tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44729134444858446902024-02-20T20:46:54.643-08:00Biking MinnesotaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-85319971153252057232014-05-14T14:10:00.001-07:002014-05-14T14:10:15.158-07:00Bike BlessingThe Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis is hosting a "<a href="http://www.mary.org/news-events/events/blessing-bicycles?instance=0#.U3Pa7_ldU8Q">Blessing of the Bicycles</a>" on Sunday. According to my brief Googling, this involves a priest anointing a bike with oil and offering a blessing for bikes and riders for a safe season of biking.<br />
<br />
I asked Jamey if he was interested. I think that's a no.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nfo-S41xuByGmDFeky7Q4lU6l0IDjrGFOslc2HNeodbOM2e7z6bcicO-GUwqGhqhGlUS094n4xlz2urtuhfiMXHn8bPnMy6yNBTsu6b0W-Tsz4mNpd9MfVpblRfPFxbE7ifV9PGrXK8/s1600/jameybike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nfo-S41xuByGmDFeky7Q4lU6l0IDjrGFOslc2HNeodbOM2e7z6bcicO-GUwqGhqhGlUS094n4xlz2urtuhfiMXHn8bPnMy6yNBTsu6b0W-Tsz4mNpd9MfVpblRfPFxbE7ifV9PGrXK8/s1600/jameybike.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If only they could get around to giving their blessing to things like ordination of women, gay marriage, and prosecuting sexual predators instead of worrying about bikes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
/end political observation.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-22715013218525316172014-05-11T19:01:00.003-07:002014-05-11T19:28:43.240-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<b>5/11/14 - Sam</b><br />
<br />
Hi everyone! Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there. I'm a mom to fury kids and wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx-okxxZb-zkWIn_HBmiXVzBrGsRg_a_pX7B13c1Z3xkNJsI9hAEoFFN5ZxOTk5jpvATdlVDxL3CM4W8vg8oN54Hj5QY-HNgeaubEknB3lSnw6pJrOB2bKYq8J-ZpnNBQOmsaIo-N2rs/s1600/IMG_3498%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx-okxxZb-zkWIn_HBmiXVzBrGsRg_a_pX7B13c1Z3xkNJsI9hAEoFFN5ZxOTk5jpvATdlVDxL3CM4W8vg8oN54Hj5QY-HNgeaubEknB3lSnw6pJrOB2bKYq8J-ZpnNBQOmsaIo-N2rs/s1600/IMG_3498%5B1%5D.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
I wanted to quickly update all of you on my newest venture: I'm contributing to <a href="http://www.mspbiking.com/introducing-sam-bishop-strand-loves-biking/">another blog about biking</a>! This one is about biking in the Twin Cities area. No worries, I will also continue to blog here, Jamey wouldn't have it any other way. I hope you'll also check out this new blog and share it if you find it useful.<br />
<br />
We spent the day in Rochester for Mother's Day. Carol (that's Jamey's mom) just bought herself a bike a few weeks ago, so we took our bikes with us and had a fun little family cruise down the <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/douglas/index.html">Douglas Trail</a>. It's a lovely, rural trail, I encourage anyone in the Rochester area to visit. I will let Jamey elaborate further on the family ride. All I have to say is this: when biking with Jamey, I try to take the lead ... otherwise it's a full moon, <i>if you know what I'm saying!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm54BwesPywYrUVFLeOovbDz_ekle1HTAx_zetrih69r53YMv_AOskJPPJL1C9Xbiq6VUE1DrIWDxybndRn9kyZ-z2HOKZBJGcUltwk78dbkjeCs35PdFi9vV2uRGQME4ouQECXax8sGk/s1600/cows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm54BwesPywYrUVFLeOovbDz_ekle1HTAx_zetrih69r53YMv_AOskJPPJL1C9Xbiq6VUE1DrIWDxybndRn9kyZ-z2HOKZBJGcUltwk78dbkjeCs35PdFi9vV2uRGQME4ouQECXax8sGk/s1600/cows.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a></div>
Just one more quick thing. If you are tracking your miles running, walking or biking (if you're not, you should) then please also use this app I just discovered: <a href="http://www.charitymiles.org/">Charity Miles</a>. This app lets you earn money for charity with each mile you're already traveling. So, stop changing the color of your Facebook profile picture, stop with the innuendo about where you leave your purse, and actually DO SOMETHING for charity! I have strong feelings about <a href="http://civil-conversations.blogspot.com/2013/07/if-you-care-about-cause-be-activist-not.html">slacktivism</a>. Hint: I'm AGAINST IT.<br />
<br />
So without further adieu: Here's Jamey!<br />
<br />
<b>Jamey 5/11</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9bNa5p441NQLlQle1-H-QTxsgGRAmfbN0OazZJ6L1pOXDus22_lX0j-gRXcny-_37_HF_bDT1Q6F3NzLp25g1ulcd7F-ZDG126ZXBACVkgg3gEbRf7Y54Pi4OW98Ak5pktTdy9ly3kE/s1600/IMG_3491%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9bNa5p441NQLlQle1-H-QTxsgGRAmfbN0OazZJ6L1pOXDus22_lX0j-gRXcny-_37_HF_bDT1Q6F3NzLp25g1ulcd7F-ZDG126ZXBACVkgg3gEbRf7Y54Pi4OW98Ak5pktTdy9ly3kE/s1600/IMG_3491%255B1%255D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Had a nice weekend of riding! It was nice to be able to go for a ride with my family on Saturday. Like Sam said earlier, we went a little ways north on the Douglas Trail from Rochester toward Pine Island. My Mom (pictured here with yours truly) is currently having some knee problems and biking is a good way for her to strengthen the muscles around her knee and ease the pain. She recently bought a Townie Electra bike and really seems to enjoy it! We have had the opportunity to go for a couple of rides together since she has gotten her bike. I enjoy having the opportunity to spend time with my Mom doing things we both enjoy! By the way, my Dad likes to join us for rides to.<br />
<br />
For Mother's Day, Sam and I are going to take my Mom (and Dad) for the <a href="https://www.niceridemn.org/_asset/ty6m0i/art-alfresco.pdf">Art al Fresco</a> tour in Minneapolis since she is a big art buff. She seems to be looking forward to it and is working to build up her stamina to be able to handle the ride. Sam and I are also looking forward to being able to this ride with my parents doing something together that we all love.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgrbi6gEZYs8XPNuCFIvLYQd56kbek-IosjixtroqWqkaA55CAMXrniSCHLovF82uOJS54a9GQww7gNRVNnsKKiHpet3a7ZZeMxMUiHYe0Kje4cVzJjWPCyMVH08B58aj6C22OHS8grc/s1600/IMG_3493%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgrbi6gEZYs8XPNuCFIvLYQd56kbek-IosjixtroqWqkaA55CAMXrniSCHLovF82uOJS54a9GQww7gNRVNnsKKiHpet3a7ZZeMxMUiHYe0Kje4cVzJjWPCyMVH08B58aj6C22OHS8grc/s1600/IMG_3493%255B1%255D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is a photo of both my parents and myself from Saturday on the Douglas Trail. My Dad is riding a hand-me-down bike from yours truly. He has my old Schwinn Trailways Hybrid that I rode before I got my nice road bike last fall. He is a little taller than me so he could use the seat to be a little higher even though it is as high as it can get. He asked me if it is possible to buy a longer seat post to help him ride more comfortably. Anyone who knows the answer to that question, please let us know and we can pass the word on to him!<br />
<br />
That's all I have for now, until next time Happy Cycling!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-49709661768532170642014-05-09T19:02:00.001-07:002014-05-09T19:02:40.815-07:005/9/14 - Jamey<br />
<br />
Hey all,<br />
<br />
Its been an eventful couple of days cycling wise. I have done quite a bit of cycling. Last night, I took my first rain ride of the year. Rather, I found a 40 minute window in between storms rolling through to get 8 miles in. I got a nice light show in the distance from all the lightning while I was riding though. Today, Sam and I made a little brewery tour, which is what we do most Friday evenings. First, we went to the<a href="http://sociablecider.com/">Sociable Cider Werks</a> in NE Minneapolis to try a hard cider. We also shared a delicious Reuben sandwich from the food truck there.<br />
From there, we rode the 3/4 mile to <a href="http://612brew.com/">612 Brew</a> to have one of their delicious brews before we rode home. Our ride ended up being a 14.4 mile round trip. It was a little rough coming home as we were riding against a stiff breeze but all in all we enjoyed it thoroughly.<br />
You'll hear again from us soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-85551448795390790112014-05-07T18:43:00.000-07:002014-05-07T18:43:16.969-07:005/7/14 - Jamey<br />
<br />
Hello there fellow cyclists and cycling followers. Today was a long and busy day of work so I am quite exhausted. So how better to unwind from a crazy day of work that to continue celebrating Bike Week and Craft Beer Week! That's exactly what Sam and I did this evening. We rode the 9.8 mile round trip from home to <a href="http://surlybrewing.com/">Surly Brewery</a> in Brooklyn Center to enjoy a couple of their delicious brews. The ride home was a little rough being that it was against a rather stiff breeze so it helped out our workout. Oh, and by the way, Sam and I are again doing the <a href="http://nationalbikechallenge.org/">National Bike Challenge</a> this year. You all should check it out and sign up to hopefully win some prizes. I don't have any chance to place first but it is fun to try and win some free stuff to help my cycling career! <br />
<br />
I guess that's all I have for now but I will be posting again soon. I hope to hear from some of you cycling enthusiasts through our blog!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-25235586146739999192014-05-06T18:55:00.000-07:002014-05-06T18:55:02.944-07:00Jamey 5/6/14<br />
<br />
Hey all! Sorry its been awhile since you've heard from me! Been really busy lately. But not to worry, I have been riding as much as possible. In fact, we just finished a nice 13.5 mile ride from home to <a href="http://oldchicago.com/">Old Chicago</a> in Fridley for dinner to celebrate Minnesota Craft Beer Week and also Minneapolis Bike Week. It was a little windy for our ride there but its getting easier and easier every time we ride. Can't wait to get some good long rides in as the spring and summer progress! I'll talk to ya soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-29945750864518028882014-04-24T12:30:00.000-07:002014-04-27T17:21:30.487-07:00Earth Day 20144/24/14 - Sam<br />
<br />
Tuesday was Earth Day and 3M had several events to celebrate the day. I participated in the Bike to Work festivities. Unfortunately, I live 25 miles away from 3M and I would not be functional at 5am in order to start biking in time to get work and cleaned up in time to start my day! So, I met a group of people at <a href="http://mn-stpaul.civicplus.com/facilities.aspx?search=1&CID=1&pagenum=4&RID=81&Page=detail">Lake Phalen</a> (that was my first time there, very neat, I'll definitely return!)<br />
<br />
As a group we rode the 5 miles to campus and circled the plaza. 3M food services kindly provided us with breakfast and then we posed for some photos. After work we all biked back to Lake Phalen, where every else kept riding to their destinations. I packed my bike into the Jeep and went to happy hour!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKXwc9Lh8bXZ2nmYuXhqviAYRWoqPQElw_CbjbIMGgWMUoJkKOGeOkud3AXnQ4xrQ4FkSNQ5ejF-ipgL-B6L8xrkByzAn5siTFVNXAjQdRqmgHhGIxhDJKhxChUy5exjPuh03kwnKcBg/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKXwc9Lh8bXZ2nmYuXhqviAYRWoqPQElw_CbjbIMGgWMUoJkKOGeOkud3AXnQ4xrQ4FkSNQ5ejF-ipgL-B6L8xrkByzAn5siTFVNXAjQdRqmgHhGIxhDJKhxChUy5exjPuh03kwnKcBg/s1600/group.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was my first experience riding with a group and I was a little nervous about my ability to keep up, would my relative newbie status show? It turned out I did just fine. It was kind of fun to ride with a group. I'm usually a solo rider, I like putting my headphones in and listening to an audiobook, enjoying the sights and the feel of the wind against my face. Jamey's the only person I've ever really rode with. Penn Cycle does group rides, maybe I'll join one for the practice and experience. Or maybe I'll just crawl back under my bridge! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-77996310139969169642014-04-23T17:03:00.003-07:002014-04-27T17:01:06.700-07:00Massive catchup4/23/14 - Sam<br />
<br />
We've done a fair bit of biking since my last entry. Time to update the blog!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GoEh8cEcno_Kl-z8AYTodAw5XEfOvjz2pF_yY_4t6I-Pf_55FBRulhinRoSRIEhsx2RycK1igqwRzTEIDiTAj80CD5NUknN0x2_Iy58jKoQkNbf6VUsodZ72bW1FXjv347FVgzP9lUU/s1600/IMG_3398%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GoEh8cEcno_Kl-z8AYTodAw5XEfOvjz2pF_yY_4t6I-Pf_55FBRulhinRoSRIEhsx2RycK1igqwRzTEIDiTAj80CD5NUknN0x2_Iy58jKoQkNbf6VUsodZ72bW1FXjv347FVgzP9lUU/s1600/IMG_3398%255B1%255D.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud streaks: proof of a good ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did manage to get our bikes out for the inaugural ride to <a href="http://psychosuzis.com/">Psycho Suzi's</a>. The roads were very wet and muddy, neither of us have fenders on our bikes, so we had streaks of mud from our butts to shoulders. "The spring streak" as I call it! There were lots of other people on the patio at Suzi's, it was the first real nice day of the year and we Minnesotan's took full advantage of the weather.<br />
<br />
We followed up that ride with a trip out to the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. Those trails were still largely covered by snow, so we went another route home on city roads. And, we decided to make a stop for beer. Again, we were fairly dirty!<br />
<br />
After a couple of dirty rides, it was time to clean the bikes, lube the chains, general maintenance. Of course, neither of us are professionals at this, so we're figuring it out as we go along. We got a chain cleaning tool and struggled with it a few times before we got it right. We have a lot to learn, sometimes I feel overwhelmed with all the moving parts that can break, the parts that have to be cleaned ... we'll just have to keep plugging along as we learn by experience.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj0XzZGGxo-3QuRtLxmQllzbqsmJ0FVdXGsXqL6gAjbWc9mWg4-Bh6MNxVWRTjC2W9vhI4LGK569eZgQhpmzG5YAo2xVFIb7LhEOSATOyDYii-gHDqIJ-77WDJRiUgOJj_OnrXkHkR3k/s1600/IMG_3391%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj0XzZGGxo-3QuRtLxmQllzbqsmJ0FVdXGsXqL6gAjbWc9mWg4-Bh6MNxVWRTjC2W9vhI4LGK569eZgQhpmzG5YAo2xVFIb7LhEOSATOyDYii-gHDqIJ-77WDJRiUgOJj_OnrXkHkR3k/s1600/IMG_3391%255B1%255D.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"This goo is going to clean the chain?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two weekends ago, we rode to Minnehaha Falls. So did dozens of other people. It was pretty crowded there, but it was nice to see the ice melting off the falls as Minnesota chucks away the last vestiges of winter. Of course, just to prove me wrong, it snowed later that week and we got close to 8 inches! It didn't last for more than a few days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiswXnzFVhyphenhyphenYdekOe9PUMNBsevEucXEvhmxvJoGw3jTTxdOyhECdJQwXoNn1oS2jAdK3-4uo21sNDUy-eUbhgviAupLAvaOMraigsMCTbiD5EvcxuJrb9pWACEAP_so26bjKOPEEBBbeo/s1600/minnehahafalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiswXnzFVhyphenhyphenYdekOe9PUMNBsevEucXEvhmxvJoGw3jTTxdOyhECdJQwXoNn1oS2jAdK3-4uo21sNDUy-eUbhgviAupLAvaOMraigsMCTbiD5EvcxuJrb9pWACEAP_so26bjKOPEEBBbeo/s1600/minnehahafalls.jpg" height="165" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally, we rode our bikes to my parents house on Easter - 15 miles each way. That was an easy ride, but a great way to burn the calories from Easter dinner. My family thinks we're "super crazy" about biking, and I guess we are! Hopefully we'll drag some of them into this hobby!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-32572870926682369252014-03-26T09:15:00.000-07:002014-03-26T09:15:54.334-07:00Rough Winter3/26/14 - Sam<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cqNL8ZRHCv2FnAi-IXJixrKkJ1kPPohk41EkEkX3giAtXKEPyCPZ1qTTaglcbQbkpt_9dHVmLU1s0lzCFS6q1CPmcFWPMGF43EjfEfMhejrQdDvnW1w65UpFRU8uNXhrUFr5ctTsSjk/s1600/airhurts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cqNL8ZRHCv2FnAi-IXJixrKkJ1kPPohk41EkEkX3giAtXKEPyCPZ1qTTaglcbQbkpt_9dHVmLU1s0lzCFS6q1CPmcFWPMGF43EjfEfMhejrQdDvnW1w65UpFRU8uNXhrUFr5ctTsSjk/s1600/airhurts.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pretty much sums up the winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's been a while since either of us blogged, so I thought it was high time to change that! The calendar says it's spring, but it's still rather wintery here in Minnesota, as usual. This winter was miserable. Scientifically proven: <a href="http://kstp.com/article/stories/S3340212.shtml">miserable</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_B1jaceOeoiNuCQrYqqC8qB3gWUdEmS9i3yYpOjzZ8ClkwTOy_fFeOmTY0hKli4gPpHcPTpgjTCmhFji0n2AKymAipe141WYEetD45oNgFXm2Wnt_ItO0_5myC9RUoQEA52rEcaenDY/s1600/indoortri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_B1jaceOeoiNuCQrYqqC8qB3gWUdEmS9i3yYpOjzZ8ClkwTOy_fFeOmTY0hKli4gPpHcPTpgjTCmhFji0n2AKymAipe141WYEetD45oNgFXm2Wnt_ItO0_5myC9RUoQEA52rEcaenDY/s1600/indoortri.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That doesn't meant we hibernated, though. Jamey and I spent the first couple of months training for an indoor triathlon! We completed it March 2nd - it was a big accomplishment for me. I hate, <b>hate, </b>going to the gym and training for the tri motivated me to stay active during the winter. In case you're wondering, the indoor tri is a 10 minute swim, a 30 minute bike (on spin cycles) and a 20 minute run. We both achieved our personal goals: Jamey's goal was to not be the last guy. My goal was to beat him! I took 12th place, Jamey came in 20th (out of 30 people).<br />
<br />
It got us thinking about trying to do a real triathlon in the future. We'll see ... maybe next year.<br />
<br />
I was also able to get out on my bike a couple of times so far this year. We had a day in January when the temps hit about 40, so I got my bike and didn't look back. It felt great to ride outside! There were patches of ice and several spots where I had to really work hard to balance while riding on top of packed down snow. It was a challenge, but worth it. If only winter could be in the 40s all the time, I'd be out every day!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicA_Z9W3tO_oaGUNJ1-ITyjq4gJ-ETr9T-CRa3pJUx6LhLoDuVRjpzwf72Zv-TZIfiLYj4hid1_sygevq5jFQLbsgCp7kK_pj1XrXyuPwnSjPPtOiM2QApnJ1Zn7Evj3psJYWXYIFzsL0/s1600/winterbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicA_Z9W3tO_oaGUNJ1-ITyjq4gJ-ETr9T-CRa3pJUx6LhLoDuVRjpzwf72Zv-TZIfiLYj4hid1_sygevq5jFQLbsgCp7kK_pj1XrXyuPwnSjPPtOiM2QApnJ1Zn7Evj3psJYWXYIFzsL0/s1600/winterbike.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
The next time I got out was earlier this month, it was a great warm day and the snow was melting like crazy. This time, the ride wasn't as pleasant. I was covered in mud by the time I got home, everywhere I rode I had to ride through deep mud puddles. But, again, it felt great to just be outside on my bike.<br />
<br />
Another time, while walking the dogs along the Mississippi River Trail (a favorite place to bike) I walked past a couple out on their fat bikes. I admit, I'm intrigued. But for an extra $900, I'm not sure I'd use it enough to justify the price. I know some people are much more committed than I am, but there is no way I'm biking in subzero temps.<br />
<br />
The forecast for Sunday is 58 degrees! Jamey is hoping we can get our bikes out for the inaugural ride down to Psycho Suzie's. I'm hoping so too! I can't wait for winter to leave us for good. I've got lots of great rides planned for this summer!<br /><br />Stay tuned to see where our bikes take us this year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-38846440717390507362013-11-17T18:46:00.001-08:002014-04-27T17:07:46.642-07:0011/17/13 - Jamey<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hey All!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sorry for our lack of posting over the last couple of weeks. Busy time with work. Parent/Teacher Conferences and the start of basketball coaching. Such is life...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, now back to what is important, thats right, you guessed it, biking! Sam and went for what could likely be one of our last few rides of the year today. It was a little chilly but not too bad! We did a little over 10 miles before coming home to watch the Vikings (big waste of time by the way). We started on the <a href="http://mississippirivertrail.org/">Mississippi River Trail</a> in Brooklyn Center and headed north and started toward the <a href="http://anokacountyparks.com/coon_rapids_dam">Coon Rapids Dam</a> but didn't make it all the way there. Sam had some issues which I'm sure she'll share with you. We then turned around and rode toward the <a href="http://www.anokacountyparks.com/parks/islands_of_peace_county_park/">Islands of Peace Park</a>. We did a quick lap through the park then cruised back home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a great ride and I'm starting to realize how much I'm going to miss this once the snow flies. Hopefully we can get a couple more rides in before winter sets in. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Cycling and we'll talk soon!<br />
<br />
11/17/13 - Sam<br />
<br />
Did you know you can put a bike tire on the wrong way? Me either, until today. (Oh, I bought myself a new bike a few weeks ago. It's also a <a href="http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/">Trek</a> and it's pretty great.) These new bikes have quick release wheels, making it super easy to transport them. I took mine along with me last weekend when my friend and I went to Grandview Lodge in Nisswa MN for a girls weekend. I did manage to get about 9 miles in before the snow started up there. <span style="text-align: center;">Anywhoo ... I took the tire off to bring it back home and put it back on to store in the garage. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr_DYbJLR9-GzG1K8Zjj0_-AlDaSCUcbljrBu7KR4vwfZ-quFtcKNgCqvkYn7WHvxR_YcME1AJ9p13LkM6E6cYbK3hJ0P4ZUA-XKMmndxHNOqldq6dOGzHBSLfUKAmZ0xDGNN3rI3ySY/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr_DYbJLR9-GzG1K8Zjj0_-AlDaSCUcbljrBu7KR4vwfZ-quFtcKNgCqvkYn7WHvxR_YcME1AJ9p13LkM6E6cYbK3hJ0P4ZUA-XKMmndxHNOqldq6dOGzHBSLfUKAmZ0xDGNN3rI3ySY/s320/IMG_2678.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake view from my bike ride at Grand View Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSt8H4XFw1HTCMFck6fQbnJu3Nw5cDoPpht5EHEIacvh_c5UIgz4yMA-aJyEyOBdwZQyUfRwZYS5t0N9vdW45g1JJFX8z7JP43wARTzmiwj8Y-DMEYCb4HBzRGLBSCS8oPf4slYgIPUw/s1600/IMG_2717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSt8H4XFw1HTCMFck6fQbnJu3Nw5cDoPpht5EHEIacvh_c5UIgz4yMA-aJyEyOBdwZQyUfRwZYS5t0N9vdW45g1JJFX8z7JP43wARTzmiwj8Y-DMEYCb4HBzRGLBSCS8oPf4slYgIPUw/s200/IMG_2717.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mississippi River Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today, I spent the morning taking Buddy for a jog through down the Mississippi River Trail and was pretty tired by the end. But, as soon as I got home Jamey wanted to go for a ride and I couldn't say no. It quickly became clear that I could not keep up with Jamey. I felt like I was working four times harder than usual. I shifted through all my gears, tried all the hand positions and I just couldn't keep up. Damn, I worked my butt off. Poor Jamey kept waiting for me, but I decided that the morning jog had kicked my butt and turned around. For some reason, I remembered Jamey mentioning that his tire spun better when the release lever was on the left, so I got off my bike and checked - sure enough, my lever was on the right. I took the tire off and put it on the right way -- NIGHT AND DAY difference! I sped past Jamey and shouted "eat my dust!" (because I'm a grown up). Lesson learned - lever goes on the left.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuXreJJ4s1WkWaXxBBUFrVFMRxYBwdfhLcO15F_cRTBqcb02nXlgRMNlB7gbabzh5HtB8KIyFbL4no6zG8TfvKs8GXozBSPPU7YhlKjkITH90DwFD2blyUo9Masa_ulf_nXlMbo-vj4M/s1600/IMG_2714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuuXreJJ4s1WkWaXxBBUFrVFMRxYBwdfhLcO15F_cRTBqcb02nXlgRMNlB7gbabzh5HtB8KIyFbL4no6zG8TfvKs8GXozBSPPU7YhlKjkITH90DwFD2blyUo9Masa_ulf_nXlMbo-vj4M/s200/IMG_2714.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man made falls in the North Mississippi Regional Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once I got my groove back, I wanted to return to my favorite place, the Island of Peace. It's a little known oasis in the middle of the city. It's a small island, about 2 miles around, but it's just beautiful and I love it there. I go there whenever I need to clear my head, so I was glad I got to ride there at least one last time.<br />
<br />
Lucky for me, my other bike is in fine shape. It's a thicker hybrid with bigger tires, so I think I'll get some winter riding in on nice days, but Jamey is probably done. The tires on our road bikes are too thin to ride in snow and ice.<br />
<br />
See? We're novices. I'm sure there is a really good reason why a tire spins differently based on the way it's put on ... but I don't know what that reason is. Anyone out there want to let me know?<br />
<br />
Toodles for now, friends.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-14967890450682816812013-11-02T16:01:00.001-07:002013-11-02T16:01:09.975-07:0011/2/13 - Jamey<br />
<br />
Hey all!<br />
<br />
Great afternoon for a ride today. Low 50s and sunny. Got out there and rode 10.5 miles in 45 minutes around Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis before setting in to watch some Gopher football vs. Indiana. The first 3 quarters went well for the Gophers but the last 10 minutes has been tough. They still have some time to pull it out though.<br />
<br />
Went out and bought a Bell Bike Computer today and put it on my bike but I couldn't get it to work. I followed the instruction to a T but nothing would register. I got frustrated after fiddling with it for 20 minutes and took it off the bike and just went for my ride. I'm trying to decide if I should return it or not. Anybody out there familiar with the product can send me some info. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping to get a good ride in tomorrow afternoon between the Vikings game at noon and Timberwolves game at 6:30. Stay tuned for details on the ride!<br />
<br />
Happy Riding and we'll talk soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-52881263118794211142013-11-02T07:17:00.000-07:002013-11-02T07:20:08.857-07:00Prevented from biking?11/2/13 Sam<br />
<br />
Over the MEA school break, Jamey and I took a trip to Duluth and the North Shore. I love that area! The <a href="http://www.ggta.org/">Gitchi-Gami state State Trail</a>, is up there and I would frequently sigh "I wish we'd brought our bikes!" For me, biking is a chance to commune with nature and appreciate the natural wonders of this world. We got a lot of hiking in while we were up there which was <i>almost</i> as good.<br />
<br />
Of course, if you know me at all, you know that I'm a klutz. So ... of course ... I fell. I landed really frigging hard square on my tailbone on a pointy rock. <b>OUCH. </b>Two weeks later; still ouch. I tried to ride my bike once since and it was quite painful.<br />
<br />
This weekend is one of the last nice weekends we're going to have for a while. The fall colors are still beautiful. I've had a pretty lousy week. I need to get out on my bike, but damn it hurts!! I might have to put the super padded bike seat back on, climb into my padded bike shorts and load up on painkillers and suffer through.<br />
<br />
Riding my bike on beautiful trails is like church to me; it soothes and heals my soul, quiets my mind and inspires a sense of awe and gratitude within me. Rest may be the best treatment for my ailing tailbone, but my soul craves some quite time on the bike.<br />
<br />
My next post may be one of me whining and crying about the pain, but I suspect it'll still be worth it!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, enjoy these photos from our Duluth trip:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAlrmESOvUpmP73tWTCaQiQEDA5oaanOVzU3q05rDPe7OTDybu3cM-H-n1fANWhpECvmEbhsssl2ZuIAypcOrLn4pmjvl1dvCJjaFrbezVOTb5iXZoeyP70jvXR6_dpfYdsUUbHP3hUU/s400/duluthbridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duluth Bridge at sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwptXlGYt_b8B0mmC9wpFIJDmyTRnX0OT-ApmoKgO39XYUndwHawOdZ8xLPFuaiUpWRPVJJoofoXDwz9lLSy9xFtlJJB0Azs-k0nmqbuU9B-L-yPA8jdrbzKGXMebq6vMCUleBGjocZRM/s1600/usduluth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwptXlGYt_b8B0mmC9wpFIJDmyTRnX0OT-ApmoKgO39XYUndwHawOdZ8xLPFuaiUpWRPVJJoofoXDwz9lLSy9xFtlJJB0Azs-k0nmqbuU9B-L-yPA8jdrbzKGXMebq6vMCUleBGjocZRM/s400/usduluth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory couple pose at Gooseberry Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKanc23wK-G9LgLwcCDemBuISToC5QyqdsdC1KIsrE-pEdxl5q7sIeQUgM5EK8OFPB3bfpd1ylFImNRED48HuKD3xdswJtfh5zWKMMA4h1pfxhNTGf0Gju_TfWzwmTdu3m4DKrNWBGlnA/s1600/falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKanc23wK-G9LgLwcCDemBuISToC5QyqdsdC1KIsrE-pEdxl5q7sIeQUgM5EK8OFPB3bfpd1ylFImNRED48HuKD3xdswJtfh5zWKMMA4h1pfxhNTGf0Gju_TfWzwmTdu3m4DKrNWBGlnA/s400/falls.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great view of the falls, a bridge, the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-17141891702344376722013-10-28T18:58:00.001-07:002013-10-28T18:58:19.038-07:00Hello there fellow cyclists :)<br />
<br />
My news for the day is this. Upgraded to a new a better bike yesterday! Retired my Schwinn hybrid from Target after 1300 miles. Bought my first road bike, a Trek 1.1 from <a href="http://www.penncycle.com/">Penn Cycle</a> in Blaine. I have to say it was one of the easiest processes with a salesperson ever. Got it home and got a 9 mile ride on it before it got dark!<br />
<br />
Now today after work I had a CHILLY ride. Made it 7 miles through the city streets in Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis before the cold and dark got me. I absolutely love the new bike though and I can't wait to get some good long rides in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GkOSXqO7yuhxxYrZF0UaSoZT7qojKcDrSD704p8Kg6MvXImx54eryOlc16M_ihA039ewmSUITINF0muI2CiY59O87GesTkKPB6T8BkeKTU8gvpvOekfIfnv08ACtZaCqs7IbdTUN8Ng/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GkOSXqO7yuhxxYrZF0UaSoZT7qojKcDrSD704p8Kg6MvXImx54eryOlc16M_ihA039ewmSUITINF0muI2CiY59O87GesTkKPB6T8BkeKTU8gvpvOekfIfnv08ACtZaCqs7IbdTUN8Ng/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472913444485844690.post-80088970970042574912013-10-27T19:53:00.001-07:002014-04-27T17:03:44.625-07:00Another bike blog?Well yes. There are lots of blogs about biking out there. So why should you stick around and read this one? Because we're just like you. Well, we're kind of like you but with <a href="http://mnbybike.blogspot.com/p/our-dogs.html">cooler dogs</a>. Really though, we're just average people who realized that biking is pretty fun and good for you. We're still figuring this stuff out, so we're in it together. We got the subscription to <a href="http://www.bicycling.com/">Bicycling Magazine</a> and realized we are <i>soooo</i> not those people ... the people who ride across Costa Rica, that girl who bikes 25 miles each way to work, even in the winter, that guy who does a 100 mile <b>race</b> for fun. But, if we're being honest, we strive to be a little like those people. (Please, sign me up for a bike tour of the wineries of Italy, but under no circumstances will I ever attempt to do anything resembling the Tour de France)<br />
<br />
Come along with us as we learn in earnest more about bike maintenance and repairs, types of bikes and of course, enjoy some great rides with us (either in spirit or in person).<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14168333387758275395noreply@blogger.com0