An apology - sort of

Dear Cyclist,

I'd like to apologize for my driving on Monday morning, around 7am. I'm the MINI Cooper that didn't see you as you were riding on the sidewalk. I was entering the Eagan Transit Station via the right turn lane. I can't imagine why I didn't see you with all your dark clothing on. I mean, 7am is almost light enough to be wearing blacks and browns near the end of October. Silly me. Surely I must have seen the flashing headlight, or any headlight you were using to light your route.

Oh - wait...you didn't have a light.

Please, the next time you decide to ride your bike at 7am in late October do everyone around you a favor: Wear bright colors, get a light (heck tape a flashlight to your bars), and ride on the road.

Sincerely,
The Grizz

Thanks for the ride!

Carlos and Tyson made the 80 mile ride a lot of fun this past Sunday. We opted for an 8am start and already the weather was cooperating. The skies were clear and there was no need for leg or arm warmers. We all made some last minute adjustments to our steeds and got ready to go. Charlotte was out and about helping us set up and even wanted to race me. After a hub adjustment, final tire pressure check, we were ready to go.

We decided on using part of Dan's route near Prescott, WI but realized that he started and stopped there. So we made plans to ride to Prescott and then add on the needed mileage to hit our mark. We started down Rich Valley Road through Eagan and Inver Grove until we hit 145th st. There we turned left (into the wind) and meandered into Hastings. The route to Hastings was nice and flat and offered a shoulder. At Hastings we joined up with highway 61 to cross the river.

Once across the river we turned on highway 10 and aimed for Prescott. The wind was still around and the road offered some hills, but the scenery more than made up for it. The majority of the leaves are turning and very few trees are still green. The route was fairly quiet traffic-wise.

Prescott is a cool little town and I think it'd be fun to walk around and see what the little shops have to offer. Shortly after leaving Prescott we were greeted with a climb. It was pretty long and I felt it in my legs as I probably started a little harder than I should have earlier. The passing car clubs (Studebaker, Miatas, Mercedes) on their fall color drive distracted me enough as I headed for the peak.

There were a few big climbs, but otherwise the rest of the route was rolling and afforded some nice views, the river included. It wasn't long before we were close to hitting 40miles. Soon this was going to be Carlos' longest ride. Ever. There was a farm that was at about mile 38 so it was decided we'd continue on to 40, turn around and replenish water and ride the wind home.

The staff at HappEHill Farms were wonderfully polite. Several members made sure to strike up a conversation with us and wished us a speedy return. Thanks guys.

It was quite the speedy return as the wind had picked up, but was now at our backs. Plus, we got to descend the long-ass climbs. This was fun and I think the fastest recorded mph was 46. We got back to Prescott and stopped for a bit of lunch and ate outside along main street. Very cool place and good food. Getting back on was a bit stiff, but we soon worked out the bugs and were headed back into Hastings. Here the wind wasn't so nice, nor was it while we made our way to Rich Valley Road. But once we hit the home stretch, it was at our backs again and we were able to move along very nicely. Carlos was in all new ride territory now as every mile that ticked over just added to his longest ride ever and he was stoked.

Soon we about to make the last turn for home and I heard a yell from just behind me. It was Carlos hitting the 80mile marker on his odometer. Once back home we dismounted and were greeted by Tracy and Charlotte while Carlos broke out the celebratory brews.

It was a great ride. No flats, no crashes, no bonks and no traffic issues. We had lots of laughs and several sprints for city signs - with Tyson taking all but one. I had a blast. Carlos is already talking about next year's ride. Maybe a century?? We'll see....

Some stats from the ride:

• Total Distance: 80.19 mi


• Total Time: 4:42:39


• Avg Pace: 3.31/mi


• Avg Speed: 17.0mph


• Max Speed: 48mph


• Total Calories: 5310


• Avg Heart Rate (Carlos): 150bpm


• Max Heart Rate: 186bpm


• Total ascent: 4493ft


• Total descent: 4489ft
  

Thanks Ty for the pics and Carlos for the GPS readout and stats!

You're invited

This Sunday, October 12th, I'll be heading south for an 80 mile ride with my neighbor. We're looking to check out the fall colors and complete his longest ride. Ever. To date, he's only gotten about 60 miles and he's looking to go out with a bang this year. We're expecting to average 15mph or so as long as the weather isn't raining. Plan to leave from my place in the morning and head to Northfield or something like that. The route is still being worked on, as is the start time. We're thinking 8 or 9am.

Let me know if you're interested.

Good stuff

I came across this in my interweb surfing and had to share it. I immediately thought of Wiken.

http://www.ironicsans.com/2008/09/in_a_political_campaign_far_far_away.html

Listening to: Monster Magnet - 19 Witches
via FoxyTunes

My weekend

This past weekend was awesome! Why you might ask? Did I do well in some race? Did I manage an epic ride? Au contrare - the weather was cool and sunny, but mostly it was awesome because it was my 6th wedding anniversary and birthday. In that order. All weekend.

So in other words, for the most part, it was all about me.

First thing Saturday morning we took Charlotte out to Country Sun Farms in Stillwater to hang out with some friends from the adoption community. The kids ran around feeding animals, getting their pictures taken and generally being cute. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day. We took a hayride and then did some pumpkin shopping.

Once home Tracy and I hung out while Charlotte napped. Then I started our anniversary dinner. The pictures looked amazing and the recipes sounded easy enough, so I began my work.

Spice-Rubbed Rib-Eye Kabobs with Salsa Verde
Asparagus with Sherry-Bacon Vinaigrette
Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple-Glazed Walnuts

Charlotte went to bed and our meal was ready. It smelled so good and was fairly easy to make.









After dinner and wine we watched our wedding DVD and laughed our assess off!

In the morning I awoke to Charlotte giving me a card and bag of candy corn. Then we headed for Alberville for some shopping. There I got some clothes and shoes and Charlotte was a real trooper for all the walking around we did.

Charlotte fell asleep eating lunch on the way home and I did some more work on the door of the MINI once we arrived home. We hung out with our neighbor Carlos for a bit - Charlotte has a crush on him I think (competition Scott??!). And then we met Scott and Sue at The Italian Pie shop for dinner.

It was a great weekend with family and friends with perfect weather. I'm very happy to be surrounded by such love and friendships.

Thank you all!

You can see more pictures and Tracy's recap of the weekend over here.