Thursday, November 25, 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

winter bicycling, revisited

Read this, it's what I wrote two-years ago regarding riding a bicycle in MPLS winter conditions.

Since then I have acquired a few more wool base-layer items (short- and long-sleeved shirts, all my socks, head beanie, glove liners), which I cannot stress enough for keeping you warm and dry. I also just recently scored a used pair of Lake winter cycling boots; I'll be getting those ready to go in the next few days, but haven't used them yet.

Kudos.

[edit - my friend Rich rides with Mukluks during the winter months and swears by them, as does Andrew in this here comments section. Damn me for not mentioning them and again for not having tried them yet.]

Friday, November 19, 2010

a rant on a few topics but failure is our only option

Hunting season is upon us, I learn after spending 90-minutes wandering through Mills Fleet Farm the other night. In fact the WI stores are opening at 6am today to ensure you can "stock up on extra ammo" before your trip, as the friendly recorded announcement repeatedly reminded us shoppers.

Good luck out there and try not to kill too many of yourselves as you cowardly hide in a tree and shoot at things you think might make good food.


Here's an article from The Atlantic describing techniques on how to circumvent the TSA security process. It's a good thing we have the TSA to protect us, or these weapons carrying soldiers could have have made it back into the country with items such as fingernail clippers and a Gerber multi-tools.


There are other methods of 'security' out there, but like everything else our politicians touch, it's all about the money; expect no change to the status quo.

I take the train when possible. Like the trains and infrastructure themselves, the security is fifty years behind the times, but a sure invitation to stress-free travel.

On the brighter side, Girl Talk released a new album this week and is offering it as a free download. I recommend you get it and listen, you may not be disappointed.

Good luck out there.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

speaking of crashes

Five women sprinters go down during a race at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.

photo: Torsten Blackwood, AFP/Getty Images / November 16, 2010

Brown Steamroller and Red S&S'd Karate Monkey stolen

[update - both bikes recovered and the thieves caught]

Read this then get your used batteries and put them in a pillowcase. Ride around the city and find them.

O.K. everyone heres the deal my red flying monkey and brown steamroller just got stolen out of my garage one hour ago. Here is the brake down for the monkey: red surly 18" S&S coupled karate monkey, black torsion bar with red lettering, Kris holm rims on surly red hubs, and black surly cranks.
The Steamroller: Surly 56 cm brown steamroller the only real standout item on this bike are the wheels that zito gave me the hed Ardennes they say Chris Zito on the in side of the rims. Please tell everyone just stolen from my garage at 11:30 or so.


These are Nate's and he wants them back.

edit - better views of the red monkey on the Surly flickr page:
P6112792

P6112793

Saturday, November 13, 2010

state champs again

Epic conditions for the 2010 MN CX state champs today. Rode up to the race, which took over an hour through the fresh and wet snow. We got lucky and got behind a county plow after coming out of Wirth Pkwy, so the riding was mostly smooth from there; the snow still fogged lenses and stung eyes, making for blinding conditions even with the cleared street, however.

Anyway, take a look at the set, or jump to the shots I got of the crashes.

the Men's CAT 1/2 start was intense with four men abreast out of the first turn:
MN Cyclocross Championships - 2010

Men's Olympic slalom bronze medalist, now racing CX, and now a dollar richer:
MN Cyclocross Championships - 2010

there were a few crashes:
MN Cyclocross Championships - 2010

this one got decent air, sorry about the lack of proper framing, you have to give me more warning:
MN Cyclocross Championships - 2010

That's it for now.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

this is how we do things in MPLS

Friday night: go to ooobs for the MPLS presents opening party.

Saturday: go to the MN CX State Champs race. bring dollar bills, beverages, and your heckling voice.