Sunday

Well after the ride yesterday and all the alcohol there was no racing for me today. Took Nate to the race and he did good and enjoyed the race. I think he took like 4th or something in the jr's race. They group all the kids 18 and under in the race. So he did alright and wasn't that far back from the leaders. Pat and Russell raced the c's and Pat got 6th and Russ got 30th. I saw Ron out there and he was racing the race in the fixed gear state. Russ said Ron got 3rd wow racing the fixie he is a freak. I don't know how Jerry finished but that was cool the he was racing the cross bike again. Will have to check the web site and all the results later.

Only one more WORS race and then it's bmx time. Going to take it easy this week and have fun at the last race. Going to try to get a night ride in this week and try the new light for the helmet. It will be nice because the stadium is great but it's always nice to have some light for the eyes. It was always hard to get one that was as bright as the stadium but I picked up a HID that has a 4 hour battery so it should be nice for the long rides. I really can't wait to use it.

Have to get my butt to the couch and get this foggy feeling behind the eyes to go away. Needless to say no ride today as the beer is still leaking from the pores. Later..

9/30

Went for a easy ride with Nate today. We hit some local trails by the house and we found big puff ball mushrooms and Nate was picking them and throwing them at the trees. It was hilarious to watch them explode and fly everywhere. I put some new tires on the single speed and they were fun to ride. They are the Kenda flames and are 2.125. They make the bike about 5#'s heavier. The tires are slicks and leave a flame pattern in the ground as you ride. It should be fun on the ride tomorrow.

I have been riding easy all week and now after the recovery I'm ready to ride again. I'm doing the Lake Geneva ride and taking Nate to the cross race on Sunday. If I don't drink to much maybe I'll race the cross race. I know I can do it on a hangover as last year Russell and I drank a gallon of Mogan David concord grape wine at Bonnies crib and did a cross race the next day. It was a little of a struggle at the start but as the race went on I felt better. So we will have to see how it goes tomorrow. Have a great race to all those racing and good rides to those who are riding. Later..

9/28

Well it's been a couple of days on the trainer. I took off Monday and got things done around the house and cleaned bikes. Tuesday was a spin ride on the rollers and getting the legs loosened up from the Sunday race. Then Nate, John, Russell and myself went to the Brewwers game. It was a great game and the Brewers won. Nate came ahome with 2 balls from the game so that was real cool. The Reds players would toss the baseballs to the kids in the seats and Nate was lucky and got 2 balls tossed to him. Today was a night ride but it was raining so again it was a workout on the rollers in the basement. This weekend we are going to do the ride around Lake Geneva and have some beers. Nate wants to do the cross race sunday so we will try to make it to the race so he can race. Well have to get the kids to bed and get myself to bed. Later..

Sunburst Raindown

Well what can I say? The first 3/4 of the family had perfect racing conditions. Maddie we think has strep throat again but she raced and pulled in a 3rd place again. She was smiling coming past for her second lap, what a great feeling that she is enjoying the racing as much as she is. Nate dropped the bomb again and finished 2nd in the cit boys 10-14. He did well and it was fun to watch he come by after the first bottom half and he caught the wave in front of him and they were flying. In the end he finished I think 13th overall for the cit class. All I think is boy, the kid is flying for a little squirt. I hope that he just keeps up the training and enjoying the racing. Cece again was 3rd in her age group and 8th overall for the cit ladies. Man she only races her bike I wish she would train and try a few of the sport or the WEMS races. But hey she is racing and I'm not complaining.

Now for the fun part of the day. I was in a real different type of feeling before the race started. Knowing that I couldn't get the series overall and had 2nd locked up it was a different feeling. Not the typical dozens of times to the blue coffins to leave a deposit or a nervous feeling or anything. I just had to ride the race and enjoy it and let it end the way it did. I started the usual way the 3 or 4 of us in the lead and riding along. After the first bottom swing I was in 2nd and Paul was off the front but as we got to the hill climb Todd and I caught him and the 3 of us rode together for a while and then we rode that way until the end of the first lap. Then we rode up the hill and a few of the other racers caught as we were just riding not pushing it. And then fun started. It started raining during our climb and we ended up walking our bikes some because of the rain. I was sitting in 4th and I picked up my bike and it was easier because all the mud that the others were getting in their bikes. I went in to the field and it was raining so hard and all I had to ride with my eyes closed at times and came out of the field in 2nd. I caught the rider in front of me and rode with him for a while. When we got to the top it was thundering and lighting and all and I'm thinking holy crap. But rode on and the Mike caught us and it was the 3 of us riding together. We heard that the race was shortened and I hit the gas to try to drop the others and it worked. Coming into the last long mud uphill I slipped and had to run up the last part and Mike caught and passed me. I'm thinking crap that's it and the race is his but he caught me at the top and I got on the gas and tried to chase him down. I was gaining on him and was right there and I'm thinking close but not this time and he misses the chute and I wave to him and come across as the winner. But bummer for Mike as he worked hard but I pulled the rug at the end for the win. But as it goes know the course and the finish or you may pay. I got the win for my age today and was 3rd overall for sport.

I didn't stick around for the results of others as it was raining again and I had 3 kids to bath and 4 bikes to clean when I got home. So I will check the results later and great job to all who raced and finished in the mud and rain. Only one more race and 3 or 4 pub crawls to finish this year. Next weekend there are 3 races and a pub crawl. Enough said for racing it's time to ride and drink. Later..

2 more

Nate, Maddie and myself just got back from pre riding the course for the sunburst showdown. It is running a little different this year then in the past. We are doing some of it backwards but much of it is the same. The climbs seem to be better this year and the course has a little better flow but come race time it will still be the fact that we are racing on ski hill and the hills will take a toll on me. If it rains the course should be a hoot as there are a lot of spots that are in the mud. I think I may take the single speed and race it if it is real bad out there. Just have to wait and see.
So we have only 2 more races and then the season is over and we may do a cross race or 2 then it is bmx racing. We are looking to maybe skip a lot of the cross ones because NATO has to race with the 18 and under and he is only 11 so that makes it kind of a waste of money. Also the barriers are up to his knees and he has to really work to get over them. We could get some good training in and once the bmx starts we will skip the rest of the cross any ways. So I will let it up to NATO and if he says he really doesn't want to race cross e won't. Well have to get my hair cut and get the bike race stuff ready. Later..

9/22

Just been riding the ss and did a night ride last night with Russ, Coop and Bubba. I like riding the night rides more then any training or riding that I do. It is more fun riding and having to make last minute turns and stips. Hitting a few trees along the way are par for the night riding.

This weekend is the race at Sunburst and the last ski hill mtn bike race. It looks like it may rain the day before and the day of the race so that is never fun and there are areas where there could be alot of mud and make the race real dificult to do. I have never done well at this race but I hope to change the tables this year. It is also the award presentation for the youth team so the kids will be having some swag to take home so they are looking forward to the race also.

As all of you have heard pray for our friend and racer Jeff Littman as he is recovering in ICU from a bad road race crash. He is a good friend and sponsors a team that rides the road and mtn bike. I hope to see him back on the bike soon. Later..

Fat Tire Weekend

Well we made it back from the Cheq Fat Tire race. I did the short and fat this year and that was fun. It is a sprint from the start. I finished under an hour and 36 over all. But as always our age group was the fast one and I was 7th in age. Dan did a great job as he was 2nd overall on single speed in the short and fat. Lenny did great and finished shortly after Dan. As for the others they all had fast 40's this year. As for Jack he was pre riding and took a spill and wreaked himself so bad that he couldn't even walk. He didn't race and I know that the race being as dry and fast as it was he would have been right up at the top. Bdog and Jerry both had top 100 finishes so that is great and the others all were happy. Have to go now. Later..

Fat Tire

Well nothing to say except that we are off to the Fat Tire race tonight. Easy week before the race and hope to do well. Great job to all who raced over the weekend. Happy B-day to Russell that the fact as the dirty old man is 40 on Thursday. Have a good weekend and see you all at the next race. I will post when and if possible or when we get back. Of course what happens up there stays up there so you may not get all the facts. Well maybe if Jack has as much fun as in the past we may let you know. Later..

Boiling point

How hot can it get in the field before you pop? Wow it was another hot one in Kewaunee in the fields. The first to race was Maddie and she pulled another 3rd place. She did well and said she is enjoying the races. In the beginning it was a little of a bummer because she was so nervous and really didn't want to race. Now she just goes and races and gets it done. I'm very proud of her. Next was Nate and Cece. Nate was in the lead group but said he just didn't have it and came in 7th place today. He races well and never complains about his finishes and I hope that at the next 2 races that he pulls it together and maybe places in the top 3 again. As for Cece she got another 3rd place today and that is good since school has started and she gets little sleep trying to get the school work done.

As for me I got in a group of 3 of us and we got a good gap by the time we hit the dirt. We were able to drop Todd and that left only Paul and myself. Paul pulled and we got a lead that none of the others could close. During the first lap I just hit the heat in the fields and bam I popped. I got to the point that I threw up and felt like quitting. Paul yelled at me and said let's keep it rolling. I did and the when we hit the last single track I got caught behind the slow women and on was walking over the little rock garden and Paul got a gap before the road. I rode it in as I was in 2nd and was making sure that no one in my age group got me. That was the worst I have ever felt from the heat and just pushed it on and kept on rolling. This 2nd place now makes it a large enough gap that I have 2nd locked up.

As for the others there was some great finishes. Sara got the elite ladies over win which is way cool. I can't wait to see her finish in the Fat Tire 40. And Holly got a 3rd overall to. Ron got a 10th place and the goat got 11th. And Jerry rolling to a 2nd in age. And Jack Hammer getting in the top 20 also. To all the others good job. See some of you at the Fat Tire 40.
Later..

Last CR race

Well the races at CR are done for the year. As fitting as it was we don't ride in the rain but tonight we raced in the rain. We started off in a light rain and it was a little slick in the corners on the Alpha trail. I was on the Alpha on the 2nd lap and heard a load lighting strike that was close. It started to rain real hard but I was already on the single track on the other side of the road so I kept riding. There was a lot of puddles in the corners and you had to ride pretty slow or you would be on the ground before you know what hit you. I finished my lap and they said we are only counting 1 lap so I ended up in 4th and 1st age group. I figured if you have top race in it you might as well do the training race in the rain as we haven't raced in the rain yet. I finished 2nd in age group for the year which isn't to bad as I only was able to make half of the races. Ron won the most races and will get his prize money to. Great job Ron.

Nate raced real well today also as he finished 1st age group and did his 2 laps also. He came up the hill full of mud and was loving it. He beat many of the adults today as they were afraid of the mud and turns in the water. He just rode right through them. He finished 2nd in age for the year also and he only made half of the races also.

Today before the races I ran to the shop and put a new head set in my bike and Cece's bike. Wouldn't you know I would have to end up in the rain on the first ride. Cece's bike needed a new one for a while and Russell order me 2 Tange because he said for half the cost of the King you get one just as good with a life time warranty. I figured I would give them a try. They look nice and felt good today.

Well tomorrow is the last group ride for the road bikes also. We are looking that maybe in 2 weeks that we are starting the night rides on Wed. So get the light's ready and see you on the night rides. Well have to go get some ice cream and hit the bed soon. Later..

Labor Day

Well what a great weekend. I did a ride on Sat with Dan, Jerry, Jeff, Russ, Copper, and John. We meet at 60th and Oakwood and rode around windlake. It was a nice tempo 55 mile ride. I needed a ride that wasn't a hammer ride as last week it was a race Sun then Tues and Wed and then the group ride on Thur. My legs were still tired and I needed a ride that I didn't hammer on. I was lucky because the guys didn't mind that I sat in for most of the ride. I got home and washed the car and truck and then waxed both of them.

I didn't ride on Sunday as we went to Ottawa lake in Waukesha county somewhere. I was a great day at the lake as the kids just played in the water and we all had a blast. The kids needed a time to just run around and play after the first week of school. After every other weekend of racing it was what we needed to just break up the training and racing.

Today we went to CR and rode with Jerry and Al. We did a bunch of runs on the single track and then went to the top. We rode for about 1.5 hours. It was a fun ride and just what the body needed no real hammer. I love riding the single track there and can ride it for hours and never get tired of it. On the way home we saw Ron and Toni and they were at St. Martins fair which is a circus in the streets. Maybe next year if we are home and not racing we will go there to so the kids a different culture.

Well Not much but the family time together and a little riding to get ready off the next race. Have to get off the computer so the kids can play some games. Later..

Holiday weekend

Well there is one more race at CR next week. This week was a shorter race because it get's dark way to soon for all the racers to finish. I felt tired and raced that way the last time up the hill as Steve caught me and Al almost did to. Nate and Danny rode together as I told Nate to just ride at a good pace because he was tired from Sunday and Tuesday at the track. He rode to get the legs spun out and work on his single track. Maddie rode her 3 laps around the cap and played with Liz and hit a bucket of golf balls. I enjoy the trails at CR and may got there over the weekend if I don't feel like riding the road.

The Tursday ride was a fast one as Billy Jones and a few of the fast guys from Endeaver were on the ride. I went to the front down woods road and took my pull. Then the guys took their pulls and the next thing I know we are going 30 mph into the wind. Needless to say I sat in and then when we hit the hills they all just took off and we were off the back. Jeff and Dan worked real good and we could always see them but everytime they got to a stop light it would change when we were like 20 yards away. We caught them down woods road and rode in with them. Next week may be the last ride or we may need to shorten up the course we take. Today is a day off the bike.

Tonight Cece is going to sit on a phone bank for one of the tv stations to take money for the people who ar e now homeless down south. That means the kids and I are on our own for the night. Maybe some take out pizza and a movie is in order. Tomorrow we are doing a group ride with a bunch around wind lake at 8:45am and then maybe I'll cookout with the family. Go to go. Later..

Message board

I'm sitting here and thinking why do I ever read the WORS message board. The flaming that is going on the message board is just about the worst that I have ever seen. I have posted like 2 or 3 times on it and I do use my name JAY on the board. I think that I was refered to on the message board because I posted that Matt my have taken a short cut during the race and then pulled it from a post on my blog. I was saying that because I had heard that remark from a team mate of Matt's say "Hey Matt I seen you go straight at the turn off did you come back?". This was all after Greg called me over and asked me do you think Matt could have gone that fast? I said yes Matt is a fast rider and does beat us at the time trials by 3 or 5 minutes and Greg said enough for me it stands. I talked to Al Brunner and he said that the single speeders were a couple of waves behind me. That makes it kind of a funny feeling that Matt never passed me and finished 7 or 8 minutes in front of me. I came up to the same turn in question but after doing about 15 laps in the 2 days before I knew the turn was there. I talked to Greg and Tony before the start because Marty was telling us were skipping all the single track the first lap. I got to the single track and the course marshall was not there so that could have been a problem as when I got to the area where the trails come together there was riders coming from the trail that skips the single track. The problem is that some don't pre-ride and that theere was no tape or person there so that could have happened to anyone. I'm bringing it up because I was called a trouble maker for putting in my post about the possible sipped single track. You all know what I don't give a SHIT because I don't race Matt or anyone else. I have my own matters to focus on and my own races to take care of. So if I'm a trouble maker or a Punk come talk to me don't e-mail anything because I won't reply. This is the last that you will hear anything about it from me unless you have something to say to me in person. Good luck in your races.

The track is over so now the track bikes got to the back row and the bmx bikes move to the front row. The last night was ok but I was real slow and off the back faster then I knew what hit me. Maybe next year. The kis did ok Nate was tired but looked better and got 2 3rds. I guess only riding the track a couple times a week he does ok as he likes the mtn bike and the bmx. Maddie looked the best she has all summer and I hope that she gets better each year. Track is over and it was a fun summer seeing the kids get better each week. Maybe next year I'll go warm up and then just be a parent and take care of the kids at the races. Got to shower and go to bed. Later..

CR WORS race

WOW what a great day for racing. To start the day I helped for about 2 hours in the morning parking cars for the Alttera team. Then I had to get the family ready for their races. Maddie had a great start but she hit wheels witht the racer in front of her and went down on the gravel up hill right in front of us. I helped her up and she was off racing again. I went to the bottom of the hill and she had made up alot of the spots she lost. I got to the top and she was back to 3rd and finished in third. That was a great finish for her after her spill. She has really made great progress since her first race this year. I think if she keeps it up she can be a great racer some day.

Nate was next and he was 2nd up the hill right behind a 14 to 16 year old. He was going good and went down hard over the bars and had to get up and chase back to the guys ahead. By the hill on the back of the ski hill he ws back on the group. He pushed to the front by the next lap and worked with Travis and then it was a sprint up the final hill and he won the sprint and the 10 to 14 age group and was 16th over all of all the citizen racers. Not bad since he did the 28 mile ore to shore last weekend, track on Tues and raced the CR time trial on Wed. He also rode CR on Fri with Jerry and me and then pre-rode it on Sat. I guess he recovers pretty good. He rode great today.

Cece had a good race today and took a 2nd in her age group and was 6th overall in the lady cit class. She was strong up the hill and kept her spot the entire time that she raced the race. She lost a few spots when she fell today also and had to pass a few up the hills to get her place back. She passed Suzy Weigel and the last up hill. She raced great too.

Today I finaly hit on all cylinders and was flying. I had a great start up the hill and was sitting in about 7th by the top which is good for me. I passed 3 in the grass before the first turn and then got on the wheel in front of me and started to think when open up the jets. I got to the gravel pile and looked back and saw the guys I need to beat right behind me. When we hit the wood chips I waited until the little dips and hit it hard and got the 3 infront of me and never looked back. I had a good gap by the time I rounded the dump and passed 3 guys right before the single track along the river. I knew if I did that it would make it harder for those behind. I passed a few in the single track when they slowed to much and hit the open area at full speed and passed another few slower riders and just kept doing that and pushed when I could and recovered when I was stuck behind the others. At the end I won my age group and 12th overall. I said to myself during the race not on my play ground I will fight to win this race as I love this course and know every turn so well that I could drop anyone on my wheel.

Cudo's to all the other racers. Amy rocking all the ladies in sport on her single speed and getting 1st overall for all. Matt Brandt taking first overall also on single speed. Then to the others Jack 11th overall in elite on his single speed after racing the state crit yesterday. Goat pulling in a 14th on his single speed. Ron a 19th on his single speed( dropping his chain). Hey those single speeders were rocking today. Jerry was looking good but he decided to hit the deck a few times and kiss a few trees today. We will get him to keep it rubber side up soon. Oh yea Alan took 2nd and Danny took 3rd in the sport single speed also. Lenny took a 1st in the clyde sport today, not bad for a trackie. And Lori taking the 2nd in the elite women way to go. And the cookies were great by the way. Barb was looking good and I think a few more rides at CR we could have her flying in the single track and climbing hills faster. We will have to get her and Cece there and let them ride work on their skills. If I forgot anyone sorry and grat job today.

Have to get the kids in bed as tomorrow is the first day of school. Later..

Race ready

Well after riding the race course 3 times in the lst 4 days I think that I'm ready for the race on Sunday. The single track is in the best shape I have ever seen it in the last couple of years. The guys from the Alttera team have done a great job on getting the course ready to race. They have included the Alpha for all the racers and I think that they will enjoy it. The cit youth and the cit will enjoy the Alpha trail that they ride and the sport, comp and elite will enjoy the added more difficult trails. The temps should be nice and hot and the sun should add some fun to heat up the hills for the racers.

I hope the guys who felt the need to race the state crit today don't burn to many matches and that they can recover for the race tomorrow. I know that they like to go to the state crit and that it is a flat fast race but the race does take some of the gas from the tank and the climbs at the race tomorrow you will feel the efforts used today. Good luck to all you guys who raced today.

Tonight we are going to the Brewers game with the kids for the Bob Uecker (spelling?) nesting heads. We have a group of about 12 of us going so that should be fun. It sure is nice having a race that is only 10 minutes from the house and sleeping and playing at your home course. Have to go and start cooking the dogs and run to the store for some peanuts and candy. Now go get some sleep and see you at the race. Later..

Easy Ride

The group ride was a good ride for once. With state crit and the WORS race this weekend everyone was riding at a good tempo. The group stayed together for the first 2/3's of the ride and then Chuck and Jack jumped the front as they can't sit in and ride tempo. We rode tempo and chased and caught them in Big bend. At the end they took off again down Woods road but we just rode tempo in and when they rolled a stop sign we slowed and some put a foot down as there was a police car there. I guess last week a cop stopped the guys and told them that if they keep rolling the stop signs he would give tickets. He told them it would go against their drivers license but he was wrong about that but who needs a $156.00 dollar ticket. So for the start of the ride we will have to stop at the stops and maybe change the start to avoid them. The ride was a good 22 plus average with all the stops this ride so it was a good ride before the race.

Well congrats to Rita Kacala and Rob Springer. Rita took a silver in the 500 meter at the Masters track nationals and Rob took a silver in the 3000 meter and a bronze in the points race. And Gordy did well in his 200 meter but I don't know how the other races have faired yet so I will post when I find out. Good luck in the other races left.

The course for the race should be fun but they are saying it may rain so we will have to see how that will effect the race. The course hould be fun for all the racers and I think many will think that this is one of the most fun races in the series. I think alittle rain would help as the climbs are very loose and dusty. The rain would help the tires get alittle more grip for the climbs. If the rain holds out we are going to go pre-ride today after work and maybe tomorrow if they have a pre-ride. I know the trails but I want Maddie to not worry and to race well and more time on the trails will help her. Got to get going. Later..

CR report

Well I'll give a little low down from CR for Ron. So Ron where were you? What could have been so important that you didn't ride the Wed before the WORS race? Well that's Ok as some things need to be done before you ride. Jack won the race on his SS so that was covered since you weren't there. Jack liked it so much he is going to ride the SS for the race this weekend also. We did the comp expert single track from the Alpha trail for the race as Greg still is deciding if he wants the sport to do it. Greg is worried about the time that it my increase for all the riders to ride it so we don't know yet if sport will ride it. I think put it in but there will be a lot of people walking over the rocks or falling as yesterday I saw 5 riders drill there head into the ground as they were trying to ride that area. There was a large group at the races this week as the big race is this weekend.

I was tired at the start from racing the track and over the weekend so I was in the back row for the start and rolled up the hill in like 50th place. I really didn't care what place I was in for the race. I passed in the grass and a few right before dropping in the single track. As I was riding I could see the racers in the front already way ahead of us through the trees but I was just riding waiting to pass where I could and did alot of that during the race. The 2nd lap was faster as I passed all the goofs who leave there ass's on the hill start trying to get a good start and still finish like 10 minutes slower the 2nd lap because they pop in the first lap of the cap. Some day they will learn, ahh no they won't. I finished in a hour and some change so that is all I wanted as I didn't want to burn to many matches before the weekend plus I have the group ride tonight. Nate rode well and I hope he is ready for the race this weekend as he is racing cit again. Maddie rode a few laps on the cap as we are going to ride there on Fri and Sat so she knows her course. Later..

Vacation is over

Well it was back to work after 10 days off. It was the easy day of work as I had to pick up samples of soft serve for the city lab. What a great job I have. I then had to cut the lawn before we went to track as it was over 6 inches long. We went to the track for a perfect night for racing. Maddie had a great night of racing as she took 3rd in both of her races and got paid. That is always cool as she races but doesn't really take it serious. Nate had a good night but still made some bone head moves as he tried to make some moves and the others just hung on and went around him. He will learn one day I hope. He got 2 4th place finishes. I got in the $ for one of my races also so that always makes it worth the night of racing. Russell also made it in the money so that was a bonus as we all got some $ to take home. Tonight we are going to the CR races and it should be alittled crowded as the race is this weekend so some new faces wil be in the field. After 3 weekends of racing again I'm looking forward to the weekend with no races just rides and relaxing. Later..

O 2 S wrap up

Well got back to the cabin from the O 2 S at about 11:00pm. It was the most fun I had at a race in the longest time. Russell and I rode the entire race with Nate. He took 1st in his age group and was 126 out of over 892 riders. He was riding as hard as I have ever seen him ride and never let up. He did the 28 miles at a averag speed of 15.8mph. Not bad for a 11 year old kid. Russell and I finished at the exact same time of 1:46:12.7 so that was really cool. Oh yea Nate beat us both by .3 seconds. I was really fun to ride the race in zone 2 or 3 for the entire race and be able to look around while racing. We rode with Katie Antonneau and her dad for the first have of the race and she took first in her age group also. Cece and Barb raced to and both did well and had alot of fun also. Jerry was having a great race and then he broke his chain and then just finished the race but he was in good spirits. It was alot of fun as there was racers from every team and they all had good races. Next year I'm riding with Nate again and I hope that it is just as fun as it was this year.

We are up at the cabin for one more day and then it's back to Milwaukee for the start of school for the kids and back to work. I can't believe that the summer is over and that it's almost the end of the race season. We have 2 more nights of track and the CR time trials are almost over and the the night rides are going to start and those are the best rides that we do. I enjoy the night rides the most as they are laid back and just plain old fun. Also the pub crawls are going to start some and what can I say bikes and beer are alot of fun to. I have to get the kids to bed and start getting things ready to go home. Later..

Easy way down

Well Nate, Cece and myself went to the Rhinelander bmx track yesterday. It was really fun as Cece did a bunch of laps on my cruiser. She said she will never race but would ride a bunch of laps each time we go to the Hodag bmx track. Nate was picking up where he left off in the spring. He was jumping the doubles and the tables. I asked if he wanted to race Tuesday night and if he did I would also but he said no. That was ok because we would have had to get back to the cabin do some work and eat and try to get back by 5:30.

I did a easy ride on Monday and the legs felt fine after the race on Sunday and I started doing some work with my Dad on the walkway to the lake from the cabin. We have had the same path and stairs for the last 4o plus years. Now that my parents have made the place on the lake their home my Mom wanted a easier way down to the lake. My Dad started redoing the stairs the other day and when I got there on Sunday he said hey you can help me with the stairs and I said fine no problem. The blocks and the 60 pound plus flat patio blocks had to get down the path. Well guess how they got there? You guessed, I carried them to my Dad as he laid them down. Yesterday while we were at the bmx track my brother called saying he was coming to the cabin. I thought right away someone to help as I was alittle sore after Monday carring the bricks and blocks. Wade carried the rest to me as I laid the new stairs. We finished the stairs today which are about 100 yards long. I'm glad as I could not have done another day of laying the blocks. Job all done and they look really good.

Well Russell and Diane are coming up Friday and then we are off to the Ore 2 Shore. We are meeting Jerry and Barb to do the race. I'm riding with Nate and Cece is riding her own race. Although Mike Owens asked if she wanted to do the 48 on the tandem but I think she is thinking no to that. We will have to see if he comes with the tandem maybe she will change her mind. I'm looking forward to just riding and doing a race with Nate as he will be dropping me one of these days. Just relaxing as I'm kind of sore from working on the stairs and my gin gimlet is empty. I wonder what EVERYONE else is doing? Later

Welcome Back

Well what can I say. The family all had a good day at the races. Maddie started off the day in her cit youth class by taking a 2nd place and beating a girl that has been beating her all year. She was so happy and I'm glad that she is getting better each week. Nate moved up to the cit class for the first time and took 7th. The 4th thru 7th place were all less then 3 seconds apart so thet is a good finish for his first race in cit. He had chain suck and had to get off and take care of that so other then that he may have been able to do better. Maybe next race. Cece had another good finish as she took another 2nd place. She does so well for someone who only races the bike and never trains. I took 2nd place today so I think I was able to find the legs again. I found that the race course was perfect and I felt great the entire race. I hope that they keep the race in this direction. I seen all the others racing and it looked like they were all having good races. I like to see that the single speeders are taking some of the $ home at the races. Maybe Don will make ss class for experts. Have fun training and see you at the next race.

We are now at the family cabin in Rhinelander for the week. We are going to go to the bmx track during the week for traing on the jumps and bumps and ride in the afternoon. We are doing the ore 2 shore over the next weekend. Now it's time to finish watching Are we there yet. Later..

Vacation time

Well after training for the last couple of days I think I have some of the race legs back. The Thursday ride was the fastest of the summer so far. I didn't make it in the first group this week but that was ok as I was riding with Jeff and Samantha at a pace that still was over 23 mph average. I took the afternoon off on Friday and had lunch with John Rodgers and then came home and cleaned and worked on everyones bikes. Danny and I went to CR this morning and rode our ss for alittle over an hour. Now it is time to get the stuff ready for the race and then we are going to the cabin for the week and then to the Ore 2 Shore. See you all at the race. Later..

Racing along

Last night was the track and it was fun for once. The kids raced real well and Nate looked like himself again and Maddie rode her best yet. Nate finished in the money a few times and I did also. Some of the fast punks moved up and the others were not there. Tonight was the races at CR and I felt good there tonight also. I'm feeling better every day and I hope that I will have a couple of good races to finish off the WORS season strong. Have to get going as the kids need to get to bed. Later..

Rest Day

Today I decided that it would be a rest day. No riding the bike just lifting weights. Tonight we are going out to eat for Maddie's 10th birthday at the Chancery. She picked the resturant. Also taking Grandma out to eat for her 87th birthday. Have to get going so have a good one. Later..

Sunday

Well what to say. It was a easy 2 hour ride at CR with John. I have to say that after riding with John and working with him he is riding alot better and I hope that he rides more often with us. It was just an easy ride and more or less a recovery ride. When I got home I put a new bottom bracket in the race machine as I replaced the xtr big ring and had the bb for a year now. Had to get it ready for the next WORS race and the Ore to Shore. I hope to rebound for the rest of the year. Now sitting back having a vodka and lemonades and getting ready to cook some chicken tits. The nieghbors are having a fire tonight so we will sit back amnd toss a few colds ones down and roast a few marsh mellows. Tomorrow we are going out for Maddies birthday and may not have time for a ride. We will just have to wait and see. Good job Ron on the ss and to the guys on the epic ride. I fell good and the family is happy that I have spent some time around the house but I can't let that happen all the time so next time I'll maybe hop in the epic if there is room for one more. Later..

Sat Ride

Well I went for a easy ride when I got home yesterday to try the new Sidi mtn bike shoes I bought. It is nice to have shoes that are nice fitting again and not falling to the sides. I rode the single speed and every now and then I think maybe I'll try a race this year but I don't know which race to try. I rode the Crystal Ridge race last year in comp and it was ok so I'll have to see.

Well todayI rode with Dan and Jeff. We all rode to 60th and Oakwood and then together we rode around Wind Lake. As we were coming down 7 mile road a red neck in a truck buzzed us and pulled over after he got up the road to have some words with us. As I pulled up I made sure the door wasn't going to open and Dan and I got in his face. He was saying we should not take up the road. We were in single file going down the road and then we should stop at stop signs. There wasn't a stop sign for about 5 miles and we stopped at the sign because there was cars. So we told the red neck to go his way and F#%& himself. I think once the 3 guys in tight shorts pulled up he knew he was in trouble as we are not skinny little guys on bikes as I was ready to pop him. Jeff was ready to take the keys and we would ride off and the dork wouldn't see his keys again as they would have been in a field some where. But other then that it was a 50 plus mile ride with Jeff pulling us along at 25 plus into the wind and Dan pulling as fast as Jeff. I had nothing and sat in as I still don't have the pop I had before the infection. Also everyone is in better shape so the pace is faster and that effects me. So thanks Jeff and Dan for pulling me. I rode the rest home and then it was yard work for the after noon and Cece took the kids to the pool.

I think tomorrow I'll ride over at Crystal Ridge for a couple of hours and take some tools and cut and clean some areas up for the race. I hope that everyone had a great day on the bike as it was a perfect day today. Maddie is going to a Wave game with her friend and Cece wants to go get new window treatments so I must go along or never hear the end. Nate is on his way to the basement to do a roller work out and then we will go after that. Later..

Gun fight

Well the Thursday ride was a faster ride then the ones in the past few weeks. We had a large group of about 25 or more riders this week. It rolled out of the parking lot and was in control this week down Woods road. I talked to Jack and he said he was coming up for the ride, I didn't see him at the start and all of a sudden he appaers with Joe on the side of Woods road. I knew then the ride just got harder as the 2 of them know one speed, fast. When either one of them is riding alone it is much different and they seem to stay in control but when the 2 of them are together it is fast. Throw Jeff, Chuck and Aaron into the mix and the pace is fast all the time. There was times that I felt like just rolling off the back and riding in with the slower group but with mind set of not letting that happen and with the help of Dan and Russell I stayed with the group for the entire ride. So the knife fight goes to a gun fight with the fact of 2 riders showing up. It was fun and no idiots in trucks buzzing us on the ride and spewing profanities out the window at us. I'm not tired or sore so the fitness must be coming back after the hospital stay, I can only hope.

I don't have any plans for a ride this weekend but have the choice of several long rides. I could ride with Jerry and Jack and the gang but all I hear is Jack loves to drop everyone and ride hard from the gun (maybe). Danny wants to get a ride so maybe ride with him. Or Jeff wants to ride at least I don't have to drive anywhere if I ride with him. And Russ said there is a long ride with team Extreme in the afternoon. And last there is the WEMS race this weekend. I have done a few of the 6 hour but I don't know if I fell like doing that this week. Boy what is a guy to do? I'll just have to see where the chips fall.

Well good luck to all of you doing the WEMS and all the rides we can't do. Have a good one. Later..

Riding at the ski hill

Well it was hot and muggy. Today at the CR time trial it rained just before the start and we raced 15 minutes late and it was hot and muggy. The trails were near perfect and the corners in a few spots were slick. The normal start up the hill and then the race to the single track. I don't start well and get stuck in a group that doesn't flow in the single track well. I waited and picked a few off at a time and then get my own pace going and start catching the ones in front of me and passed a few and then fall into my spot for the finish. I finished 2nd in my age group and then like 7th overall. As always Ron won it on his single speed. He is way to fast and I don't know how he did it as he raced in the 24/9 this weekend on his single speed. His team took 2nd in the pro-expert open and they were all on single speeds. Nate took 2nd today only a few seconds as he and Travis rode it together. He is going to train alittle harder the next couple of weeks as he is going to jump up to citizen for the rest of the year in the WORS series. I think he will do ok but he is in for a eye opening as he has not trained real hard for the last couple of weeks. He is going to hit it hard and try to get it going for the rest of the year. The Thursday group ride tomorrow and then see what the weekend has in store for some longer rides and miles. Tomorrow is Maddies 10th B-day so alittle get together over the weekend so have to fit in a ride around that to. Have to go and get the kids to bed. Later..

Play time

Well after working long days over the weekend it was time to go to 6 flags with the family. I got up at 5 to go for a quick spin before packing up the excursion with the family. I have to get up more often as the ride in the morning made for a great day. We got down to the park and went right to Superman, what a great ride. Then it was a few other rides and off to the new water park for a few hours. The park was great as it was 92 degrees and the wait in the lines made it uncomfortable. We applied the lotion and into the water we went. I have to say there is going to alot of hurting people today as many were so red it was funny. There should be a person that stands there and tells people that they look really bad in that swin suit and that you should cover up as there are children here. I seen a lady with a third of a pizza, burger and fries and a large soda by herself eating away and the chair and her suit screaming put down the fork but she was going to town and finished it all before I could put down a bottle of water. I'm glad that I have alittle healthier habits andmy family does to. In all it was a blast and the day at the park was great. Nate is a blast as he wants to go on all the best roller coasters. We both agree that the Deja vu is the best in the park. After along day at the park we drove home and the kids were fast asleep.

Today the kids may go a water park in the area with one of Cece's friends so they may not make it to the track for racing tonight. All ok as they are only 10 and 11 years old and need that time to play. Racing is fun but not the only thing in the world for a kid they need the time to play to.

Great job to all the guys and gals thawt raced the 24/9 this weekend. I do miss the race and may have to get the band back together and see if we can win the over the hill for a 3rd time. Good job every one and see you at the WORS race.

Just things going on

Well just been working, riding and relaxing. With Nate and Maddie upnorth and only Jessica home I have had alittle extra time to get my rides in. Wednesday the time trials were called because Marty thought that Al was out of town. We rode and I left after a lap and a half to get home to mow the lawn and wash my car. Cece has done things with her friends Tuesday and Wednesday. Her friend Chris took her to lunch on Thursday for her B-Day. I did the group ride and felt OK as the pace was perfect and I'm feeling better but still I don't have the high end speed back. I'm hoping that I find it before the season goes into the tank. I just need a nother 2 good finishes and that should be good. Last night I had to work German Fest and I have to work again tonight and tomorrow. Today we rode from Danny's house and got a 50 plus mile ride in. At the end my legs didn't have the pep that I would like and maybe it will so up soon. Tomorrow Danny is coming up to finish the computer stuff to get the wireless and the fire walls and parent protecter things going for me. So that is it and will update later when new junks happens. Later..

Biking

Well I have just been riding trying to get the lungs and heart back after the illness. I have been feeling better and I hope by the next race that I'm back in the mix for the lead. The kids are still upnorth and having a blast at the lake. They have been riding and swimming so that should make them tired at night. Today is Cece's big 40 so I hope she isn't to down in the dump about it. Good luck to all who are doing the 24/9. I do miss doing it maybe next year we will try again. Not much so see you all later.

Phillips

Was it hot up there or what? I have to say that it seems as the temps go up it seems the places I fall back do to. I hope that now that I'm able to train regularly that the infection is gone that I will be able to get the form back that was there in the start of the year. The family did good ok again. Nate won his age group, Maddie took third in her age group. Cece took third in her age group, and I took 7th in mine. My problems started when a large stick got caught in my rear derailer and it took a few seconds to get it out. As I was getting the stick out the chain got stuck between the cassette and frame. This time allowed about 20 to pass me and then in the process of trying to get back in to the mix of things I popped and never recovered so it turned into a race of trying not to fall to far back. Had I known that I was less then 40 seconds from 4th I would have tried to pass a few other racers. But I have 5 more races to get the points back that I need to finish in the top 3.

Time to hit the training that I need as the kids are upnorth with my parents and that allows me to hit the road to get that fitness back that I lost from the stay in the hospital. The good thing as that my parents will have the kids ride every day or go for rides with them. I'm thinking that I will skip the track this week and train instead and save the gas and money. I'm hoping that the Wednesday races at CR are on as I need that type of training to get the edge back.

Again it looked like all the others took advantage of the turn out and took the points and ran. Good luck to Jerry as he is racing with Don at the 24 hour race and to all the others that are not taking off this weekend to race the 24 hour race. Must go and eat cake as Cece's mother is here to celabrate Cece's 40th birthday which is the 28th. Later..

Preride

Well Jerry and Barb got here last night and the kids were all still up so we put them to bed, then sat around for awhile and hit the sack also. We got up and had something to eat and Jerry and I went for a ride out back. We rode some fire roads with some good hills and got back and my parents had lunch ready. Then Cece, Nate and Barb went for a ride but it started to rain so they came back and jumped in the lake for a swim instead. It stopped raining for now but we will watch a movie and then eat dinner and if it's not raining we will go for a boat ride then make a fire for the kids. We will leave at 7am for the race. My parents will keep Jessica and Macinze and drop them off at the wayside by the highway for us and we won't have to worry about them at the race. I hope that it rains all night so the trails are not all dry and dusty. Well see you all at the race or for those who didn't want to drive have fun at Downer Ave race. Later..

Upnorth

Just got in from a nice mtb ride in the woods at the family retreat on the lake in Rhinelader. Boy it is nice to be here as we were in the Dells for 4 days. Boy all the swimming in those pools gets old after awhile. Now that we did that we can wait for a couple of years before we need to do that again. Well for the race update. Nate took first in his race and has now won all the races so far this year. Maddie took second again and is begining to do well in all her races so I hope she is enjoying it. Cece took first again and I wonder how she would do if she rode her bike other then just at the races. She has not trained 1 day this year she only rides her bike the day she races, how nice that must be. I took second in the time trail on Sat and then I hit the wall in the xc race and finished 9th but was able to keep a eye out for any of the guys that were behind after the time trial and I still was able to hold on to 2nd in the omnium. I was happy with the finish so onto Phillips now. Good job to all the others at the WORS cup and see you at the races. Later..

group ride

Well today I did the group ride and I sat in and made it with the lead group. Jeff took off and we were cruising along at 34 mph for about first 4 miles and that took the trash out of the ride right away. That made it good for the rest of the ride and a smooth one at that. I'm feeling good and I think it should be ok for the WORS cup as I'm doing the cup for the weekend of races. Going to leave like at 6am on Saturday to make it for the races but that should be ok. We are then staying Sunday at the race and then the next 3 days in the Dells and doing the water park thing. After that we are going to the cabin for a few days of rest and then the Phillips race. So see you all at the races. Later..

Ready?

Well after racing the track last night I don't know what to think. I felt alright but the heart rate was high and it stayed there. I hung on in the races but was no factor at all. Like 6th in the danish and 6th in the miss and out. I was 5th in the pionts race but just had nothing so I hope this weekend goes alright. I'm racing the omnium so I'll see how that goes. Nate had two 4th place finishes and Maddie had two 3rd place finishes. Going to go watch the pro's race tonight and maybe go ou tfor dinner with Whitey. Later..

Monday

Today is Nate's birthday and he turns 11. He wants to go to eat at Tumble weeds so the gang is off to eat there tonight. Nothing really new except that the last couple of rides have been really hot. Going to race the track tomorrow and I can't wait to get back into the swing of things. I hope the leg and lungs will hold up. Good luck to all racing Super week. Later..

Relaxing in the woods

It has been nice recovering in the north woods of Woodville in my bothers palace. The leg is begining to feel better each day as the skin has peeled off and it doesn't hurt any more. The day of the race it was really swollen up and I was worried that it would give me a problem that night. But after sitting with it up for a couple of hours it got better right away. On Monday I took it real easy and wore a stocking like tube on it and it was good all day. I hope that my leg will be ready for the next race. We went to the snowmobile skips on water Monday and that is really fun to watch and see the red necks drop their sleds in the drink. There are some real fast ones and it always surprises me that they can speed across the water and not go in. After drinking beer all day we went into the hot tub for a few hours and that felt real good. My brothers next door nieghbors have a projection tv outside and it is like a drive in with great sound system and a great picture and all. We watched dodge ball and it was great to watch outside on a screen that is 16 x 16 feet. Yesterday we went to the Mall Of America to go through the shark tank exibit. It was real cool as you stand on a moving sidewalk and the tank is all around you and also above. The fish swim all over you and it's real cool to see. We then went to Cece's bothers new house in the twin city area. It is a really nice house and a big one at that. They just moved in about a week ago and are still moving things from the other house yet. We got home around 9pm and realaxed and then got some good sleep. Today we are taking the kids to the Crystal Cave that is about 5 miles from my brothers house. He has lived here about 18 years and has never been there. The kids should have fun as they have never been in a cave. After that the kids across the street want the kids to come over and swim so that will be a good time for them. They have a in ground pool on a farm, what a life up here. Well time to watch the race on my brothers 65 inch tv and wait for him to get home from school to go to the cave. Have a good one and later..

Racing upnorth

Today was a good day of racing for the family. It was kind of different not racing and working at the race and hearing your name for a call up and not racing. It was ok as it is always fun to work at least 1 race a year. I suggest that everyone try to do it every year. Nate won his age group again and was looking strong. Maddie raced and took 2nd and Cece took a 2nd in her age also. So it was a great day of racing. The course was great and I wish I could have raced but the leg needs to heal first so I hope by the next race every thing will be good. I worked the finish and it was cool to see everyone come across the finish and I hope that everyone left it all out on the trails. Good job to all and enjoy the 4th and the extra day off. I don't know how everyone finished but good job to all. We are staying up by my brothers for the week and it will be a nice week to let the leg heal so see you all at the next race. Later..

Back Home

Well I'm back home after a 4 day stay in the hospital. I got a real bad infection in my leg and had to go to the hospital for a few bags of antibiotics. I got up Sat night and I couldn't walk and the leg was all hot and I was throwing up so I had Cece take me in. We were there with the drunks who got their punks asses beat up but I was looked at right away. A fever ot 103.7 and not doing good they gave me some oral antibiotics and sent me home. I relaxed on Sunday felt ok but not better. Monday I woke up and the leg was bright red and the size of a clydes waist. So it was off to the doctors office and he looked and said go check yourself in right now. Well now 4 days later I'm back home and no racing this weekend. We are sill going to the races but I'm going to work at it instead of racing and still get my points. I'm off next week by doctors orders but can ride some if my legs allows. So I hope everyone else is ready and we will see you all at the race this weekend. Later..

Rest Time

The CR time trial was the best course of the year. We did 3 longer laps that went into the Alpha trails and back to the ski hill. It was the best set up of the year. I felt good the entire race and and got faster as the race went on. I finished 2nd age group and like 5th overall. Cece had to do some Grad school work on the computer so she didn't go and her and Maddie went for a ride later. The group ride went well and was another 22+ average speed. The group was about 28 or so at the start. As we got to the Fox river the pace was picking up and the others were popping off the back and about 8 of us finished together at the end. Congrats to Samantha and her 3rd at Nationals and to the punks in their finishes. Way to go and see you all back at the races in Milw. Good Luck this weekend Ron. Got to go. Later..

Circle racing

Yesterday I went To the hospital to visit Dave Young and was getting discharged to go home. How great is that? He said that he had surgery last Wed and that the doc's took the knee off and then closed up the leg so he will missing his leg from just above the knee down. He is in great spirits and I think he will be doing fine down the road. He does want to get back on the bike asap and he said that he will get fit for a lower leg in a few months. Have a great recocery Dave and see you soon on the bike. And then Dave Eckel got a long taxi cab ride home per Bdog. I hope that the ride went well and that Brad kept you in good spirits and that they gave you happy pills for the ride home. Dave do what they say and only push it when they drop the green flag. Take it easy as pushing it to soon only drops you back if you damage things and they have to reheal. Good luck to you also and see you soon. Well we raced the track and Maddie is looking better each time on the track. she took 2 4th places. I took a 4th and finished the other 3 races. I'm feeling better each week and I'm hoping to finish in the money more each week. I can see it now, 20.00 to race and get 5.00 to 10.00 back what a bargin. Ah I still love doing it and hey where else can you get your ass handed to to by kids, girls and other older racers. Tonight is the CR time trials and I think Marty said it will be a 17+ mile race. Boy this is getting to be long time trial at the sky hill. When I first started racing these it was a 2 lap then 3 now it appears to be either a 4 lap or longerand now going into the park and back. Wow what a long one but for 5.00 what bargin. The punks had a day in the thin air and it made it tough for them. I hope they get their lungs and start kicking butt and all. Good luck. Later..

Track nite

Yesterday was a easy 25 mile spin to get the junk out of the legs. I felt ok and the ride was a nice pace in the small ring. Just what I think I needed. Tonight we are going to race the track and it is scratch and tempo races. I hate the tempo but will have to see how it goes. Maddie is going and she is looking forward to racing so I'm glad that she is enjoying the racing now. Tomorrow is the CR time trial and Cece is going to race it for the first time as she has figured it out she has a tri in 3 weeks. So alot of training to do in the next couple of weeks. But she should be ok as she always does well. I heard Dave came home I hope that everything goes well in the next couple of weeks. Good Luck Dave. And Brad you are the best. Later..

BMX and WORS

We went up to Rhinelander and stayed with my parents for the weekend. Nate and I got up on Sat and went to the BMX track in town and entered the races. Nate was put in the 13 year cruiser and he took 2nd so that was cool. I raced and was able to take a 2nd place also. The track is a really nice track with alot of rhythm sections and some cool tables with step ups. The track is really long and the racers seem to be really slow compared to the racers in Elkorn but I was tired at the end of my races and seemed slow to. Nate stayed up there and my parents are taking him racing at the BMX track a few times during the week. I have to say thanks to Lenny as he gave me a new pair of El Camino disc brakes Friday and I put them on the bike Sat afternoon and I dailed them in for the race Sun. They are great brakes and work awesome. The races went well again. My parents came to watch and were excited to see us race well. Nate took first in age again. Maddie is racing better each week and is now begining to beat others that were ahead of her in the first races. Maddie took 3rd in her age group. Cece is still making me wonder if training is over rated as she has not been on her bike except for the races and took 2nd again. She said she is going to start riding now that school is over so maybe she can do better in the weeks to come. I took 3rd again as the heat was getting to me and I began to cramp in the end of the race so I'm happy that no one else caught me. I have to say that I hope that Dave Eckle is ok as he got hit by a deer during the race. He flew off the bike and hit his knee in the stem of his bike and broke his knee cap in half and had a whole bunch of more damage to his knee. He had surgery and should be coming home today. Bdog stayed with him in the woods and at the hospital. Good luck Dave and my you be back on the bike soon. Bdog you rock as you gave up your race to stay with Dave. And to all the others who raced and did good. Ron, Goat, Jerry, Lori, Baron, and everyone else. Good luck to the Punks that are at or on the way to Nationals. Later recovery ride today and the track tomorrow. Later..

Upnorth

Well the CR time trials werre called Wed as when I got there it was raining and the hill up along the west side of the building was muddy. It was a ok call as I really didn't feel like racing 17 miles. We went home and it wasn't raining by my house so the kids and I rode the bikes to the high school about 6 miles away and did a sprint work out on the track there. It was a good workout as it got the junk out of the legs from the track the night before. Yesterday was the wheel group ride and was a nice faster ride. We of course are riding down the road and some guy in a pick up gets stopped at the light with us and decided to start jawing with us and the next thing he knows Russ and a few guys are in his face. The sad thing is he is swearing at us and his kid is in the car, that's to bad. And later in the ride Russ was yelling at the tri dork (this guy rides like shit) that comes on the ride, Russ was in rare form for this ride. After all that the ride was good and it picked up at the Fox River area and the hanger on riders could no longer do that. We then rode in a group of about 7 of us and the others took a short cut and we caught them again and then rode in as a group then. Today is a short day of work and then pack the bikes for a weekend of racing and a stay at the cabin. Nate and I are going to race the bmx track in Rhinelander on Sat then Wors in Wausau on Sunday. So have a safe trip to the races and see all of you at the races. Later..

track tuesday

Well it was another night at the track. We got most of the races in but at the end a couple were called because a small rain came and the track was wet for a couple of minutes. Nate did ok as took 3rd in both of his races. I got 3 of the 5 in and did ok but still in the second group or just hanging on and chasing for the race. But I hope to get stronger each week as the track is a hurt fest. It was cool to see Ron, Bubba and his girls and Randy come to watch the races. I hope they can make it to a few more this summer. Tonight is is the CR time trails hope they go, but as now it looks like the rain will hold off. Later..

6.13

Today Nate and I went for a easy 1.5 hour ride. Tomorrow at the track is the Madison and it is the first race of the night. If you want to see some great racing this is the best race on the track. It starts at 7pm and should last only last for about 45 minutes then it will racing for all others after that and should wrap up around 9:30. Nothing happening right now just have to get the place in order as Maddie is coming home and the parents now are house guests for a night or 2. Time to go and eat and get going on picking the place up. Later..

Rest Day

Today I had to work at the Locust Street block party. WOW what a bunch of goofy looking people that take up some of the air that we breath. It was a interesting day seeing some real bizare people walking around. I guess living on the south side I don't see the crazy things people do to themselves, you name it they had a tatoo on it or it was piereced. But better them then me. It was a easy 4 hours of work and the pay was good. Yesterday was a long ride in the heat, I did a 3 hour ride and bonked about 8 miles from home and had to just ride it in. I saw Danielle and one of her friends riding out in Franklin and then I ran into Danny and my 2 hour ride got longer. I turned and rode around wind Lake with him and then rode home. It turned out to be a 55 mile ride and I ran out of fuild and had to stop by a buddies house to get more to make it home. It still turned out to be a good ride. So as it goes today was a day to work and then do some things around the house and not ride the bike. Good job to Ron and Alan in the 6 hour and to Aaron Brandt as he won the state road race. Oh yea and to Butch and Rick to. See you all later..

Good Bye

The truck has left town for a new parking spot. My parents are now located in a new area code. It is 715 and a 4 hour drive. It seems kind of different now that I know that they are not right around the block. I guess we will just have to get used to it and now have to find some one to watch the kids when need to do something. Cece's mother will be on call now that my parents are gone. Today Nate and I went for a ride and it was a hot one. We went to the lake and rode there as it was like 15 to 20 degrees cooler. But with the heat we only rode for a a hour and a half for a good recovery ride. Tomorrow I'm going to get a early ride and try to beat the heat and then we are going to Katie's graduation party. I my try to crash Sharon Senn's wedding before we head to Katie's. Today I went and visited David Young and he seems to be doing ok after his accident. I'm glad to see that he is going to just keep working hard for a good recovery. Pray for David as he is going to need a lot of support for awhile until he get's through this part of his life. I have to work Sunday as I thought it was Saturday but it doesn't matter as both days were open this weekend and the time and half is always nice. Have a good weekend and good luck to all those who racing. Later..

Moving Day

No Wheel ride last night as I had to go and help load the truck for the parents. They are closing on the house today and moving to Rhinelander. I was surprized that with the help of my brother his room mate and my parents that it didn't take all that long. My prents have been making trips with items over the past few weeks so that helped. They also have been packing for a couple of weeks and were well prepared. They close today at 4pm and then hit the road to the new castle on the lake. My brothers and Maddie are going there to help but I have to work so I'll go next weekend and help finish before the race at 9 mile. Today I'm going to try to visit Dave Young at the hospital and see how he is doing after the accident and the removal of his leg. I hope that he will try to ride again as he can ride with me and the both of us will only be using a half of a leg, although he will still be faster then me. Good luck to all that are racing this weekend. Later..

CR Nite

Tonight the rain held off and it was off to the time trials. We got there and I got the kids ready and then went in and paid for the races and then it was a warm up and then off to the races. I rode with Maddie for her lap and then I did my final lap to get my time. Nate had a good race and won the 18 and under group. It was a double race and we did a second race. Only 11 of us stayed for the second race. I didn't start fast as I was racing the SS today. I can tell that it was the first race on the SS. I was getting used to it each lap and getting faster each turn. I ended up finishing OK and winning the old mans group. We then were off to eat at Qdoba's for some food with the gang. Ron was flying tonight as he passed Maddie and me there was nobody coming for like 2 or 3 minutes. And in the second race he was gone like the wind again, great racing Ron. Good Luck this weekend. Tonight it is a day off as we are helping load my parents stuff on a moving truck as the house is sold as of 4pm tomorrow. They are moving to Rhinelander and there goes my baby sitter and free meals a couple times a week. I will miss them alot. Later..

Track Night

Again we went to the track for some fun on the oval. The kids did real good as Nate took 2 3rd places and Maddie finished 7th and 6th. We have to work on Nate's timing alittle better as he could have been a place or 2 higher in each race. Maddie did great as she wasn't the first one out in the miss and out and was the last in the danish which is the hardest race on the track. I finished the races and was ok in the miss and out 5th out of 19. The points race was fast as Aaron Brandt took off and lapped the field and Richie then took 2nd or 3rd. I just was a racer in the race. Tonight we have the time trials at CR. I'm not going to race I'm going to ride the course with Maddie and Nate will race. Good Luck to Matt at the NVR. And to all, one of our friends David Young who races on road and track had a motorcycle accident and is in the hospital. He lost one of his legs from the knee down and part of a hand. So keep him in your prayers. I will try to get info and keep you posted. Later..

Rome around

Well we went to the race in Rapids on Saturday. As we were driving up Jerry and I were hating it as we were driving through the rain. The ladies and the kids were in the truck ahead of us going like 80. I don't know how we didn't get pulled over other then all the cops were busy pulling others over. As we got closer to the race the weather got better and the rain stopped. We checked in and Nate, Jerry and myself hit the trails. I did a warm up the guys from the team Nate waited in the parking lot as we did another lap. Then headed back to get the kids and Sam to go to the bmx track while the ladies rode. The bmx track was closed but I pulled the fence up and the kids went under. I put the bikes over the top and then the kids did a few laps. They had a blast as they haven't been on the track in few months. Nate looked like he hadn't missed a day and sam looked good to. We went back and hit the showers and got something to eat. It was the rest and get ready to race.
We got up to get something to eat and then it was off to the races. I get so nervous getting the kids and Cece ready, more then when I'm in the gate for my start. Nate had a good race and won his age group and was 1st over all. Maddie did well and was 3rd in her age group. Cece went off in her race and was near the front of the ladies group for the entire race. She took 2nd in her group and 7th over all. Not bad since she has not trained at all and has only raced her bike, she has only been on her bike 3 times this year and each has been for a race. I took 2nd again and that is good as I was dying on the last lap and a half from the heat. Next is the Wausau race and will have to get some road rides in as that course is a road type race with all the fire roads. Well a easy ride with the kids today as we have track tomorrow if it dosen't rain.
Checked the results and see that Ron did ok not as well as he wanted but a tough course for a single speed. And the mountain goat did well on his single speed also and I think he was in the money again. Jack did ok to and Jerry was happy with his result. Good job to all that raced and see you at the Wed time trails and the next race. Later

Friday

Today was a ride with the kids on the SS with the trailer behind. We went for about a hour and stopped by my parents house. My brother was there picking up some chairs for his house and my cousin was picking up a dining room set. We helped load the things and finished the ride. I then got on the rollers and did a workout as I didn't get a ride in yesterday as Cece had her graduation and is now a licensed teacher. Now I'm folding a weeks worth of clothes and getting ready for the race. Taking the bmx bikes also to try the track in rapids, I'm hoping that it is a cool track. See you all at the races. Later..

6/1 at CR

Tonight was the first night that we made it to Crystal Ridge for the Wednesday night races. Russell rode with Maddie and took her for a ride then they started off the back and stayed out of every ones way and rode the course. I'm glad that Russ doesn't minfd riding wiht the kids as they do really well after riding with him a few times. Nate did well and took 3rd in the 18 and under group, he is riding better each week and a little more training that softball is over he should get alittle faster. I took it easy as I was tired from the weekend and the Tuesday night of track racing. I was able to win the old man group and now taking a few nights off to recover for the weekend. Ron was flying across the field and was the top gun again. Way to go Ron. It was good to be racing on Wed nights again so see you all every week we are in town. Later..

Tues nite

Well it was Maddies first day of racing on the track. She did a warm up with Russell and was nervous with all the others flying by her on the track. After alittle riding she was ok. She did good in both her races and Nate did ok and it shows we need to get on the road bike and ride for some speed or he will have a long track season. He finished 3rd in both races I think, maybe a second in the first one. He then raced up in the age group and was off the back but finished both races. I did ok in my races, then in the consulation took the first sprint and then settled in to help Russell and Richie. In the end Russell won the points race and I finished like 4th or 5th or something. It was a fun race and always fun to listen to Russell talk smack to the kids when he beats them. I will never go for the win or money as I just like making the kids ride harder and fight for wheels and spots during the race. I then watched the main event a 50 lap points race and the race was pretty fast from the start, I'm glad that I don't think I need to try to race that race anymore as I can never keep up with those guys. The young guns keep going and when they aren't flying the others just fly to. Well next week is the start of the real season and the rest of the racers should be coming then. Tonight is racing at Crystal Ridge and it should be fun to be doing the time trials again. See all of you there. Later..

Memorial Day

Well for a day off I got the kids up at 6:30 at Russell was at the house at 7:oo. we loaded up the truck and headed to Jerry's house for a ride at Pet's in K-Town. It was nice to ride some where else for once. Maddie did pretty good and got better as the ride went on. Nate did well like always and was riding with Jerry over everything. Russell and I rode with Maddie to get her to try to ride ovet things and get better bike handling skills. At the end we rode for 2 1/2 hours. I felt pretty good since I took a day off and raced the 6 hour race on Sat. We then went home and went by Dianes in the afternoon and the kids sat in the hot tub. We played some rich man games hitting little balls with long hammers and throwing balls at one tossed in the lawn some where. To slow and no blood so I no like games like that. Tonight we have track racing and it will be Maddies first night in races on the track bike so I excited to see how she will do. I will let you know how it goes. Later..

6 Hour at CR

Well I did the 6 hour at Crystal Ridage after saying to myself after the last one I don't want to suffer like that again. I got on Ron's wheel on the first lap and held on till the top of the first lap. It was enough to have a good lead and stay just out of the others eyes to get 2nd place. Ron caught me on the last lap and aksed me how I was doing and I had to tell him I think I' loosing it as I was cramping and seeing stars on the climbs. I had to hammer the single track as I was loosing ground on the hills. I held on and finished and was happy that no one caught me. Ron lookead fresh when he caught me, boy he is looking ready to make up for the dnf at AV. Nate and Travis did the 6 hour duo and they were able to take 1st place against 3 other teams. Those 2 kids were hammering from the gun and were able to get 10 laps and take the win. The guys from Skinnys took 2nd to a stacked team from Polska and they looked good to. Also thanks to the guys from Skinnys for taking care of the kids and giving them the support while we were out racing. Today was a day doing things around the house and a day off the bike. We will do a family ride tomorrow and then track racing on Tuesday. I hope the legs feel good then. Later..

Easy

Easy ride on the single speed with Nate to find some places to ride the bmx bike. Found some have to try it one day. Eat sleep and get ready for the 6 hour race tomorrow. If the rain holds out going to race the 6 hours I think. Maybe go to Rockford on Sunday with Nate, have to see. Later..

Group Ride

Well another one is gone and today it was pretty fast from the start. There was a few guys on the ride that you stayed away from so you didn't loose a wheel or go down. Now it's time to see if the 6 hour is going to go or not. We will make the decision the day of the race. Have to go. Later...

Track Night

Well I can tell I haven't been on the track bike since last August. I was off the back so fast I didn't know what hit me. I think the Bone ride and the race this weekend still made the legs a little tired. I finally felt better in the consulation race to help Richie get a 2nd place. Nate did alright and took 2nd in both of his races. Tonight is Nates last softball game and then I have to help my parents move some things. May not have time to ride tonight but it is a easy week any how. It looks like it may rain this week so may be no WEMS race. If it is on I'm going to do the 6 hour race again. Nate is going to do the 3 hour race. Well have to get to work. Later..

Monday

Well today was a rest day and watch Nate's softball game, they won and have 1 more game. Tomorrow we go to the track for racing at Washington Bowl. Track bike racing is fun because of the fast racing and the no brakes. It should be fun as it is Maddie's first racing on the track bike and wwe can see where Nate is against the couple of kids who have been racing the road. Have to go and help move some things at my parents house. Later..

Race

Well woke up this morning And there was now rain by my house so cool. Getting ready it rained a little and I thought OK we can make it through that. Got loaded and the kids ready and off to the races it was. We got there and we saw some of the bikes from people that were riding around and their bikes were caked with mud. I'm bumm'n and I get the kids and wife ready to race. Nate goes off and does well through the mud and wins his race and Maddie goes and all the kids are stuck in the mud on the road. Maddie rides past as the Hayes brakes are not collecting any mud. She goes on to take 2nd today. Cece goes off and races well as she likes races in the mud as it bithers everyone else so she rides and gets them as they are bumm'n. Cece took a 3rd this week. Now it's time for me to get ready and race. I looked at the mud and Maddies bike looked the best so I took her wheels and put them on my bike ( Maxis MEDUSA 1.55). Worked well but the coarse got better and the mud in the woods were still pretty thick. As I was riding it was like I was pulling a trailer behind me. Oh and the temps went up and it felt like a furnace as I was riding. I got a ok start and was in 4th for awhile until I made some really good passes and got some distance as was running in 2nd for a good 2 laps. But some where Mike Owens got past and I didn't notice so I finished 3rd. I would not have let him get away if I noticed but maybe the heat made me miss the pass. Oh well next time I'll be more alert. For the day it was a good day as we all placed on the podium and that's always a good day. After my race I was talking to Ron Stawicki and he got a double flat after riding in the top couple of guys. Ron was in good spirits and will make up for it at the next couple of races, good luck Ron and see you Sat at the 12 hour race. Well props to all that raced today and did well and suffered in the mud and heat as I saw many of them on the podium. Track starts Tuesday so we will be down there racing and Nate only has 2 more games and then some better training again. Time to get the rest of the things done and eat some ice cream with the kids. Later..

Fri 5/20

Well today was a beautiful day and was able to get for a ride with the kids and then get on the rollers to finish getting the legs ready for the race. The legs were still a little tight from the Bone ride. I think that they should be good to go for the race. The kids are going to go with Russell, Jerry and Danny in the morning to do the KR ride in Kenosha. I have to go to work in the morning so I can't do the ride with them so Russell is covering for me. Then they are going to meet me at Alpine for the pre ride. Can't make it to Skinny's for the food and drink because Cece is going to a dinner with a couple of her friends so I have the kids for the night. Have to meet there another night for some food and drinks. See you all at the pre ride. Later..

The Bone ride

The bone ride was good. As it is said that any day on the bike is better then a day in the office. Jack got to my house at 6:10 he was supposed to get there about 6:30 but any time Jack is there early is a bonus. We got a call and Joe was wondering how do I get to the ride. He decided to ride at 6:15 when he got up, gave him directions and he meet us there. We packed up the car and drove to the ride. There was about 100 to 120 people at Tom's house for the start of the ride. I can't believe how many jr riders got the day off from school for the ride. They took a picture and then it was off to Madison. Jeff, Samantha and myself stayed close to each other so we would be in the same group. We rode out to Pewaukee and about 30 people hooked up and then a couple more at Bike Smith's. Tom then broke us into groups and we were in the 2nd group. We rode to Madison with a tail wind so it would be time to work on the way back. We got to Madison in about 4 hours and 77 miles. We ate at the Noddles and Company and then took a picture and headed home. We got in the lead group and the hard workers were just pulling us along into the head wind. About half way Tom let the groups join together because the guys in the front were working hard into the wind and that let more people sit in and more to able to work. I'm glad it was eaiser to hide in a larger group. We got home and the ride waas 154 miles and 7 hours and some change. Jeff, Samantha, Springer, Joe, Jack and myself all made it no problem. John was having a tough time on the way out so he got in the van on the ride back. The ride isn't that bad just a long day in the saddle and alittle diferent if you can't push the thoughts of the mile out when you get tired at the end. If you get a chance and want to do a long ride that is way cool try the bone as it is like no other. Was to tired last night to post and was in bed by 8:30. Good job at CR Ron.

5-17

Today was a easy day on the rollers because Nate had a softball game. They won again 22-6. Nate had a grand slam and 2 doubles. He is just playing great and the team is doing real good. Tonight Maddie went to the track to practice on her track bike. Russell took her there so she could have a night on her bike before next weeks start of the track season. Russ said she did well and should be ready for the races. Tomorrow is the bone ride and it seems that the weather should be OK. Going to ride with Jeff, Samantha and Bob. It should be fun and then try to get the legs back for Sunday but hey it's only the second race with 10 more. So let's rock. Later..

Monday

Today we had a softball game for Nate and they won 15-3 so the team I think is getting better each game. My parents came to the game again and they said the kids are looking better each week. Nate had a great hit and played well again. The kid is a natural at every thing. Going to try to get a easy spin ride on the rollers after dinner at my parents. I know we eat alot there but hey the food is great and the company is not that bad either. Looked at the results and alot of the guys and gals did real good, now we get to see if they will change any thing this weekend to get better results. Good luck to all as I know what I need to do. Talked to a few of the guys and I'm going to do the bone ride on Wednesday. I think that there is more WORS races and if I mess up the legs a little or not the ride is always good. Any how it's only 160 or so miles. Got to go and get the kids home. Later..

Race day

Wow what a great day for racing. After pre-riding yesterday we stayed at a hotel that had a water park and the kids had a blast. The slid there was wild and fast, if you don't like the dark and fast turns you don't want to ride this slid. Well we got up early to eat something and then it was off to the races. We got there and got Maddie and Nate ready for the race. Maddie was so nervous that she couldn't eat although she got to the line and was ready to go. She took 3rd place and so happy and she said that she rode over everything. Thanks to Russell as he was at all the spots on the trail to keep encouraging her. As for Nate he was so far ahead of all the kids by the bowl that it was no contest. He was flying and hammering the hill and he was flying up them so it looked like the bmx is really helping him. He won by 3 minutes and said after he turns 11 in July he will move up to citizen and race. Cece did good as she has not even ridden her bike since the last race last year. She took 4th in her age and that is great. I had a good race and took 2nd. I have a few things to work on and try to win a few of the next races. I heard that Ron took 10th over all on his single speed WOW you are the man. I will have to check the results later to see how the rest finished on follow up later. Kudos to all that had a great day at the races. I have to get my entry forms for the ORE 2 Shore in the mail to save $30.00 for the family. Later..

Friday

Well yesterday with the rain I did a ride on the rollers and then went to my parents house for dinner. Today it was a ride on the rollers again with the kids and again my parents are having us for dinner. Now that is great to have dinner 2 times in a a row prepared for you. Tomorrow we are heading up to the race in Iola. We are staying at a hotel that has a water park and the kids will not sleep tonight as they can't wait to get there. Maddie keeps telling everyone that she can't wai tto race so I hope that she will do good. Now it's time to eat so have a good one and see the rest of you at the race. Later..

Another year in the books

I have been busy the last couple of days and nights. Tuesday I got my grass and planted it and got done at 10pm. I hope that this grass works as it is supposed to be greener and need less water and not cut as often. So no ride on Tuesday. Yesterday I had to take Nate to his softball games it was cold and nasty out. They won their 6pm game 1 to 0 and the second game the other team didn't want to play because it was cold out. So they won to games and didn't loose a game yet this year. I then had to get the kids something to eat and in bed so on the rollers at 8:30 and do my workout then. I got it done and it felt good to be on the bike even though it was in the basement again. I'm looking forward to this weekend and staying in a hotel with a water park in it for the kids. Both the kids are looking forward to racing this weekend. I'm not worried about Nate as he will be fine. Maddie I hope is ready but she looking forward to racing so she should be fine. Cece hasn't ridden this year but is still racing so that should be fun. I think she will start training real fast after the race so get into race shape. Oh yea today is my Birthday. I can't believe it I made it to 41. Later..

Rainy Monday

Today with the rain we didn't know if Nate would be playing softball or not. We decided to do a sprint workout in the basement on the rollers. It was a good workout and we were able to get to Nate's game also. It was raining off and on during the game. Before the game Nate was standing off the side talking to others and one of his team mates was swinging a bat about 8 feet away and the bat slipped out of his hands. You know what happened next it flies and hits Nate in the left shoulder and leaves a big welt and bruise. He didn't play in the field but was able to bat. Poor kid was in tears and couldn't lift his arm to catch at first so he had to only bat. The team won 13 to 5 so that's good and the pain is a lot less when you win. We are icing and taking care of it so it won't effect his racing we hope. They have a double header on Wednesday so we hope his ready by then. Tomorrow we have a home and school meeting so may have to ride indoors again we will just have to see. Later...

Mothers Day

No ride today just things with the family. I did things outside and now getting ready to go to my parents house for a cookout. Last night was fun at Bonnies wedding party had a little to much to drink, but hey only a few times a year you have to let loose. 1 week until the first WORS race and then it's racing almost every weekend so today's break was nice. Happy Mothers Day to all the mother. Later

Early rise to ride

Today I rode with Jerry, Goat and Lori in the kettles. It was a early 6am blue lap with Jerry and Goat and back to the parking lot to meet Lori and the Barron. The Barron said the trails were closed and he was going to not ride and the rest of us said back to the woods. The trails got better as the day went on as they were alittle greasy in the corners in spots. We did the connector and back and those trails were in really good shape and a blast to ride. I took a few spills and a good one when I took a turn alittle to hot and the front tire went out and I flew over the bars with the feet higher then the head, nothing hurt. After last weeks 6 hour race it was alot easier to ride for 3 1/2 hours and still have something in the tank. The Goat is flying on the single speed and I think he will do fine in the WORS on that thing. Lori was riding strong and should do well also. Thanks for the ride guys it was a blast. Jerry and I went the General store and got some grub and home by 11:00 you can't beat that. I cleaned and greased the bike and now time to get a few Mothers day gifts and cards. Tonight it's Bonnie's Wedding party and a ride with the kids tomorrow and then eat at Mom's house. Later.

Friday

Today it was a I don't know were I'm going to be riding, outside or in the basement. We needed the rain and it let up enough to take the kids for a ride outside to the lake front. We went to the woods and checked the trails and they were rideable but I put slicks on the bike that Jordan was riding and he was not liking the riding on the trails and sliding around. It was a nice recovery ride and real easy as Jordan doesn't have a long and go gear at all so we go slow and tend to back it off from there it seems. But we made it home and Cece was home and all the kids went with her to school to get a few things done in her class room. I was able to cut the grass before it rains for a week and gets to long. Then went and gassed the car for the early ride in the kettles with the fast guys. I don't know if the ride will go off as it is raining as I type but I will call Jerry and find out. Then tomorrow night it's off to Bonnie's wedding party so maybe no ride on Sunday as it will be a few to many beers I imagine. The sun is out now so who knows what will happen. Time to get the stuff ready to fly out the door at 5am. Also time to watch the Busch race at Darlington. Later..

1 for the books

Today was a great day for a ride. You can't believe this one but here goes. Jack forgot his shoes and he decides to do the ride in a pair of slip on shoes. He made the entire ride and put in some mean ass pulls and we averaged 22 plus. I bet his legs will be sore tomorrow from have to only push the pedals. It was a good and fast ride dropped about half the riders and then had a group of about 15. It separated a few times but we were able to get back on and finish with a good group and pace. 1 for the books. I'm going to go to the Kettles on sat and ride with Jerry and the goat and a few others. Are you interested in riding with us Ron? We are going to start at like 6:30am if you are in. Call me if you want to ride with us. Later..

Home run

Today was Nate's softball game instead of racing at Crystal Ridge. Hope everyone had a blast at the time trails we can't wait to get there and race. Well back to Nate's game. They won this game 10 to 8. Nate had some good plays at first and he hit a home run in the game also. It was cool because he is fast and he had a for sure triple, but they tried to throw to third but he saw that coming and he keep going and the third baseman couldn't get the ball out of the glove quick enough and he had a standup home run. It was cool to watch and see excitement after his home run. When we got home I pulled the dandelions in the back yard and I got a blister on my hand but the yellow weeds are gone. I then went down in the basement and did a roller work out as that is all I had time to do. I would rather ride outside but I have to do what time allows until the kids and Cece are done with school. Tomorrow is the Thursday group ride and then ride with the kids on Friday and a longer ride on Sat maybe at the Kettles with Jerry for a couple of hours, he wants to ride for 5 hours out there. He didn't race the 6 hours on Sat so I don't think he knows what that does to you. I may do a long ride on the road and save the body. I will just have to see what's in the cards. Later..

Indoors

Today I had to ride the rollers because I had to take the kids and myself to the dentist. But I was able to get a quick hard workout on the rollers. I then had to get Nate to the dinner for school tonight. It was really cool, all the schools each did a skit and they were all about the American history. Uneventful and now time to get the kids ready for bed as Cece is at night school. Oh yea time trails at Crystal Ridge start tomorrow. The registration starts at 5:15pm and mass start racing is at 6:00pm. Good Luck to those who go. Later..

No Riding

Today I didn't look at the bikes at all I just lifted weights. I really didn't ride and wasn't easy but with the weather as cold as it was it wasn't hard not to ride. We went to Nate's softball game and he played well but they lost 7 to 5. I like watching the kids play as being only 10 years old and losing and not caring about it is a good thing. Tomorrow we have a special dinner for Nate's class because they were in a program to learn about American history and his class got some grant to do it. So I will do a quick roller work out before we go to the dentist then the dinner. So a easy day and I liked not having to try to get a ride in and then the best of all watching the kids play ball. I will trade any day on the bike to watch the kids play sports. I think that the time trails start this Wed but I will out and post tomorrow. Later..

Racing 6 hours

I have to say that racing a 6 hour solo is fun for a second or two but come around 41/2 to 5 hours in it is really something else. I went to the race and I didn't know what I would race. After getting there all the racers and the idea of trying a 6 hour solo I just signed up and deciced to race it. It was fun, I was getting ready and I hear that there was 10 seconds before the start. I quick tossed my coat the Russell and got to the start as they were all leaving. I was in the back and following many racers who looked like weekend trail riders with hairy legs and tennis shoes. I will never miss a start again. I was able to pass many of the riders and the rest were popping along the way so that made it a lot easier. I caught up to Ron's friend Matt and we were riding together and he caught the edge of the trail and went down. I slowed but he said go and I will catch up later in the race. He broke his seat and dropped out of the race. As the race went on I was passing racers and none were passing me so I felt good that I would make the top 10. I got to the my fifth lap and caught Coop but he said that was his last lap and was moving slower then my cramping could go so I rolled away from him. I got another lap in and I came across to the finish line with 1 hour to go and said to my self and I can get 1 more lap. As I was riding every 5 minutes or so I'm thinking I may not make it. I was passing people and I'm thinking there is a lot of people out here and I think they will never make the time cut off. I knew that if I make it to the connector trail with 15 minutes to go I could gas it and make it back. Every time I pushed it I my legs would cramp so I had to push it only the hills. Well I made it to the finish and had 7 minutes to spare. Finished with 7 laps and that made me very happy but dazed and confused at the end as I lay on the ground saying to myself why did I do this? Well in the end I finished 4th and I' more then happy with that I would have never expected that and I'm noy complaing. Ron came in but his last lap was 1 minute to late and it didn't count but he still won the race. He also won the 60 mile prime also and got the extra 60 dollars. Way to go Ron and oh yea you didn't lap me either and results show I had the same laps as you and that is a good thing. I had nate race the 3 hour solo and he got 25 mile in so that was cool. He was very tired and slept all the way home and ws still sleeping when I went for my road ride at 9:30. The ride was ok but going with Jeff for a easy ride is not a easy ride for most others but himself. Now I know why he is a 1 on the road and a 1 on the track. Hanging on at 22 and 19 into the wind was not fun. We turned around as the sky's were black. We got caught in some rain, snow, sleet and hail we were soaked and cold.. We called Jeff's wife to get us but by the time she got us we were riding towards home and out ran the rain but the ride home was good and we got warm in the van.. We still got 2 hours in so that was good enough as I was just doing all I had to hang on to Jeff's wheel any how. Tomorrow is a rest day no matter what. I was going to go to Crystal for trail work but I can hardly move and I'm going to watch the race and relax. Later..