bikes bowling booze by DIRK

Killing the blog

2011-08-15T21:29:00.001-05:00

I'm done with the blog. Unless I can find a good reason in the next day or two to keep it.

Meet in the Middle Ride

2011-07-10T19:08:00.002-05:00

Short recap of the Meet in the Middle Ride yesterday. Seven of us met in Sioux Falls and rode to Beresford, fighting a 20 MPH wind the whole way. A couple of us joked as we were leaving that it might take us 3 hours to get there. It almost did. I showed an average speed between 12 and 13 MPH for the first half of the trip.

We met with 7 riders from Vermillion, they enjoyed the tailwind most of the way! One guy even rode in from Yankton.

We ate at Emily's Cafe. Food was good. The help was...interesting. Don't go there with a big group, it freaks out the waitress.

The ride back to Sioux Falls was good. It was getting hot, but the wind at our backs kept us moving at a good pace. I rode with Biking Brady. I only had to ask him to slow down a couple of times.

It was a fun ride! Total of 72 miles on a hot and windy summer day. We should do it again!

Nice Racks!

2011-06-26T19:27:00.003-05:00

Posted this pic on Facebook yesterday. I used the TROLL to gather some fire wood. Next weekend, a trip to the liquor store!

Crazy Summer

2011-06-12T18:23:00.003-05:00

Going to be a crazy summer. Lot of bike things going on. Lot of work things going on. Lot of family things going on.

Might be some time between posts, but I'll try to throw in a little rant once in a while. Maybe shit will settle down and I can relax for a day or a week... How many days til RAGBRAI?

SIOUX FALLS DRIVERS SUCK!

2011-05-27T20:40:00.003-05:00

Well, not ALL of them...but, I got your attention!

The debate in Sioux Falls over bicyclists and their place in transportation rages on. There have been two cyclists killed in Sioux Falls in the last year, and a few others that have been struck and injured, by someone driving a car. The belief that a bicycle is a viable form of transportation just has not caught on here yet. All you have to do is read the comments on a story or two HERE to see what some of the nutjobs in this city really think.

My issue with some of the comments made is this.... Don't group everyone on bicycles together. Of course, there are some that ride on the wrong side of the street, dart through intersections, and generally cause confusion and disrupt the flow of traffic. There are also some that obey the traffic laws, signal turns, and try to ride predictably with the flow of traffic. I try to be that rider. I even took a Traffic Skills course from THIS GUY to learn the correct way to ride on the streets. (I recommend this course for anyone!)

Stop your whining! Anytime the subject of bicycles on the streets comes up in the news, the comments start showing up about all the bad things people on bikes do and how they just need to get out of the way. One today even demanded cyclists "share the road" by getting out of the way and moving over. It's the same bullshit over and over again.

I'll ride to the right. But, if the lane isn't wide enough to share I'm taking the lane. I'll be on the right, there won't be enough room for you to pass without going into the other lane. A driver may have to slow down for a few seconds for a clearing to pass, but they also won't be able to buzz me. I am not riding in the middle of the street. I would like to ask some of these idiots if they come up behind motorcycles and try to squeeze through like they do passing bikes. I bet they don't! One of the worst problems I have on the streets here is actually on the 4 lane streets. The left lane could be clear of traffic, I am riding in the right half of the right lane...and still get buzzed! What the hell!?! At that time I usually "point" to the open lane to let them know there is a lane open over there. (You could call it pointing, I am only using one finger.)

Most of the drivers in Sioux Falls are good about leaving space while passing. Others are not, maybe because they saw another cyclist doing something stupid, so they buzz me because I am just another guy on a bike and an easy target on the street. Well, let's turn that around and I'll just roll up behind a car at a stoplight and smash the back window with my frame pump! I could do that because someone else cut me off, right?

You just can't put all cyclists in one group, and all drivers in one group either.

Last part of this little rant is that some of the local cyclists need to think. As we rode the Ride of Silence a week and a half ago, I saw something that bugged me. As our group got split up, I tried to take the lead after a split. The first group was stopped at a red light, we were riding up behind a car that was behind them. As we approached the back of the car about 8 cyclists went around the car and got in front of the driver at the light. When the light turned green, a few more went past me and the car in front of me to the right. The driver had his right signal on and got a surprise when he started to turn and people on bikes were coming through. I wanted to yell, but didn't. Stupid moves like that that bug me. That guy might see me or someone else on a bike the next day, and think "I'll show them!"

End of online rant, I promise.... I'm not perfect and always right, neither are you. All cyclists are not the same. All drivers are not the same.... Be nice, and SHARE THE ROAD.

Bowling Season Wrap Up

2011-05-08T17:57:00.002-05:00

Another league bowling season is done. I finished with averages right around 200, which is where I have been for almost 15 years.

I entered 2 tournaments this season, and have prize money coming back from both of them. Both times I shot a little better than my average and my doubles partner shot well over their average. Two tournaments, two checks coming in the mail. Not much, but it feels good to win some money back.

The league season was fun. The Saturday night mixed league team was fun, loud, and obnoxious. We will be taking on Eastway Bowl next fall. I subbed quite a few times on Thursday nights. That is a good team to bowl with...fun and competitive (we had a good time at state tournament too.) After I quit working at Empire Bowl, I bowled the last half of the season on Monday nights. Good team to bowl with here, we made a run at winning the league but just couldn't quite get it.

Another season done. Nothing exceptional, I had a mix of good and bad scores. In the end, my average was right where I finish up almost every year.

The bowling balls are put away until late August. More time for bikes!

BUSY DAY!

2011-04-30T16:02:00.002-05:00

Worked on fixing a few things around the house today. Replaced the drain in the kitchen sink, patched a couple of holes in the ceiling where we took out a light fixture, fixed a couple pieces of furniture, fixed the closet doors in one of the kid's rooms, and a few other little tasks.

Next up was grocery shopping with Niki.

After that, a little bit of work from home.

Tonight, our last night of Saturday mixed league bowling. The last night is usually a good time. We will not finish very high in the standings. We will not win a lot of money, no one really does in a mixed league. But, this was a really fun bowling season. We are moving the team from Empire Bowl to Eastway Bowl next fall.... Hope they are ready for us!

LBL 2011 Recap

2011-04-26T20:16:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I attended the CiTyBiLLy CyCLe spring classic, LBL. BriMAn, thE kErnEl, and I drove to Omaha Friday, then on to Lincoln. It was a fun weekend and a good start to the spring and summer rides for me.

We almost lost the bikes off the back of my car while driving on I29 in Sioux City. There is a HUGE dip in the road. I hit it going about 60 MPH. The 2 bikes (my Vegas Langster single speed and BriMAn's Redline single speed) on the trunk rack went up and slammed back down on the trunk. I looked in the rearview mirror to see one of the straps for the racks flying in the breeze and the whole thing was sliding off the trunk of the car. Quick pull over to the side of the road, fixed the rack, then on to Omaha.

The trip to Omaha was for one thing, pizza at La Casa!

On to Lincoln. We got to eDLoNNie's house. Sat around talking bikes. Drank some HOPLUIA (Awesome Beer!)

Saturday morning BriMAn was not in shape to ride, or eat the egg bake that Mrs. eDLoNNie made. I ate 3 helpings, so I made up for him not eating any. Five of us rode through Lincoln and South on Hwy 77 to Cortland, NE for our self guided tour of Spilker Ales. thE kErnEl and I took a trail that runs parallel to the highway on the way back to Lincoln. (that trail should be the route next year, more fun that riding on the highway). We almost got lost on the streets of Lincoln, but his DROID phone saved us and guided us back to the house. We consumed some sandwiches, some more HOPLUIA, and drove home that night.

It was a good time, can't wait for the next ride that does not involve going to work!

My New SUV (SURLY Utility Vehicle)

2011-04-16T21:01:00.005-05:00

Thank you to Chad and the guys at Spoke N Sport for getting this bike together! I can't wait to put a few thousand miles on it this year.

I can go off road with it like your SUV, but probably will keep it on the street like yours.
I can haul a lot of cargo with it like your SUV.
I can only move one person with it (me). That's OK, there is usually only one person (you) in your SUV, too.
$4 gas is not a problem with mine.
This thing will get me wherever I need to go almost every day of the week.

Some details for the bike geeks....
SURLY Troll frame
Shimano SLX drivetrain
Shimano SLX hubs
Salsa Delgado rims
Easton seatpost
Easton stem
SURLY racks
Avid Disc Brakes
SKS Commuter Fenders
Continental Tires

South Dakota Weather for Bike Commuting

2011-04-12T21:12:00.002-05:00

Started today on the road to work before 6 AM. Dressed for winter including a light base layer, gloves, and hat...the temp was in the low to mid 30s.

Hit the road on the way home from work about 5:45 PM. Dressed for summer with shorts and a t-shirt...the temp was in the low 70s.

Preparing for rain and a chance of snow the next couple of days....guess I could call that Spring!

Get out and ride your bike!

Almost done bowling.

2011-04-10T18:59:00.003-05:00

The bowling season is wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. Couple of league nights left, and one tournament left. My scores are still pretty good. Nothing to really brag about. I'm averaging around 200, which is about normal for the last 10 - 15 years. Next season brings a switch from Empire Bowl to Eastway Bowl for my Saturday night mixed league team. Hope the people at Eastway can handle us!

Starting to gear up for a lot of bike stuff this summer. As the weather has warmed up in the last week, there are more people out on bikes! Also good to swap out the snow tires for some slicks on the mountain (commuter) bike, cut at least 5 minutes off my commute time to the office.

I should be picking up the Troll this coming Friday! I might post a pic or two.... maybe.

My New Ride !!!!!!!!

2011-03-31T20:11:00.001-05:00

Wonder how much the shopping cart attachment will cost me ?!?!?

Surly Troll !

2011-03-27T20:07:00.002-05:00

New commuter bike. The old Giant Yukon is almost dead. The SURLY will be my go anywhere, do anything, haul anything, tractor! Watch for more pics in mid-April when I think it will be in my garage, not at the bike shop.

Insomnia

2011-03-16T21:29:00.003-05:00

The reasons I wake up in the middle of the night.... (in no particular order)

Work
Money
New Bike
Workout at gym
Bowling
New Floors
Work
Money
LBL
Kids
Bowling
New Bike
Workout at gym
Clean Basement
Yardwork
Money
Work
New Floors
RAGBRAI
Kids

Watch the F$%&*#G door!

2011-03-06T20:36:00.002-06:00

We took the boys to GameStop today to pick up a couple of games they had reserved. I don't know anything about the video games they play, so I waited in the car. While Niki and the boys are in the store a couple drives up and parks right next to me. The guy in the passenger seat opens his door...clunk! hits my door. It's tough for this moron to find his way out of the car so he bumps the door into my car again.

I put up my hands in a way that could be interpreted as meaning "Dude, I'm sitting right here!" He kind of glanced my way and started to walk away. I got out of the car and said "Dude, watch the fucking door." He said "Oh yeah, whatever, my bad." I said "No, watch the fucking door when you get out of the car...."

Of course the little douchebag talked tough, but quiet enough I really couldn't hear him, as he walked away, following his little woman in the store. Tell you what jackass.... wear your damn hat straight on your head... you don't look like a tough guy... you look like a little punk... plus it would be easy for me to take you down... you have one hand busy holding up your pants....

Bowling Update

2011-02-20T20:46:00.002-06:00

The second half of the season is going a little better than the first half. My averages are up a few pins and I am more consistent in my scoring each night. Since I quit working at the bowling alley I have picked up another night of bowling. I now bowl on Monday nights.

I have not shot any really good scores, and I can think of only a few bad ones in the last 2 months. Basically, I am stuck between about 600 and 675 for a 3 game series every night I bowl. I'm not complaining, I'll take it. If I could just put together a few more strikes and not miss a couple of easy spares... there are a few 700's in there.

A while back I quit drinking beer and switched to Southern Comfort while I bowled. Well, I am back to the beer. Neither really has an effect on my game, but it was fun to research it!

One Good Thing About Bike Commuting

2011-02-20T20:02:00.002-06:00

Last Thursday, while riding home on the bike trail I could hear another set of studded mountain bike tires on the pavement. This guy followed me down the switchbacks and across the bridge over the river channel. He got next to me and said "hi", I said "hi" and we talked a bit as we coasted down the hill toward Falls Park.

I found out this guy works about a block from me, and lives maybe five or six blocks from me. He said he rides quite a bit. I think it's pretty cool to be out riding a bike home from work in the middle of winter and meet one of my neighbors.

Then, I ran into him again on Friday! Hey neighbor!!

There are a lot of good things about commuting by bike.... I think this is one.... Don't think so? When was the last time you could meet and talk to someone on your drive home?

Joined the gym.

2011-02-15T20:48:00.002-06:00

Now I just have to GO! Signed up the whole family, so they have to go too.

All of the miles on the bikes in the last few years have put me in better shape than I was in five years ago. But, I need to do more. Some cardio, some weights, just some other exercises. All of that should make me stronger on the bikes also.

We joined the Sanford Wellness Center. I have an appointment Saturday with someone to get me started and build a program or routine I can work on. I've NEVER done anything like this before. If you work out there and happen to find me trapped in a weight machine or passed out on the floor next to a treadmill... Please help me!

This will be good for the kids. My boys like to play their video games and watch TV. I can't blame them, I'll sit in front of the TV for most of a day too. But, it's time to get up and do something!

I think Niki is looking forward to some of the workouts and classes. Then, maybe I can talk her into getting a road bike and hitting some rides next summer!

Looking up!

2011-02-13T12:20:00.002-06:00

I rode a total of 40 miles yesterday. All urban riding in Sioux Falls on the streets and bike trail. The weather looks good for the next week or so. Time to get out and ride some more!

Another bad week ahead.

2011-02-06T16:12:00.002-06:00

Looks like another week of driving to work this week. Temps will be below 0 each morning. I'd like to ride more, but guess I am just not crazy enough to go out when it get that cold. I need the weather to warm up a little bit. Give me temps in the teens in the mornings and I will be back on two wheels.

Now, I just need to get my tax return filed, get the refund, buy new flooring for part of the house, then buy a new bike. The mountain bike is almost dead, time for a new commuter rig.

Beware FUNHATERS !!!!!

2011-02-02T19:54:00.002-06:00

This Saturday night, at Empire Bowl, my team, one of the teams of FUN HATERS. I have a feeling it's going to be one loud and obnoxious league session. To be more specific, we are bowling against the guy that said he didn't want to hear our "pot head music" while he bowled. He'll wish we just had music going after I am done talking trash to him all night on the lanes.

January recap.

2011-01-30T09:17:00.003-06:00

The month of January is just about over. I didn't ride as much as I wanted to. The extreme cold weather combined with the luck of working out of town on a few of the best weather days of the month hurt my bike commuting numbers. No biggie, I rode more than I ever have in the first month of the year. I'm looking for a turnaround in this, and getting the bike days to outnumber the car days by the end of February!

Bowling is getting better. Quitting the job at the bowling alley has worked out pretty good. My scores on the lanes are getting better. Still having FUN!!!

RAGBRAI route was announced last night. Glenwood to Davenport. Another short route, but I think it is a hilly route. My goal here is to be in shape to do this ride on the single speed his year! Time to start checking with family and friends for places to stay. If RAGBRAI is coming through your town, you'll be hearing from me!!

Join a gym?

2011-01-19T19:19:00.002-06:00

Niki and I are thinking of joining a gym. Either Sanford or Avera centers, or the Y. We have been talking about getting out of the house and doing something good for ourselves. It wouldn't hurt to get the kids away from the video games and out of the house too.

I took care of the one thing holding me back.... I quit my second job, freeing up time to work out a few evenings a week.

We both have the concern that we will go for a month or two and then quit, just like a lot of people do this time of year. I know I will go. I feel better now than I did 5 or 6 years ago, and that is just from riding a bike. Now I need to work on more than just being stronger on the bike. I think we will do it.

Maybe you'll see us at one of the places in Sioux Falls, working out instead of sitting in front of the TV. Maybe I'll get Niki on a road bike in a year or two!!

A few lazy days.

2011-01-12T19:45:00.002-06:00

The latest round of snow and sub zero temps took me back to the car for a few days this week. Back on the bike Thursday and Friday!!

I am slowly adding to my winter gear to keep riding. Last winter I would ride once in a while when the temp was down to about 15. This winter I am riding more as long as the temp is at least 5 above. About the only thing left to get is some boots or anything that will help keep my feet warm. I am having fun with the winter riding, but it's not worth losing toes. And I am not as crazy as the MinusCar and Bald-N-Surly guys.

Any suggestions out there on keeping feet warm for the winter rides?

Best Bowling Team

2011-01-09T18:04:00.002-06:00

So we are going to finish the first half of the season in 8th or 9th place. OK by me! We go out on Saturday nights with our friends and have a good time. We might drink a little too much some nights. We might get a little too loud some nights. I DON'T CARE !

There are a few teams of FUN HATERS on the league. Taking Saturday night mixed league way too seriously. I used to be there. Not any more.

Sometimes I slip up and get serious for a few frames, them move on. It's my one night a week out with my wife and friends. Just out to have a good time! I have to remind myself of that.

I doubt we will win the second half of the season. That's fine. I'll take the fun I am having every Saturday night and not win the league. I still think I have the best team!

One final word for this post... If you are bowling with us and leave the 5 pin, you gotta show your MOOSEKNUCKLE !!!

Tracking Bike vs. Car days

2011-01-03T19:56:00.002-06:00

I have decided to NOT track my mileage for this year. Did it in 2009, didn't do it in 2010, don't want to do it this year. But, I need just a little something to keep me motivated....

I'll just track how many days I ride to work, days I drive to work, and days I don't work. I am counting every day, sometimes I have to work a Saturday. So, don't give me shit about so many "No Work" days! Just something to keep me going on the bike. I am really going to watch the bike vs. car days.

I know I can do it. We survived as a family of four with one car from April 2010 to November 2010. I know I rode a lot of days, I had to. We are back to having two cars. I hope to keep one parked more days than I drive it.

We'll see how it goes!

New Years Day Ride

2011-01-02T19:30:00.002-06:00

I was able to make the Spoke N Sport New Year's Day Ride this year! The temp when I left my house was around 5 and the wind chill was about 10 to 15 below 0. Chad kept the route short, and fun...there was quite a bit of snow on the bike trail. I witnessed a couple of wipeouts, but nothing looked too bad.

My riding partner for the day, Emily, wanted to ditch out on the ride a few blocks in. I told her "NO, keep going!!" We had a good time and she did better as the ride went and she got used to sliding around on the snow and ice.

After the ride I was talked into participating in some sprints challenge to try to win a new bike. This was 22 to 23 seconds of hell on a trainer, 19 seconds for the winner. Pedal as fast as you can, simulating a 250 meter sprint. One problem, some of the other guys (and girls) in this are in A LOT better shape than I am. I didn't win. At least I made it out of the first round. At least I tried! It was fun, I'd do it again. Then I had to ride home...there were a few of us that rode to the ride.

Hit Monk's House of Ale Repute for a couple of beers, then back home. I'd say it was a good start to the year.

Four months in ONE post.

2010-12-29T18:59:00.002-06:00

I have failed at updating the blog recently, OK in the last 4 months! Here is the brief rundown of the time away from my online rant.

Riding my bikes everywhere. Only one car in family.
Busy at work. Really busy at work.
Doing OK on the bowling lanes.
Computer crashed.
Guess it was just the modem.
Busy at work.
Halloween.... BOO !
Still riding bike.
Bought a car in November.
Took a few weeks off of riding to work.
Bowling getting better.
Busy at work.
Quit drinking beer at bowling.
Kicking ass at bowling, must be the switch from beer to Southern Comfort.
Riding bike a few days.
Promotion at Cargill.
Quit working at Empire Bowl.
Merry Christmas!!!!!
Snow storm coming.
Happy New Year! (in case I fail at logging into the computer)
New Year's Day Bike Ride coming up....

I'll try to post again sometime soon.

Bowling Season Starts

2010-09-01T19:54:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday we started the 2010-2011 bowling season! I would call the first night a success.

I averaged 199 for the 3 games (shot a 258 the last game!)
My wife averaged 184 for the 3 games (her last 2 both over 200!)
Bryan and I shared 2 pitchers of Fat Tire!

Now if we could just get the FUN HATERS on the league to let us listen to a little music while we bowl...bowling could be even more fun. Apparently, everything besides getting music played during league is up for a vote. All I get is "NO MUSIC" from the fun haters.

No big deal. I'll just kick their asses on the lanes, drink a lot of beer, and make a lot of noise....

When the league president wants to watch football, I might just have to go turn the TV off because it's too distracting... or just turn in to women's figure skating... or turn it to the Weather Channel !

Nah, I'll just bowl and have fun.

Kirk and Niki's Redneck Anniversary Party !!

2010-08-22T21:38:00.005-05:00

Friday, September 10. 7 PM till ? 1217 S. Blauvelt Ave. Sioux Falls.

We are celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary! One problem, we are too damn poor to go out. So, we are inviting our friends over for a party! Guys, don't bother to clean up after working on your broken down El Camino. Girls, dress like you are on your way to WalMart to pick up a new tube top. We'll have some snacks and a selection of CHEAP BEER! (Or, bring your own if you like.) Bring a chair if you got one, I'm not sure I can get the couch out to the yard. You'll have to get past the old broken down Ford Crown Vic in the front yard, the kids' toys all over the driveway, and the dog. We should have a fire going...add in a bunch of drunk rednecks...I don't see how this could go bad! Guys, if we're lucky, maybe some of the girls will jump on the trampoline!! YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEE HHHHHAAAAAAAWWWWWWW!!!!!

(that's not us in the pic, but gives you an idea on the suggested dress code)

Leave a comment if you plan on attending. Also, posted on Facebook, you can RSVP there.

Another Detour

2010-08-04T20:31:00.002-05:00

So far this year my bike commuting has been an adventure. My route to the office constantly changes.

A detour for street construction.
A detour for bike trail construction.
A detour around the detour because it floods.
A detour around construction on the detour that I take because of the detour that floods.
Getting stopped at railroad crossings that I have to cross only because they are along one of the detours. If I could just take my normal planned route I wouldn't have this problem.

NOW... RAW SEWAGE! I need to take a detour tomorrow morning on the only section of my commute that has not been messed with. Apparently the sewer problem tonight is along the hillside below the state prison. I hear the city is pumping out sewage just North of Falls Park. I don't think I'll be riding through there in the morning.

I'm not quitting, I'm still riding my bike!

RAGBRAI 2010 Recap

2010-08-01T19:19:00.004-05:00

(At least what I can remember, or want to share!)

Day before included a party with Smashmouth playing in downtown Sioux City. Great start to the week.

Day 1 - Riding from Sioux City to Storm Lake with Mark, Eric, Dan, and Randy. We spent the whole day at the left edge of the road yelling "on your left" as we passed nearly everyone on the road. Now I know a Facebook post of mine stirred the pot a little. Maybe "Move to the right jackasses" was a little harsh. Oh well, do what you want and I will do what I want. Simply stated....Be aware of other riders and slower traffic keep to the right, doesn't matter what ride or tour you are on, or if you are on the bike trail or street. It's just magnified on this ride because of the number of people. Look at the people on Tour de Kota riding 4 across in a lane...and that is on a road that is wide open to vehicle traffic. I felt really good after the ride and had a great time knocking out the miles with those guys. Of course, there were stops along the way for food and beverages. I'm not sure how, but Mark and Dan were able to get a motel room and I crashed in a recliner indoors for the night.

Day 2 - Riding from Storm Lake to Algona with Mark, Eric, Dan, and Randy. Pretty much the same as day one. This day I completed my third century ride of the year! We worked really well on the road together and it seemed pretty easy for a 100 mile day. I admit I got a little weak at times and sat back in line, but I could still ride at the front for a while and pull the group. Darrell found a good place for us to camp only two blocks from the beer garden.

Day 3 - Riding from Algona to Clear Lake with the same group. Off route baby! We took off at a pretty easy pace and slowly picked it up through the morning. We thought about taking a different route into Clear Lake and made the decision to do so after talking to some old guy sitting on the roof of a building in Garner. I don't know if it really changed the mileage much, but we were not the only ones on that road. In Clear Lake, Eric hooked us up with a house to stay in. I'll sleep on the floor, just keep that air conditioner running. Team Pink Floyd was staying at the same house, wish I could have stayed a few nights with some of that group. The girls yelled "DIRK!" when I saw them on the road later in the week. Clint and Angie were great hosts for letting so many people crash at their place. Chris and I did our part to distribute beads at the Spin Doctors concert.

Day 4 - Riding from Clear Lake to Charles City with Chris and Emily. Chris took off and I took a recovery day to ride with Emily. We had a great time and it was good to see the ride from the right lane of the road going a little slower. The day included stops for food, beverages, and a pee break in a corn field. Pee break wasn't for me, it was for her. What a trooper, she even threw and ear of corn at me out by the road when she was in there. Partied with some of Team Skin here...I'm not too sure I will be invited back to this town. Only got in a little trouble, could have been big trouble. Many beads were distributed to bikers and local talent this night.

Day 5 - Riding from Charles City to Waterloo with a group from Kansas (Team Bad Monkey). We didn't leave CC until almost 9:30 AM, at a slow pace with beer and smoke breaks. It was fun, but just a little too slow for me. I left them and hammered out the last 25 miles by myself and in after 7 PM! Thanks Ed and Brenda for letting us crash at your house this night! Shouldn't say crash.... Mark, Eric, Dan, and Randy crashed this day. Beer saved me. If I had not stayed out late the night before, I would have been in line with them in the crash.

Day 6 - Riding from Waterloo to Manchester with Chris. We tried and failed to get out on the road before the rain hit. We rode in a steady rain in the morning for the first 40 miles or so. I think Rachael from Osh Kosh, WI liked my butt, she wanted to ride behind me in the rain! We met up with the RV in Quasqueton. A couple checks of the weather showed the rain would be moving through so we stayed there for about an hour and hit the road after the rain stopped.

Day 7 - Riding from Manchester to Dubuque with Chris, Dan, and Mark. We got split up but I rode all day with Dan. There had been talk of hills the last day, specifically Potters Hill. From all the talk here is what I think I know about Potters Hill. It is just over a mile long, the average grade is around 12%, with the grade maxing out around 19% in parts of the climb. I would say 80-90% of the people were walking up the hill. I pedalled all the way up it. In fact, I did not get passed going up the hill. Dan could have passed, but didn't. "Potters Hill is my BITCH" was the exact quote to the locals as I went over the top. That was followed by some other steep climbs and 45 - 50 MPH drops back into the valleys. Tough day, but fun. Those were some of the biggest hills I have ever ridden on and I was able to take them on at the end of a week of riding!

I'm sure I will think of other things as the week goes and will try to post my random thoughts as they come up. But, that's all I got for now.

What a week! I had 7 good days of riding, made some new friends, and had a great time with some others that I already knew. Chris and I are going to be talking about a group for RAGBRAI 2011. We took note of things we want to do different to make the trip next year even better. Maybe it will be another pretty flat route and I will ride the single speed bike!

Off to RAGBRAI

2010-07-24T08:47:00.001-05:00

Will be updating on Facebook from the road. If I can remember much from the week I'll post a recap when I get back.

YEAH singletrack!

2010-07-20T20:21:00.001-05:00

The parks board voted YES to approve the plan for singletrack in Leaders Park in Sioux Falls! Great work F.A.S.T.

Get your butt to this meeting

2010-07-19T21:20:00.002-05:00

The Sioux Falls Parks Board will vote on the Leaders Park singletrack project on Tuesday at 4 PM. Please get to the Kenny Andersen Community Center to show your support for this project. You know the grumpy geezers of the area will be there to show their dislike of mountain bike trails in the park.

All you have to do is show up, and cheer as soon as the Snakebite says "Thank you" at the end of his final presentation to the board. Let's show that there really is some support behind building trails in Leaders Park!

Biker Down !!!!!!

2010-07-05T20:01:00.002-05:00

I met up this morning with Greg, Paul, Joyce, and Marilyn for a little bike ride today. It really turned into an experience!

I left my house around 9AM going toward Rowena. I met the others there and we rode to Garretson and Dell Rapids. On the way back we could see the dark clouds moving in...we knew we were going to get wet. The rain started as we were going down the hill behind the Yogi Bear Campground, raindrops start to hurt the face at about 35 MPH!

At Rice Street I turned left following Greg and Marilyn was behind me when I crashed on the railroad tracks just past the intersection. I know the rail crossings get slick when wet and thought I was going at the right angle but one of my wheels slipped out and put me on the ground, HARD ! I hit my hip, then elbow, then shoulder, then my head snapped to the ground to finish off the crash. Scary feeling to hit the ground and know immediately that you hit your head pretty bad.

The bike is fine, only a few scrapes on the handlebars. I am fine, sore, but fine. My helmet cracked in three places from the impact. I don't even want to know what would have happened if I was not wearing that thing!

Marilyn helped me brush off the gravel and I was back on the bike to ride home. I split off from them to get back in to Sioux Falls as the real downpour hit. I splashed my way through about 2 to 6 inches of water flowing down the right lane of Sycamore Ave, slowing down to navigate the foot of water in front of HyVee. Then made it home, total of 80 miles on an unforgettable day!

Later I found out that Joyce crashed on tracks farther down Rice Street too after we split up.

Be careful out there and wear your damn helmets kids!

Another new record.

2010-06-21T20:15:00.002-05:00

Record for me at least.

On Memorial Day, I completed my first century of the year. It was only my third century ride, ever. This one was 101 miles.

This past Saturday I rode the FAB Summer Century Ride. Scheduled ride distance was 101 miles. I completed 116 miles !!!!!! My longest distance ever on a bike in a day !!!!!!

The extra miles came from riding to the ride, and riding home from the ride. I can still remember the verbal abuse from THIS GUY three years ago when I was driving to bike rides. I never really thought about it until he started giving me hell about getting in my car to drive 5 or 6 miles to a bike ride. Ride to the ride, ride home from the ride, get the extra miles!

Plus, my family only has ONE car right now. Been that way since April. It's not so bad..........

Please don't KILL me.

2010-06-15T21:36:00.002-05:00

I have had 2 close calls with cars in the last week. One of those resulted in an almost 5 minute conversation face to face with the driver and me pleading with the driver of the car to "not kill me!" The other went by so close and so fast, all I could do was hang on the the handlebar and get a quick look to make sure no parts were missing from the bike or my body.

Watch yourself out there! Most drivers are being courteous. A few don't think bicyclists belong on the street and take it upon themselves to teach us a lesson.

Finally made a Wednesday Ride !

2010-06-09T21:23:00.002-05:00

I have not made it to many FAB club rides this year. Riding to and from work almost every day and the longer hours at work right now just don't allow me to make these weekly rides.

But, I was able to make it tonight! The ride left the Elmen Trailhead, went North toward Baltic (only about halfway there), then West across I29, South through Crooks, and back into Sioux Falls. I pushed myself on this ride a little. I need to keep getting out on longer rides and push to go faster. I need to make sure I do not only get conditioned to my 7 mile commute.

It was a good night. I rode with Joe and Tina. I was riding pretty fast by myself, but picked up the pace a little after they caught me about halfway through the ride.

Feels good to be able to get out with other people on rides not struggle all the time to keep up. I'm not as strong or as fast as I want to be.... NEVER WILL..... But, I'll keep trying.

You should, too. Now go out and ride your damn bike!

Good Bike Morning

2010-06-05T15:11:00.003-05:00

I set out this morning on the Langster for a little urban riding.

My first stop was the Whisk and Chop Cafe for the mayor's "listening session." I have to say...It's a little hard to listen if you're not there, Mr. Mayor! I chose to attend this week's session because it included the Parks and Rec Department. I would have bet anyone money that someone opposed to the Leaders Park singletrack plans would be there. I was wrong, none of the geezers opposed to mountain bike trails were there. I learned a little about the plans for the river greenway through downtown. This looks like an impressive plan, too bad it will take so long to complete. I also hope that they maintain a trail going through and have it marked as one. I don't want to have to swerve around a bunch of people that think they are standing on a patio along the river when they would clearly be in the middle of the path. Nothing was said about Leaders Park, so I asked for an update. Parks and Rec Director Don gave a brief explanation and an update on the plans. I didn't learn anything new, but was satisfied that it was talked about a little.

Leaving the cafe, I found I had a flat tire. As I was going to get started changing it, Toby (a Parks and Rec guy) stopped and we visited for a couple of minutes. While in the middle of my tire changing ordeal (yes, it still takes me a while), Parks and Rec Director Don stopped and we visited for a few minutes. Just the brief conversation with them was good. They both smiled a little when I told them my intention was to be there in case anyone opposed to the singletrack was there! Really, that was why I went.

Flat fixed, and on the streets (YES, ON THE STREETS!) to Empire Bowl. I stopped by for a few minutes to check out the PBA Regonal tournament going on today. I am a pretty good bowler, but not in the way that some of the guys in town today can score. I visited with a few people and hopped back on the bike and rode home.

Now I'm bored. Maybe I'll go out for another ride.

Over 100 miles today!

2010-05-31T20:47:00.004-05:00

I met up with Snakebite, Mrs. Snakebite, and a few others for a ride to Luverne, MN today. It's just an informal ride Mr. Bite does every Memorial Day. He sends the invite out on the email list, and all you have to do is show up. Well, I had nothing to do today. So... go for a ride!

The weather today was just about perfect. Sunny, not to hot, and not a lot of wind (compared to some other recent days). There were 7 of us that made the ride today. I made sure to push myself to get up some of the hills, and try to push my speed just a little higher. I also took some times to relax and recover. I just know that if I don't push, I will not get any faster or stronger.

Lunch at Chit Chat's in Luverne was OK. Entertainment during the meal was provided by Mark as he tried to fill his water bottle at the table and dumped ice cubes all over the floor. The kids at the next table had a good time watching this.

I had just over 88 miles on the ride. I know, it's not that far to Luverne. I took the scenic route to the ride, and the scenic route home from the ride. This evening was a quick trip to the office to run some reports. Of course I rode. Today was a holiday and I can still count it on my sheet for the BIKE TO WORK CHALLENGE!

Next weekend is the start of Tour de Kota. I just might show up for the first day....

B2B 2010 Recap

2010-05-23T21:08:00.003-05:00

Bunyan's to Bob's, the CiTyBiLLy NoRTh event, is done!

I started the day with 2 Bunyan's Bombers. Ice cold Miller High Life with a shot of root beer schapps dropped in it.

On to the ride. Fighting a 20 to 30 MPH wind, I felt pretty good. Some drafting in the group, a couple of pulls at the front of the group. Part of the way through the climb into Nebraska, I dropped off the main group. We got back together at the turn for Hwy 12 and took off again. Between Newcastle and Ponca...LEG CRAMPS!! Time to back off a little.

We hit Bob's Bar in Martinsburg, NE for gigantic cheeseburgers and mountains of french fries and cheese balls! Well worth the painful ride to get there.

Riding back to Vermillion was a little easier. That wind we fought the first half of the ride was a huge help on the way home. Except when it was a crosswind that tried to push your front tire into the ditch. The hills that kick my butt going out of Vermillion into Nebraska were a whole lot of fun on the return trip. Long downhill run with a tailwind equals a top speed of over 40 MPH and a lot of cruising over 30 MPH!!!!!

Post ride festivities continued at BikingBrady's house. More food and a keg of HOPLUIA on ice!

Finished off the evening with some of the beer and a bunch of bullshitting with some good people. Another day to remind me of the good times I have riding with friends.

( I need to get in a little better shape for the longer rides though )

Sweet Ride !!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-18T21:02:00.003-05:00

I have a Ford Crown Victoria in my driveway right now that is the same color as this one. That's about all. Maybe if I throw a few thousand dollars at it, I can copy this car!

Busy Bike Week

2010-05-18T20:22:00.003-05:00

Still riding to work everyday! At least the weather doesn't suck this week!

Today's Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation board meeting was postponed. I hear that our newly sworn in mayor wants to know a little more about the plan, and I am sure a few others. Watch for the new date and time. I am sure the FAST guys will let all of us know when and where this meeting takes place. We need to fill the room and show that we want singletrack in Sioux Falls.

Wednesday is the Ride of Silence, 7PM at Fawick Park. Slow paced ride for all to honor those that have been injured or lost their lives while riding. Another important gathering that cannot be missed.

Friday is the FAB Starlite Ride. I have not been on one of these in a while. Time for me to show up and contribute to the mayhem!

Saturday is the CiTyBiLLy NoRth ride Bunyan's to Bob's. Check out this blog for details. I cannot wait to pound down a Bunyan's Bomber or two and conquer the Bob's cheeseburger. Yeah, there are some pretty good hills to climb on the ride too. This is a ride I cannot miss, unless I can't find a ride there!

I also will not leave out the Traffic Skills 101 class I took last weekend. Good course. I would suggest it to anyone that rides on the streets (where you should ride) or for new riders.

Is it May?

2010-05-10T20:35:00.003-05:00

The first few days of May have included checking the weather channel for the wind chill every morning before leaving the house, getting the winter gloves back out a few times, and not even thinking about wearing shorts! Did I black out at LBL and miss summer?

Cool and wet on the commute home tonight. I declined no fewer than 5 offers for a ride home. I made it on the bike just fine, thanks for the offer though. I am glad to know that the same people that think I am insane for riding a bike everyday would help me out. Wind chill of 40 and a steady rain... about halfway home LIGHTNING and THUNDER, CRAP..... got to pedal faster !!!

Still making a go of it. Family of four with one car.

This coming weekend I will learn how to ride my bike, on the streets. I ride a lot on the street, but I bet there is a lot I could learn. Traffic Skills 101 put on by the South Dakota Bicycle Coalition. Contact the MinusCar guy if you want info.

Bike Commuter

2010-05-04T20:21:00.003-05:00

So, I get my latest issue of the FAB News in the mail and see a masked man (Bald -N - Surly) with a little story in there. The great media guy that wrote is says there is a difference between people that ride their bikes to work and bike commuters. (I'll say nice things about Patrick, he is not bugging me about my mustache)

This made me think. I want to be a bike commuter. Ride through the good weather and the bad. I got a little experience this last winter, riding on snow and ice, braving the cold wind. Last fall I rode home from work through some heavy rain. I don't want to just ride when the conditions are perfect. Although, that is a good way to get started.

My family has only had one car for about a month now. This puts the car keys in my wife's hands and me on a bicycle a lot. I have to say I am getting used to it, and will make this work this time.

I have tried riding to and from work and it has worked for a while, then I have quit. Not this time, I am becoming a bike commuter.

LBL 2010 RECAP

2010-04-28T21:46:00.002-05:00

VERY brief recap of the weekend. You missed an excellent event!

Friday - drove to Omaha with thE kErnEl, ate at LaCasa (WOW, that is awesome pizza), then looked around a few bike shops, visited thE kErnEl's parents in Fremont.

Saturday - drove to Lincoln, perfect day for cycling with temp around 70 and light winds, a tour of Spilker Ales where a "few" glasses of HOPLUIA were consumed, back to eDLoNNie's for pizza and more HOPLUIA

Sunday - rode with CruNcHBiLLy, thE kErnEl, and eDLoNNie on a 56 mile ride with temp around 55 strong North wind and some light rain off and on... still a great time

Monday - drove back to SF.

All I have time to update you with... I am paying the price for taking a couple of days off from work when it is busy. Working a lot of extra hours to catch back up. But, it was worth it !!!

LBL 2010 LBL

2010-04-20T21:35:00.003-05:00

LBL Bike Ride is this coming weekend in Lincoln, NE. I missed last year's ride. SUCKS !

I will not miss it this year. That was my first ride with the boys at CiTyBiLLy CyCLe. It is the kind of event I wanted to get to when I bought my road bike. The fun of going out, riding some miles, eating some good food, drinking some good beer, and sitting around bullshitting all evening after the ride.

I am hoping for a sunny, warm day. I just checked the weather forecast... we'll see.

I am also hoping for a good view sometime during the ride.

HEY ! I know that you guys that were there 2 years ago wanted to see this pic again !!

The guy that gave me a chance.

2010-04-18T12:39:00.002-05:00

I found out Saturday morning that a guy I have not spoken with in a few years passed away on Friday. His name was Brian. He took a chance on me out of college and gave me a job when I was in the battle to get a job and couldn't because I didn't have any experience.

The first few years I worked for him were great! We worked hard, we played hard. Long hours of work rewarded with rides in his personal plane to NASCAR races in Texas and Michigan, a Formula 1 race in Indianapolis, partying in Austin Texas, more partying on Beale St. in Memphis Tennessee. I drove his BMW at 135 MPH on the interstate, beat the crap out of his Corvette one day trying to keep up with him on his Harley. He would have parties at his house, renting a van for me to drive all of his drunk friends home in at the end of the night.

I left work there not on the best terms. The last 2 years I worked for him were hell. It was the incentive I needed to move out of Sioux City to Sioux Falls. I was eating TUMS for breakfast and Zantac with my lunch almost everyday. He had become the psycho boss.

But, I do need to get my butt to Sioux City tomorrow or Tuesday and pay my respects to a guy that took a chance on a college kid, gave him a job, and a lot of experiences he will never forget.

Got a Blackberry

2010-03-31T21:44:00.004-05:00

I caved in to the pressure today. I went 6 1/2 years without a cell phone. Now, I have one!

I got a Blackberry Storm 2, and also got one for my wife... She is going to love it, and want to kill me all at the same time. I even gave up on the fight to keep a cell phone away from the kids and got them one too. It's just a cheap flip phone, and they can share it. Now, it's time to get rid of the land line.

Excuse me while I spend the next month trying to figure out how to use the damn thing. I want to apologize up front if I send you a random text that doesn't make any sense, if I call and accidentally hang up on you, or if you call me and I can't figure out how to answer.

Texting, shit, that will take me a while to get used to!

Beer Commercial?

2010-03-28T21:22:00.002-05:00

Beer Choices

2010-03-28T15:51:00.002-05:00

We took a little trip this weekend to visit my parents in Fort Dodge, IA. Stayed Friday and Saturday nights in a hotel, not quite enough room for everyone at the house.

On Saturday night, my sister, my wife, and I went to the bowling alley just a block from the hotel for a few beers. The girls played darts. I just watched and thought about bowling. Surprise!! I didn't bowl. I walked into a bowling center and didn't even throw one game.

Bad part of this deal was the bar in the place. They only had two beers on tap... BUD LIGHT and... BUD LIGHT !! WTF ?!?!?

I'm glad to be home, gotta pour me a FAT TIRE tonight.

Best Bowling Weekend

2010-03-21T14:17:00.003-05:00

I just finished my best weekend on the bowling lanes in a very LONG TIME! One of my friends from Sioux City came to Sioux Falls with a group to bowl the Big Sioux Tournament at Eastway Bowl. I think my new ball purchase and some of my recent practice all came together in the last few days.

First event was doubles, I shot 711 for my first three games. Jason shot pretty well. We are in the money right now, hopefully we can win back a few bucks at the end of the tournament.

Next event was singles, I shot 719. That series should definately win me back some money!

Right after finishing I had to get to Empire Bowl to bowl league. I shot 698, my highest series in that building this year. I really wanted the 700 series there, that would have been three 700 series in one day!!!!

This morning was the team event, back at Eastway. I shot a 679 series! Another great day!

I am entered in the all events competition also. For that, I have to use the first doubles and singles events I bowled. So... that's 685 and 711 from a couple of weeks ago. That put's me at 2075 (685,711,679). According to the standings posted, that puts me in 15th place out of I don't know how many hundreds of people entered. I know I will get knocked down a little, but that number will still get me some money back.

All in all, a GREAT WEEKEND. Makes up for being sick Friday and a good part of Saturday. Maybe I should learn a little lesson from this as all I had to drink this weekend was water and Gatorade. NAH! I'll be back on the beer and Southern Comfort by the time I show up for Thursday night league!

A while back I said "DIRK IS BACK BITCHES!" That was for the biking part of my life. Now, I think I can again say "DIRK IS BACK BITCHES!" and it's on the lanes! I'm going to end this mostly below average to average season on a high!

Next up, is the Easter Doubles Tournament at Empire Bowl on my birthday, April 3rd. I can't wait!

Can't Trust the Media

2010-03-19T21:11:00.003-05:00

There has been a major attack against the mustache!! No, not my wife with a razor in the middle of the night. An attack by Bald N Surly. He is one of those questionable media types that puts his own spin on a story.

He has decided to attack the mustache. He doesn't know the power of the mustache. As a hair challenged individual he doesn't know what he is dealing with. His only worry is that he's got enough sunblock on that dome to keep from frying his newspaper editing brain.

Only real response I have to seeing myself on his blog, twice is... Well played, sir, well played....

That and PAYBACKS ARE A BITCH!

See you on the road B-n-S !

Mustache March Update

2010-03-17T15:14:00.004-05:00

Just when I was thinking about calling off Mustache March, due to lack of participation by others, I have decided to continue. WHY????

I just might keep it for a while. I think it has brought me good luck bowling, my scores the last few weeks are improving. Monday night at Empire a woman that I know only because she bowls every week bought me a drink after work. She was questioning me about my "porn star stache" and I had to tell her my nickname was DIRK. Tuesday night, a customer that bowls almost every week brought her shoes back up to the desk and introduced herself "Hi, I'm *******, what's your name?" and we visited for a minute before she joined her friends in the bar.

So, what's the one thing I've done different in the last few weeks. Well, for one I TRY to not be an asshole. Tough sometimes, but I am trying.

I think it's the mustache. Chicks dig the mustache!

(Also, it's getting nice outside. I took the studded snow tires off my bike. That guarantees us at least one more good snow storm.)

Blogging from jail.

2010-03-14T13:32:00.003-05:00

That's what I could be doing today, but I'm not. At least I made one good decision last night.

I had a few too many drinks last night at bowling and after bowling and stayed out too late while my wife was at home. My bowling scores are nothing to talk about. Not bad, just not great either.

As the night progressed I knew I needed to find a way home. Now I will admit that there have been times I should not have been driving after a night out, but I drove myself home. If you drink and can say that EVERY single time you were OK to drive... You're a liar!! At least once, you got lucky and didn't get caught.

Now last night, I had to find a way home that was not going to involve me driving a car. Nikki and Bryan gave me a ride home! If you're out late at night and need a ride you should be able to find one. YOUR FRIENDS SUCK if they don't get you home. I don't have that problem, there's a group of bowlers from the league that go in the bar after bowling. I would give any of them a ride home if the roles were reversed, and I think there are some others that would make sure I got home safely too.

Now only problem for today is... How the hell to get my car back! At least I'm not in jail !!

Bike VS Truck VS Pothole

2010-03-03T20:20:00.003-06:00

I was involved in an epic bicycle commuting battle today after work. The battle of the bike, the truck, and the pothole. I think I came out of it OK.

I was riding west on Madison St. just to the west of Kiwanis. Traffic wasn't too bad, a few drivers getting close. Then I saw it... The pothole was right in front of me, about two feet across, at least a foot long, and I would find out it was deep. I glanced over my shoulder to see the chrome side mirror of a Chevy Silverado coming my way. In an instant, what do I do? Swerve to the left and get clipped by the truck? Or, stay on course and take the hit? I stayed away from the truck and hit the monster pothole. The edges of it were sharp, I'm lucky I didn't bend a rim or pop a tire because I hit hard. One of my red blinky lights flew off and pieces were left behind, that's the only damage. That and I found the limits of the new fenders, I got a little wet too.

Back on the bike tomorrow. We're supposed to have a couple more nice days!

Finally, a GOOD series.

2010-02-28T13:27:00.002-06:00

Last night I shot games of 234, 200, and 226 for a 660 series. That's my best 3 game set on the lanes in quite a while. I am working on the things I learned on Thursday to get my game back.

We'll see how the next few weeks go. I have some tournaments to bowl in.

Also, as predicted Saturday was great.
Bike ride for biscuits and gravy in the morning.
Stopped by Two Wheeler Dealer for a visit on the way home.
Went my Christmas party (I know it's late) for a couple of drinks with the coworkers.
Bowled a great series.
Finished off the night at a surprise party for a friend.
Got in bed around 3 AM.

I'm tired, I think I'll get some rest next weekend. NOPE, some friends from Sioux City are coming to town so we can bowl in the Big Sioux Tournament. Maybe the weekend after that, I can rest.

bikes+bowling+booze=MAYHEM !

2010-02-26T19:39:00.004-06:00

No bikes on Thursday, I only needed bowling and booze to start mayhem. I got to Empire early Thursday and got some advice from Will and Mike. Thanks guys! I threw some REALLY GREAT shots Thursday night...before the SHOTS! I was going to sip on a couple of SoCo 7's while I bowled, I didn't plan on doing the French Toast Shots that kept getting sent out to me. (These are Seagrams 7 Dark Honey and Butterscotch Schnapps, they are good.) I shot 200 the first game, then went downhill from there. Sober, I think I would have shot better the second and third games. Try again next time.

Now for the weekend.....

First up, the FAB Coffee and Donut Ride at 8 AM starting at O'Gorman High School. There is usually a good group of people to ride with on this ride. This was the first club ride I ever went on, I was mocked for driving to the bike ride. I didn't understand it at first, now a few years later I get it. The ride leaders, the one and only Snakebite and the MinusCar, get the mayhem started here.

Next up, a company holiday party. A little after the holidays, but should be some fun. We are meeting at McNally's Pub for drinks and dinner. We will show for the drinks, but probably skip out on the dinner. I can't be late for bowling.

As usual, Saturday night bowling at Empire Bowl starts around 6:30. I'll try to stay away from the bar for a while to see if the changes to my approach help the bowling scores at all. But, it is a Saturday night and that is our night to go out BOWLING, DRINKING, GAMBLING, SHOPPING AT THE PORN SHOP, VISITING THE STRIP CLUB, AND JUST TRYING TO KEEP FROM GETTING ARRESTED !!

Throw all that together for Saturday and I think it is going to be a GREAT DAY !

Never forget... DIRK IS BACK BITCHES !

My FAST Meeting Recap

2010-02-24T21:01:00.006-06:00

Another neighborhood meeting. Same old story. A bunch of people want to build a mountain bike trail in a city park. A bunch of people from the neighborhood next to the park do not want "their park" changed at all.

It seems that no matter how much we talk about singletrack and it's minimal impact to the land, the opposition stands. The residents that live right next to the park feel that it is "their park" and they do not want everyone in Sioux Falls coming into it. Now, if I lived there, I would have some concerns also. But, I think I would at least listen to the plan and try to understand the other side.

I stayed quiet at the first neighborhood meeting, listening to the plan for the trail and the resident's opposition to change. Tonight, I couldn't stay quiet any longer. Close to the end of the meeting I got a few words in. I called out some of the residents as being selfish toward the park. We are talking about probably 20 people next to a park in the middle of a city of around 150,000 people. They claim that it is "their park." Well, damn it, I live in this city and it is my park too. I would like to see a mountain bike trail in this park! The claims that people use this park now are absolutely absurd. How would a trail suitable for bicycle and pedestrian traffic not enhance this wooded waste of land? I mean "waste" as in, it is not easily accessible to go through the park, or how many people would even think of going in there now. I love that there is that much land not covered in concrete in the middle of the city.

One of the concerned neighbors was right behind me and told me he opposed the idea. I said "OK, and I support it." That's just it. One group of people support it, one group opposes it. I don't think either will give up easily.

I think the difference is that the Falls Area Single Track group, along with the parks and recreation department, have listened to and tried to address the concerns of people in the neighborhood. The residents opposed to the trails only shake their heads and bring up the same issues and complaints over and over again. I think it will be tough to get through to them, their minds are set.

Go HERE to learn more about the project and leave a comment for or against it. Although, if you are reading my blog you better be for this! Submit feedback in support of this trail!!!

BOWLING SUCKS !

2010-02-21T10:47:00.003-06:00

Another night of bad scores. I can throw one or two good shots, then follow them up with a few bad ones. This is getting very frustrating. I used to be able to throw the ball consistently hitting the pins pretty much the same every time. I could get a run of five or six strikes going. Now, if I throw three in a row I want to celebrate as if I shot a perfect game.

At least I've got my friends to keep me in the game. We had fun when we were not looking at our scores. The beer and liquor were flowing during and after bowling. A visit to the strip club helped a little too.

I think I'm going to get a some coaching and try to get my game back. I need to get ready for some tournaments in the next month and refuse to show up and bowl the way I have been this season so far.

I'll keep trying, it has to get better!

Last two days commuting.

2010-02-19T17:17:00.005-06:00

Thursday morning was not TOO COLD. The trail was in pretty good shape until I hit downtown. Then it got really rough. By the time I saw this on the North end of Falls Park, I was looking for an alternate route.

Later in the day, the trails were not looking too bad.

By today, most of the trail I was on was clear!

That is until I hit this spot in downtown. I was still able to make this little climb easily. I love the new tires!

The mountain bike turned into a commuter is working really well.

I'm going to the Starlight Ride tonight. Might post a few more pics.

Back to work.

2010-02-17T17:36:00.004-06:00

Last week I was on the Cargill mothership in Minneapolis for a week long meeting to improve and standardize processes. I know, sounds really exciting !

We have action plans to work on over the next few months. We were able to make some immediate changes that are now in effect this week.

My faithful readers, all 3 of you, could not care less about my job. In fact, before last week, I really couldn't either. I'm better now.

The best part was the ability to work face to face with others that I normally only communicate with through email or on the phone. The other is the after hours time where you get to know some of your coworkers better. Too bad we are scattered across 4 or 5 states.

Now that I've had a few days to think about it, it was a great experience. Last week, different story. It was 4 days of a psychological beatdown followed by 1 crazy day of decisions and wrapping up the business of the whole week.

That last few months have been tough, but I am getting back to my old self. Guess I needed a little change for a week to pull myself together, quit bitching, and just live !

Need a Dave and Buster's

2010-02-15T13:25:00.005-06:00

Sioux Falls needs another restaurant. SHUT UP, it does ! I went to a Dave and Buster's last Wednesday, at least I THINK it was last Wednesday, and had a BLAST !!

Think Chuck E Cheese for adults. Restaurant, bar, and games! Most everyone split shortly after 9 when the company tab was closed. Four of us stayed til close at midnight and played and drank and had a good time, especially when our driver, Jimmy, tried going the wrong way on the street!

The only driving I did was on video games.... Here I am on my way to another race, too bad I had to set one beer down to drive!

CRAP, I thought I could escape the paparazzi for one night!

K-BiLLY, yes that is a Lane Hogs Margarita Ride shirt I am wearing.

The place was fun to visit, the company I had there was great. Too bad the other 3 live in the middle of nowhere and I doubt they will read this bullshit.

And remember, DIRK IS BACK BITCHES!

UGH! Bowling.

2010-02-14T11:12:00.001-06:00

First 2 games last night were both over 200. Last game was 165.
Need more practice.

Terrible Passenger

2010-02-13T11:10:00.003-06:00

I have always been most comfortable behind the wheel in a car. I want to drive, I know where I am going, and we will get there when we need to.

Well, while out of town my boss drove all the time. I am a terrible passenger.

Anytime we merged onto a highway I was looking in the side mirror so I would know exactly what kind of truck was going to take my life. Getting on the interstate in Minneapolis, STEP ON THE GAS BUDDY !!!

Thursday night we went to a Minnesota Gophers basketball game. First mistake, splitting up and taking two cars. I took the best option I had, ditched the boss, and rode to the game with the girls, Katey and Kristen. (More on them another time, they are trouble). Leaving the main office complex, only 1 mile down the road Kristen says "Where the hell is he?" I don't think he could find the gas pedal. She let him catch up, then proceeded to lose him as soon as we hit the interstate. (She was not driving fast, she was almost getting us into a wreck trying to let him catch up.) We had a good time in the car I was in. Sorry, no details on anything else said. A few phone calls back and forth and we all made it to the game, LATE.

Then, he drops me off at home Friday night, pulling into my narrow driveway. I got all of my stuff out, got the door of the house open, and was going to go in. I noticed that he was coming part way up the driveway then backing out again. I didn't think anything of it until I went outside this morning and saw that he backed into the snow pile on the South side of my driveway. Good thing all that snow is there or my neighbor would have chewed him out for driving on his grass. Now I have to go out and shovel part of my driveway again because he can't back up a car straight!

I'm gonna give him some shit on that at work on Tuesday!

Another funny commercial

2010-02-13T10:59:00.002-06:00

Just back from a business trip... One of the first things I saw on TV when I got home. Wish some of my meetings were like that!

A new reader or two?

2010-02-12T20:24:00.001-06:00

I am sure my facebook posts will lead a new reader or two to my stupid blog. The blog kind of sucked in the last couple of months. I didn't have much to say.

But, a trip out of town really gets the mind going again. Stay tuned.

DIRK is back bitches !

Back on the BIKE !!

2010-02-05T21:00:00.003-06:00

It snowed again. Did I still go for a bike ride? HELL YES !!!

Thermal base layer shirt... CHECK.

Thermal base layer pants... CHECK.

New Axiom Rain Runner fenders on the bike... CHECK

New Innova Ice Husky studded snow tires... CHECK

Riding my bike for the first time since the middle of November. Today was a good day!

Couple pics if you're interested.

I have to make two trips to Empire Bowl tomorrow. I think you can guess my mode of transportation.

Check out this commercial !

2010-01-23T15:01:00.004-06:00

OOOHHHHHHH Senor Wiener !

Daytona 500 in 3 weeks!

2010-01-23T14:32:00.003-06:00

Only 3 weeks until the Daytona 500. As much as I like bikes... I still love cars going around in circles! It's been a few years since I last went to a race. Hopefully, I can change that sometime in the next few years.

Before you jump all over me for liking NASCAR, think about going to a race. I used to go to the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas in April. The sights, and the sounds are more than you can imagine. Go to a track, get as close to the fence as you can, and hold on while the cars fly by at 190 MPH ! Then you will understand.

Of course, don't forget the party. My plan was to get to the track by 8 AM for a race that started around noon. This was to beat a lot of the traffic, go shopping for hats and shirts, and start tipping back a few brews. All before 10AM. Also, the Texas track would let you bring your own food and drinks in. I could fit 9 cans in the cooler, 2 cans in my pockets, 2 cans in my right hand, and the open one in my left. That usually got me through most of the race!

Then, there are some of the people you meet. One year a group of us hitchhiked to the airport. I think they guys in the truck were high, there was a pretty distinct smell coming out the windows of the pickup to the back once in a while. One year, I drank some "home made wine" that some guy from Oklahoma brought. It was in a big Mountain Dew bottle, so you knew it had to be good. Another time I traded beer for pork chops. The guys next to us in the parking lot after the race (you don't go anywhere for 3 or 4 hours so don't even try) were running low on beer and we had a bunch of extra. They had extra chops to throw on the grill and took some beer. No idea who they were, but we got a good meal and had a good time. I should have kept track of how many times the one guy yelled "show me your titties" We saw a couple!

So, make fun of me if you want. Or, agree and share your story with me sometime.

I admit, I'm still a NASCAR geek. Although now, I'll wait for the recap on TV and go for a bike ride on Sunday afternoons. Someday, I'll get back to a race. Want to go?

Bad Bowling

2010-01-22T19:27:00.003-06:00

What the hell is happening to me? The last couple of months on the lanes SUCK !!!!!! Maybe a new ball will help.

Thursday night was an adventure, throwing a line I never throw, with a ball I never throw. Anything to try to get some strikes...didn't work. I only shot 520 last night.

I think there is a decent lane condition at Empire, but I don't know. I have been throwing the ball so poorly I can't tell. I keep trying though. I am too stubborn and know I can shoot good games to give up. Keep practicing.... Or, go to Sport Bowl. That place makes anyone look good, I hear. I won't say too much, I don't bowl there, but you have to wonder about the quantity of honor scores that come out of some places.

Funny.... When I am bowling well, everyone wants to be a left hander. People give me shit because I am left handed and might be the only one on a set of lanes. Not last night. Does that make me want to try bowling right handed because I see all of the righties throwing strikes? FUCK YOU! I'll stay on the left side of the lane and quit your bitchin when I start striking again!

Back to bike commuting.

2010-01-20T19:34:00.002-06:00

Late last summer, I was thrown into the world of bike commuting. I rode as much as I could, in fact only driving by myself about 130 miles in one month. The rest of my travels either in the car with my family or riding one of my bikes.

As the temperatures dropped and the snow piled up, my bike commuting habits quickly disappeared. I was back to driving. I did not have the proper gear and some days did not have the time to ride.

That may be changing soon.... I plan on getting some of the needed gear. The temps are not as bad, I can be comfortable to about 5 or 10 above. We may be back to only having one car in the next few months, I choose not to discuss this, so don't ask. I am just a bigger asshole when I drive my car, and chances are so are you! I enjoyed my time riding and the exercise was really changing how I felt everyday. I don't have a scale, but I know I am putting some pounds back on and I usually feel tired. When riding everyday, this was not a problem.

I am making a renewed committment to commuting by bike. To save money, maybe. To save the environment, maybe. To not kill you because you cut me off in traffic, maybe. To take it on as a challenge as I did back in July, maybe. To do it just because it was fun, maybe. There are too many reasons for me to not do this.

I have kind of been in hiding the last couple of months, that's going to change.

I'll be back on the road around the end of the month, BITCHES !

Best Christmas Gifts

2010-01-08T21:02:00.004-06:00

Christmas gift basket to me from Niki's mom:
2 liter bottle of 7UP
bottle of Southern Comfort
mix of Milky Way and Snickers candy bars

Pop, whiskey, and choclolate. Doesn't get much better than that.

Throw some porn in and I might keep wishing for 2 more feet of snow to keep me in the house. Glad I didn't get that, I don't want her buying me porn! I've heard you can find it on the internets somewhere.....

I need new BALLS

2010-01-08T20:28:00.005-06:00

New Bowling Balls.

The ones I use now I bought between 5 and 15 years ago. I am not comfortable throwing them and my game is suffering. If you bowl a lot, you understand. If you don't, just chuckle at every mention of "balls." BALLS ! There you go !

Should I get this?
MUTANT CELL
or this?
JIGSAW CORNER
or this?
BURN RAW HAMMER

I am leaning toward the BURN, it is also the cheapest of the 3, giving me more money for beer on bowling night.

On that note, I bowled like crap last night and the bar was out of Fat Tire beer. WTF ?!?

Stupid Snow!

2009-12-24T14:40:00.002-06:00

I am already tired of winter, and there is more snow on the way. My neighbor across the street loaned me her snow blower so I didn't kill myself clearing the driveway this morning. I'll go over there tomorrow or Saturday and fire up the snow blower to clear her driveway then clear mine. She won't let me give her anything in payment for borrowing it, so all I can do is fill it up with gas when I'm done.

I really wanted to get my own, but the purchase of a snow blower is not in my budget. In fact, the only purchases in my budget right now are the necessities to live. No more on that, I don't want to ruin your Christmas too.

I haven't been on my bikes for over a month now, and I don't like it. I am glad we do not have a scale in the house because I don't even want to know what my weight is right now. I have gained so much in the last month I can feel it! My mood has changed also. I am tired, pissed off, stressed out, and just an asshole overall.

So last year about this time, I thought about tracking my bike mileage for 2009. I've thought about it for 2010. I don't think it will happen for 2010. I just want to get on the bikes and ride!

I don't think this will be last post for the year, but just in case it is....

Here's to a great start in 2010 for you and me !!! Because 2009 sucked !!!

Got 5 Grand ?

2009-12-14T15:33:00.002-06:00

Just took my kid (age 11) to the orthodondist today. Braces will cost us $5000.

I give up....

FAIL

2009-12-11T20:04:00.002-06:00

I have failed in my efforts to become a bicycle commuter. As quickly as I was thrown into it, I have been taken out of it. One of our cars blew up in late July, I started riding my bike.

My in-laws loaned us a car to get by for a while. I continued to ride as much as I possibly could. That is until 3 weeks ago. The work at the office really started to pile up, then the weather turned cold, and now SNOW.

I am sorry to say that I have not been on a bicycle in over 3 weeks. I am stressed, pissed off, tired, and already sick of winter.

I had planned on riding quite a bit through the winter, but I have not been able to get some of the gear necessary. I can't afford new tires for the bike. I can't afford to buy some gear to keep me warm, and at the same time keep me from showing up to the office a sweaty mess. So, I take the car.

I can't wait for 2010 to start, because 2009 has really SUCKED ! Problem is...I don't see much changing in the next couple of months. Looking forward to spring.

My plan is to get back to the bike commuting early in the spring. Sometime find a different car, somthing cheap to get me to and from work if I need it. I really enjoyed the early morning and evening rides, I have to get back to it.

I guess I need to prepare a little better and get the gear together. I don't want to ride through the winter and suffer, get sick, or crash because I wasn't prepared.

Maybe it's not failing, maybe it's just a break. Either way, I don't like it.

Close Call in Traffic

2009-11-19T21:26:00.002-06:00

Close call in traffic this morning on the ride to work! I was riding East on 54th St. just before 7 this morning when I got a surprise.

There was a car on the other side of Cliff Ave. that was there long enough to trip the light. It turned green, I kept the pedals going to get through the intersection while the light was green. I glanced to the right crossing the intersection... and reacting, swerved to the left just a little. It happened so quick even I could not think of anything worth yelling.

I could have been hit! By another bicycle!!!

This idiot was riding North on Cliff Ave. in the dark with no lights, and a helmet strapped to the handlebars!

Schnoctobeerfest 2009

2009-10-25T12:12:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday I went to Schnoctobeerfest 2009 at CiTyBiLLy headquarters in Elkhorn, NE. Same as last year it was a cool and cloudy day, but that did not ruin the fun. A 55 mile ride, followed by a great meal and beer that evening.

I had the car loaded up in the garage and ready to go Friday night. I was double checking the straps on the car trunk rack and thought I had better double check the bike too. CRAP, the back tire is flat! At 5:30 in the morning I was not in the mood to mess with a flat, so I took the Vegas bike off the car and took my Giant OCR road bike instead.

We had a great group of riders, great food and a lot of great beer. OK, some of the beer wasn't that great. But, it doesn't hurt to take a little sip and try.

Here are some pics!

Making a comeback??

2009-10-11T12:51:00.003-05:00

Am I making a comeback on the bowling lanes? I hope so.

After a slow start to the season, averaging in the 170s, I shot a 626 series last night. The first game was UGLY, I think 189. Good thing I could pick up my spares because the first ball in each of the first 9 frames SUCKED! Second game, strikes and more strikes! Except the 9th frame, big, bad split. I shot 244 !! Highest game this season so far. Last game, not much to talk about, it was a decent game.

What happened between the 1st and 2nd games? A shot of chilled Southern Comfort late in the first game might have something to do with it! Maybe it was that I just kept trying? Nah, it was the SoCo.

We won 3 of 4 points against a good team too. On our way to winning the league again!!

Bad Influence

2009-10-04T11:30:00.003-05:00

I am a jerk. I know it. I have been told it many times. Actually, I have been called things worse than that more times than I can count!

I don't care.

Maybe some of this is rubbing off on my wife...or maybe it was the Fat Tire and Blue Moon beers talking. Here's what happened.

We were at Buffalo Alice in Sioux City for her brother's birthday last night. We really had a good time (I was surprised). Part way through the night a group of guys (7 or 8) walks in and steps up to the bar. I didn't see them until she said "Hey, check out the douchebags that just walked in here!" I turned around to see a bunch of guys that can't wear a hat straight, big fake diamond earrings in their ears, and trying to talk to some girls that looked way to high maintenance for me.

All I could do was laugh, she was right! Good call Mrs. Dirk !!!

In closing, a note to those of you in the front row at the strip club... GET OUT YOUR DAMN MONEY or get back to your table! I want up front and I have money to spend!

Back online

2009-09-30T21:12:00.003-05:00

The computer is all fixed up and working again. Not much has changed in the last 3 weeks....

I am still bowling like shit.
I am still riding my bike to work almost every day.
I only drive a car about two or three times a week and most of that time is with family, I rarely drive by myself anymore.
The best part of my day is the ride home from work!
My time as FAB president is almost over.
Schnoctobeerfest is October 17th at eDBiLLy's house in Elkhorn, NE.
Empire Bowl has Fat Tire on tap. I think Bryan, Will, and I drank at least 3/4 of that first keg!
I have changed 2 flat tires on bikes in the last three weeks.
My wife found a baby snapping turtle by the river. I hope it grows big enough to eat the dog.
I added a MinusCar sticker to my mountain bike turned into a commuter bike.
FAB meeting and Apple Orchard Ride this Saturday October 3.

Today's Commute

2009-09-02T21:24:00.002-05:00

Rode to work, should carry my camera. I cannot even start to describe the sunrise today. Rode to Empire Bowl, waved at Snakebite on Russell St. Rode home from Empire Bowl, waved at Mr. and Mrs. Snakebite on the bike trail.

Also, I cannot leave out the MinusCar Dad. I've waved at him a couple of times in the last week, too.

Ride your damn bike!

Is this FUNNY to you?

2009-08-31T20:56:00.003-05:00

I think everyone at the office sees my bike parked by the front door of the office as a source of amusement. Some ask me "What ya gonna do when it gets cold?" I calmly answer "Well, guess I'll bundle up and keep riding." What I really want to say is "I'm going to put on a fucking coat and keep riding my bike, asshole. Now quit asking me stupid questions every damn day!"

I have survived the first few weeks with good weather on most days. Some rain and hail have tried to stop me. Even two flat tires couldn't stop me! I'm still looking at this as my next challenge. I have even taken my bike when the car is available and the rest of the family isn't going anywhere. That's OK, leave it parked in the driveway. In the last month, I think I have averaged driving my car twice a week. I'll go 3, 4, 5, or 6 days in a row without driving. That's a HUGE CHANGE in my mindset from a couple of years ago, Hell even a couple of months ago!

To those few of you out there that commute everyday and read this nonsense, sorry if I bore you. But, I am actually excited to get on my bike in the morning and ride to work. (Excited for the ride and not the work) Maybe that explains why I wake up before 5 AM and my alarm clock is set for 5:30. I am usually the first person to the office each day, and I ride my damn bike to get there!!

Now I am getting bored with the office talk of the traffic on I-229 every morning. I don't miss driving on that piece of road. I don't miss driving on Cliff Ave. every morning either. It's always the same dipshits and assholes that contribute to my road rage.

I am happier riding my bike. My issue on the commute this morning was about 30 geese on the trail by Falls Park. I flashed my headlight a few times and they moved just far enough for me to get by. That's a lot easier to handle than some douchebag driving the exact same speed as the guy next to him, together holding up everyone behind them. Instead, I say "Good Morning" to some of the same people at least a couple of times a week. I believe some of them are also riding to work, and some are just out for some early morning exercise.

This morning was a little cool. Temps in the low 40s. Not cold though, not even close to cold.

Next up, a bus excursion. I have not been on public transportation since... before I got my drivers license (sorry, MinusCar). I picked up some route schedules and now is the time to find my way to and from work using the bus for part of the trip, and see if I can get my bike on the front of the bus without looking like an idiot.

Keep riding and be sure to stare back at everyone that stares at you from behind the wheel of their car! You'd think some of them have never seen a bike before!

Mileage Goal in August!!

2009-08-19T21:06:00.003-05:00

I set a goal for biking mileage for this year. I consulted various experts (I had a poll on this blog) and decided on 2000 miles. I had never kept track before so I guess I was curious to see how many miles I could cover in a year.

Maybe I should have set the mark higher. It's not even September yet and I have surpassed my goal for the year! The recent change in my routine to ride to work every day has helped a little, but not much, it's only been three weeks.

I know that in each of the last few years I have covered more miles than the previous year. What can I look forward to next year? 3000, 4000, 5000?

Maybe I'll track it, maybe I won't. We'll see how this year ends up.

Maybe next year, I'll track how many beers and shots of Southern Comfort I consume.... Nah, better not!

Mom says I'm CRAZY !

2009-08-18T19:47:00.003-05:00

My mom thinks I am crazy. My wife talked with her on the phone today and my mom was asking about the broken down car. She told her that the car will probably get fixed sometime and that I was riding my bike to work every day. Whenever the car gets fixed, or we get another cheap car, it will be my backup. I think I want to keep up the bike commuting.

I guess riding my bike to and from work makes me crazy! My wife said that it was my choice and that she supports me in that. Another reason I love my wife! (She doesn't mind this little deal either... She went from driving her 10 year old car to driving my 1 year old car).

We'll see how crazy I am when I have to ride in the rain this fall, or the snow this winter!

2 FLAT TIRES

2009-08-06T20:55:00.004-05:00

I flatted twice on the way home from work today. No big deal, just buy some tires and tubes and keep riding. My son even wanted to do a little cleaning and maintenance on his bike, so we went to the garage for a little bike work. I popped open a beer, he popped open a can of pop, I turned on the radio, and we messed around with the bikes in the garage as it rained outside. I would much rather have a clear evening and go out for a ride, but this alternative wasn't too bad either.

In celebration of my first full week of commuting by bicycle, I will be going to Monk's House of Ale Repute after the FAB Starlight Ride. Come out for the ride, or just hit the bar around 10 PM on Friday night.

I really don't need a reason to go to Monk's for a tasty beverage or two, but it just sounds better if there is something special to celebrate!

MS Bike Ride Recap

2009-08-02T16:05:00.002-05:00

Back from the MS Bike ride. 2 days, 176 miles, and I averaged 17.3 MPH. It was a great weekend ride raising money for a great cause. The tailwind for big parts of both days didn't hurt either. ThE MuScLE also helped me out a few times letting me follow to recover a little bit when we didn't have the tailwind. The volunteers that work on the ride are great and the very well stocked rest stops are nice too. Although I have had enough Gatorade to get me through the next few days.

I enjoyed the time riding with some of my friends and even meeting a few new ones along the route.

One of the best parts is knowing that I am becoming a stronger rider. I can ride with some of the people I want to and not kill my legs. I still like to follow in the line, but I can get out front and do some share of the pulling on the road! I'm still not as fast as I want to be, but I'm not as slow as I used to be either.

No time to rest. I get to (not have to) ride my bike to work tomorrow, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, and Thursday....

Trying Bike Commuting

2009-07-27T21:05:00.003-05:00

One of my 2 cars died last Friday. It was making a weird noise, so I was going to drive it to work Friday and stop to talk to my mechanic on my lunch break.

BANG! The engine quit half a block from my office on my way to work. Got it towed and then got the call with the bad news. The timing belt came off and some of the valves got bent. In other words, the engine is now SHIT!

Sometimes I have thought about commuting by bike. I do some (a little when it's convenient), but maybe just needed a little encouragement to really do it.

$1500 minimum to repair the car, when you don't have anywhere close to $1500 to spend is all the incentive I need to give it a try.

First day of bike commuting is Tuesday, July 28 !

Be Nice - Part Two

2009-07-22T21:19:00.002-05:00

I turned on the TV after work today and saw that KELO was talking with the guy that ran over the 5 year old kid on the bike path. There was more to the story than they told us at first. Who would have ever guessed a reporter would not have the WHOLE story?!?

Guess the child was riding on one of the dirt singletrack paths off the side of the trail, came to the end of it and went on the paved path right in front of the guy.

Adult cyclist going slower when the area is busy... avoids the crash.
Child knowing to hit the brakes and not fly into the middle of the trail... avoids the crash.
Parent knowing what to teach their child and taking responsibility... avoids the crash.

I am glad the TV station got the other point of view. I hope that it doesn't just come down to bike riders slowing down. The people walking, walking their dogs, riding with small children all can contribute to the safety on the trail.

Be nice and watch out for the other guy!

Be Nice on the Bike Trail

2009-07-21T20:59:00.003-05:00

So, last Sunday a 5 year old boy was run into on the bike trail by an adult on a bike. The adult was going somewhere near 20 MPH ( maybe, maybe not, it was stated in the KELO news story as 20 MPH).

Earlier this summer, CDV had a little run in with a rude biker on the trail. I chased down a guy that was an asshole on the trail a little while back.

I really like to ride the trail here, and always have. But, as I have spent more time on the trail and more time on the roads, I have learned a little bit of how to ride in different situations. I think that is what some people are missing here.

The real joke to me is to see the guys (and girls) on their light, expensive bikes on their aerobars weaving back and forth to get around everyone that is going slower. Want to go fast on the bike trail? Go to the North end by the airport! Better yet, if you really want to impress me, PUT ON YOUR BIG BOY PANTS, and go out on the road! You have a road bike...ride it on the road.

I thought of a little something as I was riding tonight. Maybe a little comparison. Let me know what you think. Is a fast cyclist buzzing a walker or a slower cyclist on the bike trail similar to how all of us have been buzzed by a car on the road? Now I know there are differences, like the mass of steel that is a car. But, is it that much of an inconvenience to slow down a little if there are others on the trail and it's not really safe to pass? I had a guy follow me for a while tonight through some of the corners by Tuthill Park because there were others coming at us and he couldn't pass without putting somebody in the grass. Some assholes in this town would just barge through and put someone in the grass. What about the child that is learning to ride a bike? How scary can it be for them to have a close call with an adult that is 3 times their size?

It's not always the experienced cyclist that can be a jerk. Always watch out for the person that rides maybe once or twice a year and has no fucking clue how to handle a bike. I think about all the people that left JazzFest last weekend in the dark with absolutely no lights, or anything that would make them visible to others.

Will anything change? NOPE!

Are there assholes and jerks just begging to crash on the bike trail? YUP!

Are there assholes and jerks just begging to crash their car becasue they can't drive either? YUP!

That's some of my rant on this....

Be safe out there and watch out for the other guy!

I'm blank

2009-07-20T21:24:00.001-05:00

Still here, but nothing to post.
I'll try to come up with something to keep my loyal reader (I know there is only one of you) entertained.

Weekend Plans

2009-07-16T21:50:00.002-05:00

Friday evening, FAB Starlight Ride starting at 6:30 PM at Fawick Park. Riding to JazzFest at Yankton Trail Park.

Saturday morning, Snakebite's unofficial Coffee & Donut Ride. I am expecting some morning mayhem in SF.

Saturday evening, back to JazzFest, working the Spoke N Sport bike valet. Ride your bike to JazzFest!!!

Sunday, I'll probably ride to Empire Bowl (damn part time job)

I'll be riding the Specialized Langster fixie all weekend! You better ride your bike too.

The Good and The Bad

2009-07-09T19:16:00.003-05:00

The Good? Seeing 2 SF police officers on bikes, I would assume on patrol this afternoon.
More Good? Seeing the 2 SF police officers on bikes riding on Main Ave in the lane marked with sharrows.

The BAD? The were going the WRONG WAY on the one way street!!!

WTF!!

Need to clarify my rant a little. I saw them from half a block away while driving on 6th St. Wait, then that means maybe they were on the sidewalk and jumped onto the street at the crosswalk. Would that be any better?

The MinusCar CAR!

2009-07-08T20:05:00.003-05:00

Last night after the FAB board meeting was an event I never imagined would happen. I took a trip to Wally World to buy some FABRAD supplies with Mr. MinusCar in the MinusCar Car!

Guess he had some bike issues earlier in the day and was forced to drive a little. Good that he did, BriMan also hitched a ride home instead of dodging lightning in the storms last night.

I will always remember that road trip in the car of the MinusCar himself!

Now if I could just save up $199 to buy that sweet 29er mountain bike they have there.

Top Gear Clip

2009-07-08T19:45:00.005-05:00

Few minutes from one of my favorite TV shows. Top Gear.
This is a good one!

Construction is DONE

2009-07-07T10:13:00.004-05:00

The build in the garage is DONE!

I need to find more stickers!

Now I can get back to working on my bikes!

CRAP, better stock the fridge first!

Under Construction

2009-07-04T19:44:00.003-05:00

I've had a crazy idea to build a workbench and shop area in my garage. Now is the time to do it. Here's some pics.

First load of junk out of the garage. Also took a load of broken TVs, DVD players, and VCRs to the recycling center. Big thanks to my friend Chris for loaning me the big bad Dodge monster truck for the weekend!

Tore out the old bench and shelves.
Got started on my new set up. All pictures will be taken from a distance. I am an accountant, not a carpenter.

Bike-A-Palooza

2009-06-29T21:48:00.003-05:00

I could ramble on about the event...but, I won't. I'll just post a few pics and ask you to check the other blogs and Facebook. You'll find everything you missed, or just can't remember!