Merry Christmas

It's been a loooooonnnnnnng time since I've updated this thing. The thing that's been taking up all most all of my time has been work....which is going good. There is a ton to learn and I'm doing my best to catch on. Waaay longer hours than I was used too made it a mental and physical challenge to shift gears so quickly but I am very thankful to have employment.
I'll try to eloborate more another time.
Have an most excellent Xmas and New Years!

New Job

Just an FYI to all Family and Friends that have stopped reading this due to my lack of keeping it up to date. I have landed a new job at a local machine building facility. I will be starting Wednesday October 8th, 2008. I was laid off less one month ago. I'm very excited to start my new career. My new title is Process Technician which sounds close to Prototype Technician but are very different. I will train on first shift for a couple of months then move over to 2nd, which is currently 2 til midnight but normally 4 til midnight. After a year or so (or more) of training and if I pick up, understand and know the machines I will then be traveling w/ them to their new homes (in the states and abroad) and them get them running and sometimes train the employee's that will be using them (machines). To get to this level takes years, but this is what's mainly involved after the training.

This position feels very grown up compared to my last job of making Signal Mirror samples and doing installs. That job was fun at first due to all the learning and making neat things for cars. For whatever reason this new job seems awe fully grown up, which is cool. This all seems to (so far) be working out like it was planned.

I do know several people at the new place that definitely helped me land this, but I'm giving myself mad props for putting together a very decent resume and cover letter. I also feel like I did very well at the interview process. This job was my second job offer.

All that's left to do is everything.

Sorry for not staying more current but I was a bit busy job hunting, biking, rebuilding the Triumph, working on the house, cleaning the garage, tool shopping.

I'll try to drop a line more often now.

Thanks for all that said a little prayer for us...good things happen to good people.

Bon Bon's, Soap Opp's and the Art of being drunk before noon

Too nice to explain the whole thing but doing good. Things happen for a reason.
Update soon.
Maywood Earth ride tomorrow morn. My first Century ride. I'm pumped.
2 Resumes sent out....I'm crossing my fingers for one more than the other. Closer to home (both) for commuting by bike.
It's still all good. No worries. Insurance will be fine.
Salsa bike is en route to the new owner in Canada.
No cyclo cross racing for me this year....bummed but it's ok.
I have other stuff to work on. I'll keep riding.
New mtb rather in the spring.
More later. cya

Closing a chapter and looking forward to the next

Well it happened. In a way I'm bummed but in a lot I'm not. After 10 years of employment with a small manufacturing company in Sheboygan, WI called Muth Mirror Systems, I was given my walking papers. Not because of poor performance or doing something wrong, but ultimately due to the situation the whole economy is in right now and the passing of Mike Muth last year. It's beyond our control and the new owner and team are trying to keep it afloat and give it a go but only time will tell.
I started there as a CAD Drafter in June of '98 and then moved into building samples a year or so later when the other tech went to school.
The small company atmosphere has it's pro's and con's and I will miss the people. I will not miss the lack communication and all the fire drills and trying to work on machines that don't work.
The next chapter may be short if something great doesn't happen. Part time employment w/ schooling? Cheese or Meat Factory? AutoCad or Engineering tech position right away? Only time will tell.
I have only a couple of weeks before our insurance runs out...wish me luck.

May 9th, 2013

I just broke $10K on my School Loan. If I bump up my payment to $200/month, I should be paying it off in 2013. Sure would be nice to have some tuition reimbursement that I here other places do.

Being back to the ol gym routine feels good. Doing different lifting exercises than I did last fall/winter...less weight and higher reps, 20 vs 12. Oh the burn hurts so good. Later

First Day Back

Well today I paid my $100 to the Sheboygan Rec Dept for use of the High School's Fitness room...kinda beat because it's free to the Sheboygan City folk, but since my "primary" address is Sheboygan Falls I have to pay to use my ol high school as my workout place. This is still the case after pleading w/the people down there that my wife and I own 3 and half houses in the city...buy they weren't having it. The money will be my membership fee til New Years..not bad, like 25 bucks a month. Well worth it as I have made some friends there and they were glad to see me back. Anthony even mentioned that I look a little bit smaller, which was definitely cool.
So I went to the High School and ran on the treadmill and it was very humid and I sweated like a madman...really bad and kinda embarrassing but I burned up a few more cals I'm sure.
Weighed in at 210 lbs. My last time there I think was March. Sooo hopefully w/ going back to cardio and weights while maintaining miles on the bike, which I have not been commuting all week due to some seriously tough rides w/ the group, I'm still trying to bust 200 w/out doing anything crazy like eating just wafers or something.
Last night was the WedNiteBikeRide...56 miles of some intense hang on or get dropped action...very fast and fun.
More stuff to talk about soon now.

Next

Urban Assault'rs

Shermann

photo & flowers by tori

And it's been awhile

Flashback

One of my earliest Longfellow Elementary School memories (A.M. K - 5th) which would put me around 5 yrs old and the year would have been around 1982. I still remember things about pre-school at Wilson like the hallway, playground (outdoor bubbler), classroom and some game we played w/ large brightly colored round parachute looking thing. Anyways...

So it's a brisk morning in 1982, kinda gray and cool. Longfellow was literally 2 reg sized city blocks from the lake so the saying "cooler near the lake" holds so true to me. I was walking on the south side of the building when out of no where some little female brat runs up behind me and kicks me square in my man bag! All I remember was looking down and seeing her shoes. I do not know who this girl was or what her deal was but will never forget that moment.

So whenever I see these, I think of that.

Last Day of July 2008

Cyclo Cross bike en route via Federal Express...eta Monday.
Now debating on selling the highly regarded loved LeMond.
Disc'd for the first time this year w/ B last night. Shot a 6 under. Almost aced 4 - Chains...good game.
Bathroom and Family room are finally starting to wrap up. Only a couple of last little things to do like:
- Cut hvac duct and install vent covers
- Hang pocket door and install all handles/locks
- Securely mount vanity/sink to wall
- Install faucet/drain in sink
- Install shower head/hose, On/off valve and all trim/hangers assoc w/ shower fixture
- Install center light in bath
- Finish trimming out window casing
- Attempt to install recessed lighting in hallway (3 of them)
- Help w/ furnishing and setting up fam room w/ TV/Stereo w/ surround/ wireless/ fax/computer/etc
Biked in Tues/Wed/today and most likely tomorrow.
Ride in numbers today:
26.5 max/16.8 ave/1532 odo/7.7 trip/27:23 min

Update

Friday - Vacation Day -Skatepark w/ Danny D for an hour or so and then home to do home equity building (H.E.B.)
Saturday - Breakfast ride to Kiel w/ good size group. 55 miles then HEB.
Sunday - Food Shopping & then HEB all day
Monday - Made an offer on a CX bike...no word back yet. Jeeped in cause bike had to go to LBS for tuning. Quick 10 mile loop in the evening.
Today - Ride in numbers 7.6/17.7 ave/32 max/25:48/1497 odo. Looks like I'll break the 1500 mile mark on the LeMond today.
Got news today that the old building I work in is SOLD! And that our owner is expanding the other/newer facility to consolidate our retarded two building, 40 employees way of life that has just bugged the crap out of me for the last couple of years...I feel like this is a really really good shot in the arm during this super slow, shit economy time that has been going on for a few months. I hope and pray that things do start to turn around in the next year for the better...it really couldn't get much worse than it's been and I get the feeling that people are hanging on by their finger nails. When this place is doing good it's great and vice versa of course when it's not. Only time will tell.

WedNiteBikeRide

Made the group ride w/ only a min or two to spare...didn't think I was going to be able to make the entire ride w/ the commute and then the rush to get from my house to the meeting spot...told myself you can drop anytime if needed but try to hang on. And I did. 40 miles, a new route that I've never seen, close to perfect weather and going the entire distance made this group ride a really good time.
56.6 total yesterday and the LeMond has 1416 on the odo.
I emailed some guy in CO about a cx bike and didn't get a reply. The search continues....and it was a nice Salsa too. Errr.

Excited again

I called my friend who's rebuilding my Triumph motor and said that he has the lower case back together and is just waiting for the heads to come back. They are going to be getting a re coated and bored. This will save money as I will reuse the original pistons. This brings new excitement and that's a good thing.
On the other hand I've been eyeballn' a couple of cross bikes and really need to pull the trigger soon on a bike if I really want to hit some CX races. Looks like I'll have to get a WCA membership and start out as a Cat 4 beginner. This also gets me a bit pumped but to have both is really not that easy to achieve so we'll see how things go w/ the cycle first and then revisit the cx race bike to see if it's achievable.
Rode to work again today...one of the nicest mornings in a while. I put on the arm warmers for the first half of ride....Saw Nicko at intersection...Ride in numbers -
7.7 mi/27:34 min/16.7 ave/29.8 max/1359 odo

Recap

Quiet at work today...production layoff...people taking vacation...etc...don't like it.
Friday - Cut grass and out to eat w/ in laws.
Saturday - SMBfastRide...54 miles and hit by a scattered rain storm...oddly fun. Sat aft shopping for baseboards at the HD and Menards...set up and start.
Sunday - Walk/Jog/Walk/Stretch for a total of 4 miles. Grocery's. Clean up driveway and tidy garage to set up for day of building home equity is what I like to tell myself to keep me trying to enjoy it as much as possible w/ it being so darn hot and humid.
Monday - today - biked in trying to keep active. This week looks decent for biking to work everyday. Will continue w/ the finishing details of the house and even taking Friday off (vacation day) to really try and get it done.
Thursday I have a haircut appt w/ my gal who just had a kid and this will be the first one w/ her since May. The temp was ok but am glad she's back. My hair is crazy in this weather especially w/ the humidity and wearing a bike helmet first thing in the morn.

Happenings

Friday - Wedding Rehearsal then ran into some old classmates at the tavern we were at.
Saturday Morning Bfast Ride was nice...I was a little slow mentally from being out til midnight Friday and woke up late...it stormed and I thought that the weather would be too crappy for a ride but when I let the dog out the sky looked clear to the west and the radar showed a nice late morning so I got it together and hurried to the meeting spot. Made it at exactly 8 am and the group kinda hangs out and chit chats....go figure. 54 miles and a new route and new restaurant keep it interesting.
Sat Aft Wedding for Matt and Nicki - Outdoors at TA, Tori was the reader. She did excellent.
Sat Night was the reception at the bull...free beer, good people.....good time.
Sunday again woke up feeling a bit slow due to the night before...finally got it together and did yard work from 11 to 4:30 then ended the long weekend w/ a fat dinner at the In Laws w/ the Gpa's.
Monday morn had me feeling the weekend yet so I drove in....didn't feel good at night so jumped on the bike and rode around the block...not surprised that I felt better after a 20 minute ride...
Tuesday ride in was pretty quick....ride home was slower w/ head winds and high temps.
Which brings us to today....Hot Humid and overall peak Sheboygan Summer today.
Some person laid on their horn at me this morn...everyone is in such a hurry...I knew it was going heavier traffic cause it was 7 am and not 6. Ride in numbers...
32.3 max/16.5 ave/7.7 mi/28 min/1254 odo
I will join the faster group ride tonight if I still have the energy since Tor will be otta town til late, but w/ the weather as it is this would be quite the feat, but the workout would be substantial.

Rides

Last night I joined the Wednesday night bike ride group...40 miles in 2 hrs w/ some serious hill action. I feel a little better today but last night I was worn out pretty good. This ride is w/ the experienced racer type guys and I need to work on my pack skills and paceline. I did feel that I was all over the place last night, trying my best to just hold on, but Brian called me out. I all I can do is my best and I'll have to pick up some pointers, practice and try again.

Numbers for last night:
40 miles/19.3 ave/2:03:44/40.8 max/1136 odo

Ride to work numbers for this morn:
7.7 miles/17.0 ave/27:03/29.4 max/1144 odo

Counter Productive

Friday - biked 50 miles w/ group for breakfast...was finally able to "pass it forward" w/ Dano getting a flat and me being able to provide a tube and air. This has done for me twice. Tor, Shermann and myself went down to the riverfront to meet up w/ her bro Danny D and his wife Jamie & check out the cardboard boat race. Shermann was a star getting pet by many strangers that instantly fell for his good looks.
Watched fireworks from our roof. Seen three cities displays from said roof. Pretty cool.
Saturday - Jogged 4 miles. Had to walk at mile 3 for a bit. Afterwards Tor and I jogged down the road a bit and back. Took a full load to the town dump. Cleaned garage to organize. Another load to dump. Prepped new Exterior pre hung door for installation in the lower hallway at the entrance to the sunroom. The Sunroom is very poorly insulated and can get super hot in summer and super cold in winter. All that was there before was a crappy interior door that was replaced w/ a multi pane glass door that just didn't work well.
Sunday - Jogged 4 miles again first thing...ran the whole way this time. Installed door. Still need to trim it out but will wait cause we'll be doing the entire lower level after bathroom is complete. Speaking of....tilers are supposed to continue today and wrap up by weeks end. After door install we headed out to Elkhart Lake for a late lunch (sucked) and some sun. Sun got covered up by clouds and I went swimming. I found a pair of aviator sunglasses in the lake. After we got home Tor went back to painting and I ended the day watching the Tour de France.
The counter productive part was w/ all this good exercise I was eating pretty crappy all weekend. So be it.

Catching up

Tri was fun. 32 out of 302; 4th in age group. I run slow.
Broke 1K on the roadie last night.
Ride in this morn was slow...I'm a bit tender all over.

Tri Pics

Head Games

Being my first sports type event in more than I care to remember I'm trying to wrap my mind around what I need to do yet...last night I kept thinking that today is the morning I need to be ready. The next hours will be fluid...work today, pick up wheels, go home, pack gear, clean bike chain, check bike, swim/bike/jog tonight followed by training review tonight in EL, home eat sleep, tomorrow work 1/2 day...prep all my stuff and do another once over and have it ready to go....clean up and back out to EL to pick up info, hit the Tri meeting, go over transion arears and then hit a wedding in EL...home early sleep...up and then back out for the Tri...

Bday Girl Sun and Fun

Training tonight...full swim, full bike, short run

Catching up

Quick recap -
Friday very tired from Wed/Thurs...
SMBRide small group nice weather/first time back in awhile
Numbers: 53.9 miles/18.1 ave/2:57:54 hrs/905 odo
DaveUsa's after for some beer and sun and fun, Tori showed after work and made it even better
Sun...Tori's Bday!...I screwed up w/ timing of course but made things right. She got a cool antiuqe looking bike that has planter baskets.
Sun nite Tor's parents for pizza, cake, ice cream...perfect training food
Monday tired from Sat/Sun.
Chiro tonight and maybe a nice little bike ride or jog.
6 days til big event

Leave it alone

On my way in this morn I was watching my speedometer too closely and thought it was tweaking out a little so I stopped and adjusted the fork mounted sensor...took off and then I didn't get anything. Stopped again and adjusted it's position, spun the wheel and it started reading again. Ride in numbers reflect me screwing around w/ it this morn...

7.2 miles/15.9 ave/27:17 min/30.8 max/835 odo

Last nights Tri training was fun. There was a big reception of some sort going on w/ a steel drum band, large food spread and a bar all beach side at the resort. We were part of the entertainment for all the good folks as we walked past them to get in the water and ran by them to get to our transition stations. Good stuff. Posing in our wetsuits before the swim for pictures.

Also last night we rode the true course. Really different then what we've been training on which is kind of beat cause I was really getting used to the course we were doing, knowing where and when to hammer down and when to rest....not so much anymore. We'll to the true course tonight to get more acclimated to the situation...may have to go out Sat morn to do it again...plus the extra swimming practice will not hurt one bit.

Ride to work week day 3

Riding in this early morn (5:30 am) started a bit chilly but I was plenty warm 1/2 way into my morning commute.

Ride in numbers: 7.7 mi/26:23 min/17.5 ave/31.6 max/804 odo

196 miles til I break 1k for the LeMond. Pot Holes and road cracks are wreaking havoc on my wheels and the bike in general. I'll have to get my wheels trued again (just did the rear 2 weeks or so ago) before the Tri.

Tri training tonight...Swim/Bike course.

Cut 1/2 the grass last night and afterwards I looked like this guy...

6 degrees of Bacon

Quicksilver came out around the time of Rad, both in 1986, and I'd say that they both were very influential films my me. I was 9 this year and my mind must have been like a sponge...taking everything in.
Well sometimes when I'm flyin around on my bike I think of this flick.
Ride in numbers for today...nice out.
7.7 miles/25:36 min/18 ave/28 max/786 odo
Took the long way home last night and may do so again tonight due to wind and major road being so busy. Depends what kinda mood I'm in.

Bummer

I just got done w/ a post...go to publish and I get an error. Gone.
Ride in to work week. Today's ride in numbers:
7.7 miles/24:49 min/18.6 ave/37.3 max/768 odo
Good Busy weekend wore me out.
Tiger is pretty incredible.
Dad's day was good...ride in stang.
Tor and I at Falls dam...intense...pic soon hopefully
Rental Property Management and maintenance.
Looking forward to putting some miles on the bike this week.

Getting it done

Purple....felt like trying something new.

1/2 day of work...lbs for pa's day gift...superduuperpooper shopping center to get food for tomorrow (today reminded me why I hated this store...people everywhere and kids yelling, whining and crying and shit - school must be out) I did finally notice a slight saving but I'm no longer sure it'll be worth it....we'll see.....came home and cut some wet grass.

Was about to do the trimmin and thought a ride was in order.

Quick loop around the neighboring block....6 miles....enough to make my legs feel a bit better.

Tomorrow morning we're doing a mock tri at the events start time....fun

Later on we're having family over for what's turning out to be an annual cookout thing out here. Should be good.

I'll really try to snap a few pics....Dad said he's gonna be rolling big shooter style in the stang.

Later gators

Rain Rain Go Away

Looks like it's going to start raining again tonight so training is called off til Sat early morn. Might have to hit the gym to maintain.

Yesterday - bike 20 miles, swim at lake two rounds1/2 mile total?, came home at took the ol'boy for another run...a lot short distance this time...2 miles. Still feel like I could be doing more but don't seem to have the energy or skill to do so. This will hopefully improve in the near future.

I'll try to get a little yard chopped today if the rains can off til early eve but I doubt it.

A little better

Today was the first ride in since June 2nd....a week and a half ago. A little rough since I had to take a diff route due to a road being out by my house. 45 degrees F w/ a NNE wind at 12 mph. Of course I was headed NE so I had to fight it all the way. Ride in numbers:

9.8 miles/16.8 mph ave/35 min/25.6 max mph/733 odo. I can forsurely tell it's been awhile.

Last night I was going to go for a bike ride but Shermann gave me "the look" and made me feel bad so I said ok, I'm feeling tubby and you're looking tubby so you and I are going for a run (more like walk/jog/walk/jog/walk). And that's what we did. I was dragging him at the end but after in was done we both felt better. Oh what fresh air can do.

Tonights Tri Training have me Swimming at the lake and I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I'll remember my camera but I doubt it.

Negative

How and why do I feel all negative on a sunny day? It has to be lack of riding. I don't like feeling like a time bomb...I wanted to throw my chair before cause I sliced my finger w/ a scalpel. I haven't rode my bike since Wed/Thurs of last week and then the Mon before that. I started pulling my gear out today to ride in but have to stop at the Home Depot on the way home to pick up a board to finish installing can lights in the office.
I'm going to ride tonight. I need fresh air and exercise.

Work - Fun - Crap

Friday Worked 1/2 day at work then worked at home on home. Picked up Moped from DDD
Sat Morn - Cleaned up home from working and took a lot o crap to dump
Sat Aft - Road America for bike races w/ Bill...snuck in....used moped to fly around...very fun.
Sat Later....storms...Sat Night....rain....Sunday morn...grocery shopping...then home to work on home....Rain....
CRaP...roof on garage leaks like crazy...spent Some of Sunday cleaning that...Crap...gutters are clogged....crap....still trying to work on house....
Monday morn...crap...come to work to find puddles in my area and the thick air of dampness all over. My mouse pad is almost soaked...crap

Sprint

Did the tri last night in training...felt good. I think I finally figured out what to do for the swim that will work for me - 1 or 3 strokes then breathe...not 5 to 7 and then get a mouth full of water and freak out.
Biking was pretty good, averaging about 20 mph for the 10.5 miles. Some of the guys in the group ride Saturday said that you can gain 1-2 mph ave w/ aero bars and seat adjusted properly. Not sure if I want to make another investment in this adventure but I'll see how much the LBS has them for as I have to get some GU type packets for race day. Maybe get some cheapo's for the event...we'll see. Had a pretty significantly tight right quad...need to stretch.
Transitions went fairly smooth - trying to breathe, sit, dry off and then put socks on damp/wet feet is a challenge. But it did go faster than Wednesday night. Still would like to check out quick laces....and maybe a swimmers shammy or SHAM-Wow? Awesome commercial guy.
Running wasn't easy by any means last night. I started slow w/ quick steps and did alright for the first mile but my lower back started to just hurt really bad. I stopped to try and stretch it out which did seem to help, and ended up doing that I think a total of 4 times during the 3 mile run. But more importantly I finished the run w/ some energy yet which is a good sign. Did feel something going on w/ my left foots big toe...not sure if something was in there that shouldn't have been or if was a combo of the damp socks and then joggin...blistering?
After doing all this I put the wetsuit back on to jump back into the lake to continue working on my open water swimming to try and get even more comfortable seeing as doing that Wednesday night really helped me for last nights swim. Plus the cold water on the freshly exercised body feels good.
Driving back and forth to the lake is kinda pricey but oh soo worth it.
So when I got home both of my feet started hurting and the signs of what would be a blister if I would've ran any further I feel and a little cut on the bottom of my right foot I think from the little muscle shells on the lakes bottom.
And lastly a funny thing I found myself doing towards the end of the bike route which was against the wind....talking to myself or encouraging myself or talking myself into pushing harder. I haven't noticed myself doing this since running/lifting at SHS. Build Muscle! You want this more! Push! Go! Don't give up now! You can do this! These are the types of things I find myself thinking and mumbling as I'm biking/running uphill against the wind.

Not So

Last night we did the swim to T1 to ride the run route to T2 to short run....not so easy. The swimming is still really difficult for me to get so after we were finished up I headed back into the lake for another lap. I found that just like running I start strong but get very short of breath quickly and then get all flustered. I'm sure the many years of smoking cig's doesn't help but I do think that all this exercise does help "heal" my internals from all the damage I've done to myself. When you're young you're invincible and then somewhere along the road of time something happens and makes you really understand that you are not. The body, I now do truly feel, is a temple and needs very routine maintenance and to be appreciated. The body also is an amazing self healer and can usually take care of what I may have done to it time and time again as long as I caught it in time before irreversible damage is done.
I have an addiction to nicotine. I started smoking when I was a freshman in high school. I started drinking early and partying. I still like beer and after a couple I do get urges for cig's especially when I see/smell them. I'm not proud of it but "it is what it is" (our new favorite saying) and I'm dealing w/ it the best way I can and know how to and for me it's with wanting to improve as an "Athlete" (I use that term VERY loosely and apologize to the real ones) and a weekend warrior biker.
So on my second dip into the lake I tried to relax and take things slow. It was a lot better then the first round. Excuses for why the first swim didn't go as good as it could would be that I was too gitty/excited, didn't stretch (felt that in my right quad on the bike ride), just kinda suck as a swimmer in general. I was paired up with a fish of a swimmer and holy crap did she fly...it's cool to see but also humbling, which is good...
Eric did excellent at everything even with a banged up leg. He skipped the run but I think he'll fly the day of event. Nice Work B! I gotta get me some of those laces...dam.
Stormin Normin out there this morn but is supposed to move on through and be better out for tonight's training session. Tonight we have a short swim, reg ride and reg run. This is why we signed up...for the ass whoopin workouts....gotta love it.

Buzz Bike

Quick version...thought I was a qualified entrant for a motorcycle give away this weekend at Road America...turns out I am not due to my own misunderstanding. Bummer.

No ride in today...drove...put 50 bucks in the Jeep on the way in...didn't even come close to filling it. Back rim for LeMond has a wobble so I'm going to drop 'er off at the LBS during lunch to hopefully pick up later today or tomorrow.
2nd Open water swim tomorrow night and Bike/Run on Thursday.

Exhaust Fan install on lower bath is now complete and the drywall can go on the ceiling and then on to the walls...woo hoo. Tonight we'll get a couple more sheets up.

Thank You

Thank you for the vids...Ride in numbers
7.7 miles/25:22 time/31.4 max/18.2 ave/699 odo
I'm craving a Jimmy Johns sub and it's early morning?

kick his ass kid say it all

the end song from Juno 'Anyone Else But You '

70 Sunny & Strong winds

Windy ride today. Felt good to actually catch the group ride....it's been a while. Ride numbers:

49.1 miles/17.1 ave/40.1 max/2:51:22 time/691 odo

Different route than norm was cool...mix'n it up some. Had bfast in Oostburg at Dips and Sips which the restaurant we stop at on the SMBRide in the winter too....they're closing the doors in two weeks. I wonder if and where we'll stop this coming winter? Only time will tell. After the ride stopped at LBS to check out Josh's XO2 CX bike...swapped pedals and filled tires and took her for a short ride. It fits nice. Nice bike. I just have to see how the big pic is going to be looking after the Triumph motor is done. If that project is finally finished I may just buy it, but if it needs more I may not. We'll see. Here's some blips off the Internet:

Whether exploring the dirt roads around your home or shredding the local 'cross races, Trek's XO-2 is one capable machine. Its frame is made with Trek's Alpha SL aluminum for light weight and excellent efficiency, while the carbon fork carves tarmac and mud alike, and smoothes every ride. Plus, Bontrager's Race X Lite hoops, wrapped with 34c-wide tires roll fast on pavement and tackle the muck when things get sloppy, too. And, with precision Shimano Ultegra shifting and Avid's powerful cantilever brakes, you're ready for every adventure.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm...just do it right?

52 Windy & Rain

(listening to this as I wrote this post)

off the cd...not internet...way cleaner sound that way

No Ride in...Drove.
From work yesterday I rode over to where the Triumph motor is hanging out. Saw some good, some bad and went over what's what and gave the green light to proceed. From there I called to let the guys who are going to drill a hole in the side of our brick house for the lower bathroom exhaust fan that I'd be home a couple min late. They were running late themselves. I boogied home and during so got hit w/ a couple of rain drops and was going against the wind. I was tired. Got home about 5...they guys said they wouldn't be able to get over til bout 630 or 645....tri training ride & run started at 6 and was a 30 min drive and I haven't eaten and Tori was out w/ friends....I just fig that I had too much to do and to little time. I ate a couple slices of deli turkey, dumped a can of tuna in a bowl mixing in some miracle whip topped w/ crispy bagged salad lettuce and chopped up spinach. Quickly inhaled that and decided to leave the back door open and drive really fast out to ELake.
And that's what I did. Tossed some clothes in my back pack, bike into the jeep and headed on out leaving home at like 535. Put the pedal to the floor, called the fella's to let em know. Made it to the group at like 602 or so. We rode and ran the course. 12 mile ride I believe and 3 mile run. I was running on fumes but did well. I always feel good after doing the group thing. Just like most other things it can be so easy to skip out on occasions like party's, weddings, church, exercise or training but usually feel pretty darn good afterwards. Same here. The weather did seem sketchy and scared 70 % of the group making it a really small group.
Tonight I can now install the exhaust fan completely w/ the hole in the brick. It turned out really good. They have some sort of special boring tool that is designed for this...you can really screw stuff up if you were to go about it any other way.
SMBRide tomorrow morn....I'll be there at 8 unless something else requires my attention.
Afterwards get some drywall up and hopefully completed...start mudding???? or call an experienced hand and pay....not sure yet....leaning towards the latter.
Anyways...I'll post some pics this weekend of remodel job in progress

57 and Sunny - Fair weather commuter

Tori & I did a quick loop on Monday morning and since then she's done the loop 2 more times by herself. Photo's soon. Good job Tor! Keep it up! If you continue and still enjoy it we'll have get you one of these.

So today's ride in was nice...winds calm and slightly going my way. Ride in numbers are:
7.7 miles/18.3 ave/31.6 max/25:12 min/621 odo
Last night was our first "open water" swim in Elkhart Lake. First time w/ a wetsuit....shock to the system. Water was strangely bare able but my breathing is way off. Hyperventilating almost. Tonight we ride and run the course.
Tomorrow's forecast is calling for thunderstorms at a 70 % chance. That and tonight's ride/run will have me most likely driving in to work for the first and only time in May of 2008. Almost made it -
Stopping by the triumph tonight....need to buy piston and ring set and get some machine work done. The never ending project. Gotta go

34 & Sunny - Calm Winds

(photo from cnn.com, story of girl's first bike to commute)

Past 600 mile mark this morn on LeMond
7.7 miles/17.1 ave/27 min/26.6 max/605 odo
Tri Training 2night in EL - Swimming in the Lake - forcast calls for 63 degrees @ 6 pm.
Bathroom is coming along nicely, hope to post update late this weekend.

SlugFest

Windy & Chilli - 42 degrees feeling like 34/Winds out of the NNE @ 14 mph gusting to 28.
7.7 miles/13.6 ave/22.4 max/34 min/589 odo
Fought in to get pushed home.

Going to try grocery shopping for certain items at a new location to see I can save some money while getting the same products. Party last night was fun...got to see the fella's (my nephews) and some good old friends. Grocerys/Home Depot Bathroom...it's already 9....gots to get to getting gone. Photo taken from web as are all the others....who doesn't love this gal?

I'm late even when I'm early

Woke up early only to be late...missed the group ride by 20 min...they must push off at 8 now rather than 8:30...I showed at 20 past hoping to be early this time and was not. Musta been a really small group as there was only 3 cars in lot. I kept going north on 32 making my way to B & Trents pad. Got there and b got going. 45 min later we continued north to Rowe then headed East to LS. LS back to town taking the lake all the way to EE. Stopped and check out a couple of houses that were for sale. 33 or 34 miles I believe is what I eneded up with. Not bad and really nice out. Prally won't ride until I commute to work on Tuesday. I now need to do a little wiring and we're off to Jake's grad party. Sunday and Monday all work.

Bike Run Lake Dip

Tri Training last night was transistion info, 11 mile ride to a 5K run. Got a side ache at the very end of run and almost got eaten by a big black lab on the ride. Afterwards was a dip in Elkhart Lake.
Today's ride was casual as my legs are still feeling last night's work.
7.7 miles/16.3 ave/28.5 max./28.5 min/539 odo
This weekend will be cutting grass, SMBRide hopefully, Jake Dude's Grad party and then working on the bathroom Sun and Monday. Hope to have drywall up and done by Monday late afternoon.
Have a good weekend

LollyGaggle

From the Brit's term of lollipop or sucker or as in to go at the pace it takes one to eat one. That's what I felt like on the way home last night fighting the wind and kinda continued into today a bit. Nice brisk weather ride in. Casual pace...felt pretty good. A couple different turns rather than the same old route. Numbers:

7.8 miles/16.4 ave/28.2 max/28:24 min/509 odo

Bike & Run training in Elkhart Lake tonight....5 weeks til event. Time to kick it up a bit.

Bike to Work Day 13

(image from 1lesscar.com)

Flatted out on Taylor Drive on the way home yesterday....quick tube change and back. There's a lot of misc garbage along the curb on that road in parts. This has to be my 6th or so flat this year. I'm running Bontrager Race Lite tires but may need to switch to something a lot more robust...it has been a couple of weeks since the last blowout. Some of those flats were due to human error...not all pokes and pinches. Ride in numbers: (forgot to turn it on b4 I left)
7.4 miles/17.2 ave/29.3 max/25:49 min/493 odo

Looks like I'll break the 500 mile mark on the LeMond tonight.

Broken - Don't look if you're a weirdo and man feet gross you out!

I jammed my little toe on my left foot really bad yesterday in the bedroom. I either broke it or sprained it. It hurts really bad and caused great discomfort on my ride in today as the Shimano shoes have minimal give. Hope it heals fast.
Ride in numbers for today....went a bit slower.
7.7 miles/16.7 ave/26.6 max/27:36 min/478 odo

Home Projects & Upkeep

Ride home Friday was slow. Strong SW winds really made it difficult. Friday after work spent 3 hours cutting grass. Saturday cleaned up garage a bit to find stuff and make life less frustrating, worked on bathroom, mechanic Dave came and picked up the Triumph motor and parts. Tori's Uncle put landscaping blocks around the side of house. Tori's aunt's sister came over w/ her b-friend who does doors and windows to measure up the doors...I went grocery shopping. Randy and Marshall stopped by to look at the brick siding that I need a hole popped in for exhaust fan. Came back to find tori's 2 uncle's and a grandpa and then her mom came over. I grilled out and prepped food for all of them. Then everyone left and I had to clean up and put everything back in it's place.
Sunday worked on the bathroom from 7:30 am - 7:30 pm. Boxed out ceiling for drywall, hung can lights and fan, new switch box/switches and outlets and wired all up. Now going from two can lights and a fan to two can lights and a fan/light combo. More wires and another switch. New one didn't fit.
S0 no SMBRide or Sunday Aft Tri training. All work.....not a weekend but a workend I guess which was ok...gave legs a little time to re-coup. Good progress was made and hope to keep up the momentum.
Today's ride was a bit chilly...pulled out some winter gear for today's ride. Ride in numbers are:
40 degrees NW wind @ 2 mph/7.7 miles/16.9 ave/29.1 max/462 odo/27:28 min

BTWW Day 5

Well we made it - Cold Start of the week to a warmer ending w/ possible showers later on in the day. Saved some money on gas, but put 40 bucks in last night after training in Elkhart and only got 1/2 a tank and also shelled out $525 for a brake job on all four. So I'm still most likely behind but who cares.
So yesterday after getting my 16 commuter miles in and picking up the jeep from it's brake work - I flew out to Elkhart Lake for a ride/run training session. Of course I'm a couple min late and off we go. 14.3 miles later (and my fastest mph max to date @ 43.5 mph) we're back and do a fast transaction to running shoes and off and running...2 miles after that we rest a bit. Then the group walks down to the lake and jumps in! How cool is that? Good times. My lower back did hurt pretty bad when I was finishing up the running...I think I may have been leaning back to far of something...my shin is feeling ok thankfully today...no splints.
Todays ride in numbers are about the same:
7.7 miles/25:34 min/18.1 mph ave/31.8 mph max/447 odo LeMond/206 lbs work scale
Tonight there is a BTWW bust up party down town....beer food and a movie....how cool. Hopefully it doesn't rain cause that'd suck.
Tomorrow may be ride or else crap around the house. I'm starting to think that life's to short for crap around the house but it's won't get done by itself.
Later

btww day 4

What a really nice morning...suns out and birds chipping...saw some guy releasing a trapped squirrel or something out by my house...who the heck still does this? Musta been eating his precious bird food or something. I hope that animal, whatever it was, can somehow magically find his way home and just drive that old man crazy.
Today's ride in numbers are about the same...this might start to bore ya...
7.7 miles/26:54 time/17.2 mph ave/29 mph max/417 odo

Some more numbers

My vehicle gets 15 mpg ave (15.3)
I drive about 18 miles to and from work
18/15=1.2 gals/day for just work commute
1.2 gals @ $3.79 = $4.55/day in savings
5 work days = $22.74/week

And @ 208 lbs, biking for 30 min @14-16 mph = 472 calories burned per bicycling.com

Just some more numbers to keep me riding

bttw day 3

Battled the mighty wind on the way home yesterday still making good time. Met my dad at his house just as he was saddling up his Schwinn on his way to work. Timed it perfectly. We rode together the 1 mile to his work and then I continued my journey.
I forgot to reset my computer this morn so today's numbers are a mixture of yesterdays ride in, ride home and today's ride in.
26.3 miles/16.9 ave mph/1 hr 32 min 55 sec/37 mph max/401 miles
So if my normal ride in is 7.7 x2 = 15.4, then my ave ride home is about 26.3-15.4= 10.9 miles give 'er take.

Pics from Saturday's Hill Climb Session

Good Looking Group

Not so good looking running runner

BTWW 2.0

Seen some more bikers this morn....and I hate it when they don't wave...bitches. AnyWho -
7.7 miles in 25 min and 20 sec for an ave of 18.2 mph w/ a max spd of 34.6 mph - SSE wind
Forecast calls for wind speeds to increase to 20-30 late this afternoon for the commute home...slower ride.

Bathroom remodel is back on...drywalling - it's been a while since I've done any of that but we'll get thru it.

And it's official - I'm all signed up and registered for the Elkhart Lake International Triathlon - Sprint version for Saturday June 28th. Need a wetsuit yet and to practice running and swimming more.

Bike to Work Week - Day 1

Brrrr can basically sum up this mornings ride...had to be the 30's. NNE wind. Slow going.
Legs were a bit sore starting out but feel good now. Seen about 5 people this morning on bikes...all smiles. There's something about fresh air in the morning, especially cold fresh air, pumping through the lungs to make you feel alive. I skipped the coffee and donuts stop at Fountain Park cause of the temp/wind and running a little behind.
Today's ride in numbers:

7.7 miles/15 mph ave/27 mph max/30 min 56 sec/369 total on lemond

Happy Mother's Day

To: Mom

Today is Mother's Day and I found two photo's to share.

Innocence still there...this was from our National Lampoon's California Road trip to see the country from the back of 1984 maroon Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight and visit uncle Jim in the LBC....Holiday Roll

I'm gonna guess I was 14 in this photo which would have been around 1991...taken in Milwaukee at mother's apt. The car is a Pontiac LeMan's from around 1987...this car was used quite a bit to get us to the bmx races and different spots to session...if you look closely you'll see a lot of bmx and skate stickers all over it. Mother and I went to Oklahoma for the Grand Nationals in this in 1988 where I took 2nd in the race of champions and didn't make the mains in the grands. Ma always hated us flippin off the camera....so juvenile but that's what I was.

Yesterday we had our first Hill Climbing Session for the Tri Training Program. It took place out by Silver Spring Trout Farm in Plymouth. I rode my bike there and kinda screwed up w/ directions but made only 10 min late. It was a really good time and I hope to share a group photo once our coach emails it. Yesterday's numbers were....

46.6 miles

38.8 max mph

16 ave mph
2 hours and 54 min of rolling seat time

Last night we had our bowling bust up party in Falls. Chicken and Tips. We stopped at a bar after dinner and the local radio station showed up. They are giving away a motorcycle at Road America on June 6th or 7th. You had to fill out a ballot. They were also giving away a hats, tshirts and the such. My ticket was pulled and I won a tshirt and am now officially entered in the motorcycle give away. I'm one of 120. That would be really cool. I think they said it was a 2008 Suzuki GXR 600. Oh please let me win this!!!!!!!!! I miss my old rocket and my Triumph has been kinda a bitch since I broke it. Speaking of Triumph. I bought a new lower end, clutch assembly, and cables. Hope to have it rolling w/ in the next couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll be able to ride it to Road America the day I win the 08 rocket. Pretty Please big man upstairs?

Anyway...Happy Ma's day mom. Luv ya.

Your son,

Nate

PS - I'll call a little later today to say hello

Risks Involved

So today is the end of the first week I have been able to commute to work every day. They call for rain later on but I'm hopeful it'd hold off til later tonight. Commuting is not for everyone. Some have to drive long distances, some have kids that need to be places, some are just to fat and lazy. It does take planning and organization. I have done it dozens of times and have the routine down pretty good but even I, being fairly well experienced, can goof up. Today I'll have to rock out commando style since I was forgetful. This is not the first time I've overlooked that drawer while grabbing and packing. I really don't like it and chalk it up to learning my lesson.
TGIF.
Today's numbers for ride in:

NNE @ 4-6
7.8 miles
26:48 min
17.4 mph/ave
28.2 max
306 total on lemond

Short In Long Out

I take a major thoroughfare in to work cause it's not so busy in the AM, but don't like to take it home in the PM due to heavier traffic....I might start soon thou and just risk it to show someone that a bike path is needed. Ride home is about 2.5 miles longer and it was against the wind home.
Ride in numbers...

7.8 miles
27:02 min
17.2 mph ave

First lawn cutting last night...need to fertilize as I already have over 1 billion weeds and dandelions. Treadful but looked good afterwards as usual.

Pushed In

Getting pushed by the wind is great....but all that means is that you'll most likely have to battle it going back. Pretty strong SW winds this morning have provided me w/ my best numbers to date, plus the fact that I drafted an 18 wheeler down Taylor from Washington to Indiana Ave catching a green light at Union...pretty sweet.

7.7 miles
22:57 minutes
20.1 ave spd
40.2 max spd
271 miles on road bike
208 lb's on work scale
7.5 wks til tri

Lots of other things going on....post some pics some day
cya

Quick post

Camera's up in the room...so pics later.
Last night did a Catamaran boat ride into the Gulf of Mexico to catch the sunset....2 hour ride. Pretty sweet.
Met a really cool couple from Manchester UK....nice peeps.
Afterwards it was dinner on the dock and then a nice drive around Old Naples.
This morn did a jog and want to say I walked about a mile and ran about 2....good sweat.
Then we went to the beach for a hour and half long walk....very nice.
Did lunch at Tin City....more raw tuna, wasabi and pickled something....along w/ Fish Taco's.
Taking a break and we have dinner at the Turtle Club which is on the beach later tonight.
Tomorrow is clean the condo day as well as pack up and head on out. We fly back into Milwaukee about 7 pm I think.
Pics to post soon.
cya
nate

Spring Break '08 - Part 2

Good Afternoon....Hump Day...Sunny - mid 80's - Tropical type breezes. Tori's Poolside again and I'm checking mail and surfin. You may be wondering why I'm web surfing rather than say in the pool? Well I have a head cold and this made the flight (s) down here (2 hr lay over in ATL there and back) the second worse flight of my life. No problems going up but when go to descend each time my ears will not 'pop' to allow the pressure to release and I go temp deaf to the point where I feel as if I'm wearing ear muffs or am underwater. And both times this gave me a really really painful headache. It feels as if the fluids in my brain are being swished around so this now makes me extremely nervous for the ride home. I don't want to get water in my ears plain and simple. I may get over this soon though...well see.

So this poor Sea Turtle took the bait of a fisherman that was fishing off of Naples Pier last night. We get there and walk all the way to the end and there is a couple of people kinda together looking down at the water....I was someone got something cool....and then we look over and there was the HUGE turtle w/ a fishing line going down his throat. After the shock came the sadness then came anger...the young fisherman looked worried and confused and then did basically the only thing he could do....started walking and pulling the turtle with him to the shore...which was very very far away. I was lets go..I didn't want to see the thing die of exhaustion. We walked back to the car to grab the camera and noticed out parking ticket...tori tried to bs her way out of it but it didn't work....by the time we got back to the pier the fisherman was at the break and Tori got some pics. These are taken from up above....the fisherman is up next to us and the guy touching the turtle was a surfer....the fisherman tossed down a pain of pliers and then another surfer/fisherman/blond dude cut the line at the mouth...I don't believe he could get the hook out but this seemed to work and then the surfer gently pushed the sea turtle back into the waves where he disappeared rather quickly into the water. I tell ya you couldn't make this up if you tried. Very exciting and emotional. Very pleased to see the thing make it back out....will hope he makes it. Biggest turtle I've ever seen in my life. Crazy.This was before dinner last night....we at outside on 5th ave and I had Sushi....Ahi tuna again....I'm a fan. And I really like sushi....I'm getting hungry. Tori had a beef/artichoke over noodles meal that was really good too.

This morn we did a walk/jog down by the beach area...on the road thou...I didn't want to jog on the beach...felt good but I'm a little tired now and hungry. A little more web then, eat and relax...we're going on a boat tour dinner cruise thing tonight I think.

Cya

Spring Break '08 - Part 1

What seemed to be a Really Loooong Post

by

Me

Good Afternoon to who ever reads this. I'm in Naples Florida sitting at a vacant covered bar type area in between two pools, a lap pool and a nice resort style lounge pool. In the adjoined screened in lapper pool is an elderly lady who I believe to be walking laps rather than swimming but whatever way you wanna do laps is cool w/ me. In the unscreened lounge pool I can over here two tan grey hair gentleman discussing something, there's some kids splashing around in the shallow section and in the far off distance is Tori laying butt up catching some rays watching her "Sex In the City" dvd's on the portable. I'm chillin in the shade enjoying the nice breeze that goes thru listening to the tunes above and the birds chipping.....it's all pretty nice right now.

I made a couple last minute choices before leaving the house on Sunday morning that I'm very pleased with. One was grabbing the laptop computer and NetGear wireless card. They have a wireless system here at the clubhouse so I'm able to do this, which made me feel pretty cool as I figured it out all by my lonesome...impressed i am. Ya see I can find my way around a computer like the ave guy but once you get past the norm you lose me. Kinda like a car. I know how to drive one and I know the main components but would I really try to flush and fill the fluids or try to bleed the brakes by myself.....I don't think so, maybe w/ someone who's done it before holding my hand for the first round but not right off the bat going blind. This is how I feel w/ my computer. I know how to "drive" it but I really don't know all the in's and out's. I didn't know if the wireless card works w/ any system or had to go thru the receiver at home. Like a garage door opener is what I thought. My garage door opener won't open your garage....well then why should my wireless card catch your signal???? Who know's? Not me. Who cares...I'm curious but hey....if it works I'm game. So I'm on the Internet. Glad I brought the computer to check email and look up local destinations and maps...which leads me to my number two last min grab....the Skateboard.

I googled Naples a couple of weeks ago and during my search I looked to see if they had any skateparks....why you ask? When we went to LV for Sema we stayed the wkend following to hook up w/ Tori's old buddy and her husband. I asked him to show me around and I noticed there were skateparks all over LV, making me wish I had mine w/ me and because I do skate the park in town from time to time and when I'm cleaning out the garage I will goof off on the board for 5 minutes or so before I put it back. It turned out they do have a couple of skateparks down here and thanks to the best thing man has created so far next to the bicycle and skateboard, the Internet, I was able to search further finding pics and vid's on the parks here. During these searches I learned that the Edge Skatepark is half concrete and half normal wood/metal ramps. I thought to myself "yessss", I finally get the chance to ride a concrete park. You see ever since I can remember I have seen pics in mags like Thrasher, Transworld, BMX Action, BMX Plus and movies such as; Rad, Curb Dogs, Cleamin the Cube, Thrashin, P&P's Search for Animal Chin and so on I've always wanted to ride/skate concrete parks! I hear stories on how we used to have a really cool concrete park behind BigWheel roller rink and so on. This is all fine and dandy but I wanted to experience it for myself. This was my chance....but then reality set in and I thought when am I going to get to go down there and spend a couple of hours, what if they have pad and helmet rules, will I need to go out and spend a chunk of change just to to this? Do I really want to carry my board on the plane, etc...you get the picture. So I said forget it and was planning on leaving it at home. I didn't pack my skateshoes or any shorts that I could trash. I was fine w/ it and just called it getting old and boring. But then it happened.


I was all packed up and ready to go....waiting for Tori (of course beauty takes time) to finish up and her Dad to pick us up to give us the ride to GMIA. I sat in my leather chair, grabbed the remote and turned the TV on to keep my occupied. The channel that I was watching Sat nite before I turned it off was FuelTV....and when I turned it on I watched about the last 20 minutes of the movie that was dedicated to Shane Cross, a skater that lived life to the fullest and passed away and the too young age of 21. This video and the end made me think...Life is way to short to do another "shoulda - woulda - coulda" moment. I HATE it when people, including myself, say "You should have....." Screw you I think. So in this moment I said that's it....I'm doing it. I ran to the garage and grabbed my board.....ran upstairs to my closet and grabbed my Vans and some of my less than perfect cargo shorts.....and am I happy I did. Shane Cross.....thank you. If you want to see a cool movie...google his name and either TiVo it on Fuel or else go out and buy the DVD.

So here's some shots of the skatpark.

Deep tight pool above and Very Fun Snake run and Bowls below

I did manage catch a fairly nasty cold right before we came and had the 2nd worse flight of my life coming down here and feel like absolute dog shit when I snapped this pic and was very irritated by the humidity and that is why I have the funky look on my face but I was way too pumped to let that stop me from my mission of fun.

Our POS Chevy "No Power anything and no f*'n Key Fob" Caveman era Caviler....but the AC is really good. I had to inflate all the tires as they were all....let me repeat myself.....ALL the tires were at 20-25 psi and were supposed to be at 44! Every corner I was making noises...this and I had to replace a 20A fuse to make the lighter outlet work for our GPS unit...this is all small potatoes in the greater scheme of things I know but when you pay someone for provide an auto for you, I would have expected all of these minor things to have been taken care of....but that's just me....and I digress. She now rolls solid and our lady friend is telling us "Left turn in 2 miles on ______ Drive"....so it's all good. You know what else is funny with the car? A new 65K dollar Corvette pulled up along side us almost the same color! I was "oh yeah" what up dude! Like we were riding the same thing and he just looked away.....Lots of cool cars down here....Lambo's, Ferrari's, Porsches's, Bentley's, Mercedes, Lexus, Vet's, Caddy's, Bimmer's, Jag's you name it.

These Lambo's were outside of the Tommy Bahama's Restaurant last night...I had the Ahi Tuna....ummmm...and the wasabi was really good. I went back to the skatepark today for an hour or so but my legs started shaking and I thought I might pass out so I "stopped while I was ahead" of a crash or bail. I still have Tri training to keep in mind and don't need any road rash or sore ankles, knees, wrists or elbows.

Ok that's enough for now....more to come.....cya