2009

TOTAL MILES RIDDEN:
11,481

FAVORITE BOOKS:
City Of Thieves (1)
The Double Bind (2)
The Piano Tuner (3)

FAVORITE MOVIE:
Star Trek

FAVORITE POST:
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Services
We set out on our two wheeled pews, not quite at sunrise, but devoted, nevertheless, to showing our reverence, appreciation and respect. Only two of us were in attendance, but our sanctuary was filled to overflowing with southeast breezes, rolling hills, lakes, trees, horses, barns and bright glorious sunshine. The service was oriented more around discourse and discussion of doctrine, rather than the ritual ordinances of intervals, sprints, pacelines or hill repeats. We remembered with the sacrament by partaking of the Gatorade and Powerbar, and enjoyed the hymns sung by the choir of tires and asphalt. Our worship never ends and is not limited to one day a week. We worship six days a week and rest one. Our love is undeniable, our sacrifice complete. We are true disciples of the one and only. 53/17.6

MEMORABLE RIDES: (take a look at my blog archives for these)
Saturday February 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

FAVORITE RIDE:
Saturday, April 11, 2009

TEN FAVORITE RIDE PICS: (no particular order)

MOST MEMORABLE EVENT:

April 29, 2009 The Day My Mom Died.

A whole new perspective was brought to my life by her death. All I can say is, life is very different when you have no parents, even when you're as old as I am.

I was close to my siblings already, but am amazed at how close we've become since her death.

The out pouring of thoughts, love, kindness and wishes from those who knew her was awe inspiring.

I need to thank Amy, for how kind, supportive, encouraging and helpful she was after my mom's death.

MOST PROMISING EVENT:

Meeting Emily

With all the amazing things that have happened to me in 2009, there is still no greater joy that I receive, than from my children Ethan, Britney and Gabrielle.

Last Ride Of The Decade

Doubt I'll be in the saddle tomorrow.
It seems like there should be a little more fanfare than this, and you'd figure I'd have a photo or something, but no, just a 21 mile ride on a cold December evening.

Better

Felt a little better today, but decided to keep it indoors again, just to be on the safe side. I'm pretty sure I'll be out tomorrow. Hour and a half again today.

Stayed In

Really beautiful out, but not feeling too good today. Little achy, sore throat, and a cough kept me inside. I did make it over to the gym for an hour and a half of some elliptical action.

ICE Ride The Sequel

About a 3 hr ride with Ron. He was sporting his Roger, with 40cm Nokians and a single speed. A little over 30 ice covered miles. Today's effort called for some of Tom's hot chocolate.

From The Bluffs of The Mississippi
Got home and hurried to hang with Elijah, my 7 year old grandson. We worked on some Lego he got for Christmas.

This
And This
Makes This
Winding down now, after an absolutely wonderful Christmas weekend, enjoying a little quiet time and seeing what my camera sees.

ICE

Started raining about noon yesterday. Turned back to snow around 8pm, and then everything froze. There was 1/4 to a 1/2 inch of ice on the roads and trails. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous as I started. I rode to the LRT trail head in Hopkins and then started down the trail, but it was so bumpy with solid-ice foot prints and ruts that, for me and my lack of technical skills, I just turned around. Still plenty of solid-ice ruts and foot prints on the paved trails, but they seemed more manageable, for whatever reason. As I continued to ride I got more and more comfortable. The Winter Beast really showed it's stuff today. Wound up being out for 4 hrs.
99% of the ride was on ice. Never went down. Only time I slipped was when I was off the bike. Nokians are worth their weight in gold, and they are heavy. 44/??

Icy Path
It Was Beautiful Out But Dangerous
Minnehaha Creek Not The Trail

Happy Christmas To All

Gave the bikes a day off since it's Christmas.
Over the river and through the woods to Grandpa's house they came. I served up my world famous wild rice soup, and rolls, with a pumpkin and french silk pie for dessert. And YES! I made them all and from scratch, no less. Unfortunately there isn't a ride long enough to burn off all these calories.

Taylor, the newest grandchild sporting her Mrs. Claus outfit.

The other three Elijah, Kelsey and Bryson playing the recorders Grandpa gave them for Christmas. Don't worry, that wasn't all they got from me.

It was wonderful to be with my kids and grandkids. We have great memories, and are building more. I get no greater joy, than from my kids and grandkids. In all honesty though, the recorders were starting to get a little hard to take, but then, they're being played at their houses now, and their parents are dealing with them. I got kind of a two-for, didn't I.