Thursday, October 7, 2010

Falltastic

Got out over by Normandale Lake, Bush Lake and the Minnesota River this afternoon, just enjoying the beautiful weather and colors.





Put more miles on the old hairy legs after my quest for color. Shortened it up a bit got kind of a late start, and had a mechanical. Less than a mile into the ride I noticed the left crank on the Cannondale was loose. It wasn't a problem yesterday when I rode it. Kind of strange, but tightened everything up and finished the ride without any other issues. Got home and used the correct tools to make sure my field repair was good. It sure is gorgeous out. What a nice fall. 30/17.0

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Miles

October is a month of no expectations. I'm just putting in miles for the rest of the year and enjoying the scenery. Point and shoot is in my Left Jersey Pocket, and if I see something I like, I stop and steal a picture. 33/17.0

This Is Some Of What I Saw Tonight




Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Still Perfect

Along Minnehaha Creek Tonight. 33/16.9

Monday, October 4, 2010

Stretch

What a great stretch of weather. The heat and humidity of August and September is only a distant memory now. Another spectacular day and ride.
Saw a blurry glimpse of an orange backpack and heard a, hi Tom Russell, as I got back on the greenway, for the last mile of tonight's ride. Could've only been Amy. 33/17.0

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Perfect Weather Perfect Ride

All the ingredients of a great ride were combined today. Ideal temps (in the 50's), tons of sun, good friends, beautiful fall colors, lots of laughs, great conversation, and a pace that wasn't too slow, or too fast, but just right. 54/18.3

My rear wheel is in this picture that Steven took. From front to back Steven, Amy, Steve, Greg and Meg.
I took these photos on my way to Ethan's. The leaves are getting that burnt tinge to them now indicating the colors are past peak. Seems a little quick to me, but it was still a lovely fall here in Minnesota.



Came home from Ethan's tonight, after seeing my extremely cute grand kids, and this (1 of 3) was in my parking lot. Yesterday a train derailment today a little wildlife. City life has a lot of variety to it.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Foxholes And Fall Colors

Mike, Paula, Amy and me on a perfect day for a ride. Temps started out definitely nippy, in the 40's, but the sun couldn't have been brighter. These are the kind of temps that motivate you to move along so you can stay warm. The roads ideal, several had recently been re-paved and it was smoooooooth sailing. A little bit of work as we headed into the wind to Hanover, but overall it was a nice moderate pace. We saw some glorious fall colors in Medina and along the Crow River. I've come to believe that there are no Atheists in foxholes or when viewing fall foliage. Just awesome.

Mike was in great form as he was fresh off a stunning performance at LoToJo, a 200 mile race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He finished in just over 9 hours and was still in great hill climbing form as he handed my ass to me up Christmas Lake Hill and Purgatory Creek ravine. Paula also raced LoToJo, and finished in just over 10 hours. Unbelievable!

It was one of those rides where the most common thought in my mind was, it doesn't get any better than this. 82/19.6 (this is a really good result for me, at this time of year)

I was home for about 5 minutes when Amy called and said, you should grab your camera and get some pictures. A train derailed off the tracks by your place. It's just at the end of your parking lot.









Not sure what caused the derailment. I talked with a couple of the railroad guys. They were not very talkative, and not real happy that I was there. I'd gotten there before they did. No one was hurt. About 30 minutes ago (11pm) they cleared all the cars from the track. The derailment took place at 1pm. They've got to repair the tracks still, but anticipate trains will be moving along the tracks again by tomorrow, Sunday. They fixed that all up pretty damn fast.
Spent several hours talking with Gabrielle this afternoon. That was so nice. Then had beers with my old cycling buddy Gordy tonight. Girl problems!
All-in-all a pretty interesting day today. Think I'm going to go to bed now.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Peak

Color is peaking. Tomorrow and Sunday will be breath-taking. Just a beautiful evening for a three and a half lake ride. 13/slow and gorgeous

My Beloved Greenway

Lake of the Isles
Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet Sunset Through Pine