Productive

Did all sorts of stuff today. Did some abstracting work, then got a little more work done on the rental, and managed a ride as well. I'd say I've been a pretty good boy. The lengthier light of day this time of year is helping out in soooooo many ways. And Oh, I even help shovel my Delano neighbor's driveway. Her name is Naomi. I think she likes me. I got a couple of "how can I thank you" and "you're so strong" comments. You think she was hitting on me? I think she's got a little cougar in her. She's easily in her 80's.

Ride was nice. I didn't know what to expect with the 2 inches of new snow. We are now at 8th for all time snowfall. Only 20 inches to go to break the all time record. Trails were 95% clear. 21/14.0
Some of the slop got up on Evil's derailleur and cassette. I think he likes it.
Driving up to Foley North of Monticello These Silos Stood With The Pines

The Need To Eat

Just a typical Sunday ride, uneventful, but enjoyable like always. Great conversation, but there were some stretches of silence that seemed a little longer than usual. I think Amy and I were pretty tired. I needed to stop and refuel at around 40 miles, which is pretty unusual for me. But, like last Sunday I was teetering towards the dreaded bonk. That was one mighty fine tasting Snickers bar.
It sure has been nice getting more and more roads miles logged in. It's been a long winter.
Hung out with Elijah tonight, building with Lego. Very fun! 47/15.4

He Made A Tactical Mistake

The Irish Setter and his pal were waiting behind the white picket fence that paralleled the road. I knew they'd be there waiting for us, hiding behind the large pine tree. They always are. I yelled at 'em "LET'S GO GUYS". They were off before I got even with 'em. Oh ok, so that's how they want to play the game. Fine! The pal, with his long white coat and gray spots, wasn't into it. I passed him easily, even with his head start. The Irish Setter was playing for real his red fur floating behind him as he cut through the 20 degree air. I was only slightly gaining on him, and it didn't look like I'd get him before the white picket fence took a 90 degree turn ending his territory, and marking the finish line. Then he looked back. BIG mistake. He looked back to see where I was, but to look back he had to slow down. I had him, with a good ten yards before the fence turned, I went by him. Yes! He had kind of dumb-founded look on his face like, how'd that cyclist do that on a $79 frame and conti-contacts?
Chalk one up for the humans.

It was a really nice ride today. I think the best for the year so far. Temps stayed in the 20's, but the sun was out and the roads were in great shape (potholes not included in this assessment).

As we waited at a stop light a group of cyclists turned onto the road we were heading down. Before I could say anything Amy said, we are not chasing them down. The stop light wasn't changing, and they were getting farther ahead. I said, "but they have kits on, it's our duty to chase 'em down". I'd already been hit and called names (not by motorists) that can't be repeated here, so I really had nothing to lose. I hadn't been very nice on the hills and rollers we had encountered earlier. The light turned green and Amy reminded me again, we're not chasing them down. It wasn't too long and they came into sight. I said, "hey, we can see them". No! we're not chasing them down. "Look we're gaining on them, I bet we could catch them before Excelsior". She described me again in ways that can't be repeated here, but did include words like, big, hairy, oaf and other terms of endearment. And as we caught them she was still reiterating, "we're not chasing them down!"
Stopped at Dunn Bros for some well deserved hot chocolate for me and Earl Gray tea for Amy.
It was just Amy and me, but that's all it takes. Delightful ride for me, but I'm not so sure Amy enjoyed it too much. 63/ 16.0-17.3 (computer is being replaced tonight. It's only 12 years old)


A refueling stop. Amy can carry a lot of Sport Blocks in her cheeks.

Off And Busy

Spent another day at the house and off the bike. The only big thing left is the living room floor, otherwise it's all little stuff like, 1/4 rounds, sockets, switches, and a couple more plumbing connections. The living room is where all my tools and supplies are, that's why I'm doing that floor last.
Cut the hole for the kitchen sink today, and dropped it in along with the plumbing.
Remodeling the interior has been a real challenge for me, one I've wound up enjoying (now that it's winding down) a great deal. I've really fallen in love with this little house. It's far from perfect, but the inside is far from what it looked like when I bought it.
Saw this as I was leaving Delano. Made me smile. Kind of a mountain/ cross bike mentality.

Can't Stop

Brakes on Evil are wearing thin. I had to use a snow bank to stop during my Tuesday ride. So I pulled out the Allen wrench and needle nose pliers and tightened up the cable before today's ride. It's amazing the difference a properly maintained bike can make to ride safety. Who'd of figured? Felt great to be on the bike. 21/13.9
Took the new point and shoot out on the ride today to show it around and get it acquainted.
Didn't want to put to much pressure on it, so didn't ask for any pictures to be taken. Pretty snazzy, huh? I need all the help I can get.

Remember a week or two ago I was complaining about leg aches. Got 'em again yesterday and today. I figured out that it's installing the floors at my house that makes 'em hurt.

This year the Twin Cities have already reached the top ten for all time snow fall in a season. Another storm is predicted for next week. If it hits us as predicted, it will put us into the top 5. Not sure I'm excited about approaching the podium in this case.

Off

Worked at the house until 5pm today. Put the bedroom floor in. I kind of got lost in what I was doing and didn't get home in enough time to get out and ride. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. Not riding was in no way connected to the windchill staying below zero all day.

Ch Ch Ch Change

Temp dropped almost 20 degrees in less than an hour and a half today. The exact same hour and a half I was out riding, and I was dressed for 40. Wet and sloppy at the start. I was amazed at how quickly that changed to hard and slick. Evil kept me up...no problems. 21/14.2