get out and vote

If you're in the MPLS area, it's primary election day, so go ride down to your polling place and submit your damn vote.

MN voting polling place finder

MPLS voting page

My advice to you besides actually voting - go online and find out who is on the ballot - even print out a sample ballot - research ALL of the candidates and choose before you go vote. It's a hell of a lot more efficient knowing who all those funny names are on your ballot prior to staring at the back of the ballot with a pen in your hand, trying to make up your mind based on how their names sound. I go with my sample ballot filled out and I'm done with my ballot in less than a minute. Do it, yo.


Yeah I know, it's only the primary - I was the 98th person to vote in my precinct at 15.00. Sad.

nothing wrong with a bit of crystal meth, in moderation - nor with sniffing glue for that matter. pass me another mountain dew.

Check out these two identical infomercials, I imagine they're being played on national television:




Hot damn, and to think I've been avoiding high fructose corn syrup all these years. Don't go believing the liberal media elitists when they try to sell you and your family about how fat you are, how you're going to die of diabetes, how the earth is warming, and how your Winnebago isn't a good choice for commuting into the big city - hockey moms and nascar dads know what's right for their families - don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Amazing the influence of a few lies when repeated over and over and over. It's just corn, sillies.

Chloe derbies me down, more broken bike stuff - usual stuff

Four (4) of us rolled over to the gentleman Formerly Known as Large Fellow's house for a going away fest last evening. A good turnout and good times were had by all - Chloe completely outdid herself with the custom poster creations for each guest - I left mine there so as not to destroy it in my bag but already have a spot on the wall for it when it arrives. Had a derby session with the Chlo, and do apologize for taking her down a bit too hard one time - that finger will heal right up, I'm guessing. Nick and I put our heads together and decided it a good idea to hit up the store for a case of tallboys for our next stop - and I for one stand by that decision - one reason why I'm known as "The Maverick". So 6 (six) of us loaded up and rolled up to 1/1, arriving at 23.00 for the book signing tour bash. A good showing of good friends and neighbors greeted us upon arrival. The ever talented Sammy is showing and selling photos up in the main gallery space - get up there, check them out and help a starving brother out. My photos are still hanging from the BFF opening - make an offer. Somehow it turns out to be 04.00 and I'm in the alley with a slashed rear tire after running over a derby obstacle. Damn. I tried just a tube, nope. Got a new tire from the shop, which I have to return and pay for - that tube blows too. In true Maverick style I say screw it and ride home on the rim, sticking to the grass as much as I can - it's only 3 miles (4.8km), afterall. Thanks to Kevin for accompanying me towards my domicile via the grocery.

Deja f-bomb vu.


04.30 - flat rear and out of patches.

print is dead - or - malted, canned beverages

"The most authentic book ever written..."

Further recommended by the bummer life avoidance guild, amongst others.


Sorry in advance to the family that thinks I'm headed to their house, but this fracas is waaay better. Remember what night it is - the stores shut at 22.00 and Jesus and Friends won't let you buy it on The Sunday. I know you know this - I'm just sayin in case you don't.

livin high

I'm up to 3120 points towards the 7500 goal of a High Life delivery shirt - my current point total is equivalent to 13 cases of beer. My glass isn't quite half full, but if the game were to finish now, I could cash in and score a totally bitchin ball cap. That's worth 13 cases of beer, right? Got points? Send 'em in to point headquarters.

In other news, I'm in dire need of a holiday.

Kermit legs on a Schwinn Corvette and beta release

Went on a ride out to The SLP yesterday with Chloe and others. She's very comfortable on the bike and isn't afraid to get right back up when she falls over at the stop sign because the frame is too big. Perhaps that's why the air is low in the back tire, to effectively lower the top tube - I'm hitting myself for not thinking of it first.



She and her family are moving in a coupla weeks (Nebraska) - gonna say goodbye this weekend at their going away party. I'll probably end up drunk and trash their house (again) - likely the last time I see or hear from them anyway. Dude owes me a bit of cash and a carton of smokes...

“Single-speeding is a bit stupid..."

a nice write-up on the 2008 SSWC in the NYTimes.

check out the slide show - you might recognize a person or few.

this one is gonna get found - get out there and look, it's unique

hey, help a sister out. my friend ellie got her bike stolen from her back porch this morning (aug 29, 314 13th ave ne). its a blue bare knuckle with flat bars, brown deep v's, paul hubs, brooks sadle, and tompson stem. if you see it or recover it let me know or call her. Ellie Gagner (612) 978-0508. thanks

party like it's 0400

So the RNC warmongers are headed to my city next week. I'll be doing my best not to head into the suburb of Saint Paul during this event, but let's stay focused on the one positive aspect this visit brings... yep, the 4am bar close (at selected establishments only). Here's a short list of bars that will be open until 04h00 sometime next week:

1. Aqua (never heard of it)
   
2. Brothers bar & grill (never heard of it)
   
3. First Avenue (sweet, I hope someone worth seeing is playing - although their permit doesn't allow for live music this late)
   
4. The Local (been there once, wouldn't go out of my way to go again)
   
5. Newsroom (never heard of it)
   
6. The Saloon (haven't heard of this one either)
   

Come on! What about Palmer's, CC Club, Cuzzy's - someplace I might actually want to visit?

Honestly, I was getting excited thinking about the 4am close, but it might be just like any other night - stay until I get kicked out at 0200, go under a bridge and open a can from the bag - repeat until desired consistency established.

Piece out.

Freeride3, postpartum

let's leave it at this then.

rolling down the M.G.:


rolling across the Walker bridge:


high speed runs:


what's a derby without a few falls?:


more photos of the big event, in no particular order...
chelseastrate - I like this one
13 of clubs
sveden
felipe_mpls
jkruzit
CoolAs.KimDeal
phwahme
ejm_msp - with video

edit - and Dapper Lad
edit - and lfoab
edit - let's not forget about dancypants

Minnesota Energy Challenge

Hey kids, now you don't have to visit the state fair to take the Minnesota Energy Challenge - you can do it now while sitting on your ass! Check it out and see how many people you recognize.

Seriously, I had a great time doing this shoot - good people, good times.

If you're at the fair, check out the booth anyway.

broken bones, road rash, and a state fair mention

So 3 friends have ended up in the hospital in the past month due to accidents while riding their bicycles. One got hit by a car, twice, in 2 separate events (totaling his sweet S&S fitted XO-1); another (my brother) crashed off the side of the road and got tackled by the guy behind him, causing him to miss a few weeks of work - he's about to start physical therapy; and one had an intimate and instantaneous encounter with a sewer grate, resulting in neck and back injuries and quite a bit of nerve damage - still recovering and not yet able to work. Several other people I know are walking around with bruised and scabby faces, arms, and other parts. What the hell - be f'ing careful out there, peoples.

Meanwhile, today marks the first day of the MN state fair. On those years that I attend, which isn't too frequent, I like to go on the first day. There are fewer people on this day than any other, the smell hasn't yet had the opportunity to hit that ripe fermented state, fewer fat guys with no shirts on, well that last one pretty much sums it up. Not this time - business trip prevails once again. Yes, I will be traveling across our eastern border - into Wisconsin. Wish me luck.

On a side note - I am still collecting Miller points for sweet sweet swag. Let's keep 'em rolling in.

Freeride 3 - this Sunday!

Like you've got something better to do? Oh please.

small world

One of the aid workers killed in Afghanistan, Nicole, was a friend of a friend. I didn't know her, but based on reading about her, I probably would have also been a friend.

She had a feeling we should help each other and not fight each other.

...

Nicole was very outgoing, a voracious reader and able to accomplish so much because she slept so little, her mother said, laughing.

She liked positive people, had dozens of friends and had a taste for scotch and rum.

Yeah, would have gotten along with her for sure.

In other news, I found out last night that a friend of mine was just hit by a car - for the second time in a month. He's a bit broken and cut up, but I'm told he's better than he looks, even walking into the coffee shop for a hello.

Watch your backs out there people, and keep an eye out for each other.

Anybody going to see The Wrexican play tonight at Stasiu's? Hell, I guess I'll go if I can find it again - somewhere up towards Duluth, right?

some rims are bigger than others

best part of my day - riding around the block with Chloe on the back of the Big Dummy and her pointing over at the city park in surprise where there are two ponies, giving rides to children. the rest wasn't too bad, that was just the highlight thus far.

finished building a set of wheels tonight for Chloe's dad. you can come get them now, they're taking up space in my den, blocking access to my humidor and possibly in violation of fire code. we can talk about your choice of rims - I like mine to have a bit less of a bump in the seam, but that's me. something to look out for in rim selection, people.

let's close tonight with a selection from Neil himself. stop tainting the waste stream...

17-09-08 @ 3-rock.