winter riding in a group

there's about 50 of us stretched out here as we head across the bridge at about 1am.

the cold is on (again)

Yesterday it got to 43F - it was amazing, like a spring day.

Right now it's -4F with a -30F windchill.

Bundle up out there people.

the ride for Rachel (Raechel)

Thanks to those who attended. There was a big turnout of cyclists as we departed Chiang Mai Thai at about 11pm Saturday off to the not so distant Bryant Lake Bowl before heading to Pi, stopping at 38th St. and the west river road to pay our respects to Rachel and take a look at the new ghost bike - with thanks to BRose and Rollin - then arriving at the bonfire site on the Mississippi river. Four of us spent most of the afternoon collecting wood for the fire, which kept us warm until our departure at about 6am to a local breakfast joint.

ice biking

Some friends of mine competed and did well - taking first and second place on at least one of the races. I couldn't attend - was busy cutting down trees for the bonfire that night.

new ride

I picked up a new bike a short while ago. It was sort of a spur of the moment thing and definitely related to the loss of Rachel, although I didn't realize it at the time.



It's much lighter and more responsive than the cross-check I ride most of the time. Overall it's a thumbs up.

[edit] - it's not this clean anymore.

audio and video tapes don't lie

Hypocritical Christian society.

more on this tragedy here - it's utterly disgusting the lack of respect others feel for a human life.

Ride On

Come one, come all. We're ending up on the river for a fire, but there are lots of stops in between. Bring clothes to stay warm, bring a beverage to quench your thirst. Night riding and the river, two of Rachel's favorite activities.

Flyer by Kelly Mac.

Rachel Dow Memorial

Several people have asked if there is a memorial or charity available in Rachel's name. There was a collection at her memorial and you can still make donations at Chiang Mai Thai - just ask when you show up.

Rachel Dow

Rachel Dow was a friend and she is dearly missed by so many of us.



There will be a memorial service for Rachel on Thursday at the Soo Visual Arts Center at 2640 Lyndale from 3-5pm with an after gathering TBA. Until then, I'm finding comfort in being close to those who also knew her.

Here is a small set of photos I took of Rachel just last month, the night we built up her winter fixed gear bicycle.

There's a nice story on Rachel here.

[edit] - I should say that the cause of Rachel's death was hypothermia after accidentally falling through the ice along the Mississippi river. There was no evidence of foul play. While it hurts to know she is gone, it hurts slightly less knowing it was an accident and the tragedy was not compounded by other factors.

vigilante justice

once again, hatred towards cyclists - this time on the dirt trails.

Portland and hate

Bike boxes and Portland - Let's hope it works.

There's been a sudden rash of criminal hatred towards cyclists from motor vehicles around these parts in the past two weeks or so. I had three incidents last night, with two of them coming from a single car - yep, they turned back and came around for more after no response from me the first time - no response other me than memorizing their license plate #. Add to that the physical assault I experienced on New Year's day, as well as the black car purposefully trying to run-down cyclists the other night and you've got a true war zone on the streets of Minneapolis - a one way war, that is - a war against those who do not conform to the ideology of drive-fuel-drive.

Bike on.

May 17th - prepare to hurt

My registration for the 2008 Almonzo-100 is in the hands of the US-of-A's finest postal workers. There's a liquor prize for whomever shoots off the first registration packet - if it's mine, it will be distributed to my fellow riders on a first come-first served manner. Now to decide what to ride? I ticked off 'single,' but could go fixed if the feeling takes me.