Life Bikin'

Flight Leaves Tomorrow

2012-01-18T06:06:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow later in the afternoon my flight leaves for Denver, where I'll change planes, and then off to Portland, OR. January 20th - 29th I'll be attending a Wilderness First Responder training class.

I've got a hotel lined up and I've spoken with the bike shop about getting a rental. Up to now my evenings have been spent reading the text book. I think this class will be intense.

I don't know what sort of computer access I'll have and, therefore, don't know how often I'll be able to post updates on class progress. I'll do what I can. I suspect most of my evenings will be spent studying. There's the next day's classes to prep for and there's an exam at the end.

I'll try to take some pictures and will have a full re-cap when I get back. Until then, keep the rubber side down and do don't anything I wouldn't do.

Ride on.

Preliminary Gear Review

2012-01-16T05:58:00.003-06:00

A while back I eluded I was going to buy some Sorel Intrepid Explorer boots. Well I did. A while back. I had my first opportunity to try them this past Friday.

With the Weather Channel telling me it was minus one degree Fahrenheit (-1 F), I opted to don the new boots. I layered up including putting my L.L. Bean Mad Bomber for added head area warmth.

Half (1/2) way to work I stopped to remove the Mad Bomber. I was getting plenty toasty. About two-thirds (2/3) the way to work I was thinking, “Man, my feet are getting hot.”

My initial gear review for the Mad Bomber – it keeps you plenty warm but don’t wear it if the temperatures are above zero (0) degrees. It fits really well and it was a good buy. I don’t need it every day, but when I do, I’m set.

As for the Sorel boots – again, it keeps my feet plenty warm but don’t wear them if the temperature is zero (0) degrees or above. As for comfort and fit – perfect. I ordered these two (2) sizes larger than my shoe size. I’ve plenty of toe room and plenty of room to add layers of heavy wool socks. Though, I can’t imagine it getting cold enough to ever need more than one layer. Holy crap these are warm boots!

Oh, one (1) more thing – the ATV / Snowmobile bar end mitts – at minus one degree Fahrenheit (-1 F) and using Pearl Izumi Lobster Claws – my hands were very warm. At only twenty bucks ($20) for the set (including shipping), money very well spent.

I know some of you will curse me for wishing this, but, I do wish for a minus twenty degree Fahrenheit (-20 F) day with a stiff wind. I want to check all these cold weather gear items for something a bit more in their operating range. I have a good feeling I’ll be toasty warm.

Ride On.

Axiom To Grind

2012-01-14T06:36:00.000-06:00

As seen on the internets.

Ride on.

Kiosk Teaser

2012-01-13T17:01:00.001-06:00

Why Apple Sucks

2012-01-13T06:18:00.002-06:00

This past X-Moose season, I ordered an Apple iphone 4S as a gift for a relative. I found out, if you’re ordering such item and not modifying any cell phone carrier contracts you need to pay what was described as “the full retail price,” which in this case was almost seven-hundred dollars ($700.00). But I digress…..

Anyway, I was unsure of which carrier the relative had so I opted to order the “unlocked” version. Or, not locked to any one carrier and, supposedly, can be used with the recipient’s choice of carriers. Or one (1) would think.

The phone arrived, late for X-Moose, and was gifted. When the recipient attempted to activate it and use it – trouble. The recipient went to a store of the carrier for assistance. The carrier store person looked the phone over (inside and out) and declared it incompatible. An unlocked (not locked to any carrier) phone was declared incompatible.

So, maybe Apple shipped the wrong one (1). I called them. I talked to one (1) person, was transferred to a second (2nd), and then a third (3rd), and then a fourth (4th). We finally arrived to the truth of the matter. Apple had, in fact, shipped the correct unlocked (not locked to any carrier) phone. However, the unlocked (not locked to any carrier) phone won’t work with Verizon (the carrier the recipient uses).

I say, “So the phone is only sort-of unlocked.” The rep says, “No, it’s unlocked. It just won’t work with Verizon.” I reply, “So, sort of unlocked.” After a few back and forths repeating “sort of unlocked” versus “unlocked” with the rep, I say, “I just want to get this swapped out with one that will work.” The rep says, “Hang on. Let me look into this.” I was put on hold again.

The result – I was told I need to call back. Evidently I'd reached the number of times I could be transferred during one call limit. Fine. I call back. I explain that I need to exchange a phone (and don’t go into everything as I didn’t want to get sucked into another call transferring infinite loop again). I was asked for and gave the online order number. I was asked for and gave the serial number. The result – the phone can’t be exchanged. Instead, I’d have to return it and then initiate a new order. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

This is one (1) reason why Apple sucks. It is another reason why I’ll never (and never have) own an Apple product. Now, I know people who own Apple stuff and are perfectly happy with it. I’ve used other’s Apple stuff. If you are one (1) of those people and feel compelled to let me know how wonderful Apple products are all I can say is save your breath / typing effort. You go your way, I’ll go mine. Maybe ignorance, either in my regard or your regard, truly is bliss. I’ve used Apple stuff, I’ve now dealt with Apple reps – I’m not impressed in the least.

Ride On.

It Doesn’t Matter Where You’re From, The Plan’s The Same

2012-01-11T06:06:00.001-06:00

Though my paying job gives me much vacation time, it is sort of frowned upon to take much more than one (1) consecutive week off at a time. Good, bad, or otherwise, that is the policy.

I’ve been thinking about an adventure that would take somewhere between one (1) and two (2) months to complete – depending on weather (mostly) and other factors. I was thinking about riding the Continental Divide from Banff to the Mexican border. You know, where they race that same route every year.

If you’re like me and can’t get enough time off to do the whole thing in one (1) shot, perhaps you’d be interested in doing it in one (1) week (or so) stretches over one (1) or two (2) non snow bike seasons. Maybe start in 2012 and finish in 2013, or something like that.

Even it you (whoever you might be) are not interested in this, I’m thinking I’ll do it. “You mean go it alone?” Sure. What’s the big deal? I ain’t scared. Once I’ve conceived the idea, my mind automatically and quickly, goes into “gear list” mode. A mental gear list is being hatched now (tent or bivy?).

Depending on how things shake out, I was thinking maybe the first (1st) chunk early this summer (late June or early July) and the next chunk early this fall (September?). As pretty much always, I’m flexible. As per the title of this post, it really doesn’t matter if you’re from here or where you’re from. If an agreement can be made on this whole thing, we meet up at where we’re going to start, and depart to our corners of the world when we’re done with a chunk. It’s just travel logistics, really.

If you think this sounds interesting and I’ve piqued your interest, maybe first (1st) read THIS to get an idea of what you’re in for. The route is roughly two-thousand-seven-hundred-forty-five (2,745) miles long for starters. Snow, mud, and critters higher on the food chain than you are concerns to a greater or lesser degree. If you’re still interested, then get in touch with me. We’ll plan from there.

Ride On.

Dr. Seuss Does Burning Man Or Vice-Versa

2012-01-10T06:24:00.001-06:00

Ride on.

Kiosked

2012-01-09T06:22:00.001-06:00

As part of Falls Area SingleTrack’s (FAST’s) agreement with the City, we are to build, and install, a cedar kiosk. It houses the trail map, trail rules, some appropriate logos, and a few other items. This past weekend I finished building the kiosk. It is now ready for install.

A while back I was sort of anticipating to install it in the spring when all the frost was out of the ground. However, the Parks and Recreation department is thoroughly thrilled with the project. They’ve offered to use their skid steer mounted earth auger to facility the hole creation. This thing is going up soon.

The rest of the weekend was pretty nondescript. I did true up a wheel for a biker friend. A crash rendered the wheel wobbly and the brake rubbing quite a bit. A few minutes in the truing stand and it is now non wobbly, completely round, and centered on the hub.

Ride On.

Changing Direction

2012-01-06T05:56:00.000-06:00

I was (actually still am) looking forward to 2012 and all the stuff I might do. I know stuff is a broad term, but, that tends to be most accurate. I started making a list of things to do, places to go.

Then, a revelation hit me. It was like a dream! A vision! Less is more! That’s it – less is more. It’s a deep thought for a shallow mind, I know. 2012 is going to a transitional year. I’ve decided to keep maximum flexibility and pick up adventures based on time available and at the last minute.

I’m staying maximally flexible to jump at an adventure, of sorts, when it comes along. Yeah, I know, vague as hell. But, with this blah-g, you get what you pay for. As John Prine sings, “If heart aches were commercials, we’d all be on T.V.”

Ride On.

OK…..

2012-01-05T04:57:00.000-06:00

2011-12-23T06:17:00.003-06:00

A post or two (2) ago, I eluded I’m considering taking a Wilderness First Responder training class. My first (1st) choice was to go earlier in January to Boulder, CO. I snoozed, I losed – it filled.

Looking at other options it appeared there were openings for the one (1) in Denver. Nope. Filled.

OK, let’s dig a bit deeper. Scouting the other January locations I noticed a session in Portland, OR. Nice! Point, click, point click. Six-hundred-ninety-five dollars ($695.00) later and the tuition was paid. I’m going to Portland.

The class begins on January 20th and runs through the 29th. I now need to make flight and hotel reservations. Also, I’ll need to consider getting a loaner bike. The fine folks at Clever Cycles should be able to help me out in that department.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Portland. I’m excited to be going back. I’m equally excited for the class. With all that being said, I’m not opposed to splitting some costs if someone else is interested in attending this class. You know how to find / reach me.

Ride On.

How About Some Vertigo?

2011-12-21T06:06:00.004-06:00

This is sort of making its way around all the internets. But, in case you’ve missed it, here you go:

I saw this over on Bike Carson. I don’t know what you think, but I think this looks like a very cool, adrenaline infused, ride. It doesn't look very technical, just VERY unforgiving of mistakes.

Ride On.

Plus Fifty (+50)

2011-12-19T05:58:00.000-06:00

Sunday the temperatures topped out at fifty-three (53) degrees. I spent some time in Leaders Park on the singletrack trails. I was not the only one (1).

I saw many familiar faces riding trail. I saw several hikers I did not know. I met a dude from Yankton that declared the trail “fucking awesome!”

If you did not get a chance to be outside playing yesterday, well, it sucks to be you. You missed it.

In other noise, my Moonlander has landed in town. It’s currently at the bike shop getting final assembly. The rear rack (nice rack!) is coming in on Tuesday. Also, the front wheel was dinged up during shipping. My local bike shop is getting that remedied as well. Pictures and shake-down cruise report coming.

Ride On.

Hilarious

2011-12-18T05:50:00.000-06:00

I didn't make this one. It is too funny not to post.

Ride on.

Dark Times

2011-12-16T06:06:00.000-06:00

I usually swing a leg over the bike and depart for work just before 7:00 AM. I get off work at 5:00 PM. At 5:00 PM I then change into biking garb and head for the shed.

When I leave for work the sun’s not up. When I head home it’s just set. I spend all the work day indoors and my riding time is before or after sundown. Dark times indeed.

I don’t mind so much in the morning. Traffic is light. However, in the evening, cage holes are heading home at the same time I am. I am sporting bright blinkers fore and aft now. But, I think I’ll add a highly reflective highway construction worker type vest.

Ride On.

Combating Boredom

2011-12-14T06:09:00.000-06:00

When winter arrives I find myself slowly creeping into a state of cabin fever. I like to stay active and / or engaged and don’t do well when I’m not.

A couple of winters ago I became bored. This was the winter I decided to push the local singletrack project. So, it’s not like I’m sitting around doing nothing. But, there are only so many books I can read in a row and T.V. sucks. I find myself needing something to plan for and do.

Some of my travels and adventures take me, and others, to fairly remote locations doing somewhat dangerous activities. I sometimes find myself deep into areas which have zero (0) cell phone service. What if someone, or I, were to become seriously injured?

I’ve decided to take a Wilderness First Responder class. From the website:

Essential for anyone who spends significant time in remote places or who has a professional career in the outdoors, the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course will prepare you to make difficult medical decisions. This course is fast-paced and engaging. You'll spend half your time outside of the classroom doing hands-on skills and realistic scenarios. In addition to scenarios, you'll participate in a full-scale night mock rescue. WMI's curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including long-term patient care, wound management, straightening angulated fractures, reducing dislocations, litter packaging and administering medications. You'll complete this course with the tools and confidence to manage patients in the backcountry for multiple days. The intensive 80-hour curriculum is nationally recognized and supported by the Wilderness Medicine Institute's Medical Advisory Panel. You'll be taught by dynamic educators who have practiced both wilderness and urban medicine. This 10-day course is ideal for all professionals operating in remote environments. Heartsaver Adult CPR certification is included.

It looks like this is a ten (10) day long event. I’m looking to go sometime in January. I’m trying to work out my schedule now. This class is offered in Spearfish in March. However, that’s when work starts to get hectic and we’re short-handed as it is. I’m looking at the January offerings. This will serve well to get me through the winter and not be gone from work at inopportune times.

Ride On.

Weekend Recap

2011-12-12T05:47:00.001-06:00

Saturday morning six (6) hearty rollers showed for the Coffee and Donut ride. After a brief discussion regarding keeping parts of your person warm during winter riding, we headed out.

Our first (1st) stop was at the new damn dam at the confluence of Skunk Creek and the Big Sioux River. The consensus of the Sioux Falls biking community is the non water control gates – the gates keeping rollers and / or pedestrians from using the damn dam to traverse the river – should be opened to let this be used to cross.

During construction of the damn dam, there was a temporary bridge in place near the damn dam. This would make a wonderful connector to allow non-motorized traffic from the east side of I-29 to the west side of I-29 and vice-versa.

What we’re hearing from certain City employee types is, essentially, the general public should consider themselves damn lucky to get within spitting distance of the adjacent country clubs. The gist, the country clubbers will never agree to allow such a useful bridge placement to occur. I’m trying hard to not let myself regress into a profanity laced rant railing against the country clubbers and the City type enablers.

Anyway, don’t be surprised if a concerned group of residents mount a campaign to get a bridge approved, designed, installed, and put into use. Like-minded individuals maybe should think about sliding me their contact information for once the meetings and strategizing begins. Word.

But, I digress…..

After we’d checked out the damn dam, the ride continued in search of new bike friendly infrastructure of sorts. I showed the group the new dedicated bike lane on West Avenue. This summer crews reconstructed that road in the vicinity of the convention center. Bike lanes were part of this.

Leaving West Avenue we rolled east on the sharrowed 10th Street. Again, summer reconstruction made this a much smoother surface and sharrows were painted.

The ride ended up at Queen City Bakery. We warmed ourselves, inside and out, and then used the bike trail to get back to O’Gorman High School. Good times.

Ride On.

Americana

2011-12-11T06:02:00.000-06:00

Click for bigger.

Ride on.

Real And Spoofs

2011-12-10T07:18:00.000-06:00

Actual

Spoof #1

Spoof #2

Yes, that first one was an actual political ad. Does anyone else think it sure would be nice of there were some VIABLE candidates – for anything???

Ride On.

If You're From Here.....

2011-12-09T06:52:00.000-06:00

Rollers,

This Saturday is the second Saturday of the month and this can only mean one thing – Thee Coffee & Donut Ryde!!!

Meet at O’Gorman High School ready to roll out at 8 AM. Bring some money to cover your caffeine and pastry fix. Dress warm. Wear a helmet. Any bike will do. This is a social, ride as fast as the slowest rider, ride. We’re pretty much “on pavement” for most all of this ride. Yes, we did get off in the woods once, but, I’m pretty sure that was an isolated incident.

We’ll meander about town for about an hour, stop for goodies, and have you back at the start location about 10 AM. You’ll still have the better part of the day to do whatever unless you freeze your person and need to get in an endurance contest with your hot water heater in the shower. It happens.

For those not in the know, we run this sucker every second and forth Saturday of the month. And when I say every, I mean we don’t let up just because it’s getting cold out. This is a year ‘rounder ride.

This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air, yak with other rollers, AND get buzzed up on caffeine. I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out so please pass this along to all your friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Hope to see you Saturday!

~Snakebite~

Ride on.

Bare Naked Bears

2011-12-07T17:44:00.003-06:00

2011-11-07T06:09:00.004-06:00

With the singletrack dug, the weather getting less than, darkness overcoming light, and not much on the plate, it is time to relegate myself to inside training. This does NOT mean putting a bike on a trainer. Give me a break. This means other things.

This week begins the strength program and fitness training. I’ve been addicted to weight training for some time. It has been put on hold during the trail digging months. Now I get to be back at it. With a shoulder malady completely healed there’s nothing to hold me back. I’m looking forward to the masochistic ways I tend toward in the weight room.

A few years ago I ran a couple (2) of marathons. A visit to Los Angeles for that one (1) and later that year in San Francisco. Doing those taught me two (2) things. First (1st), I find running boring as hell. Second (2nd), running makes my knees less than happy. However, I will be back at that, too, only hamster wheel style. Treadmills have more give than pavement. Plus, I can plug the ear buds in, tune my phone to the TV’s, and do something to distract me from the mundane. I’ll not be training for distance running again. Instead I’ll do some longer runs but also sessions of sprint intervals. The goal is improved fitness. This summer I had little opportunity to keep in shape. Now I’ll pay my dues over the winter.

I feel I’ve sacrificed many things this past year for singletrack. Now I’m looking forward to making up for lost time. First (1st), I’ll get my ass in shape. Then, as winter fades, I’ll be heading out for adventure. There are many things I want to do in 2012. Who’s in to play along?

Ride On.

Ordered

2011-11-04T06:15:00.000-05:00

So, last night I stopped in to my LBS and put down an order for one (1) of these:

Picture grabbed off the Surly site.

The bad news – it sounds like it won’t be in until March. March?

Ride On.

Meetings

2011-11-03T17:41:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was two (2) bike related meetings day. It started off with the Sioux Falls Bike Committee meeting. The Sioux Falls Bike Committee is a group comprised of Sam (from the City Planning Office) a police officer type, and several bikers.

Our task is to handle all things bikey for Sioux Falls. We talk about detour routes when the paved bike path is closed, which streets get bike lanes and / or sharrows, and stuff like that. Last night’s meeting was well attended and much was discussed.

Our primary charge is to review and revise bike related city ordinances. Some are out-dated, some are poorly worded, and some need a major overhaul. We’ll put together some suggestions and Sam will bounce them off the City Attorney.

Meeting two (2) was a the board meeting for Falls Area SingleTrack (FAST). We convened at Monk’s (where else?). Agenda items included trail maintenance, the trailhead kiosk, trail markers, winter meetings, the Bike Swap, and a few other minor items.

The sign/map for the kiosk took much discussion. We are narrowing on its form. Once that has been determined, I can finish assembling the thing. Then, it can be planted in the ground. Pictures to follow.

Ride On.

Thoughts I'm Having Right Now

2011-11-01T18:14:00.001-05:00

Ride on.

Rock And Roll

2011-10-31T17:37:00.002-05:00

I’ve been a bit busy doing some last minute odds and ends on the singletrack project. Sunday afternoon I finished a rather nasty looking, but not too bad riding, down-hill rock garden. It does look scary, but, it doesn’t ride that scary.

As I finished that and was working on a rock bermed corner, trail dig volunteers Kevin and New Steve ( we have three Steves - Just Steve, Skinny Steve, and New Steve) rode the new rock garden. In fact, they hiked their bikes back up a few times to ride it shooting video of each other as they rode that section. Once I was able to pry them off the new rock garden we moved what I estimate to be a five-hundred (500 lbs) pound rock into position to act as a rock berm.

Once a roller exits the rock garden (s)he makes a left turn and heads down a reasonably steep hill. The corner at the bottom is an approximately forty-five (45) degree corner. We placed the rather large rock, with a nice flat face, to act as a berm. Testing it, it seemed to work quite well.

This evening I will start work on a trailhead kiosk. It will house the map of the trails, some rules, some logos, and some alligator clips and hooks. The clips and hooks are for lost and found on the trail items or notes to whoever. Photo coming once I have the thing built and installed.

The trail marker posts are about to be ordered. The company recommended to us by our Parks and Rec department was just a wee bit lax on getting back to me. As in after several attempts using multiple mediums, they had not gotten back to me – at all. You snooze, you lose.

2011-10-26T06:33:00.001-05:00

With strong headwinds, it took me seven (7) hours of riding to get here (fifty-five (55) miles).

Deck of my cabin at Lake Vermillon.

Ride on.

Departure

2011-10-12T06:23:00.001-05:00

Later today I throw a leg over the Long Haul Trucker and head out. I’m departing on a four and one half (4 1/2) day, four (4) night cruise.

I plan to loop to nearby state parks. Tent camping, camp fires. Since this is sort of a mini, active vacation, so the riding pace is of no concern. My longer distance days will range in the fifty plus (50 +) mile category. Easy stuff, really.

Ride On.

Weekend Recap

2011-10-10T06:39:00.002-05:00

It seems a Saturday morning habit is being established. I’m finding myself sitting at the bar at Michelle’s drinking coffee and eating biscuits and gravy. Not a bad habit to have, I’d say.

This past Saturday Michelle offered up a homemade (not her home) jar of jalapeño jelly. She only asks that I bring back the empty container when so. Score!

Saturday is a day to mark on your calendar. Atom seemed to have cleaned all the sand out of his vagina as he was at the park ready to do some work. Our task was to begin construction on a rock garden.

If you remember from last weekend, friend of the project Rick brought is motorized, track driven, wheelbarrow to haul some rocks from our stockpile to close to the final placement. We hauled several loads. The rocks for the rock garden we transported to right up to the edge of the drainage ditch / creek and tossed them across.

Saturday Atom and I advanced on the cache of rocks from the other side. Friday evening and early Saturday morning brought rain. The creek was now higher and half of the rock pile was submerged. We gathered the high and dry rocks and fished some others from the creek. We lugged them up the hill and started to place them rock garden fashion.

I’ve not much experience placing rock gardens. A little on-the-job experience mixed with some inventive methods and we were underway. I’m very please to report seventy-five percent (75 %) of the rock garden is placed. It would have been completed, but, we ran short of rocks. We’ll transport more later.

I spend most of all Sunday at the paying job. I had much work to catch up on plus some additional special projects to tackle. I was sort of counting on the weather to be bad. I didn’t want to be inside on a nice day. However, the weather was nice. I tried to put my back to my office window as best I could. It was an exercise in focus. Resolutely I tackled each task.

Which brings us to today – Monday. I’ve a short work-week this week. I’m departing mid afternoon Wednesday on a previously posted shorter unsupported tour of some the nearby State Parks. The longer term forecast indicated good weather. I’m so looking forward to this I can’t begin to describe. Craziness at work, the end of the singletrack project, and a handful of other issues has my nerves verging on frayed.

Ride On.

Delirious

2011-10-07T06:22:00.002-05:00

Busy stuff both at the paying job and the last odds and ends with the singletrack project are driving me nuts. I seem to be working days, evenings, and weekends with both.

But, the singletrack project is coming to a close. I’m heading out of town this coming Wednesday afternoon and not coming back until Sunday. I do need to gather some non riding time reading materials. Maybe I’ll take that stack of magazines accumulating in my abode.

Looking forward, I’m seeing a few winter time activities to pass the colder months. More on these later. Until things calm down at the paying job and the last few non paying job obligations are done, I’ll suck it up and get things done.

Ride On.

2011-09-27T06:41:00.001-05:00

I’ve an unusually low-key week this week. I shall use some of this time to spend some extra time at the paying job. There’s MUCH work to be done. I do like being super busy there. The days fly by.

I’ll spend parts of evenings this week dusting off the Long Haul Trucker touring bike. I’m pretty sure I know where all my camping gear is. I’m also pretty sure I have some fire starter bricks. The evenings will be cool. A campfire coupled with a red wine should be just the ticket.

My tentative plan is to depart Sioux Falls on Wednesday October 12th later in the afternoon. I’ll make my way east and a bit north to Palisades State Park. Thursday I’d journey west to Lake Herman State Park very near Madison. Friday I’d travel to Lake Vermillion State Park near Montrose. And, Saturday I’d make my last overnight State Park visit at Newton Hills. Sunday October 16th I’d roll back home to Sioux Falls.

There’d be no huge mileage days. The routes should be fairly flat with maybe a few rollers here and there. There will be plenty of pass-through towns in case I needed something. My game plan would be to take all my food and just get water or other liquids as needed.

Double G Gregg has expressed interest in at least a portion. I’ve bike camped with him before. Great guy, knows his gear. He recently acquired a Long Haul Trucker as well. My guess is he’s looking for an excuse to get it on the road.

I may even roll the touring bike to work and back a few days. It rides like a dream and it will be nice to be back on it.

Speaking of bike commuting, I’m now back at it. With the park project winding down I have little need to run to meetings or to get materials over lunch. The park project had many secondary sacrifices. Bike commuting was one (1).

Ride On.

Bridged The Gap

Of these puppies

there are four (4) males and one (1) female not spoken for. Their father is a yellow lab and their mother is a golden retriever. They are $50 per each. The picture shown is at six (6) weeks old. Please note, these are not "puppy mill" puppies.

If you'd like to make a serious inquiry, do so with me. I'll put you in touch with the owners. Since they are my parents, I know them quite well!

Ride on.

Plans And Groups Forming

2011-08-30T03:33:00.000-05:00

Monday was abuzz with emails regarding the Dakota Five-O weekend. When are you going? Gears or singlespeed? Where are you staying? Want to ride Saturday?

Friday afternoon, gears, a hotel, yes!

Cell numbers have been exchanged and plans have been hatched. If I don’t come back from the Black Hills completely exhausted it’s due to a huge mechanical issue.

Looking at the weather forecast it is stating stellar weather for that corner of the world. I’ll start putting together my gear list tonight and start gathering it up as well. I’m leaving town just as soon as I can on Friday – which probably means mid afternoon. I’ll likely stop in Rapid City for a quick tour of M Hill. From there I’ll venture to Spearfish proper and my hotel.

Saturday will be a bit of riding, checking in, and the final preps for the race. I’m SO looking forward to this race and getting out of town.

Ride On.

The Handlebar Club

2011-08-29T01:11:00.000-05:00

Ride On.

When Animals Attack

2011-08-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

There we were working in Leaders Park, clearing corridor, removing tree root balls, and digging trail. When, out of nowhere, we were attacked.

Apparently, wasps are the opposite of friendly when you dig up their nest. Three (3) volunteers and I made haste to vacate the area of the nest and dig elsewhere. Not one (1) escaped unscathed. I took two (2) for the team. I not sure of the counts for the other diggers.

ACE Hardware has a variety of wasp / yellow jacket trap things. I bought a variety pack of two (2). I’ll place them near the scene of the attack. Hopefully that will remedy the situation and I won’t have to call in the Napalm air strike.

The hubbub occurred during the Saturday morning session. In the afternoon session we dug elsewhere and made great progress. Today’s (Sunday’s) session has been cancelled due to rain / muddy conditions. There are only a few areas and sections left to dig. I’m happy to report we’re closing in on completion.

Ride On.

Viva? No Vegas

2011-08-27T01:11:00.002-05:00

I had been planning a short excursion to Las Vegas in a couple o’ weeks. This was predicated on the singletrack project being done. One (1) rainstorm later and hopes of an escape are dashed. I can’t afford to take that time away from the project.

I was not looking forward to Las Vegas proper as much as the annual bike gig taking place there. Dreams of hiking Red Rock Canyon are now distant memories.

But, I’d rather light a candle than curse my darkness. There are other activities afoot. Example – Schnoctobeerfest. It is Thee Annual Rite of Passage from summer into fall via wool jerseys, good beer, a bike ride, and good friends.

My work on the South Dakota portion of the U.S. Bike Routes has been sitting mostly dormant this summer. First (1st) things first (1st) and getting the singletrack done is almost that. Then I’ll dive head-first into finishing that task. Once it is complete, all my obligations are as well.

On a personal note, the insomnia is getting somewhat better. Who’da thunk? A major contributor to the insomnia is, well, Dead To Me. If you’re satisfied and content without, what’s the point?

Projects and obligations are winding down, the insomnia is getting better, and the change in seasons brings new ideas. Now, what is going to be the Monday After Ride for the day after the Dakota 5-O?

Ride On.

Thee Dakota Five-O Cometh

2011-08-23T03:33:00.001-05:00

The annual Dakota Five-O mountain bike race is coming up. Sunday September 4th, to be exact. I had the foresight to get signed up before entries closed. This is the first (1st) year they’ve capped the numbers and the number capped at is seven-hundred (700) riders.

This will be the second (2nd) year I’ve participated. It is the race that convinced me a full suspension mountain bike is the thing to have for this race. It is a bit of a rough course. There are still those who will roll this fully rigid. Seriously. And, the single-speeders come out of the woodwork for this race and usually place high.

This race is almost entirely singletrack. There is the gravel road to the trail and then back off the trail, but in large, it is all singletrack. Rapid City Ross says they’ve taken out one (1) section but added others. Regardless, there will be the PBR / bacon stop toward the end of the race and at the top of a bitch of a climb.

With all the singletrack digging I’ve been doing this summer, training has been, well, almost non existent. R’uh r’oh, Scooby. What I remember from the past Five-O is this fifty (50) mile bike race feels like the equivalent of an one-hundred-fifty (150) mile road race. At the end a dude is SPENT. And sore. And thirsty. The remedy for the sore and thirsty is, of course, beer. There will be plenty of that at the end courtesy of Crow Peak Brewing.

All in all I’m very much looking forward to this great race. But almost as much I’m looking forward to getting the hell out of town for a few days. As you well know, it’s been a long, hot summer and I’ve spent the greater part of it directing and digging trail digging.

Ride On.

Facial Expressions Never Lie

2011-08-22T01:11:00.001-05:00

Ride on.

Donations And Almost Done

2011-08-20T04:44:00.002-05:00

Through the generosity of several individual, Falls Area SingleTrack (FAST) is very close to our three-thousand dollar ($3,000.00) goal. This money will be used to purchase materials required to replace the bridge rendered unsafe due to a very heavy rain.

In this project, we are digging three loops for varying difficulty. To date, we have one (1) completed loop. In addition, we are close to having the other two (2) done. But, they are not. There are some fairly long sections done, but the end without connecting to another loop or back to themselves. Regardless, they are seeing heavy use.

Singletrack was so overdue in our neck of the woods, rollers have no problem doing the “hike-a-bike” to ride trail. They should be in mountain biker heaven once all loops are complete and linked together.

We’ll be digging today and tomorrow and in following days on a regular schedule. If my estimates are close, we should be done digging by October 1st. Of course we’ll have a celebration. And, I’ll get to sleep in a bit on weekends.

Ride On.

Solitude

2011-08-18T05:55:00.000-05:00

Upon the death of his wife, Teddy Roosevelt wrote this in this diary (actual photo of his entry).

I know EXACTLY how this feels.

Ride On.

I Found Something I Like On Television, Who Knew ?!?

2011-08-17T03:33:00.002-05:00

Monday evening I was stuck inside doing some miscellaneous paperwork and whatnot. Yes, I would have preferred to be outside enjoying the not-so-hot-and-humid weather, but, what are you going to do?

When I finished my stuff I grabbed a beer and turned on the T.V. In my state we are fortunate to have three (3) Public TV stations. There’s almost always something on at least one (1) of them that’s good. Last night I watched SDPB 2, a program called, “Nature.” Last night’s episode was about humpback whales.

After that show was over I was flipping through the cable lineup and stopped at the Travel Channel. Anthony Bourdain has a show call, “No Reservations.” It is about his travels, both foreign and domestic, meeting interesting people who take him to the best places featuring local cuisine. A dude can catch a glimpse of places he’s not been but might be inspired to go. A dude should also take written notes on some of the places to eat. There’s a lot.

I have cable both for internet access and T.V. I often complain there’s nothing on T.V. But, once in a while, I find something good.

Ride On.

Closing In

2011-08-16T03:33:00.001-05:00

With the wooden bridge now in, our concentration focuses on completing the trail digging proper, the wood bermed corner, and installing the replacement steel truss bridge. All of these items shouldn’t be that hard.

Of the trail that needs to be dug, we’re about eighty percent (80%) complete. The harder, sod removal type of digging is nearly complete. Then we’ll have the easier digging in the woods to connect the loops.

We’ve one (1) smaller radius corner at the bottom of a downhill that requires rollers to change direction by about one-hundred-sixty (160) to one-hundred-seventy (170) degrees. There’s not enough good material to make an adequate dirt berm. We’re opting for a wood berm. We feel a bermed corner is more fun and does not require a roller to lose all the speed achieved on the downhill to the corner. I’ve run some calculations and have recently figured out the connections. We’ll get going on this presently.

The replacement steel trusses are due to deliver next week. We’ve elected to purchase them in two (2) pieces for each truss to make it easier to transport them to the site. The connection is field bolting. The top chord connection requires one inch (1”) diameter, A-490 bolts, tensioned to sixty-four-thousand pounds (64,000 lbs) of tension. This is roughly equivalent to one-thousand-one-hundred foot-pounds (1,100 ft-lbs) of torque. This should be interesting.

I was hoping we’d be done by Labor Day with the entire project. The rain storm we had moved this back. However, we should be done by October 1st and our deadline is October 30th. As much as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this project, I much prefer riding trail to digging trail. At least for a while.

Ride On.

2011-08-01T03:33:00.002-05:00

Small armies of volunteers make for quick work. Saturday morning many volunteers showed up armed with cordless drills, bug spray, and water containers. In two (2) short hours the bridge needing to come out was out.

You can see how the bank gave way underneath the steel abutment. It was a very unsafe situation. Working from the far side to the near we removed the wood deck. As volunteers continued to do that I followed behind removing bracing bolts, connection bolts, and wood deck runner bolts.

We hoisted the steel trusses off the abutments and they were brute forced up and out of the way. Having many volunteers made easy work of the several hundred pound trusses.

Saturday afternoon the wood deck was loaded up and taken to an undisclosed storage location. I went to a hardware store and bought some chain and paddle locks. The ramps and abutments were secured to trees. They will be reused and assholes will be assholes by doing whatever they can to disrupt the project. The chains and locks should dissuade any vandalism.

I’m in the process of replacing the thirty foot (30’) long steel trusses with fifty foot (50’) steel trusses. This will effectively push the abutments back and out of harms way. The shorter trusses were free. The new trusses will need to be paid for. I’m working on putting a price on the new trusses and additional wood needed.

Even without asking someone slid some money FAST’s way via PAYPAL. I’m continually impressed at how much the singletrack is used and the overwhelming support there is for it. A fund raising effort will be coming up. I’m confident we can gather donations to cover this setback quickly.

Not having this bridge does nothing to slow down trail building. We’ll continue on with out the bridge in place. If we get to that section before it is installed we’ll just dig up to where it will go. It can be installed anytime.

A very gracious neighborhood resident told us we could access this location through her yard. This saves a TON of work. Not everyone in the neighborhood is crabby or against this project.

Ride On.

Waiting For The Fall

2011-07-31T10:29:00.001-05:00

I went outside this morning to be slapped in the face with very warm temperatures and high humidity. I don’t want to wish summer away, but, I long for the cooler, less humid days of fall.

When the singletrack is complete, the bike camping will resume. With the slight setback of taking a weekend when we should have been digging instead taking out a bridge is taken into account, my hopes of being done by Labor Day are not going to happen.

The silver lining – after Labor Day the State Parks are nearly abandoned and chances are high I’ll have much of the parks to myself. Red wine around the campfire, anyone?

Ride On.