Late Summer Restless

I think I’m getting the wanderlust blues. I have a general feeling of slowly growing restlessness. I need something to do.

The offsetting item is our singletrack project. There are some things to be done there. But, the items are set up like dominos. They are in a specific order and one (1) can’t be toppled until the one (1) in front of it has. Right now, the first (1st) one (1) to go is in limbo.

While I’m waiting for this to transpire I find myself looking around for somewhere to go. I’m thinking a mid fall trip. When I pulled out a map to take a look to inspire revelation, I’m reminded of some other things coming up.

This Labour Day weekend will be a busy one (1). I’ll jump right into it by traveling to my parents in the north east part of the state. I will be there about a day before I travel to the western part of the state for the Dakota Five-O. As soon as that’s complete I travel back to my parents for a function and end the three (3) day weekend with a return trip home. Not what I call a relaxing longer weekend. I may re-think this.

There is an event coming up in late September I’m slated to attend. Maybe this will help cure the wanderlust blues.

What I’m afraid of, and I know I’m setting myself up for a self-fulfilling prophecy, is this winter will cause a severe outbreak of cabin fever.

Ride On.

My One Day Of RAGBRAI

The day started off with meeting up with the kErnEl


And then we started riding with a lot of other people


I was surprised to see The Owner


I was not so surprised to see a boat-bike


Or a high-wheeler


I found Rick/Mr Cat's bus. The chicks inside hadn't seen him and I didn't wait around.


Of course there was a stop for Beekman's ice cream


Before rolling into the first overnight town of Storm Lake


A car was stashed here. After a shower and a meet up with Mulberry Murph, it was a drive home. Next year, maybe the whole week to get in lots o' riding and experience the nightlife.

Ride On.

Faces to the Falls Pictures

My name is Procrastinator

I feel I have an obligation to “give back” or “pay it forward” or whatever you’d like to call it. I believe in charity. This year, once again, I am participating in a Multiple Sclerosis bike ride to help raise money and awareness for this disease.

As much as I like to help, I typically prefer to do it with “sweat equity.” I find it hard to ask people for money. I do ask, but usually end up just writing a sizable check to the organization myself. I could never be a used car salesman. I don’t have that pushy attitude regarding other people’s hard earned dollars.

That being said, I’m only going to ask once. Please visit my M.S. – Pedal the Plains website. On there you’ll find a button to click to donate. Please do. Any amount is fine - $5 to $500, all amounts are appreciated. Please note there is an “anonymous” choice for donating if you so choose. Of course I won’t be able to thank you if you do it that way, but you do whatever makes you most comfortable.

The link is:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/ChrisPierson

This ride is only 15 days away (as of July 23). Please don’t you be the procrastinator in making a donation as I’ve been getting this word out.

Thanks!

~Snakebite~

RAGBRAI

Every year, at this time, RAGBRAI rolls around. I suppose one (1) could describe it as a bike oddity or anomaly. If the kErnEl is correct, it is the largest organized bike ride (by number of participants) in the world.

I’ve ridden the full week of RAGBRAI and I’ve done single (1) days depending on which year it’s where. The ride is fun. You might ask, “How can a bike ride, with fifteen-thousand (15,000) to twenty-thousand (20,000) riders be fun?”

The people. Roadies are going to be roadies and a dude does see pace lines. Too bad for them. If they’d slow down and look at something other than the wheel of the roller in front of them they’d likely have a better time.

RAGBRAI riders come in all shapes and sizes and abilities and the broadest sense of the term. The food is usually outstanding. You want pie? Name your flavor and how many pieces you want.

I ride RAGBRAI for two (2) main reasons. First (1st), it’s a ride at your own pace ride with many like-minded rollers. I really don’t care how fast or slow I’m riding and I could give a shit at what my “average” will be at the end of the day.

Second (2nd), people watching. Holy crap are there some weirdos out there! But, most of them are normal folk who just like to ride. The first (1st) year I rode (all week to boot) I rode ten (10) miles with a dude from England and ate breakfast seated right across the table from two (2) ladies from Australia.

You’ll likely see jerseys you never knew existed. Don’t be surprised to see someone riding in a thong. Fat bearded dudes in tutus, likely. Hot babes – many. And, per RAGBRAI tradition, many first timers have the letters V-I-R-G-I-N scrolled down there calves in black marker.

And the bikes! The most beat-up, run down, ridden many miles past its natural life bikes will be there. Carbon fiber racing bikes will be there. Homemade bikes will be there. I hope to see “Quadzilla,” the bike built for four with the rules of 1) the captain is in charge, and 2) nobody passes us.

And don’t even get me started on the naked beer slide.

I’m riding the first (1st) day of RAGBRAI this year. I’m doing it on my single speed. The slower I go, the more I get to see, and the more riders I get to meet.

Ride On.

Approval!

Late yesterday afternoon was the Parks and Recreation Board meeting. During the meeting the opposition had ten (10) minutes to present their case why nothing should ever be done in “their” park. Also, the good guys, us, presented on why a singletrack venue would be great for Sioux Falls.

The detractors had their same objections. When it was my turn to speak (I was speaking on behalf of the good guys) I explained why this was needed, how it was to be built, and refuted the major objections.

The Board had discussions and then the Board voted. The vote was unanimous in our favor. There’s going to be singletrack in Leaders Park!

There are still some details to be worked out. I hope this happens soon. I was hoping we’d be months into digging at this point. Perhaps we can still get one (1) of the three (3) proposed loops done yet this construction season.

Ride on.

Back

I'm back from my eight (8) day ride across the state. I did have a great time.

The short version is it rained and was cool, it was quite hot, the rider numbers changed during the ride, a chance meeting had us camping in someone's yard, the winds were generally in our favor, and we made it to Falls Park yesterday about 12:30 PM.

I'll have a day-by-day break down on the action in upcoming posts.

Ride on.

A Good Message

I received the following in my email inbox. Seem like good words to follow this coming fall election.

Dear Candidates, Incumbents and Party Leaders,

In this election, please find a way of campaigning without deliberately triggering anger, hatred and fear. Please avoid contributing to the DISUNITING of America. It is the last thing we need in a time of two wars, an environmental catastrophe and an economic crisis.

We will hold accountable those who engage in the politics of division. We will support those who offer facts, civility and solutions.

We choose to be united as a People and refuse to be divided. We hereby Declare Our Unity.

Ride On.

A Riding Vacation

Today I'm hitting the road, along with some companions, for an eight (8) day, unsupported bike ride from the western part of my state back to here. Blog posts might be few and far between. I might try to post something via my phone if I take a really cool picture with it or something really cool happens.

I'll be posting recaps when I get back. My main picture taking device will be my digital camera and not my phone. Hopefully I'll have some good pictures to share.

I'm looking forward to some vacation. I'm also looking forward to a longer, (for me) unsupported ride.

Ride On.

Singletrack Update

For the one (1) or two (2) of you who read this thing you know I’ve been part of a group who’s been trying for almost two (2) years now to try to get the City to allow us (Falls Area SingleTrack – FAST) to build singletrack in a virtually unused city park.

Our moment of “truth” is coming. On Tuesday, July 20th, I will speak to the Parks and Recreation Board on behalf of FAST. I have ten (10) minutes to present why this is such a great idea. Also, the crabby neighborhood geriatrics spokesperson will have their ten (10) minutes to plead their case as to why nothing should ever go on in “their” park.

FAST’s proposal is such a good thing for everyone – including the crabbies. We get some singletrack within City limits. This means we don’t have to load our bikes on cars (of all things) and drive to a venue. We’ll have some trail that is easily biked to from every corner of the City.

The City gets another recreational opportunity essentially for free. We are not asking the City to build us some trail (at taxpayer expense). We are asking the City for permission to allow FAST to build some trail. Free.

The objectors will see increased property values. Given the average age of that neighborhood, it’s going to turn-over in about ten (10) years. The crabbies will get a nice boost as they sell their homes.

If approved, the City will enter into an agreement with FAST. FAST will be allowed to build singletrack within the park. FAST will be charged with park maintenance and upkeep. Perfect! This is exactly what we want.

So, if you’re from my neck of the woods, and are interested in having singletrack within our City limits, please plan on attending the Parks and Recreation Board meeting at 4 PM on July 20th at the Kenny Anderson Community Center, 3701 E. 3rd St. Sioux Falls, SD. We could use some friendly, and enthusiastic, faces in the crowd.

If you have any questions regarding our singletrack project, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. I’ll do my best to provide answers.

Ride On.

Almost There

This coming Saturday some of us are getting our carcasses hauled from Sioux Falls to Spearfish. We will ride from there to here over eight (8) days. We will do this unsupported.

This will be my first bike touring experience – sort of. I’ve done my prep work. I’ve done several overnight camping excursions. I’m pretty sure I have my gear all worked out. Still, it’s almost butterflies-in-the-stomach exciting.

I know there are a few small things I need to pick up. They are spare bike parts mostly. I think I’ll take a spare brake and derailleur cable along. A few chain links would be a pretty good idea, too. I have spare spokes. They fit handily right on the chain stay.

I do need to think through each day so I can decide how much food and water I need to have with me at any one (1) time. There will be a couple (2) of days when food and water will be few and far between.

I will be taking my camera and do pledge to take (and post) many pictures. This is a vacation experience for me. I have no daily agenda other than I know what the next overnight town is going to be and how I think I’m going to get there.

I intend to make this an annual event. I’d like to take eight (8) or nine (9) days and do an unsupported bike ride. Next year I plan to plan less. I know at least part of it will be in Canada. Other than that, I want to leave it open to exploration and finding places to stay on the fly. We’ll see. Next year is a long time from now.

Ride On.

Bike Camping

On Saturday four (4) of us loaded up our bikes with camping gear and headed West toward Mitchell, SD for a bike camping excursion. This was to be the last training ride before our eight (8) day unsupported ride across the state.

It was hot, about ninety (90) degrees, and humid. Thankfully our route was west, northwest, north and then west. The wind was twenty (20) to thirty (30) from the South. The crosswind sections, the westward ones (1’s), were slow going.

We met up at 10 AM at a local bike trail trail head. We picked 10 AM as to not arrive too soon and not be able to check in to our campsite. Ha! That was not going to be a problem. We rolled straight west out of town on West 12th St which became South Dakota Highway 42. There was not much traffic and a nice wide shoulder for many miles.

Our first (1st) stop was a Wall Lake Oil for some non-oil products, but instead calories and beverages. The next opportunity was not for another thirty (30) miles. After we’d made our purchases we saddled up and continued along.

The next stop was Bridgewater. Everyone was hungry and this stop was a bit longer as we dined and waited to group up. We were riding loaded and that always garners comments and questions from locals. Some seemed actually disappointed we were “only” riding seventy (70) miles and not across the country.

Bridgewater was the point at which we started angling Northwest. The wind was straight out of the South and having a quartering tailwind was nice. We made another stop in Emery for some drinks and to change a flat. At Alexandria we made our last stop before our destination and ice cream.

At Alexandria we had a short four (4) mile northerly leg. It was easy to roll at twenty-four miles per hour (24 MPH) with the very strong tailwind. Rolling at that speed made our tailwind section short. We reached South Dakota Highway 38 and our last nine (9) miles were straight west.

We pulled into the KOA campground six (6) riding hours after we started. Tents were assembled and showers taken. One (1) of the group needed to catch a ride home that evening. The rest of us devoured delivered pizza and beer.

The trees at the campground did not allow much breeze to our area. This was bad in two (2) ways. First (1st), the low wind did nothing to deter the many bugs. My deep woods Off was their favorite flavor, I think. Second (2nd), the high temperature, high humidity, and low winds made for hot tents. We knew a storm was coming but it couldn’t get here quick enough for our liking.

However the storm did arrive. The winds picked up from another direction and it rained steady. This was welcome as it dropped the air temperature quite a bit.

By morning the rain had stopped. We packed up and reversed the route toward Sioux Falls. Again, we stopped in Alexandria for breakfast pizzas and water. Overnight the winds had switched and we had a nice, light, tailwind most of the way home.

We stopped at many of the same places we did on the way out. Each time eating some or getting water. The miles passed quickly. Cars gave us a wide berth and many waved at us. This was to change.

About the time we hit the Sioux Falls City limits some of the car drivers were honking at us. Somebody rolled down a window to say something but I didn’t catch what they said. The car-driver-asshole factor went up exponentially when we hit Sioux Falls.

The assholes who drive here coupled with the crappy roads sure don’t paint Sioux Falls in a pretty color. If I didn’t live here but were a biker riding across country coming through here, I probably wouldn’t stop. Rolling back to Sioux Falls on Sunday really makes me question the Bike Friendly City status recently awarded.

I’ve been pushing Public Service Announcements to educate both drivers and bikers for some time. I can’t guarantee it would help matters. But at least it would be a start and is worth the time and effort to see.

Ride On.

Bike-A-Palooza, Long Version

Last Saturday I was at Monk’s early for set up. It was already hot and the air was thick. Slight movements produced sweat.

Set up began with hanging banners. Joel swept the concrete while tables and chairs were assembled. At approximately noon the stage showed up. It was time for a shower.

I zipped home, showered, changed clothes, and was back down to Monk’s in time to move the give-away bikes out and prepare for the bike parade. I guess I should mention I made my way back to Monk’s riding the chariot pulling bike and did pull the chariot. It pulled like a plow.

Kids and adults started rolling in. The cops showed up, not for arresting, but for escorting us for the parade. At about 2:05 PM we rolled the parade.

Once back we started right in with the kid’s games. I took an old wheel and put a pretty good weight on one (1) side. Kids rolled the wheel toward a target. The closest one (1) won the contest.

The second (2nd) game up was the ride the plank contest. I took a sixteen (16) foot 2 x 6 (actual dimensions 1 ½” x 5 ½”) put it flat side down, marked out the foot intervals, and had the kids ride it to see who could ride it the farthest before plummeting the 1 ½ inches to the ground.

We completed the kid’s events with the ever popular slalom race. Many entered, few won. The kid’s events were topped off by giving away certificates of participation and sparklers.

In the midst of all this the first band, Wanderlust, had fired up and was playing. Kids who were nominated by the Volunteers of America came randomly to get their new bikes. The bikes were bought from all four (4) local bike shops. Thanks to Prairie Cycles, Harlan’s Bike and Tour, Spoke-n-Sport, and Two Wheeler Dealer for selling these bikes at their cost. In addition to bikes with pedals, Strider Sports of Rapid City donated two Striders and sold two more at cost. The kids left with quality rides and not the crap that can be found at the Big Box stores. It’s pretty amazing to see a kid’s face grin bigger than a person might think possible or see a kid so happy the kid cried.

Once the kid’s games were complete we had an intermission. Beers were consumed and calories taken in.

Late afternoon we fired up the adult games. With the plethora of BMX types in attendance we started with a bunny hop competition. My PVC rack went to three (3) feet high. This was not going to be enough. We place the racks on milk crates. I didn’t get the final measurement but it was closer to four (4) feet than three (3).

The hopping was followed by riding the skinnier plank. This time a 2 x 4 put down flat. The 3 ½ inch wide board proved to be a challenge for some. Those making it a full length roll moved to the money round. In addition to length we added a premium on how slowly you could roll the plank.

A storm was fast approaching. We opted for a foot down contest (derby) next. After careful instructions we practiced. After the “game on” call, we needed to stop and explain more. Geesh. “Game on” again and this time for keeps.

No sooner had we finished with the derby when the rain started. It started slowly but picked up fast. The winds blew at nearly sixty miles per hour (60 MPH) and we received two (2) inches of rain in about forty-five (45) minutes. Most all went inside for beverages while others tried to keep stuff from blowing away.

While inside we gave away the New Belgium Brewing donated cruiser bike. Many tickets were sold. The crowd did not thin. The rain finally stopped. I gave the “ten minutes to bike joust” call and cheers erupted. The main event was to start.

The joust was similar to last year. We made participants were protection, and I’m not talking condoms here, and ride designed BMX sized bikes. The lances were ten (10) foot long lengths of three (3) inch diameter PVC with a boxing glove on the end. The tournament consisted of the best two (2) out of three (3) jousts and single elimination. The tournament moved along pretty well as the sun went down.

Immediately after the joust the chariot race began. I had my rig there and only one (1) other dared the event. We rode freely over the area banging bikes, chariots, and (non lethal) weapons. I had the fast rig. I maneuvered my chariot and rider for hit and run tactics. The competitor moved a bit too far onto the gravel, capsized, and damaged the chariot beyond repair. I was victorious!

Despite the hot, humid weather and the storm, we had a very good turnout. We didn’t have as many kids attend as last year but I’m pretty sure we had more adults. A great time was had and I am not aware of any serious injuries. The pictures from this event can be seen HERE.

That’s the long(er) version of what went down. I’m sure there are a few inaccuracies but not anything that misrepresented “the facts.” The pictures might tell a better story. See and judge for yourself.

Next up, bike camping this coming Saturday and Sunday. A seventy (70) mile roll on what’s supposed to be a quite windy day. Oh boy.

Ride On.