Burnin' Coal

Holidash

Broken pipes and birds. No bikes allowed just guns and dogs packed for the trip. Last friday I drove 650 miles to fix the broken pipes on the trailer house in Montana. I managed to sneak in some hunting as well. Sunday morning packed up and headed home.

Snow has kept me off the roads. The trusty trainer has been there for me and have been keeping up with my dosage of hours in the basement.

I have always had a love hate relationship with the holiday season. Run, run, run. It is always fun to see family and friends but many times it gets too crazy for my blood.

With all the chaos I am still keeping up with my reading and not with the writing. Pretty quite out there especially on this site.

On the local scene Bjorn wins U23 Cross Nationals. Congrats. The national and international scene has been boring. Another doper was signed to a team. Tyler Hamilton is the newest member of Rock Racing. You have to wonder about a team with a motto of win at all costs. They have certainly brought in quality dopers in Botero and Hamilton. They know all about winning at all costs.

These days I prefer to read about local riders. That is all for now. Enjoy the holidays.

THE List

“The List” is something we talk a lot about. From time to time we have all thrown out there races that fall into the category of “must ride” before we get too old or too smart to ever do. I do not think I can put these races into the category of must do before I quit because I do not think I will ever quit riding. These races fall into the category of must do before I die. Because that is what it will take before I stop riding. I have never considered quitting. In fact that is something that I never have understood. To participate in a sport, a lifetime sport such as cycling or skiing and one day deciding to quit. Maybe they really did not like/love the sport. Or did their interest just fade away, or was it replaced by something else. I guess I could understand these reasons to some degree but if this is true I hope it never happens to me. From time to time I run into old friend which I skied and raced with for many many years. Some remain active in the sport and have their kids skiing as well. It is great to hear their stories of diving into a chute and chasing down the mountain or traversing across a ridge. Others curse at the sport. Saying they would never let their kids participate in the sport. Man are they missing out. What went wrong? I guess I should ask them if they golf.

The List may have reached a mythical level. It needs to be brought back. It is December and time to put one on the List. One to be ridden and not talked about. Part of the fun is the talking. However, it is time for the planning.

Potential races range from cross-country endurance races to the level of insane endurance races that may kill you during the event. For example, the Arrowhead 135 or the Alaskan Ididabike are insane. I want to keep my fingers and toes. The List should also be comprised of events which a person can realistically train for. Here is where 24 Hour Solo events get thrown out. After witnessing Wyren’s pain I know I do not want any of that. Dakota50, put it on the list. I threw in the towel during last years race. I was not prepared and paid the price. 100% pain and suffering. Dakota50 needs to go back on the list. It deserves another chance. I will be back. 100 mile events such as Leadville, E100 and Breck100 are still suspect.

Sam, how many years should these races remain on the list? 10 years? Or is it 11?

2007

E100
???


Iditabike, Not on The List….

Remember, if you plan on riding Iditabike this year leave your dog at home?

I guess he did not like the taste of Pug.

Sign of the Weak

The ultimate training program. I have been tipping my share of Jackman's Pale Ale (www.lefthandbrewing.com). One of my problems I have been having is I have a cup holder on my tractor. I have been keeping a full beer in there when I am out plowing snow.

As promised I have marked my calendar to start the training program on Dec. 1st. Why December 1st? Because it is the easiest time of year to put off training til the next month. With the holidays, cold weather, pheasant hunting and the beer that goes along with all these activities it has always been easy to not start the training program. I have taken a lot of shit from Teddy (the guy who never shows up anymore for rides or races. Sailboat...FGay) and others about this supposed start date however I have been keeping with the program. Twice a week on the trainer and once a week outside. It has not been easy. I hate the trainer. Skipper how has the sailing been going?

Wednesday Night Worlds - Location, location, location. I think we might need to start heading out from a different location. Luce line is not rideable anymore. Maybe the trails around mpls are plowed and if anyone knows a good loop to get 1-1.5 hours in that would be worth checking out. Although it might be too cold for Adam's precious toes. Wait it is his calf. Adam you are too old to be playing soccer. If I got hurt everytime I jumped on a bike I would have to think twice about getting back on.

Check out the site of the week...I mean weak... www.lefthandbrewing.com and try one of their beers.

WiNTER

A turn of season has officially made its mark and thoughts of snow verses the road has sunk in. Today was suppose to be a long day in the saddle. Instead it was spent on the tractor plowing snow and fixed on a trainer.

Next years mtn bike has been ordered and who knows when it might show up. Next week, June?

The picture taken from a spring training camp in utah. I think Jeff needed a rope that day.

HERO

Growing up there were very few things that consumed me and my time. All day everyday I was either thinking of fishing or skiing. I barely made it through school due to these obsessions. Teachers would be at the board writing math problems and historical facts. Through my eyes all I could see on the board was snow and fish. During that time I had a couple of heros...see if you can name them...

and one of the greatest skiers to ever hit the snow....

Ironman or Hero....

For many months/years or whatever it is I swore up and down that I would never step into the world of writing in a blog and only remain a devoted lurking participant in the greatest waste of time on the web. I have been asked several times over and over if I am spending so much time reading blogs on cycling etc… why not write one for myself. The answer is quite simple. I have never desired to write about all the things I do from week to week. Now to the good stuff…29ers.

There are many riders crossing over from riding 26” bikes and becoming fans of the 29er. What I want to know is who made the rule that when switching to a larger wheel you must turn in all the technological improvements from the past 20 years (except for disc brakes) and ride rigid? I have heard all the excuses. “on a 29er you do not need suspension”…”tubeless on a 29er is just like riding full suspension”…”the long wheel base of the 29er rides better”…”you do not need suspension in the midwest on a 29er”… This is CRAP.

The tale of two bikes…..Which one to ride, the fast and light SuperFly.......

or the diesel locomotive Hi-Fi 29er Pro…. What do ya’ll think?

Race DAY