Today’s Topic – TV I’ll Watch

Have you been watching Public TV the last few (3) nights? I have. Specifically, I’ve been watching Public Television’s Ken Burns’ documentary “The National Parks – American’s Best Idea.”

This documentary is evidence that, sometimes, politicians do something good and worthwhile. I know, hard to believe, but true.

It’s fun to learn stuff about the parks. It makes me want to visit them all – now. I don’t know if I’ll get to them all, but I’ll get to most. It sticks in my mind, if you show up at a National Park Campsite, under human power, they HAVE to give you a campsite. I’m going to research this to make sure it’s true as it might come in handy during bike travels.

I hope you get a chance to watch some TV actually worth watching, as this show very much is.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Wind, Camp, Roam

Sunday was one (1) windy bastard of a day with Monday supposed to be similar. Leaving home earlier easily combats the strong headwinds getting to work. Going home I should be able to average about forty-three miles per hour (43 MPH).

Weather permitting, we’re going to try another episode of Bike Camping this coming weekend. The game plan will be to roll from Sioux Falls south to Union Grove State Park on Saturday, camp overnight, and then roll back on Sunday. Let me know if you’re in.

I was working on the Faces to the Falls ride route over the weekend. I was double checking some things and comparing what I’ve done on the web based route drawings with Gazetteer. Thinking about the logistics of this ride and working on the route got me thinking about what to follow it up with.

I’m thinking the concept of an unsupported, seven (7) day ride, will be an annual event. However, I’ll want variety and will pick different routes. In 2010 this will be from the Black Hills to Sioux Falls. But what to do in 2011? I think it would be fun to make this international and catch a ride to, say, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and bring it south to Sioux Falls. Get those passport applications in.

Other rides might be starting way north along the North Shore of Lake Superior and bringing a ride down and across Minnesota. Another could be riding the sand hills area of Nebraska toward here. The possibilities are more or less endless.

This will be the “Roam” series. An annual, seven (7) day, unsupported ride from somewhere to here. The first (1st) one (1) will be in 2010. I’ll call that “Roam 2010 – Faces to the Falls.”


Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

No comprendo ingles.

Pug Head Tilt - watch more funny videos

Distractions.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Long Ass Route

A couple of posts ago I’d mentioned I’d roughed out a day one (1) of possible Faces (Mt. Rushmore) to the Falls (Falls Park, Sioux Falls, SD) bicycle ride. Yesterday I finished roughing out the entire route.

However, it will need some tweaking, I can see already. One (1) of the days I only have thirty-three (33) miles and another I have one-hundred-five (105) miles. This will not stand, man! Not riding loaded. As aforementioned, this excursion is going to be an unsupported ride. For the mentally challenged, this means hauling gear, food, and water.



My game plan is to make this a weeklong, seven (7) day for those keeping score at home, ride. Day one (1) will likely start in Spearfish, run through Spearfish Canyon, and end up in Hill City. Day two (2) will run by Mt. Rushmore. One (1) of the days I’d make a jog through the Badlands.

I think I know the path pretty well. I just need to sort out the overnight towns. I’d like to be somewhere that has food and hopefully a motel / hotel at the end of each day. Anyway, I’ll keep my roughed out route, drive it to check things out, and then finalize it.

Lastly, I’ll pick a date. The riding will start on a Sunday and the last day of riding will be on a Saturday. That gives the previous Saturday to get to the start and the following Sunday to get home, unpack, and rest up.

I wonder who, if anyone, will come along to play. I’d be surprised to see five (5) rollers and amazed if there is ten (10) or more (10+). We’ll see. Hell, I’ll ride this sucker alone if that’s the way it’s going to be. The route looks interesting and I want to see how it is going it for a week with no support.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Weekend Bike Camping

On Saturday, six (6) rollers headed from Sioux Falls North and West to Lake Herman State Park.



In attendance were me, the S.O., Chris, Gregg, Mark, and Jason. I had the only long bike while Mark was the only one sporting a trailer. Chris was the lightest traveler as he was going to stay at a different lake in a family cabin.



With the slight tailwind it only took us four (4) hours to travel the fifty (50) miles. We stopped in Madison to dine and the rolled the last three (3) miles to the park. Among the Lake Herman crowd, all were tenting accept me and the S.O. We opted to try the camping cabins that many of the State Parks provide.


Once in and settled


we used the shower facilities and prepared for the wide variety of the evening meal. Some cooked over fire




some on the table, and some by “alternate means.” Once the evening meal was complete we started a campfire. Good conversation was accompanied by the “B” part of BYOB. Jason brought homemade wine



and consumed the entire contents. Later this proved to be detrimental.

Once the last piece of firewood had burned down, it was time to turn in. It was agreed that eight (8) AM would be departure time.

Morning came, as morning so often does, and we were up. We snacked a bit, had a little coffee, and departed for Madison and breakfast proper.

At breakfast Jason revealed his wine exited his body in the form of a pool next to his pillow on the floor of his tent. This wasn’t something we were hoping to hear right before breakfast



but the word was out.

Post breakfast we started our journey back. This was to take a long time, as the headwinds were strong. Once back I turned on The Weather Channel to learn the headwinds were twenty-four miles per hour (24 MPH) gusting to thirty-four miles per hour (34 MPH). It is my opinion that sometimes ignorance truly is bliss.







Good times were had by all – as far as I know. Plans are being hatched for more fall bike camping. This is my favorite time of year for such. It’s cooler, bugs are not as thick, and the campgrounds sparsely populated. Tentative plans are for weekend after this coming – weather permitting.




Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Seven Day Cruise

I’ve threatened to do a seven (7) day ride from the Black Hills to Sioux Falls. Specifically, ride by Mt. Rushmore (Faces) to Falls Park in Sioux Falls (Falls). This ride would be aptly named "Faces 2 The Falls."

A couple (2) of days ago, I mapped out a tentative route for day one (1). It would have me starting in Spearfish, riding through Spearfish Canyon, South-Southwest to Rochford, where I’d pick up The Mickelson Trail. The Mick would be the route to Hill City, which I’m thinking would be the first (1st) overnight stop.

The way I have the thing mapped it would be 58.2 miles of riding and 4660 feet of climbing. I’m thinking that might be enough for the first day.

The way I’m planning this little excursion is an unsupported, on touring bikes, type of ride. It would be mostly on pavement but some off pavement (Mickelson Trail) as well. I might want to throw some gravel roads in there if it looks like a good route. We’ll be leaving from the Black Hills and I’ll TRY to incorporate The Badlands into this if I can – no promises, though.

Anyway, if this ride becomes reality, and it probably will, I want the route planned out sooner rather than later. That way I can scout it and make changes as necessary. The ride would likely occur either late June or early July. Hell, it might be late July or early August – I don’t know, as I said, I’ve just started to plan this bitch.

For those who are interested and would like to be kept on a periodic email list of updates and route stuff, shoot me an email and I’ll start a list. I’ll also post stuff here.


Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

W.T.F.

Rube Goldberg.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Shaping

Yesterday I participated in the review and discussion of chapters three (3) and four (4) of Shape Sioux Falls. I must admit chapter two (2) had me thinking things were pointed in the wrong direction. However, yesterday’s discussions left me feeling much better.

This weekend is another installment of bike camping. As of press time, there are five (5) of us going. The weather forecast is good. It should be a good trip. If I remember, (and this can be a big if sometimes) I’ll take many pictures and post them.

For those not bike camping there are other things going on this weekend. Sanford Health is doing a bike for breast cancer ride on Saturday. And, the FAB starlight ride is tonight.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – More Shape Sioux Falls

I’ve sent my comments on chapters one (1) and two (2) for the Shape Sioux Falls document to the City Planning guy facilitating the discussions. Tonight we’ll be reviewing chapter three (3) – Shape Neighborhoods and chapter four (4) – Shape Transitions. I’ve read them both, made some notes, and am anxious to see what others have to say.

My goals are pretty simple – limit sprawl, make life easier for people, improve quality. It is my vision to do these in a sustainable way. I’m going to voice my opinions and keep firing my comments to those in charge of the final version of this document.

Kunstler, in Clusterfuck Nation, alluded to this in this weeks post over there.

American perestroika really boils down to this: we have to rescale the activities of daily life to a level consistent with the mandates of the future, especially the ones having to do with available energy and capital. We have to dismantle things that have no future and rebuild things that will allow daily life to function. We have to say goodbye to big box shopping and rebuild Main Street. More people will be needed to work in farming and fewer in tourism, public relations, gambling, and party planning. We have to make some basic useful products in this country again. We have to systematically decommission suburbia and reactivate our small towns and small cities. We have to prepare for the contraction of our large cities. We have to let the sun set on Happy Motoring and rebuild our trains, transit systems, harbors, and inland waterways. We have to reorganize schooling at a much more modest level. We have to close down most of the overseas military bases we're operating and conclude our wars in Asia. Mostly, we have to recover a national sense of common purpose and common decency. There is obviously a lot of work to do in the list above, which could translate into paychecks and careers -- but not if we direct all our resources into propping up the failing structures of yesterday.

I have no idea if what I’m trying to do will make a difference or not. I do know I can’t just sit back and do nothing. I hope I can sway this in a good way. If I can’t, well, I’ll have tried. If I’ve tried but can't get it done, then you can be damn sure I’ll be first in line to say, “I told you so” when things go to hell.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Shape Sioux Falls

Our City is putting together a master plan for how it will be from now until 2035. It covers growth (footprint), neighbourhoods, facilities, resources, and the like. I’m part of a volunteer committee to attending meetings to discuss each chapter (there are ten (10)). Yesterday was chapter one (1) and two (2).

Since this is a volunteer type committee, anyone can join for some or all of the chapters. Since yesterday was growth (footprint) the developers were there in force. If the CITIZENS of Sioux Falls knew more about what the DEVELOPERS want to do, there would be more CITIZENS on the committee.

The City planning office seems to be somewhat catering to the developers. I’ll do everything I can to point out to Planning the road they’re about to go down isn’t in the best interest of the citizens of our city.

It’s as if too many people will blindly follow the idiom that bigger is better. As a result I see quality being compromised for quality quantity. The challenge will be getting this point across to enough people to influence this document and ultimately the City Council.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Weekend Recap

The weekend started with the Coffee and Donut ride. Four (4) morons braved the fog for some exploratory riding and coffee. The ride concluded with that crazy MinusCar fellow and I arriving at Michelle’s for second (2nd) coffees and naked women.



Saturday night the usual suspects were found at Monk’s for MonkFest. It was a great time. Good people, great beer, funky music, and a returning bar wench.


Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

Bucky Balls – It’s what for x-mus.

A little story about a bike and stuff.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – What I Didn’t Do Last Weekend

There were happenings around my area this past Labour Day weekend. I was fortunate to avoid some and unfortunate to miss others.

It seems every year the religious zealots congregate at a water park near here for something called Lie Fight. Maybe I’m pronouncing it wrong. Apparently it’s a festival that includes all sorts of religious zealot music with a contest to see who can tell the biggest tall tale followed by free-for-all fisticuffs.



And no, for the several people who’ve asked, I did not attend the Dakota 5-oh. I sure wanted to, though. In fact, Saturday morning I was very tempted to load up the Ellsworth, venture west, and race on Sunday. Very tempted indeed.

However, I’m sticking to my game plan of limiting most all travel for 2009. I’m still saving for the down payment on an actual house. With each activity I choose to attend and / or travel to, it pushes the home ownership thing back.

As much as I love my loft apartment, something bigger is needed. Plus, hauling my Big Dummy up and down the stairs everyday is getting old. A garage to fill with bikes sure would be nice.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Back At It

For a very long time I’ve had a gym membership. In addition to riding bike, I like to workout. However, a injury and busyness has kept me from the gym.

Starting this past spring it seems I was always busy with something. Bike advocacy, bike stuff, work, all sort of stuff took up much of my time. With all this going on I had little time and little motivation to go to the gym.

Sometime the middle of this summer I did something to my shoulder. I don’t remember doing it and I’m not sure what’s wrong, exactly. I’m certain it’s not a rotator cuff. It feels like a strained tendon running up and down from the middle of my shoulder down toward the elbow.

Unless I bend a very certain way it doesn’t hurt at all. I’ve been massaging it now and then and I THINK it’s healing. But, I digress…..

Starting this week I’ve been back to the gym. I made a fairly rigid schedule and am sticking to it. Some days I lift, some days I do cardio. I’m attempting to get in better shape. Not that I’m in terrible shape now – I just want to be in better shape.



This winter, when bike riding becomes mostly getting to and from work, I’m going to adjust my gym workouts. I don’t want to make it to next spring with an extra layer of “insulation.”

Leaner and meaner. The gym will help with the leaner part, I’ve got other plans to achieve the meaner part. Ain’t life grand?


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – Once Again, Telling It Like It Really Is

As some of you already know, I very much appreciate the, non-sugar coated, straight to the point, can see the Emperor is nude and not in new clothes, style of Kunstler. Once again he’s hit the nail squarely on the head. Read about it HERE.


Ride On.

Sums It Up

The rumour I heard, and it's just that - a rumour, is rethuglicans were against obama's speech to kids because they were afraid it was going to be political and because there was no opportunity for an opposing viewpoint.



If I understand the speech correctly, the point was to stay in school and work hard. So the opposing view point would be what? Drop out of school and become a slacker?

{sigh}


Ride On.

Big Dummy Stuff

Including pictures of the mud flap with bling. Click 'em for big.










Ride On.

Friday Afternoon Grab Bag

Fast go cart.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Smell The Dirt from Kenwood Racing, Ink.

smell the dirt from thorny on Vimeo.

Ride On.

Today’s Topic – One Half (1/2) Day Off

I’m going to go into work today for only a half (1/2). I’ve got the afternoon off. What am I going to do? Well, I supposed hatch a plan for world domination. Or, go for a ride.

In about two (2) weeks there will be installment of bike camping. Anyone who’s in my neck of the woods who would like to adventure along, you’re welcome to. We’re leaving from Sioux Falls venturing North to Madison and onto Lake Herman State Park. Bring your disc golf discs. And whiskey, of course. Let me know if you’re in.

"The only way to solve the traffic problems of the country is to
pass a law that only paid-for cars are allowed to use the
highways. That would make traffic so scarce, we could use our
boulevards for children's playgrounds."
-- Will Rogers, 1879–1935

I’m damn good and ready for a three-and-one-half (3 ½) day weekend. No agenda, no commitments, just some riding and resting. I advise you to do the same. And, as always, don’t let your meat loaf.


Ride On.

Today's Topic - AHTBM

I would like to point out that this:



Is directly attached to THIS.


Ride On.

Today’s Topic – A Sign Of The Apocalypse And Cross Check In Repose

Need either a good laugh or a WTF moment? Well, just read THIS.

I had my Surly Cross Check in bondage the other day. I was pulling some things off and lubing up other things. I snapped a few pictures and blacked and whited them.




I’d not ridden this bike in a while. After getting back on it I thought to myself, “Self, you need to ride this bike more. It’s sweet.” And it is.

I have decided to loose the mustache handle bars, though. I’m thinking about either riding the Highway 212 Gut Check next year single speed, in which case I’d ride the Cross Check, or giving the Hell and Back option a go on a geared bike. Anyway, I’m either going to put standard drop bars on it or perhaps something like three (3) speed bars on. We’ll see.


Ride On.