. Definitely a place to come back to.

On Top of the Divide

Made it up to the top of the divide and the view was inspiring. Really cool views looking at other peaks and being at the same top level. What is really cool is watching the young kids doing the blue and black runs without a worry. What a wonderful day.

Forgot to put on the sun screen today. Now if this were christmas, I could give rudolph a run for his money. I found out the tip of your nose is really sensitive. Ah the lessons one learns in life. It could be worse...this could be the last day of skiing...but it's not.

Had a great treat for supper. Stuffed Sopapilla's. In New Mexico a sopapilla is a type of indian bread that is lightly deepfried and stuffed with meat and topped with green or red chile. Well in Pagosa we found a resturant that serves just that meal (It's been years, 18) and man was it good. I will be getting some of that bread to eat on the drive back home when reality comes crashing in. Well now I really do have something fond to think of when I reminise about the great ski vacation of 08.

The skiing is great, and the runs are excitingly long. I should say that the legs are getting a good workout. Should come in handy when I can get the bike out on the road. Tomorrow will be a good time to visit the Hot Springs and let the hot mineral water do its magic. Having a great vacation.

Let it Snow

Most people went on spring break to warmer weather, not I. I went to Pagosa Springs, Colorado to get some serious skiing to end the ski season on a tremendous high note. Wolf Creek is a great hideaway for skiing. I was up to 11000 ft today on a run where the crowds were scarce (I saw 2 people on the run) and the snow is pretty much like Minnesota's right now. The spring skiing here is fresh snow on top of some snow melt (icy).

The accomodations are great. The kids (unfortunately) could not make this trip so the wife and I have a nice one bedroom condo with a jacuzzi (which was great after a hard day skiing) and are celebrating our 20 yr anniversary. Woo Hoo. Am having a great time and enjoying colorado. Today was snowy and cloudy. Hope to have some more pics for tomorrow or the next day. The open air and spectacular sites are definitely worth the trip. Still thinking about the bike, but consider this cross training (I'm still going downhill).

Can You Hear It?

I don't know if you heard it but I did. Did you hear that? Oh, there it is again...that sound. The Ice is finally cracking. Outdoor biking season for us fair weather folks is around the corner. However enjoy the snow and skiing while you can your days are numbered in that arena.

Just a friendly reminder on the right about the fun that's ahead in the end of April.

Hope you all enjoyed a great easter. My family sure did. Lots of family and good food, fellowship and fun. It is a day of rememberance and thanks for a hero (I'll keep all religious overtones brief, but it is pretty monuementous). I am still trying to figure out how a bunny got involved with eggs. What retailor came up with that. I think they must have been smoking one of Neil's pretzels. My son who wrote to the easter bunny asked him why he hid eggs. The bunny answered back..."it's easier then hiding the chicken" go figure.

Drove my bike route the other day (I'm a fair weather rider) just to see how much was open. Roads are starting to look good. Need some serious heat and heavy rain to wash the sand away. Here's to a great riding season (DBR King of the Down Hill lifts his diet coke and slams one in your honor....)

Fun and Fitness

What a fun weekend. I played armyman this weekend and all I can say is Team Army won. Monday and Wednesday's have taken on a whole new meaning in the way of exercise. I have been teaching water aerobics those evenings. I get a two hour workout in the pool (yes I practice what I preach), with workouts that get the hear pumping. If you never thought you could sweat while being in the water...well you can. I think I am the youngest one there but those in the classes are dedicated. For all you aspiring aging athletes out there...Never let age determine activity. My "adult students" have given me new appreciation and motivation for lifetime fitness. I encourage all to give it a try.

You can even start by joining a spinning class. I know there is one at the shop tonight. Have fun and stay healthy.

What a great day skiing

What a great day to be on skis. Wild Mountain was a great way to spend the day. My son and I were able to ski with Carol and her son Stephen who are great skiers and we can only learn from them.

Today my son, Josh totally blew me away. Carol's son Stephen somehow got Josh going in the Moguls. Josh is only seven and this is his first year of skiing. Well that first attempt started well but went south in a hurry as Josh went over the top of a few moguls, caught some great air, and had a spectacular fall (I had to laugh, pure Josh). He was in tears but OK. I thought that would be the end of the moguls for him, but oh no...he went again and again and again....and would have stayed in them all afternoon. Thanks Stephen, The card tricks were impressive and you have created a mogul demon out of my son.

Why King of the Down Hill

When I first started serious road biking (come on, who hasn't had a bike as a kid. It was my main transportation until I could drive!) as an adult, I weighed around 217. My weight was a great benefit downhill. I am also the only person I know riding a DBR, hence DBR King of the downhill. Now I am much lighter than that but I can still motor downhill...it's the uphill where we lose the crown or the title. There are many great acronyms for DBR, but I like to say Da Bike Rocks... It's ok if you laugh...it only makes her faster.

Yes nerdybike has gotten me up and going with blogging. I am not one for a lot of words but this sure beats sending out mass emails and if you don't like you don't read. This will undoubtably be a work in progress. Next post will be Why King of the Down Hill....More to follow since I am past sleepy time