tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45481273667807024532012-02-01T11:15:44.489-06:00My thoughts and ramblings on life, cycling, running, endurance, and other outdoor endeavors as I enjoy life's journey.Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.comBlogger6391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-39471985680527649552012-01-28T13:06:00.007-06:002012-01-28T14:20:06.017-06:00

After putting in thirty hours at work in two and a half days it would have been nice to just stay in bed and catch up on some sleep. Rather than relax, I rolled out of bed at around 4:30 a.m. and headed to the park for some riding.I started out well before sunrise and followed the horse trails and snowmobile trails up to the NW corner of the park. The morning was beautiful and temps were in the

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-23382034112216172022012-01-23T21:31:00.005-06:002012-01-23T21:55:09.310-06:00

I purchased a new lens for my DSLR and I'm excited to get out and experiment with it.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-11840967550448512032012-01-21T15:54:00.002-06:002012-01-21T16:00:41.137-06:00

Wow!! What phenomenal day to be out riding the Pugsley.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-46045798417357211502012-01-20T22:12:00.001-06:002012-01-21T15:42:40.167-06:00

Commitment time begins...

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-29173725321972324862012-01-18T06:25:00.003-06:002012-01-18T06:31:29.809-06:00

Butternut squash triangoli with browned butter sage sauce. We had this along with fresh steamed broccoli. Delightfully tasty:) We have running club after school today with our 4th-6th graders and then I am off to the park for either a short trail run or a nice night ride on the Pugsley. I won't be spending time in the kitchen tonight.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-70505629985472994102012-01-16T19:03:00.045-06:002012-01-17T05:26:55.870-06:00

I left the Twin Cities and this brown dull winter to head in a northerly direction. Why? To search for that thing that I am missing...WINTER!! Snow has been very spotty in most of the state. XC ski races are being canceled, snowmobiling put on hold, businesses that depend on winter suffering, The John Beargrease sled dog race canceled, it's absurd!! However, I think I found the sweet spot

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-90084307990636482812012-01-12T09:56:00.003-06:002012-01-12T10:00:29.207-06:00

As always, there are some interesting and fun things going on over at Salsa.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-25736017690925543902012-01-08T17:46:00.011-06:002012-01-08T18:13:48.104-06:00

So, I thought it was January. You know...snow, frigid arctic wind, below zero temps, squeaky snow, snotcicles. Well, I guess that I am sadly mistaken, because we have none of those things right now. There was no fresh snow, cold temps, frigid wind, but rather, brilliant sunshine, way above normal temps, and no wind. It reminded me of riding gravel early last spring.Unfortunately, no llamas

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-8809527660023737372012-01-07T16:16:00.004-06:002012-01-07T16:45:22.297-06:00

It was a good day to ride. The horse trails were great and still had some remnants of the New Year's Eve snow fall. The single track was another story...I bailed after about 20 minutes due to the icy conditions and lack of bite with the Endomorphs. Cornering was really dicy so I opted to stick to the horse trails. I'm feeling as if I really need a ride through the Northwoods. At the same

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-87480403240991509232012-01-04T21:12:00.006-06:002012-01-04T21:19:32.000-06:00

Playing in the kitchen again...Tomato and roasted red pepper soup, grilled cheese with sauteed onions, colby jack and gouda cheese, on organic multigrain oat bread. Quite tasty :) Then, I went to watch a little local hockey.Buonanotte!

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-70336789216317983712012-01-01T21:13:00.012-06:002012-01-04T21:15:05.721-06:00

Finally....Snow!! Not by any means a winter storm dumping, but it was enough to make things white and right. The temps were hovering around 30 (F) and by the end of the ride winds were in the 20-30 mph range. What a great way to start the new year."C.J.'s New Masterpiece"I'm loving the new wheels on the Pugsley. They not only look cool, but they handle ride quite nicely. My only issue now is

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-53512436318257270042012-01-01T16:04:00.050-06:002012-01-02T11:08:54.099-06:00

This past year has been absolutely awesome in terms of riding and life in general. It was not without it ups and downs, but then, this is what life and living is all about. I truly enjoyed riding this year and was able to experienced so much....Including snow biking, spring time gravel, single track, urban cruising, and of course my favorite...northern Minnesota forest roads. Oh, I also got in a

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-11483984318927728062011-12-30T23:38:00.001-06:002011-12-30T23:40:36.077-06:00

So...This is winter???

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-4458642336593369332011-12-29T21:51:00.002-06:002011-12-30T22:45:42.573-06:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-34574912235026046282011-12-29T20:48:00.004-06:002011-12-30T22:47:44.710-06:00

It has been 24 days since I've had a real ride on a bike. My back had improved, but is still not 100%. Although the spasms in my lower back have subsided, I have radiating pain in my right gluteus muscles which is also extending down my leg. So, aside from the fact that it felt great to get out and ride today, it was not without some discomfort.Looking forward to snow tonight and riding the

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-64966075245020500372011-12-24T21:50:00.002-06:002011-12-24T21:51:03.559-06:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-7941159482432957542011-12-22T05:21:00.004-06:002011-12-22T05:49:49.728-06:00

For all of us living on the planet Earth nothing is more essential and fundamental as daylight. The sun is the Earth's ultimate source of energy and all creatures depend on it for survival. Many people refer to the long nights of winter as "The Dark Times".The shortest day of the year and the longest night of the year have passed. It is the end of "The Dark Times". This is a time for many to

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-23087498783401818232011-12-18T19:17:00.005-06:002011-12-18T19:23:57.447-06:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-24867275947525562802011-12-18T13:17:00.003-06:002011-12-18T13:25:49.161-06:00

Since I cannot ride I decided that I needed a diversion from thoughts of biking. With family coming to our house for the holiday I decided to make some homemade sugo (spaghetti sauce).Now that it is simmering, I can go to the man cave and introduce a Rolling Darryl to a new Larry.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-40093744276786631122011-12-17T10:32:00.005-06:002011-12-17T11:12:15.980-06:00

Slowly but surely my back is progressing towards recovery, but it is taking much longer than I would like. I have to exercise a good deal of patience in this matter and this is difficult for me to do.Five years ago, when I first went through this it was much much worse. Treatment involved, chiropractic care, traction, two cortisone injections, six weeks of physical therapy, and nearly three and

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-72415307513330850342011-12-15T20:39:00.000-06:002011-12-15T20:40:07.820-06:00

Deep Custom from Royal Antler on Vimeo.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-74121792455273768622011-12-10T09:29:00.003-06:002011-12-10T09:34:27.617-06:00

I managed to get a couple of photos from this mornings lunar eclipse. Not of great quality, but still kind of cool considering we won't see another one for three years. I was able to set my tripod up right on our deck. We actually could have viewed it from our dining room window, but it was more appropriate to be outdoors. The unfortunate part of the celestial event was that clouds obscured the

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-20438913377784208842011-12-10T07:52:00.004-06:002011-12-10T08:27:45.077-06:00

That is basically what I discovered this past week. After having back pain for several weeks it culminated into pretty serious discomfort after wiping out last Sunday on the single track. I went to the chiropractor yesterday, after several nights with no sleep, and the news wasn't great. However, it could have been much worse. I've had an L4-L5 issue in my lower back for quite sometime. Five

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-5774633194560327252011-12-07T18:45:00.008-06:002011-12-07T19:50:38.104-06:00

My Pugsley has been slightly transformed with a facelift of sorts. My old headset was rusted and worn out. I went on the cheap for the initial build three years ago which in the long run was not a good decision. The Pugs now has a shiny new Chris King headset.The most important part of the transformation has been the wheels. Surly Rolling Darryls with nice red rim strips.Also, some new red

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-84116440092405630802011-12-06T05:42:00.004-06:002011-12-06T15:05:08.414-06:00

I'm very disappointed about the news that Lake Shoes has gone under. Apparently Doug found this out through his LBS. I was hoping to get another pair that were larger yet for winter riding. Doug, this is an example of "good" hoarding.Merino wool base layers are the only way to go in the winter, especially for all day in the woods on the bike activity. I guess Under Armour and some of the others

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-35026203821798528632011-12-05T20:24:00.001-06:002011-12-05T20:26:18.438-06:00

Some have inquired about changes taking place with my Pugsley. Here is a hint, but please be patient....

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-25557998256555038492011-12-05T18:38:00.003-06:002011-12-05T18:56:24.213-06:00

Not like I have a big following anyway:) Apparently my blog is on the "Caution Don't Read" list. BwaaaaaaHaaaaaHaaaaa! I truly am laughing my ass off right now. Apparently my blog contains questionable material..."Bike Porn" possibly? Please check out the link below and accept my apology if I somehow offended anyone.Thank you to...http://statsie.com/billsmagicalmysterytour.blogspot.comThank you

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-64735812156784437962011-12-05T14:36:00.000-06:002011-12-05T14:37:05.015-06:00

Sorry, I won't be doing this anytime soon...

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-90178801312363926132011-12-04T16:58:00.005-06:002011-12-04T17:16:43.467-06:00

The park's transition into winter progresses slowly. We had 1-2" of snow Saturday night which left the park looking...rather wintry;) I don't want to be selfish, but I sure wish we could have received the 3-6" that fell to the SE of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro areas.Today was also the last ride on the "old" Pugsley. There are some changes coming in the next week. I'll have to pull out a

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-36048257376884568932011-12-01T11:05:00.023-06:002011-12-02T10:09:40.942-06:00

I spent Thanksgiving weekend visiting my parents and friends in northern Minnesota. As always it was good to sneak away and enjoy the forests from the saddle of a bike. When I'm up there in the woods it is my escape. I can honestly say that I never feel better than when I'm up in the northland cruising the woods alone. Everything else just seems to melt away and it's just me, the bike, and the

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-49748715056451953442011-11-27T19:19:00.007-06:002011-11-28T05:37:14.281-06:00

I really can't say much right now. I just returned from northern Minnesota and have to leave shortly to pick up my wife at the airport. My mind is still north and I will be going to bed with a very satisfied feeling after 60+ plus miles on the Pugsley over two days.This first photo shows a portion of Nathan Schroeder's 16 dog team half way through a 40 mile training run on Friday afternoon. It

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-82412371486551365192011-11-24T07:17:00.006-06:002011-11-24T07:27:10.549-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all...I have so much to be thankful for. My health, my sweet, very patient, and tolerant wife, my family and friends, my job, my students (past, present, and future), my passion for life and many other things. I truly hope that all of you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving while you enjoy good food and the companionship of family friends. Also, maybe even a bike ride.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-44381396014639849932011-11-21T05:53:00.014-06:002011-11-21T10:06:43.131-06:00

This past weekend was perfect. We had our first snow and I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely. It was great to see others out making the best of the wintry weather. The Minnesota Cyclo Cross Championships were held Saturday in the snow, there were many trail runners out in the park enjoying this first coating of winter white, along with several of us on bikes. I also saw tracks made by

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-60053929861151003232011-11-19T20:15:00.006-06:002011-11-19T20:35:06.184-06:00

Well...maybe just for a little while.The temps are once again going to be in the 4o's (F) to 50(F) so this little teaser is only temporary, but it was enough to put a smile on my face.I covered a lot of territory including some of the local single track. Hopefully I can get out early in the morning and ride before everything gets wet and disappears."Makin' Tracks"Just over three hours of riding

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-81616412566008111602011-11-19T09:21:00.007-06:002011-11-19T09:48:16.121-06:00

My Pugsley will be undergoing somewhat of a face lift very soon.I'm hoping these (Husker Du) will be available soon, otherwise Larry's will be on order. There are a couple of other items on the list, but I'm holding out:)The weatherman is beginning to piss me off. They keep saying we are going to get a couple of inches of the beautiful white stuff, but the radar is telling me otherwise. I'm

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-67042639011468655302011-11-16T05:23:00.005-06:002011-11-16T05:34:57.054-06:00

Thanks Dave for this great write up on snow biking and proper etiquette while out there on the trails...XXC Magazine welcomes our friend and contributor Dave Byers to the blog (see ‘How To Get Fat, XXC’ #10). Dave has spent his winters “getting fat” out in Idaho for a while now and will be sharing some of that knowledge with xxcmag.com every couple of weeks throughout the season. In his first

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-79425476763677499142011-11-13T04:38:00.011-06:002011-11-13T13:10:05.864-06:00

The wait for snow continues.It's been another great week both on and off the bike. Night riding on Tuesday was absolutely fantastic and I was able to get in quite a few miles on my three hour sojourn into the forest. My running has finally kicked off and I'm starting to find my old running legs, slowly but surely. I just hope that my feet will hold up and that I can avoid the plantar fasciitis

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-45024376285019837292011-11-10T11:51:00.008-06:002011-11-10T21:06:20.408-06:00

Painting by Capt. Bud RobinsonThirty-six years ago today I was a seventeen year old with an adventurous soul. I skipped school and decided to head down to Duluth for a XC ski sale that was taking place at the Ski Hut and also the Continental Ski Shop. I was in need of new skis and some other gear for winter camping.Little did I know what the day would bring. One thing I will never forget is going

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-69993505702855599662011-10-31T06:22:00.001-05:002011-10-31T06:22:42.583-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-35223787112758761082011-10-30T20:36:00.005-05:002011-10-30T21:10:15.850-05:00

There is an amazing phenomenon going on in the Twin Cities area...It's called "Fat Bike Mania". A couple of years ago my Pugsley and other fat bikes were somewhat of an anomaly, something that deviated from what would be considered normal. As of late, the Pugsley is just one of many fat bikes out on the trails here in the Minneapolis-St.Paul metro area. They have now become the craze with many

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-83430888031024008652011-10-29T21:30:00.031-05:002011-10-30T04:48:43.775-05:00

 Contrary to popular belief... They are not just made for snow!  The small amount of rain we have received has done little to soften up the single track. It's still bone dry and hard as concrete. The beast likes the single track.  After several hours on the trail it was time for yard work and cleaning up the flower beds. Our last yellow rose of the season. We've had an absolutely beautiful

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-56945054157905492442011-10-25T12:05:00.006-05:002011-10-25T20:20:20.723-05:00

Surly has some fun stuff going on:)I thought that my Ed's Dead Red ones would be in at the LBS in a couple of days. Mama Mia!!!To my dismay, I discovered that the QBP website was not updated and that the red and white ones were completely sold out. They did have a few green ones left at the time of inquiry. Dammit!!!

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-34184877430454618532011-10-24T20:12:00.004-05:002011-10-25T06:15:07.781-05:00

I really love what this organization is trying to accomplish through music. Good stuff:)

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-21155841253924207532011-10-23T08:44:00.004-05:002011-10-23T08:52:16.214-05:00

Sunrise on Lake SuperiorSame scene about an hour later...This place just never ceases to amaze me!

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-84670386272218425762011-10-22T20:30:00.043-05:002011-10-24T00:52:45.803-05:00

What an amazing little trip this has been. Fifty three miles on the Pugsley yesterday, hiking with Patti and Bella today, nothing but perfect weather, and hundreds of photos to go through and edit. I'm feeling like a very rich man right now. Hope you enjoy the photos of our sojourn to the northwoods.Holly LakeIf you look closely at the photo of Holly Lake you will see a thin film of ice on the

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-3722992218880401332011-10-20T23:06:00.002-05:002011-10-20T23:09:15.315-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-35804762268069106602011-10-18T09:08:00.002-05:002011-10-18T09:11:39.510-05:00

Since snow riding on fatbikes is hopefully just around a nearby bend in the road, I felt this quote to be appropriate..."Snow riding is a little crazy, thus, good for the spirit. Your tires produce a musical crunch and create artistic tread patterns. Anyone who says mountain bikers are always occupied with speed and precision doesn't have a clue." -Tim Blumenthal

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-25927220017333358072011-10-16T08:19:00.003-05:002011-10-16T08:31:55.443-05:00

Photo by: Ben of Milltown CyclesAlthough I love my Pugsley I must admit that the Mukluk 2 is one sweet looking bike and one heck of a good buy. I would love to have one. Ben from Milltown Cycles did a write up on the Mukluk 2 on the shop's blog.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-77404522995805274512011-10-15T20:37:00.006-05:002011-10-15T22:28:02.560-05:00

Salsa has partnered with Revelate Designs and I believe they really have a good thing going here. Frame bags for the Salsa Mukluk are already available and similar bags for the Fargo, El Mariachi, and Spearfish will available in early 2012.Kudos to Salsa for getting this done. It's my understanding (Thanks to Joe) that Revelate is also making frame bags available for the Surly Pugsley and

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-10964520266584039932011-10-13T15:35:00.001-05:002011-10-13T15:37:13.696-05:00

300 Miles of Gravel Trailer from Jeff Frings Photography on Vimeo.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-30523806346151773632011-10-12T22:10:00.005-05:002011-10-12T22:17:39.333-05:00

Tuesday night was absolutely phenomenal. Bright lights, no need for tights, fast trails, full moon, and a night filled with coyotes singing, owls, and deer.We are so lucky to have this little playground so close to home.800 lumens of light also makes it nice when deep darkness falls in the forest.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-30611146808374718142011-10-09T15:17:00.006-05:002011-10-09T17:53:56.685-05:00

Nobody has to tell you that the weather in recent weeks has been absolutely phenomenal. We definitely could use a good dose of rain, but I for one am not going to complain about the weather being beautiful and the temps hovering around 80 (F) or higher. We have even been able to go night riding without tights! This is after all..."Lights and Tights" season. The single track is bone dry and rock

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-25180008460412542452011-10-07T20:25:00.009-05:002011-10-09T15:17:10.406-05:00

"The Good"My amigo Matt and myself did our first tandem ride together this evening. 40 mph winds made it a challenge and I have to say that it was far more difficult than I ever thought it would be. Pilot and stoker really have to be in tune with each other. We definitely have a long way to go. It really was a fun experience and I look forward to trying it again. The past few weeks have provided

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-24063957693259773992011-10-05T06:07:00.003-05:002011-10-05T06:43:55.794-05:00

Many residents living near Elm Creek Park Reserve reported seeing strange lights flying through the forest and prairie last night.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-63093585044881691812011-10-01T16:45:00.006-05:002011-10-02T19:11:17.156-05:00

THE PRESENT...I am really quite pleasantly happy and satisfied with where my life in its current state is at. I'm loving my teaching job, have the "BEST" damn wife in the world. I have a fine stable of bikes to ride with one more on the distant horizon. My free time is now spent riding the new single track, and enjoying my El Mariachi. She really is a fine dancer. In recent weeks I have

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-77012045241970364002011-09-29T06:06:00.009-05:002011-09-30T10:07:13.998-05:00

Autumn is upon us and we are now entering that time of year my friends and I lovingly refer to as "Lights and Tights" season. With the short daylight hours and the cool autumn nights it is time to get the light systems charged and the cool weather riding gear out.I ventured up to Elm Creek this past Wednesday evening for some solo riding and was planning on staying out until well after dark. With

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-65050655641623279292011-09-26T15:11:00.001-05:002011-09-26T15:13:08.833-05:00

Adversity. Or entertainment? You choose. from lacemine29 on Vimeo.I don't think I could take it this far:)

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-42277696557319522902011-09-25T20:30:00.006-05:002011-09-26T05:48:14.032-05:00

After a weekend of hanging out at the park it was time to give the the bikes a bit of TLC. So, when I got home from the cyclocross races, and giving the Pugsley a spin on the course, all the mountain bikes received a good cleaning and a coat of Pedro's Bike Lust. You see, I'm a bit anal retentive when it comes to my bikes. They probably get better care than either my car or my wife's. Which

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-76027079889492985882011-09-25T16:47:00.011-05:002011-09-25T19:57:44.190-05:00

What a great weekend for cycling at Elm Creek Park Reserve. On Saturday the Three River Park District hosted an open house at the trailhead for the newest single track trail system in the Twin Cities.All the celebrities came out for the event including Travis from MGC and our amigo Kenny.Trailhead Cycle, REI, MORC, Erik's, Maple Grove Cycle all had tents at the event. MGC and Trailhead were

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-5606780695941380922011-09-19T13:13:00.022-05:002011-09-21T17:13:06.927-05:00

"The Pilgrimage to Chequamegon"The 2011 Chequamegon 40 is now in the history books and we've all come away from the experience with some damn good stories. So, what is it about the Chequamegon experience that makes it like a pilgrimage to Mecca for many of us mountain bikers here in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area? For many it's the challenge of conquering the course and setting a

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-9926977176836481782011-09-16T10:11:00.002-05:002011-09-16T10:13:50.814-05:00

CHEQUAMEGONby: Kenny Schik(My mountain biking compadre)Another summer come and gone, that means it's time for Chequamegon!Legs,mind,and heart are ready to go, the first 18 miles to double O,Pave, grass, dirt and sand, all combine to make the ride grand.Fire Tower hill at 30 miles or so, pushing, not pedaling makes it slow,And after that comes the test, will your ride suck or be your best?10 more

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-26924573572497233892011-09-16T08:41:00.002-05:002011-09-16T08:51:55.140-05:00

I'm heading off for the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival with my amigos this morning and awoke to find the follow in a FB message from my brother.It's adapted from an old Johnny Cash song "Don't Take Your Guns to Town". The young man's name in the song also happens to be Bill.A young Bike rider named Billy V grew restless on the farmA man filled with wonderlust who really meant no harmHe changed his

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-5805048486893398572011-09-13T21:42:00.007-05:002011-09-14T06:21:03.458-05:00

Since my last post...~I lost my $400 digital camera on the single track and it was found and returned. I'm happy to be part of a great cycling community here in the Twin Cities.~On the same day my camera was found and returned I smacked a tree going wide open on a downhill run on the Elm Creek single track. Got help from some other cyclists, but continued on despite being battered and bruised.~

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-72485092240766916302011-09-05T17:25:00.004-05:002011-09-05T17:48:55.198-05:00

I'm telling you that you could not ask for a more perfect day to be the final day of summer. Of course, not according to the lunar calendar. That technically will not take place until the Autumnal Equinox on the twenty-third of this month. The weekend itself was phenomenal despite things that occurred. A road ride on Saturday ended with me seeking medical attention for a sting to the front of my

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-38355090992487618142011-09-04T14:11:00.002-05:002011-09-04T14:29:43.566-05:00

It's been a bit more than a week since I lost my camera somewhere along the new Elm Creek Park Reserve single track trails. I had stopped to take a photo of two deer that I came upon on the MORC section of the trail. In the process the dear where spooked and the photo was op was lost. Rather than placing the camera and case back in my rear jersey pocket, I attached it to my Camelbak's sternum

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-24287386809347339132011-08-26T06:56:00.002-05:002011-08-26T07:03:58.791-05:00

The Surly Moonlander...coming to an LBS near you sometime soon. 4.7 Tires!!! How fat can you possibly get? It will be interesting to see what the folks at Interbike have to say about Surly's latest creation. According to Guitar Ted, Surly also has some other surprises coming.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-64655683781021494052011-08-25T16:58:00.002-05:002011-08-25T17:16:04.824-05:00

Well, I sent an email to Freeload about their product, which I think is very good, and today I got a reply from the company. Apparently the rack on the Pugs in the photo is a prototype. They are bringing the prototype to Interbike which takes place in several weeks and are going to meet with the folks from Surly. Tim said he would love to have a product on the market very soon. He asked if I

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-80790770633871704302011-08-24T19:21:00.011-05:002011-08-24T20:26:23.214-05:00

However, my dilemma is which rack is the right rack for me. I'm currently looking at two different racks that both appear to be of very good quality. The Old Man Mountain Cold Spring Load Capacity: 50 lbs. Weight: 610 g Price: $164.99 The Freeload Sport Rack Capacity: 25 kg (55 lbs.) Weight: 810 g (with med. length struts) Price:

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-55302145449143542682011-08-22T22:48:00.021-05:002011-08-23T13:42:35.179-05:00

Having just returned from a long weekend fishing trip to the Minnesota border country, I have been doing a lot of thinking. Oh, not just about the trip, trust me on that. Mostly about my folks and how the past several years have been so very hard on them. To watch my parents age and see their health start to slip has been a very difficult thing for me. Over this past weekend, having to be my

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-25221217366669624852011-08-18T07:57:00.002-05:002011-08-18T08:08:07.311-05:00

So, just what are the adventure possibilities one can experience with a fatbike? Check these two links out. The first is Gnat's little beach adventure in Alaska and the second is an Icelandic adventure posted on Mtn Bike Review's forum. Very cool stuff:) http://www.gnatlikes.com/gnat-likes-bikes-blog/2011/8/18/alaska-take-one.html http://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/iceland-trip-report-730035.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-12677984845747289992011-08-16T14:24:00.004-05:002011-08-16T18:40:06.226-05:00

I just had to share this one. I posted on facebook the fact that I was looking for a good quality winter sleeping bag that was rated (-20F to -40), and I asked if anyone had advice or suggestions. I received the following from one of my former track and cross country runners... "Mr Vitali. Can you explain your reasoning for working hard at least 40 hrs/week to spend your weekends pretending to

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-13795482512043680902011-08-15T07:37:00.016-05:002011-08-15T14:53:49.719-05:00

I just returned from a great weekend in northern Minnesota. Due to the schedule I really didn't have the time for an all day ride like I would have liked, but I did manage to get in two really good rides non the less. Some of my time was spent helping my folks around the house and in the yard. At 88 and 86 years of age they have become somewhat limited in what they can do due to health issues. So

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-81399316803610419132011-08-11T11:03:00.004-05:002011-08-11T11:06:20.123-05:00

I'll be gone for a few days...

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-23362277579197082292011-08-11T07:45:00.006-05:002011-08-11T08:21:26.769-05:00

I have recently been caught in the midst of a love affair! Despite this fact, my intimate relationship with the new Elm Creek Park Reserve continues to grow. Not many dry days have gone by where I haven't been riding this ribbon of dirt that is a mere 5.5 miles from our home. It has become a mountain bike nirvana for bikers living in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. As the word spreads

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-40645527223691923252011-08-03T21:49:00.006-05:002011-08-03T21:56:03.375-05:00

It was day for tackling hills...One after anotherA day to enjoy some beautiful scenery,What more could you ask for?

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-31260511185731380412011-08-02T18:16:00.004-05:002011-08-02T21:31:56.836-05:00

I'm feeling a very strong desire to get back up north and do some riding. This is the first stretch of road on the next little cycling adventure. I have this nagging idea in the back of my mind that it would be fun to do this ride at night. I can almost hear the wolves howling:)

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-26839595050930598172011-08-01T13:32:00.000-05:002011-08-01T13:34:17.997-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-37059044759326886672011-08-01T09:07:00.008-05:002011-08-01T10:10:29.857-05:00

Two weeks ago we spent several days up on the North Shore of Lake Superior. I did a couple of phenomenal bike rides on various forest roads in Superior National Forest. We also did some hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail, and spent a good deal of time just relaxing and enjoying the various moods of Lake Superior.I was totally uninterested in writing up a long detailed narrative on my rides and

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-63092055520697841432011-07-21T00:25:00.002-05:002011-07-21T00:27:23.872-05:00

All I can do is post a single cycling photo from the past week. Still processing and very sad to be leaving this beautiful place.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-85013115092049768802011-07-18T21:59:00.002-05:002011-07-18T22:00:48.095-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-1744604734883853292011-07-17T07:54:00.003-05:002011-07-17T09:40:20.226-05:00

Sunrise and fog on Lake Superior

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-13445070888505497552011-07-15T13:20:00.002-05:002011-07-15T13:23:04.381-05:00

Heading north for a week on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Excited to do some hiking, kayaking on the big lake, and a good deal of adventure by bike. Later...

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-52756535227966175182011-07-11T13:19:00.004-05:002011-07-15T12:38:25.261-05:00

Just when you think FAT could not get any FATTER...Surly comes up with something REALLY BIG!

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-16736871767531824612011-07-11T03:20:00.002-05:002011-07-11T03:25:28.016-05:00

It's time for me to do something other than ride single-track...

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-73646058635819292512011-07-09T15:35:00.007-05:002011-07-10T10:20:46.994-05:00

I've heard it said that the quality of a mountain bike ride can often be determined by the amount of dirt that is accumulated on one's legs. That being said, today must have been a very good ride.My confidence in the cornering is not what it should be to be really fast. Also, I have this fear of crashing really bad and breaking things.Photo by: Jay ThompsonThe group I rode with today is just

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-6516664292940691342011-07-09T07:49:00.005-05:002011-07-09T08:36:00.353-05:00

I spent the past two days riding the new single track in Elm Creek Park Reserve and I must say that it just keeps getting better. The more it is ridden, the more packed the trail gets, the faster it gets.The trail really has a good feel to it. It swoops and winds its way through the forest and prairie areas. It has many sections with some very nice rollers and this along with the other design

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-37511995267252025012011-07-07T22:55:00.006-05:002011-07-07T23:36:27.123-05:00

Well, my drop bar experiment on the Redline Monocog Flight was not a failure, but it was also not a good set-up for single track riding. The drop bars were phenomenal on the gravel roads and I believe would still be great for races like the Chequamegon 40 that have a limited amount of single track riding. However, I just didn't feel good about riding them on much of the local single track. For

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-21904447413952220942011-07-05T08:08:00.018-05:002011-07-07T22:33:50.165-05:00

We spent some peaceful time at the lake over the Fourth of July weekend. My wife's family has a cabin on a lake up in Aitkin County, and as we do every year for the Fourth, the family gathered. Fortunately for me, I was able to escape from time to time and enjoy the area on my own.With twenty-two people at a small cabin it's difficult to find time for yourself, but I managed. I could have brought

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-48863067827036169892011-07-02T10:09:00.000-05:002011-07-02T10:09:42.250-05:00

This is pretty damn awesome! Now, I guess I'll have to get a pack raft. Ideas are jumping around in my head and this is never a good thing.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-50792551952530569022011-07-01T14:24:00.011-05:002011-07-08T06:16:11.854-05:00

Well, the time has finally arrived and we have seen the opening of Elm Creek Park Reserve's new single track trails. With the help of local volunteers, contractors, MORC, and many others this project has finally become a reality. There is still much to do and the technical portion of the trail still remains "under construction", but many people, including myself, have been out enjoying the trails

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-84576013431038024312011-06-27T08:46:00.017-05:002012-01-01T16:39:01.349-06:00

I ventured north this past weekend to visit with my parents and help them out with their yard work, chores around the house, and taking my mother out on errands to the grocery store and pharmacy. It's been difficult watching them get old and my father's health and the care involved is beginning to wear on my mom.However, I was also fortunate enough to find time to venture out on the bike and log

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-35246348240623703532011-06-23T08:07:00.004-05:002011-12-31T17:33:27.140-06:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-70226939363118905242011-06-22T08:36:00.039-05:002011-12-31T18:40:46.148-06:00

Lenroot LodgeIt's taken me several days now to process this past weekend's adventure into the woods of northern Wisconsin. Our time spent there riding was phenomenal, but it was also not without disappointment.We drove up from the Twin Cities on Friday morning, quickly unpacked and readied ourselves and our bikes for an afternoon of exploring and warm-up for the big day on Saturday. For the past

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-4657491330587996092011-06-21T14:22:00.007-05:002011-12-31T17:45:05.028-06:00

Wild IrisWild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis)

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-35131722892815176952011-06-19T12:58:00.001-05:002011-06-19T13:00:07.641-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-72499225739889826042011-06-16T17:56:00.001-05:002011-06-16T17:59:53.543-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-27594811733708927892011-06-16T09:04:00.003-05:002011-06-16T09:08:17.677-05:00

Photo by Gnat: www.gnatlikes.com

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-45272982380851507822011-06-15T18:33:00.004-05:002011-06-15T18:41:09.143-05:00

Starting to get nervously excited for the weekend. I still have more packing and organizing to do.

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-35753750741354719802011-06-13T21:08:00.003-05:002011-06-14T06:53:36.631-05:00

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4548127366780702453.post-28558562104230261622011-06-13T02:25:00.012-05:002011-06-13T08:34:44.389-05:00

Do remember that first dance you had back in high school or whenever? You probably thought about how exciting it was and maybe even fell in love. I relived the experience this weekend, but it was on a mountain bike. Now, I'm not saying that I'm in love or anything like that, but I think it is going to be lasting relationship. It's sad to think that yesterday was June 12th and it was my first real

Vitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01277306434031774094noreply@blogger.com1