omg wtf lol

2011-11-29T17:58:00.004-06:00

Wow, it has been slow for posting. Guess facebook is either easier or my life is really that boring as of late. Nothing much to report on the home front. No vehicles have been killed lately, trail work has slacked off and i've been riding the bike a bit more.

With Dev in 2 bands, i've been doing the roadie thing alot more recently. His main band got done recording last weekend and hopefully we will have a full length ep in our hands by mid feb. His other band is playing the main stage at Sokol with Asking Alexandria on Monday. Pretty exciting stuff.

Crash is working 2 jobs and is never around. At least she hasn't piled anything up lately.

K is driving me nuts with driving lessons and hauling her everywhere.

Other than that, work still sucks and i've been offered a few jobs. Just not sure if i want to make a move now. Winter is a notorious slow time of year and a bad time to be the new guy in a shop. Guess i will hang in till spring and see how it goes....

2011-09-04T22:16:00.002-05:00

grrrr

Before and after

2011-06-06T07:17:00.002-05:00

1 more day of the city removing dirt to build a levee to go. Hope they done go any further back. It is going to take some revamping but we should be back to full trail soon...

2011-05-01T20:13:00.003-05:00

Ridgeline trail at Tranq is done! Had a few riders test it out today to get it flowed in better. Had to make some tweaks but it rode well. Didn't have anyone clean it all day till Mike and some other fast guys rolled up. They rode it a few times and said it was fun. Sweet!

2011-04-26T22:36:00.002-05:00

i was out at tranq this weekend cleaning drains and tweaking the wall ride. I went on top of the wall ride and spotted a possible line that Dale and i had talked about before. I roughed in a connector between the 2nd and last dirt pile. I think it will be pretty sweet. If the rest of the crew likes it, i think i will link it up to the road crossing as an optional line. Might have to walk the rest of the piles and see how long it could go and still be fun. Hmmm....whatcha think?

2011-04-17T20:29:00.002-05:00

I actually had people tell me that they read this thing besides family, so i guess i should make a post now and again.

Been pretty busy as of late. We got the new north section built in 3 weekends. Rides a bit rough but i think it will be sweet. Big thanks to Dale for pushing the city to get it through.

Current plans are to clean up the wall rides, tweak the camel hump berm and to finish the berm/flow section now that section is done. I have some other ideas but i really want to ride this year.

Worked out at Swanson today. Worked the corridor for the new entrance/exit. Little weedeating and benching it should be good to go...

Lets see, what else... prom is done and graduation is soon. Add in a couple birthdays and the kiddie end has been hectic. Next is college applications for crash and changing colleges for WikiD. My youngest turned 15 and got her drivers permit. Now this means i have 2 kids to do drivers ed with this summer. Ugh...

Found a minivan i want but i need to sell the Expedition to get it. 2 weeks of craigslist losers wasting my time and not a single cash bid yet. Looks like i really want this van, i'm going to have to sell my Impreza. Hate to do it, it has been a great car. Sadly, my knee is freaking out again and it would be nice to have an auto for the days that it hurts to use the clutch. Also need a car for Kaylieq when she gets her license. ugh...

Good enough for now... more later!

Guys killed it tonight

2011-04-15T21:44:00.001-05:00

Heh to hard to type on this goofy new phone

2011-02-27T14:01:00.002-06:00

busy busy busy, no time to blog much. Had the big thor trail meeting yesterday. Gotta say, i left this meeting amped for this season. Got permission for the progressive skills park @ tranquilty. Kent is going to help me set up meetings with the city and work on grants for funding the project. Best part, is that the design and assist with building the park will be done by Mr Pump Track Nation, Lee McCormack. I've been chatting with him most of the winter and the guy is amazing. He also gave me ideas for my bermed section and how to set up french drains for some areas that are always damp.

On the family end of things, the spaces blog we have is getting moved over to wordpress. Still working on getting all the pics swapped over from the old site. I guess microsoft is killing off spaces, so that is what we get to use. It will auto redirect you to the new spot for now. I'll keep playing with it as time allows.

Otherwise, thats aboot it. Dev, Kaylie and I have been hitting the gym. She is talking about racing this year, so she wants to do some cardio and leg work to get ready. Such a silly kid. Dev is planning on touring this summer, so he wants to get in shape to play every night. I need to drop back down to 170 or my doc is gonna shoot me. weeee...

2011-01-23T12:21:00.002-06:00

Anyone else sick of Lance in the news? What are we exactly gaining buy crucifying LA? How much is our cash strapped govt spending to prosecute him for things he did a decade ago if he ever did anything to begin with? What does Landis get out all of this if Lance turns up dirty? Who's next on the list?

I really don't get any of this. This will be nothing but a total loss for everyone involved.

2011-01-15T17:57:00.002-06:00

New song from At War With Giants is up on their facebook page. Gotta check it out even if you aren't into the screamo stuff. Very different sound from the Gravecandy days. Give it a listen and tell us what ya think...

2011-01-05T21:24:00.002-06:00

Not as sweet as my dad's by a long shot but i'd take it...

2011-01-02T18:45:00.002-06:00

Bah, winter is no fun. No sweet biking related stuff to post about. With any luck, we will have some reasonable weather to go out and put in the last section of the new singletrack @ Tranq. Then come spring it will just be some weedeating and it will be good to go!

Both bands are gearing up for shows soon. Prisoners of War (ex-lars) has shows next tues and sat. At War with Giants has a show mid feb. Totally different sounds from two very different groups of guys. Ought to be sweet... Add some digital pads and a module to WikiD's kit. Been fun playing around with it. Looks like we have to add another i/o box to use our own sounds. Good thing the punk has a job now!

Neighbor drug his 70 Challenger R/T 440/4spd out of the garage for the first time in a decade yesterday. Had to boogie out to chat with him to make sure he wasn't selling it. He isn't now but may be in the near future. I get first shot...woohoo! Hope he does something fairly soon or the car may not be worth saving for someone with my budget. As it sits now it will need fenders, 1 door and both quarters. The rear deck around the window is also starting to go. Amazing that a car that is that rusty on the outside had really nice floors and trunk pans. Someone added a T/A spoiler to the deck and front chin spoilers sometime before he bought it back in the 80's. Could be really nice car redone. Red with black r/t side stripe and a black gut.

That's about it. Knees are still randomly fubared. Going to start hitting the gym in a couple weeks when i get back from chi-town. Hope to drop a few pounds and get my cardio up for learning how to spin...

2010-11-28T10:08:00.003-06:00

opinion time...Been helping my ex's dad restore a 65 gto for the better part of 20 years. We are finally down to putting the guts in it. Car was originally full red interior. During the body resto, he had a ivory headliner put in it. Car is tor red w a red dash/console and all the painted interior is red. So, here are the options...

Full red interior w a white headliner yuk personally
red carpet/door panels white seats
red carpet white door panels and seats
black carpet white door panels and seats
or the circus version black carpet red door panels white seats

Really want to finish this next summer. Even if i have to dump my own money into it. Still needs exhaust and bumpers as well. and wheels/tires and and and yeesh

2010-11-02T20:46:00.002-05:00

Not much new to post about. Life has been busy with trail work and kid stuff. WikiD has been busy with LARS shows and practicing at AWWG. He also scored a job at Gamers and starts Friday. Crash is starting at Goodwill soon as well. Can't believe how hard it is to get a part time job in this town. I've been shot down for quite a few seasonal jobs. Guess i shouldn't have given the kids so much grief about not being able to get a job. Hopefully with them working, i won't have to do the night job thing.

I guess i'm in with the big bro with the knee problems. Might aren't near as severe as his but it still sucks. Been fighting with the left one for awhile, doc told me to sell the single speeds and learn how to spin. He said that should get me a few more years. Now the right one is swollen and clicking. That one has been perfect sense the last overhaul, don't even know what i did. Doc said to give it a week and come in if it still hurts.

So, the singles need to go, along with a few others...

17" Redline monocog 26" ss. 27.5"/650b wheels, X-fusion Velvet fork, pacenti quasi-motos, raceface headset, crankset, seatpost, carbon bars and stem, avid bb7's, handspun wheels with surly ss hubs. Spec ti railed seat and pedals are negotiable. maybe 30 miles on this bike sense built from all new parts... $1500 obo

56cm Redline 925 ss/fixie. Black to charcoal fade, planet bike fenders, rear rack, headlight and blinky taillight, computer, goofy hipster bars. Love this bike, it has been an awesome commuter. Again cb pedals are negotiable... $425 obo

Redline Pro Flight XL Bubba Harris Sig Series bmx'er. Mostly stock. Have a pile of sprockets for it as well as an answer carbon full face helmet, pants and vans spd shoes. Have flat and spd pedals for it. Ridden 3 times at most... $250 obo

Mirra Co Shorty bmx'er. All stock, flat pedals. Perfect for the shorter kid getting started. $125 obo

Gary Fisher Tarpon. Think it is a 14". Sublime green, comes with short 60mm stem and stock stem. Great starter bike to take on the trails. $150 obo

Think that's it. Gotta get everything cleaned up and put on craigslist. Then to ebay if nothing moves. Really wrong time of the year to do this...

2010-09-07T21:36:00.002-05:00

weird...3 days of consecutive riding, 3 days of no health issues...hmmm...Guess i need to ride more!

Other weirdness. Swapped the cockpit from the Sycip to the Monocog. Decided to do some measuring. top tube = same, seat tube = same. Which doesn't make sense. Both bikes side by side, the monocog is a bigger frame. Looking at the amount of seatpost out of the frame it is obvious. Downtube is 1 1/2" shorter on the Sycip. The Sycip is also 1" longer in the chainstays. I'd pretty much say setting these bikes up with the same cockpit is not going to yield the same results.

Either way, hope to test it out tomorrow on the wnr depending where they go. Should probably ride tranq as it is what i know best and a good gauge to how the Sycip handles compared to the 'cog. Who knows, as usual i am over thinking all of it and just need to ride...

2010-09-05T11:43:00.003-05:00

hmm, i really need to post more on here but really nothing too exciting going on...

School has begun and with my 2 youngest both in high school, i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Wiki-d starts college at Metro tues. Got a late start on sign up due to switching schools, so he only got into 2 classes. He will hit full time next semester once financial aid kicks in. I think this is a good way to get him started in college.

The beetle has been back in action for almost 3 weeks. Sense then she has hit a curb and knocked the grill off. It then overheated because it knocked the lower rad hose loose at the same time. Got that all fixed and her car got hit at school and scuffed the new bumper cover. Then she got keyed this weekend at the mall. I really think this car is cursed! At least most of it should buff out...

Been riding a bit more. Got to hit the grand opening at Calvin Crest. The trail is sweet and Craig did a great job getting it ready. Been trying to ride more and work on the setup on the single speed. My body is kicking back and the doc isn't quite sure what to do with it. Been having massive leg cramps at night in my left leg. An ache in my right rotator cuff that hurts all the way to the front bottom of my ribcage, daily headaches and i puke after i eat about 70% of the time. Go in to get re-check for blood clots and a stress test next week. Fun...

Riding cc with Dale today and Swanson tomorrow with the Bike Way guys. Hope to see some of ya out there!

2010-08-11T20:50:00.003-05:00

Wow, been a crazy month of no posting. Guess the facebook thing is easier but not much for novels.

The last month has been a whirlwind of trailwork/race prep at tranq, driving lessons and getting college/school stuff lined up. I even got to ride my bike a bit. Hopefully going to be more of that!

Tranq race went really well even with a 115 heat index. I decided to do the "south hill oasis" on the open climb. Did gatoraide/water handups for the racers. Also had some coke shots to get people over the long, hot climb. Feedback has been good, I'll have to figure out how to do it and race next year. Trail was in premo shape thanks to the hard work of alot of people. Thanks guys!

We are getting close to getting the big D his license. He is getting more comfortable in the car. Next we work on traffic. The beetle should be done this weekend. Finally got it painted after waiting a month for the painter to get to it. Just in time for school monday. Lots of school shopping left to do....

Gravecandy is no more but the side project "Lars" is doing well. Three tracks recorded and three more coming. Should have the ep done in early sept. Have a grip of shows lined up already to boot. Evidently their stage show involves people in panda and banana costumes hardcore dancing in the pit. This i have to see or partake in. I wanna be the banana! Also looks like the new project "At War With Giants" will be starting up next month after college gets rolling. He is gonna be a busy kid...

That's aboot it. Temps are dropping soon and hopefully that means commuting/riding will resume. Oh yea, grand opening for Calvin Crest mtb trail coming soon. Check thor blog for details. Hope to see ya there!

2010-07-12T07:04:00.002-05:00

Rain, rain, go away! Jeez, enough already....

Good weekend! Got to see some family at the pap crit. Big bro won his class and worked the pro race for his team. Played some soccer with Curly and Pinky and just hung out and talked with some friends.

Worked tranq yesterday. Got the new section trimmed up but it was too wet to cut the berms in. Hope it drys up enough to finish the berms wed night. Ended up fixing the water bars and cleaning the drains on the north hill/fort st loop. Alot of standing water on the trail. Saw some people trying to ride, lucky for them, i didn't catch them. I had some major rage going on seeing the cars in the lot with bike racks. They were tearing the trail up pretty bad. I just don't see the fun in it...

Sitting here waiting for the ac guy. Wonder what this round is gonna cost me...

Oy yea, took the kiddies to Despicable Me. Great movie, gotta a lil too sweet at the end but the minions were worth it...

2010-07-08T20:53:00.002-05:00

Good things today, got alot done. Beetle got the frame and little bits pulled as well the dents in the roof done. Got the headlamp brackets and all installed. Now if the painter was ready....

Then i headed out to tranq and got the last few berms done as good as they are going to get for now. Going to head out this weekend and cut the faces in, do a lil weed wackin and some benching and it should be good to go for now. I'm going to let it get ridden in a bit before adding the humps...

Some kids in an integra were sitting in the bottom lot surrounded by cops as i was leaving. 4 police cars seems a little much for a mip, wonder what they did. They were all cuffed on the ground and the cops were talking to a couple adults i assume were the parents. Weird...

Lots of baby turkeys out playing on the trail. Be careful, momma turkey is pretty mean...

2010-07-01T20:56:00.003-05:00

Just got one thing to say to all the people that told me that i'd never finish the new section by hand....you were right.

Finished back building berm 3 and dumped another layer on berm 2 wed night. Got to chat with some friends that i haven't seen forever. My new bike is done, i wanna ride again...

So my current decision is to dump another load of dirt on berms 3 to 6 and do a little shaping, then open the section. I'd like to add the bumps the next weekend when i've got some people to flow the bumps in. If enough people like the section, i will then petition thor for a bobcat to finish the section the way i originally visioned. If response is not favorable, i can cut my losses now without putting another 100 hours into the section.

i thought about things while playing in the dirt the other night. I'm kinda being selfish on my new section and neglecting my duties as a trail leader. There are some things that need to be done before the race and my section is not one of them. Time to buck up and focus on the important things...

2010-06-27T20:11:00.003-05:00

Got some good berm work completed today on turn 4, 5 and 6. Paul came out and helped a ton. Much faster work with 2 shovels over 1. Probably going out wed night and finish turn 3. It is the only one not back filled yet. Thanks again Paul!

2010-06-19T22:12:00.001-05:00

Good progress on the beetle today. Front suspension is fixed and straight. Got some of the bent metal back in place. Now it is off to the body guy and painter. Have all the parts ready to go but the front bumper cover. It should be here monday. Don't want to hurry too much. She really doesn't need the car back till she can find a job...

2010-06-15T21:55:00.003-05:00

welp, the pics below depict what happens when a teen is easily distracted and drives into a pole @ less than 20mph. $6400 in damages was well over the cars value, so it is totalled. Bought it back to rebuild. Gonna be a long road this time. I'd really like her to pay for it but i'd like the car out of the shop before she is 40. So the bone yard hunting begins. Anyone got a lead on a 98-05 beetle with a good front clip? lol

2010-06-11T15:18:00.002-05:00

2010-06-06T20:17:00.002-05:00

Went out and played in the dirt again today. Talked with the city and decided the dirt offered wasn't as good as what was in the area i'm working in. So i just kept digging. Hit an awesome area of clay. Good thing about clay is it packs really well. Bad thing about clay is that it packs really well, which means it takes alot to get anywhere.

This is berm 2 back filled about 1/2 way. That was 30 wheel barrows worth of dirt.

This is berm 1 after close to 40 loads of dirt. I'd say it is about 1/2 way done. I'm going to get each berm this far then go back and start back filling again. If i can get 2 berms a week done, i should be ready for flows and bumps by the end of the month. Here's to wishfull thinking!

2010-06-01T20:20:00.002-05:00

Oh man, think the city will let us build this?

Flow and berms are amazing. Wonder what kind of soil was used? I know i'd never have the guts to ride it but a smaller version would be interesting. Had at least 4 people this weekend ask me when the bsa is going in @ tranq. Wish i had an answer. A couple of them work construction and were offering the use of equipment to get it done...hmmmm...

2010-05-31T14:36:00.009-05:00

i don't know where this sign went but i wasn't gonna find out. I've spent enough time "otb" lately...

Swung by genoa, il while out in chitown to snap a pic of pops old house. Neighborhood is huge now. I remember when you turned off the highway there was just a sign pointing to the golf course. now there is a light and houses all the way to and around the course. Crazy considering this is in the middle of nowhere. Even Sycamore is huge now...

Got back to town and the pump track gave me inspiration to go work on the new section @ tranq. Got berm 3, 4, 5 done sunday and berm 6 done today. Figure i am going to need around ten pickup loads of dirt to finish the berms then 2-3 more to build the humps in the straights. Looks like crap now but i think it will be a blast once the berms are built full and are hit-able. Still need to mow and get sign posts put up. Sure were alot of new, lost riders out today.

pics from the joliet jump park are on facebook and grad pics are on the family blog.
That's aboot it for me. I'll post on the bike park findings later. Gotta go mow my own yard!

2010-05-04T18:01:00.002-05:00

jeez, does anyone ride bikes anymore? The blogs have been pretty dull as of late. Must be that everyone is riding so much that there is no time to blog!

I'm stuck in Denver for work. Weather is amazing today...mountains are so sweet. i could wake up to this view everyday with no problem. To bad no one is hiring and i can't leave anyway. Besides, if i'm getting hurt this much in nebraska, imagine how it would be here....

Bummed that i found a conure like the one the passed away a few years ago out here and i have no way to get him back.... I want a new Milo....

2010-05-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

Gravecandy Vampire hits the studio!!!!!

2010-04-28T21:54:00.001-05:00

got a sweet virus and had to format my drive. If ya'll could send me an email so i can get your addys again, that would be peachy!

2010-04-22T19:56:00.002-05:00

Stolen bike!!!!!!

Dale's Haro Mary from the shop yesterday. Bronze fixie, front brake only, fenders and size large. Pics on bmcc and mtbomaha blogs. Anyone eyes his bike give him a call at bike masters or give me a call and i'll get ahold of him. Really need to get his bike. There is no one that works as hard for the mtb community as Dale. Time to go search the neighborhood around tranq for his ride...

2010-04-18T20:26:00.002-05:00

nothing much to blog about...

Trail day went well at Adams Park. Much more to do before the end of May. Sounds like they want the first loop in and the pump track done by then. Should be interesting...

Shoulder is doing pretty good. For some reason it hurts sitting or hanging down but feels ok when over my head. Weird...

Silverstein concert is this Wed. It's GcV's first big show and it should be wicked. Looks like i will get to roadie the show. Kinda fun being onstage building the kit before the show...

That's aboot it. Got on facebook. Kids told me no one blogs anymore and i needed to get with the times, so be it. Don't post much on there either but i do get to chat with my niece and that is pretty sweet. Look for buc onine if you wanna at me on...

2010-04-07T11:14:00.002-05:00

the good and the bad-ish.

shoulder is healing good. 1 more week in the sling before weight limited work release. 2 weeks after that he expects a full release and self pt. 2 months before i can ride on dirt for sake of re-injury. looks like i will be a roadie most of this year.

good thing the classics are on. it does make me want to go riding pretty bad tho...

suppose i should go get the sycip from Paul and check it over for damage. From what i remember it took a pretty good hit... still pretty fuzzy tho. heh, i remember hitting the lip, saying oh sh*t in my head and then Paul asking if i needed an ambulance. lost about 30 seconds somewhere...

thanks again everyone for the help and support. i'll see ya at the imba class on sat.

2010-04-01T12:32:00.002-05:00

opinions needed:

remove the lips on the last 2 camel humps or leave them alone? heh, that sounds dirty...

with that section getting packed in and smooth the effort to climb the wall of the 3rd hump is gone. that was the first time i've been up the wall without a pedal stroke to get me up and over. with no real breaking room, the lip is kinda sketchy. that and hearing from the ladies at the appts that they see lots of crashes there makes me think some adjustments may be in order. let me know your thoughts and we will adjust accordingly...

2010-03-31T08:31:00.002-05:00

typing sucks, so this will be short and not sweet. crashed at tranq on the mnr. grade 3 ac separation and a couple bruised ribs. thanks to all that helped get me off the trail and to the hospital. nice to know the tube sling actually works and it helped a ton for the drive to the er. get final decision from doc on healing path next wed. wish me luck!

2010-03-23T19:02:00.003-05:00

augh, what is wrong with people in this town. My daughter got her license and has driven the beetle twice. She came home from school the first day with a 6" crease in the door from a hit an run in the parking lot. Came home from a job interview last night with a huge door ding in the same door. Doesn't anyone have any respect for other peoples property anymore? Love to catch someone doing this just once. That car was mint...

On a better note. WNR at tranq tomorrow. Ride rolls at 6, weather permitting. Hope the rain holds off. Might be there if my car deal doesn't go thru..

2010-03-23T18:09:00.001-05:00

I've been plotting some rides for this season and i thought it toss them out there for you guys to look at. Mindless babbling here Lemme know what ya think!

2010-03-11T17:38:00.002-06:00

ahhh, good news at last....

Sense i was getting close to my 3 month mark, the doc decided to do my vein doppler a bit early. He called today and said all was good and i can quit the thinners. Give it a few weeks to get out of my system. Have to go back in a couple weeks to make sure my levels are sano before the full release but i'll take it! Gonna have to go get a new helmet to be ready when i get the green light. That's my 3rd helmet in 3 years. I need to change something...lol.

2010-03-04T21:30:00.004-06:00

If i ever hit the lottery....

Not much to post lately. They messed up my meds again and i've learned some new things about warfarin. Evidently when they have you really thin, you have issues with your temper. I've talked with several people that have been on it and all agreed that they knew when there levels were off by they're hair trigger tempers. I fully agree. The kids hit me up wanting to know why i flip out so easy lately. The test confirmed it, doc agreed. Super thin again, super pissed again. Hope they get it better next round. I'm getting tired of avoiding conversations at work and staying off forums for the sake of not flipping out on someone. Ugh, at least it is warmer...

2010-03-03T21:02:00.002-06:00

Ok everyone, we need your help. Gravecandy Vampire is trying to get on the Warped Tour in kc this summer. If we are one of the top 4 bands picked, we are in the show. Go here, register as a fan and vote for GcV! These are a really solid group of kids and i'd really like to see them succeed in their dreams. Thanks for the help!!!!

2010-02-25T18:59:00.001-06:00

2010-02-18T20:08:00.003-06:00

My driveway is cursed i think...

First the boy runs the truck into the house, now girlie 2 rips the bumper off the honda backing out of the driveway...

I need to move, the run of wicked bad luck sense we've moved in here is just getting worse. Either that or i've got some nasty karma going on here.

If it wasn't for bad luck, i'd have none at all...

2010-02-15T19:41:00.003-06:00

Well, had some good news today. The ankle is completely healed and no new fractures. He said the pain is from hitting it at the top of the plate and probably the blood thinners. Only have to wear the boot while riding or lifting heavy weights. Woohoo!

On the down note, he said with the clots i had it would be a miracle if i was off the thinners in less than 6 months. Evidently they have me a lil thin. Got a bloody nose this morning and it looked like a murder scene in 30 seconds. Had to hop in the shower till it quit... Going in for a re-check tomorrow. Hope it's over soon...

Here's the new summer beastie. With kid 2 ready anytime for her license and kid 1 not far behind, i figured i better get some wheels for me. Not bad for a $300 beater. Just hope the weather turns soon so i can take it for a spin and make sure all is good with it. Trying to get a bike rack i picked up from a buddy to fit but evidently they changed the crossbars between a 05 and a 99 impreza. They mounts are kinda narrow and i'm nervous that they might pull thru. Anyone have experience with Saris racks? Tech supports says they are all the same...

Ugh, time to go to the store....

2010-02-11T21:10:00.002-06:00

this one is for you pops! fed, nostalgia funnies and altereds. Nothing but nitro!

Go in Monday for re-x-rays of the ankle. They don't think it is broken again but they are going to double check to be sure. No swelling anymore, bruising gone and it still lets me know that something isn't right. Supposed to be my last week in the boot but who knows....

2010-01-31T18:46:00.002-06:00

augh, is it spring yet? Somehow managed to break the pinky toe on my left foot last night. i was loading stuff up and kicked a bar stool i couldn't see. It is a pretty shade of purple and was pointing an odd direction this morning. A popsickle stick and some duct tape and all is good now. Also slipped on the ice today and my right knee no longer works on stairs. I'm starting to think i should just wrap myself in pillows and bubble wrap before i do anything anymore. I am such a klutz... It is funny trying to limp with both legs tho....

Show was epic last night. The crew was wound up from the big announcement and just threw down. If they can pull the same energy at Sokol with Silverstein, they are going to tear the house down.

Be interesting to hear how the race meeting went yesterday. Don't really care to much, my race season is already over. Think this will be an underground fun type of race year for me.

is it spring yet?

2010-01-29T21:49:00.002-06:00

sweet, gotta love good news. Just got this announcement from the band guys...

4/21/2010 8:00 PM at Sokol Underground W/ Silverstein, Gravecandy Vampire, Kakarot!, and What Dwells Within.

Wooo! Got a gig with a national touring band! Time to get some merch together and finish the ep so these boys can make some money finally!!!

They are playing rebels in CB tomorrow night if anyone is up for a cheap gig. Always great to hang out with mark and the crew there. He is really trying to make something out of a rough past...

Wow, wish it would get warmer. Way to much band posts and way too little trail work/riding ramblings....

Other ramblings....got hosed on the beetle title again, for the 3rd time. Missing another part of paperwork. Be another 45+ days before i can try again. Thinking that she might just get the civic for now and sell the beetle when/if i ever get a title. Then i can use that money to get the punk a small pickup or something to haul his gear with. I did manage to score an old impreza with a broken timing belt. Hoping with any luck it didn't hit any valves and i can have something cheap to drive once kiddo starts driving.

Did i mention nyquil and warfarin is a bad combo no matter what the pharm tech says? Ya, reaaaly bad idea. Got my head ripped off by the doc for that one...

2010-01-27T20:05:00.002-06:00

THOR meeting Feb 6th. Click the thor link for more details. Wish i could be there but I had to trade weekends for the imba meeting and don't have the chance to swap anymore days for awhile. I really look forward to the changes coming down the line for the group. Hope it all works out for the best.

With any luck i'll be able to get out to the imba trail days and help out with the new adams trail. Be really nice to have the crew ride tranq while they are in town but with current weather, that probably won't happen.

I'm sick again and can't tale anything with the thinners so i'm going to bed...

2010-01-25T19:57:00.002-06:00

Man, what a weekend. I am cooked. A weekend full of being a roadie was alot for this old fart. Overall a very good time for all...

Big thanks to Paul for the hookup on some cymbals. Thanks to Guido for some other cymbals, gig bags and advice from an old touring pro. Thanks to JD Drums for dropping everything to help us out on a Sunday 2 hours before show time. Definitely a quality outfit... Thanks to the venues for giving the up and coming bands a shot to play. Only can hope for bigger and better in the future...

Rambling on me. Didn't get released last week from the doc. They put me in an ankle brace for a month. I also get to ride in it for 3 months after i get off the blood thinners. He felt with my history of being hard on my body, better safe than sorry. Been spinning on the bike trainer a bit. Doc said 15 min a couple times a week and ramp it up from there....

2010-01-15T07:27:00.001-06:00

wow

2010-01-02T11:30:00.002-06:00

Where oh where have my calf muscles gone...
Such a depressing pic. My left leg is sooo skinny now and so weak. I get to attempt walking again this weekend after 6 weeks+ on crutches. It has not been pretty so far. Doc advised walking around the house instead of trial by fire of walking around for 8 hours at work. It's gonna be a long year...

If anything good comes out of all this at least i'll be walking for the punks upcoming shows. The sound is really coming together and each song gets better. Anyones kiddies are into the popcore/screamo type bands come on out to the shows...

Oh yea,
Happy New Year everyone! Maybe it be much better than the last...

2009-12-24T18:57:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas Everybody!

I've really got alot to be thankful for. An amazing family and awesome friends that have saved my rear sense getting hurt. My kiddos who picked up the slack and really helped me out doing all the little stuff that they didn't realize i do everyday. An understanding boss that didn't can me for getting hurt playing around...again. Lots of people offering support and prayers. I am a lucky guy to have such great people around me. Thanks for everything guys! Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

2009-12-22T21:12:00.002-06:00

Doh, forgot the other good news. Got my blood levels stable, i get to go back to work! Also 1 more week with crutches, light weight bearing. Then 1 week with a cane, 2 weeks in the boot and i am free! Start pt end of Jan, unless i can talk them into letting me do the bike trainer and working as pt. Feels really weird to use my foot after 6 weeks. Doc said it is going to be awhile before it feels normal again. I am sooo ready...

2009-12-22T21:08:00.003-06:00

New song up and new show dates up. Now just gotta hope they get some swag to sell at shows. With any luck they should have a 5 song ep out by Feb. Kinda sweet getting to watch all this happen. Like no one ever wanted to be in a band growing up...lol. Live the dream kid...

2009-12-17T21:54:00.003-06:00

I was talking with some of the shop rats and they had varying opinions on the racing subject. Some say racing is serious business and should be left to those that are really into it. Your rec riders and commuters enjoy what they are doing and don't need to strap on a number to justify riding a bike. Valid point. I like riding to work and doing group rides, they have nothing to do with racing really. I do like chasing faster riders because it helps me learn things that i wouldn't just cruising and i like pushing myself sometimes. But if there was a class for weekend warriors, would they race? Someone also mentioned that with only a couple races in Omaha a year, it's hard to get people into road racing. We'd need more smaller races in town to build fields. With low turnouts at our current road events, it would be hard to push for more races tho..

Another point brought up was the outlaw races that are popping up. The cruiser races at Schram, the alley cat races and scavenger hunts. These are laid back events more focused on fun than real competition. Some of these are hard to know about if you aren't in the right group or blog.

Pretty much the point was that there was something for everyone if you looked for it.

One thing i was thinking about was a twice a month mtb time trial series. Totally unofficial, free and based on those wanting to improve times on local trails. We used to do the weekly time trials in Irvington back in the 80's and it was a good ride to see how your fitness was doing. If there was enough interest, it wouldn't be hard to set up...

Enough talking in circles for now. Time for meds n bed...

2009-12-16T08:28:00.002-06:00

This will probably be a long and incoherent ramble about bike racing, both road and mountain. I apologize now if your brain melts. These are my opinions and please leave yours to tell me where i am right and wrong in your opinion. The meds i am on scatter my thoughts at times, so i'll apologize in advance...

A return to grass roots racing. I look back to the 80's when i first started racing. There was not cat 5 class. I think it was a citizens class or something like that. You had guys on about anything for bikes, some in cut off jeans shorts and it was fun and competitive. My first race was the nebraska state games. I remember getting yelled at for still having my bags on my touring bike when i signed up for the race. I didn't know any better and neither did most of the rest of the people in that class. It was a blast. I ended up in a sprint in the crit and actually won. The next few races were more of the same. Fun people, great races, good times. I made alot of new riding friends.

Fast forward to about 8 years ago. I'd gotten back into riding on the weekends for fun. We'd go out on 30-40 mile rides on the weekends, sprint for who was buying the first round and having a good time. I heard about a race in town and thought i'd sign up. I was one of the fast guys in the group and thought it would be fun. I roll up to the line on my 20 year old race bike and immediately start catching grief. Wow, i didn't know this was a vintage race, i've never seen downtube shifters before, umm, you do know you're wearing mtb shoes... Sorry i didn't show up on a 3K bike for a cat5 race. What a bunch of snobs. Race starts, i'm in 3rd place...looks good. 3rd corner the 2 goons in front of me go down and i have to lock up the brakes to keep out of the mess. The rest of the pack flys by and i can't re-connect. Pulled by the 4th lap. Wow, this racing stuff is fun, just like the old days...not.

My point of all this rambling is that to get new people into our sport, we need a class for the weekend warrior. Nobody wants to get pulled half way thru a race or get lapped on the 3rd lap. I understand that for some people that can be motivation to improve. For others that is the reason to hang the bike in the garage and think that cycling isn't for you. That's why there needs to be a true beginner class. Something for the weekend riders, the 2-3 day a week commuters and for the general public. Something fun to where if you want to train and move up and really get into it great but also somewhere where those guys that aren't super serious about it still have a chance to race with their buddies and have a good time. Make a 2 podium rule to get bumped in with the cat5's or something to keep the sandbaggers out. Keep it fun! Life is serious enough without turning every free moment into training time.

I like looking at the beginner series in mtb. I have never seen such old outdated beaters out on the trail. These guys are loving it and having fun! Look in the pits before and after the race. Everyone is hanging out, laughing, talking about the race. There's no clic, no sneering at equipment. Everyone is just stoked to be out there. Isn't that why alot of us ride? It's not a perfect series, there are still some sandbaggers. I could probably be included in that list my first year. If the top few steps of the podium are winning by minutes over the field, you need to move up.

Ok, brain just shut off. I'll resume this later...

2009-12-11T21:18:00.002-06:00

Ahhh, what a week. I've been getting some pretty severe pain after elevating my foot, especially at night. This morning it had gotten to the point of 2 percocets would barely knock the edge off. Called the doc again and he wanted to check the cast again to make sure it wasn't too tight. It was a little tight but after listening to my description of the pain and where it was happening, he decided to do a ultrasound of my leg for clots. Well, that was it. One behind the knee and 4 between the knee and ankle. After 4 waffles of whether they were going to keep me or not, they sent me home. Now i get to give myself 2 injections in the stomach twice a day till the pills kick in. Also daily blood tests and another ultrasound in a week. Gotta love docs... Do you have a will? Anyone to check on you during the night to make sure your breathing? Ya know,people die from this stuff... Gee, thanks doc...i feel much better. My favorite was when i asked what causes clots. Sitting around too much was the reply. Instructions for me? Elevate foot much as much as possible. Ummm, isn't that what caused this to begin with? And considering i've been working 8 hr shifts for over a week, i don't think i was too idle... best part? I'm on blood thinners. I can't work for at least 2 weeks. I'm outta vacation/sick time. Still no word from disability. ugh, i give up....

2009-12-09T22:09:00.002-06:00

Our deepest condolences go out to the Moore and Morin families. The girl killed by the plow truck last night was the wife of my sister-in-law's nephew. Didn't know her personally but i can't imagine the grief the families are feeling at this time.

2009-12-08T21:14:00.002-06:00

Free show for the hardcore kids out there. no booze, no drugs, no smoking.

crutches + snow = suckage...

2009-12-07T22:28:00.002-06:00

The poaching at Calvin Crest continues... Ya know, people really suck sometimes... Maybe time to start taking names/plate numbers and lifetime ban these riders. Maybe get pics and post them online so everyone knows who is to blame for us losing a new trail before it opens. It could happen, they don't seem to care...

I had some pretty sweet lines i wanted to build in the spring, i really could care less now...

2009-12-06T11:21:00.003-06:00

Added a few links to the side sense i was bored. Had to throw the Gravecandy Vampire logo/link up. The boy and his crew just got done recording their first songs. 1 song is up on their myspace, other will be up soon. Gotta say that this band is soooo much better than the last one he was in. Good trainer music to throw on the ipod and roll a fast tempo.

Threw some other random stuff that i read fairly often. Put some anime links up for anyone that geeks on anime in the winter like i do. Pretty crappy season so far this fall, hope it gets better. I'd really like to see another Clannad or Shuffle type series come out. Something that really sucks you into the story. All the ecchi/mecha stuff just doesn't really do it for me...

Back to foldin laundry!

2009-12-05T22:56:00.001-06:00

I gotta quit watching these videos. I should have built dad's truck like this...

2009-12-02T19:20:00.002-06:00

Wow, first day back at work. This is not going to be fun... I guess you never realize how much you depend on parts of your body until they are gone. My everything hurts...ugh...

Got the first hospital bill today...16K for the surgery not including office visits, etc. Guessing well over 20K even if i skip physical therapy by time it is all done. Jeez, the er visit was almost 2K on it's own.

There goes the new bike plan for next year. It was going to be such a wicked bike too... Oh well, i have many more years for toys. I can't complain about the bullet in the garage. She is a sweet ride and all i really need anyway...

Good luck to the big bro and crew heading to the next usgp cross race. Found the results for Jingle Cross earlier. Took the big win all 3 days. Here's to another usgp podium! Dude is such an animal!

That's it for me, time to go soak in the tub and relax...

Oh yea, i hear the poaching continues at Calvin Crest. Keep it up and there will be no trail to open in the spring. We have an opportunity to have another Platte style trail and the stupid are going to kill it for us. Personally, i say if they wreck this for us, we go on strike next year and the trails can maintain themselves.

2009-11-30T19:37:00.002-06:00

Woohoo, good news considering..
Got staples out today, everything looks good. Man, i'm gonna have a wicked scar... Got my ghetto cast on and hopefully will be in a walking boot in 3 weeks. Got released for work but with no weight bearing and on crutches. It won't be easy but with vacation time running out, it's all i got.

Looks like ya'll are getting some good rides in while the weather is still good. Wish i was out there with ya... It is giving me more time to plot out my project for next season. We will have to see what this little mishap is going to cost me first...

Enjoy the ride!

2009-11-21T08:48:00.002-06:00

I'm home from surgery and all went well. Off my feet for 72hrs and digging the percocet. They used a blocker on me, never had one of those before. Must work good, i still can't wiggle my toes. Guess it can take 24 hrs or so to wear off.

Good luck to all doing the cross races this weekend. Have fun at Cc you guys. Wish i was out there with ya....

Back to napping!

2009-11-19T18:27:00.003-06:00

Ahh, the car i never should have sold. In reality, i'm glad i sold it and i know where it is still. It has undergone a full resto (actually 2) sense i sold it. I never would have done anything more than continue butchering it in the desire to go faster. Watching these sell on ebay for 50k+ is a bitter pill to swallow. Someday, i'll have another and have to common sense to keep it a driver instead of a race car....

2009-11-19T18:17:00.003-06:00

Heh, found an old box of pics while looking for my crate 'o novels. Note to self: clean scanner and pics before scanning...

The mighty Dak. The poor life this thing lived. Whether it was getting beat to death at the auto crosses or dragging my coronet around. It met it's fate coming home from Scribner one day. A head on with a redneck took it out of commission...

Last 2 pics are from Nationals. I towed my roommates lt1 camaro down to the race and he snapped a cam during practice. We ended up with 4 people racing a dead stock v-6 Dakota in ESP. The announcer had a ball with the tow vehicle racing. I took home 3rd against tri-power vettes and modded mustangs. It was a riot...

2009-11-16T14:10:00.002-06:00

well, i am officially screwed. Went to the ortho today and got my x-rays redone. Lower fracture is healing nicely. Upper fracture has completely separated from the bone. I thought it was hurting a little more yesterday. I go in friday to get plates/screws installed. Off work for 3 weeks minimum. They put me on crutches today and pulled my work release. It could be 8 weeks after surgery before i'll get to be without a cast, sooner if all goes well. Man, this is almost February before i'll be mobile again...

2009-11-12T18:32:00.002-06:00

Finally got the xray to post right. Amazing two little breaks can cause so much pain. I like the lovely shade of purple that my foot is turning too. Got the speach on not elevating my foot enough. Guess i'm gonna have to work harder at resting...ha.

2009-11-09T08:29:00.003-06:00

Ahhh, what a weekend! Got out to Calvin Crest for some trail work. We added close to a mile of pretty technical trail. Wish i could have rode it... Unfortunately, my ego got the best of me. I'm pretty good at cleaning difficult sections and when Dale told me that they couldn't clean a section the other day, i knew i had to go for it. Ya, i didn't clean it either. Fell off a bank with my left foot clipped in and fractured 2 bones in my ankle. Now it's off to the doc to decide what they are going to do with it... The xrays aren't exciting enough to post, so i'll leave them for later...

**Edit** I guess i didn't break 2 bones but one bone twice. The breaks are about 3" apart on the minor ankle bone. Get to go in next week and they are going to decide if i am going to need plates/screws. Hopefully i will just get stuck in this boot for 4 weeks and be good to go. Either way, i'm done till the new year pretty much. So many things planned for the trails...guess they will still be there in the spring...

2009-10-29T21:32:00.002-05:00

rant

wow, who opened the gates to the nuthouse... what a week...

The entertainment that comes in the shop lately has been amazing.

We get a call from a woman demanding the keys to her car. After 10 minutes of trying to figure out who she is and if we have her car, we find out that she bought a pop with a contest on it. She firmly believes that because she bought a pop, she gets a car. After another hour of discussion, we give up with her threatening to come to the shop with the cops. We told her, go ahead. She does. She shows up with her bottle to claim her car. After another hour of fighting with the sales department, she finally storms out after the manager threatens to have her arrested. I feel sorry for the next person she gets. She was heading to the soda company next with her lawyer...

Next guy makes an appt and shows up saying he was just in and we ordered parts for his car. Head to parts dept, no parts. Do a little digging...guy hasn't been in sense 2006! Now he is pissed because he is out of warranty and refuses to pay to get his car fixed. His excuse for waiting almost 3 years? He's been busy...wtf? This was another hour long bitchfest ending with "i'm gonna sue, blah, blah" ugh...

The awesomeness of quick lube places never stops. Neither do the people that go there. If you take you car somewhere for work and it leaves a puddle under it immediately after, take it back there. Don't bring it to me then bitch when i want to charge you to fix it right. Loose drain plugs, wrong filters, torn gaskets and my personal favorite...draining the wrong fluid. We've had 3 of those this week alone. Drain the trans, add 5 qts of oil to a full crankcase and run 'em out the door. Then when the car dies 3 blocks away, tow it to the dealer and scream about our crappy warranty. Sweeeet....

Ok /rant. Needs to stop raining so i can ride and quit being so grumpy. That or i need to clock one of these morons that wanders into the shop....

2009-10-13T22:13:00.002-05:00

almost forgot, This is for you pops. The nitrogeezers site is packed full of pics from the 60's and 70's drag races. I've been working my way thru looking for pics of the old fueler. Wasn't there a yellow fuel car before the coke striped one? I think i was all of 5-7 years old thru all this...heh. Don't remember much but pics. We need to scan all your old pics and send to this site!!!!!

2009-10-13T21:25:00.004-05:00

Big D finally got his show broadcasted thru OPS by UNO. The O-Zone. It ended up getting cut down to a segment of another show but it's better than nothing. He is at the end of the clip below. He also wrote and filmed for the main show. Nice job i think. I really hope he can achieve his dreams of being in tv broadcasting. We are looking at a few different colleges, digging thru scholarships and they are already sending stuff out for graduation. Technically he can graduate end of first semester but he wants the extra credits and extra curricular activities for scholarships.

Grrr, the embed doesn't work. Here's a link..

Other than that, not much going on. Walked tranq and did some water bar repairs to get ready for upcoming weather. Also am plotting out a couple re-routes to help get rid of the water bars altogether. Also eyeballing a wicked line on the north hill descent. Going to ask if i can build it this weekend while finishing up Calvin Crest trailwork.

Other than that, got to hang with my brothers the other weekend. It was great to see the Jersey and KC crews again. Maybe someday i'll make it out to Jersey...or Colorado...or somewhere it doesn't snow...

I leave you with random tunes from my mp3 player...

2009-09-26T20:54:00.003-05:00

Had to put Dave mid-launch on the top of the page. Looks like he was going to jump the road!

Amazing day for a race. The trail seemed to dial itself in by the end of the cat 3's. Great job to all that raced. K nailed her finally victory and the series win. Good job kiddo! Makes me wish i was out there with ya. I couldn't even be a decent cheerleader with little to no voice. Got to meet a couple of the guys from The Biking Fools blog. Nice to meet ya guys! The season is history for mtb, now time for cross. Don't think it is going to happen for me but ya never know...

2009-09-26T20:46:00.005-05:00

2009-09-26T20:23:00.003-05:00

2009-09-26T20:17:00.001-05:00

2009-09-23T21:22:00.002-05:00

fat guy in an orange shirt....(thanks for the pic Tom W!)

jeez, kinda sad the most exciting thing going on right now is trail work at manawa. Rode Sunday for a lap out there, missed the mnr again. Missed the wnr again too because i am freakin sick again! Gonna work the race sat and watch K win her series overall. Hope she has someone to race against.... nyquil good...sleep better....

2009-09-13T21:14:00.002-05:00

Well, 1 race done and 1 left to go. Decided not to race. Lungs still aren't with me. Branched Oak is really pretty sweet. i rode behind k for her second lap just to see what i was missing. Good flow and a little bit of everything on the trail. Big thumbs up to the crew that has been working on the trail. I'd definitely make the cruise down to ride it again.

K won her class again and again she had no one to race. She said she isn't going to race next year if it is just her. Might have to jump her up to cat 3 women, i guess. There is no motivation to go hard when there is no one to chase or chasing you. I can see her point. Manawa should clinch her un-challenged title as jr wmn champion.

Congrats to Dave for moving up a spot on his finishes for the year. Top 6 at manawa buddy. You can do it! Dmars and Dale were rolling well in the Marathon. Like the new BM kits guys! Poor Joe had to dnf the cat 3 race due to stomach problems. Race day was not a good time to try a new energy drink. Devin also had a dnf due to tossing his chain under pressure. Hope the BM guys can get him fixed up for manawa. That's aboot it. Hoping to do the MNR @ tranq tomorrow to see how i'm doing. Def wanna hit the last race of the year. Good plans for next year, hope i can dig up the cash for my new secret weapon... Muahahahaha....

2009-09-13T21:08:00.003-05:00

2009-09-09T20:24:00.002-05:00

woohoo, i'm in Denver! It's raining so hard i can't see my car in the parking lot....My luck sucks...

Flight delayed from Omahell, couldn't rent a car because my credit is bad? that's a new one. I've rented from this place for years and now i'm not good enough. Found a car for 1/2 the price down the street, yay!
Got a bud house sitting and feedin the critters. Just couldn't leave the place empty after getting robbed last month. Hope she enjoys the birds...muahahahaha. See how long she can take Ollie screaming for 8+ hours straight...

Need foood! Hope to see ya'll at the race Sat.

Oh yea, looking good on that mower Dale!

2009-09-06T17:31:00.003-05:00

well, that sucked... Tried to ride the roadie and i made it about a block before the first coughing fit. Rode back home and loaded up the mower. I figured i did ok mowing at home, i'd see how tranq goes. Get out there and it really is in good shape. Really not much to do. Thanks to the crew for keeping the trail up while i've been sick. Wish i could have been out there to help...

Guess nothing else to do but try and score a replacement zune off ebay and clean house....wheee....

2009-09-05T19:08:00.002-05:00

Not much to report on this end. Been too sick to ride, finally got back to work at least. Been slow, so the beetle has been going together pretty well. It got the park lights re-wired today, new brakes all the way around and some new rubber. The front clip is all done. Just missing a park light that was boxed wrong and a headlight off ebay. After that it is down to some piddly stuff that got stolen off the car while it sat on the back lot for 6 years...

About the only excitement is blowing up clunkers. We drain the oil out of them, park them in the back lot and then add 2 qts of liquid glass to the crankcase. Bounce them off the rev limiter till the seize. Fords are holding the record. Most average around 3 minutes before they pop. Chryslers are the worst. Average v6/v8 is lasting less then 10 seconds. Start them up and hit the gas, boom, dead before it can hit the limiter once. Got 11 more to do tues before i leave for Denver for a few days. Heading to Subie school in Aurora. Sucks that i fly in Wed night and out Fri night. Then we get to load up and head to the race in Lincoln Sat morn. Should be sweet, haven't touched a bike sense Norfolk... Maybe i'll try tomorrow...

2009-08-30T10:22:00.002-05:00

Woke friday morning with that tell tale tickle in the throat. Hit the meds but by sat morning i was feverish and couldn't take a deep breath. Kiddo wanted her points, so out we headed. Got in around 9, signed up and did a recon ride to show her the techie section after the start. We didn't have time for much else. K didn't like the course and was grumbling the whole time. I don't think we will have friends come to the races with us anymore. Seem to put us both in a bit of a neg mood for the day.

K was the only one in her class so she just cruized her own pace and finished it out. I decided to race even though i couldn't breathe. DFL at the start and the position i pretty much held the whole race. I rode the first lap and 1/2 behind Donna Holmes as she was riding a sustainable pace. Not being able to take deep breaths made recovery non-exsistant. Also not being able to swallow didn't help much either. Honestly, i was done before i started. I just rode along trying to talk my self into dnfing and going home. Ended up sticking it out and finishing the 3 laps.

The drive home was hell... Couldn't get warm but my face was beet red from the fever. Glad i brought ibuprofen. It kicked in around westpoint but i still couldn't regulate body temp well. I was either frying or freezing. Still feel like crap this morning. I'm going back to bed...

2009-08-30T10:19:00.001-05:00

2009-08-19T19:02:00.004-05:00

Man, i've been a slacker lately. I've ridden once sense the race @ tranq and the Norfolk race is next sat. Missed the last couple mnr due to work, weather or one of my projects. I was hoping the weather would miss us and i'd get to do the wnr but it has rained most of the day. That and i traded a beater for an old beast that will be my next project when time and funds allow it. I'm supposed to go meet the dude tonight to pick it up. Hope the rain holds off for a couple more hours...

So i've been trying to get my daughters beetle built in time for her b-day next week. Frame is straight, all the front end hass been replaced. Now if i could get some paint on it, i'd be ready to assemble everything and see how she goes. Still need headlights, parklights, tires, etc before she drives it...

On top of all that mess, we've been training for volleyball tryouts next week with my youngest. We've been rolling out to swanson all week playing to get her ready. It's been alot of fun, wish we played more often. With school back in session, things have been pretty busy. No more time to commute till someone get's their license. Oh well.... that's about it....

2009-08-16T18:01:00.001-05:00

Wooo, big dog made it's maiden voyage up the street today. First time in almost 2 decades. Open headers rock!

2009-08-10T19:54:00.002-05:00

amazing how fast a great weekend can turn to crap. Woke up this morning and got ready for work. Noticed the laptop was gone, no biggie. Kids sometimes take it to their rooms at night. Look around...no wallet, no mp3 player...crap, did i leave them in the car? Cell phone and keys are still there...hmmm... nope, not in the car. Wake up kiddies, nope no laptop. Great...someone got in the back door and stole my laptop, wallet and mp3 player. Call the cops, get told the usual, "you got insurance? you're never gonna see your stuff again." 1K deductable, pro-rated value at $800. Great. Call around, cancel cards, call bank, stand at dmv for 2+ hours to get a drivers license. Whole day killed because some punks just couldn't grab the cash and leave my wallet. Have fun with my stuff, dickheads. Karma sucks and you will get yours tenfold down the line....

2009-08-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

Tom has his pics up...

Thanks Tom!

2009-08-09T10:53:00.003-05:00

I'd have to call the TTT a huge success. I can't wait for the racer count. It had to be big. Full fields despite the heat. The trail was primo, thanks to a lil help from mother nature. Thanks to Bike Masters for hosting an excellent race and all the able bodies that help set up/tear down, registration, etc. Very organized and really a smooth event.

Wish i had gotten more pics of the cat 3, jr's race. My kiddo won her class, albit with no competition. She did come in second female, so i'll give her credit for riding within herself. My race went well, actually way better than i thought. I was guessing mid pack but ended up second. The start went off fast and i just hung back. The wnw we hosted worked out really well for setting a sustainable tempo for the race. As the race went on, people just kept coming backwards. I am a decent descender, so i tried to pass just before the downhills and tried to keep the gap up the next hill. As for the "speed killer" sections, they worked perfect. I made several passes when people blew the corners. Big props to all the racers. Everyone was doing a great job passing and allowing people by.

Thanks again to the Tranq trail crew, THOR, Bike Masters and all involved in this event. Can't wait to do it again!

2009-08-09T10:48:00.001-05:00

2009-08-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

2009-08-09T10:43:00.001-05:00

pic dump

2009-08-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

busy, busy , busy. Trying to ride a bit and get the trail ready to race. Thanks to all that have helped at the trail days. I think the trail is in excellent shape for the race. With work, school registration for the kiddies, school shopping, riding, mowing, driving lessons, side work, etc. I'm freakin shot...

My kiddo is ready to race, wish i had her confidence. My goal is to go out, have fun and not be dfl if possible. It is gonna be hot, hot, hot!

Running out of time for bacon rides, hit me up if you wanna go one of these weekends!

2009-07-30T21:44:00.002-05:00

WNW went pretty good i think. We had a rocket ship junior turning 25 min laps. We had some mid pack guys rolling 35-38 min and me running 3 laps @ 30 minutes a lap. I would guess most will average around an hour for 2 laps in cat3. It is longer than it should be time wise but first timers and jrs only do a lap. Everyone used to complain about the beginners race being too short, there ya go...

Going to back off commuting and see if i feel better. I rode to work mon and tues. Add in the mnr and trail work Sunday and i was totally flat for the wnw. I could ride descent tempo but no snap. As always i am probably over analyzing things. Between fiddling with seat heights, trying not to pedal squares and life stress, i should do as i've been told a few times latley. Shut the f up, shut off my head and just ride...

2009-07-28T21:28:00.003-05:00

Wed Night Worlds @ Tranq!

Looking for cat 3 racers to do an unofficial, un-scored mock race 2 tranq. Meet at the trail head @ 6pm. We will ride out to the start/finish line to start the race. Great chance for new racers to ride the course race pace with a group.

Hope to see ya there!

2009-07-22T16:36:00.001-05:00

wnr at manawa tonight. Come ride before the rain hits!

2009-07-19T09:38:00.002-05:00

What a perfect week. Low temps and no humidity has made great commuting weather. Figures, my mtb is down for repairs, so i am stuck rolling the roadie... Got some minor trail work in while the weather is good. Did some water bar repairs and finished "Marc's berm". Turned out pretty well.

The tour has been interesting so far. Would have been nice to see big George in yellow today. That guy has earned the jersey after years of working for others. Sad to see Levi out after a silly crash as well.

Off to go wrench on gto's again. Hope to get the brakes done on the 67 and maybe even fire the 65 off. We need to take it for a spin to make sure the brakes, trans, etc work before we take it in for the exhaust system.

MNR @ tranq monday. Hope to pick up a loaner to ride. With any luck i'll have a 650b Haro Beasley for people to demo. If you want to try out some mid sized hoops, hit me up on the ride and i'll trade bikes with you...

2009-07-14T21:16:00.002-05:00

Wow, been a pretty good week so far...

Got out for bacon Sunday with Dale and Paul. Sweet ride, the flow of the place is starting to come back the more i ride it. If you haven't been, ya should...

Commuted in Monday, flew home, grabbed the MTB and headed for the mnr @ Tranq. Played the no brakes game on the flats and climbs. Actually got a few to commit to it. Hope to keep pushing that game to get our newer riders more confidant in their abilities. Hooked onto a couple expert riders on a recovery ride. Took everything i had just to hang on to them. I'd hate to have tried keeping up at thier usual pace. It was a sweet ride...

Trail day tuesday tonight. 10 worked nailed the whole place out in 2 hours. Thanks everyone!

Wed night ride is Lewis and Clark for this week. Time for some suffering... Come join the fun!

Probably commute again thursday, if i can walk. Legs have been made of stone this week. This sit and spin stuff is killing me!

2009-07-09T21:11:00.005-05:00

What to do on a wed night when you thought it was too muddy too ride? (it wasn't...) Go cruzing!

Yeppers, i talked my ex's dad into taking the gto out to the wed night car show. First time on the streets in over a decade. Stopped to get gas on the way down and drew a crowd. Funny listening to people start talking old cars as soon as one rolls on the lot. Made the show without issue, parked and walked the lot. Alot of very nice cars for just a cruise night. Decided to beat the rush and rolled out early with me behind the wheel. Got 2 blocks from the show and hit a yellow light. Stabbed the brakes and heard a "pop", brake pedal hit the floor and the car when hard right. Not what i'm looking for when driving someones baby. Got the car stopped in time and gave the pedal a few pumps. Nothing... Drove the rest of the way home nice and slow and used the trans to slow the car enough to get stopped. Time to tear into the brakes this weekend if we are going to drive it again soon...

Backstory on the car...

1967 Pontiac GTO. 400, 4spd originally marina blue with a white gut. Purchased in 1968 by my ex's dad. Painted crazy black metalflake sometime in the early 70's along with the funky chrome smoothies. Car is numbers matching, original metal, original interior. if it wasn't for the paint and wheels, it would be a true survivor. Now ya see why i was freaking about not wrecking this car...

Only bad thing is we were planning on working on his 65 gto that we are restoring. What to do, what to do, so many gto's, soo little time. We should all have it so rough...

On a bike note, BACON!!!!!!!!!!!! anyone wanna go?

2009-07-08T14:17:00.003-05:00

wnr cancelled due to our lovely monsoon last night and this morning. Hope to see ya next week!

Trail day tues next week on the 14th for swanson and tranquility. thor-trails.blogspot.com for more info...

what to do this evening....