Mike Howard

2012 season

2012-01-29T15:12:00.000-08:00

I'm putting together my race sked. for this year and wondering just how many I'll do.Looks like I'm in the DK 200 this year instead of Mohican,Nick is joining me on the race and I'm really looking forward to this one.

Always Impressed !

2011-04-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

Trans Iowa #7 done for 18 riders and I can only sit a wonder if only ! I pulled the plug on the training way back in March around my 50th b-day and wish I would have talked to a few more people about getting motivated.I was on target until the weather started to get better which should have motivated me more but it did the opposite,I keep thinking about the things I need to do around home.Even after some good training on the bike with Nick with 7 hr rides , the next few days I didn't want to get back on the bike,I hated the thought that a three hour ride is a waste.By the end of March I wanted and could have done my plan of 10 to 12 hr rides back to back which would have told me if I had the legs for TIv7,crazy to think you need that kind of training but I do know my own body and what it needs.

Why does the suffering on a bike appeal to some of us? Don't know but I have to have a goal when I train and it has to be possible to get,the Trans Iowa is possible for some not all and I need to let this race go or make it my goal again.

After the way we suffered at TIV6 but for only 5 hrs I was pissed about the time limits and the way I blew 5 months of training in Illinois weather,snow,cold and rain to have it all end because of the weather and I don't have the ability red line my heart rate for 50 miles,it's not the way to start a 330 mile race cramping 4hrs into it.I can race for 24 hr solo and do damm well,I have some abilities,that's the reason I went to endurance racing !

To read others Blogs and now see that they too had a rough time mentally just to train but they some how got through it and made it to the start of the race.It just shows how tough they are and they know the rewards of just toeing the line...I should have at least done that.

If I try to get back in to race TIV8 I think it will take a wish list for me and I know it's being selfish but all the racers have a little some thing they would change.

1- late June or July race
2- two check points but time limits are longer if any...if a guy is so far back there is no possible way he could make the finish in time who cares,he trained his/her ass off and deserves a shot at finishing for his own pride.
3- More supply store stops on route if in July ...no need to kill a guy from thirst

That's all I'm looking for not much ! With all this said and I think I'm done pouting...Mark and DP work their ass off for this race and it sure has come a long way from Jeff and Mark from TIV1.Congrats on having a successful race... What they decide to do is what we all have to do if we want to try and be part of a race that has left so many victims along the back roads of Iowa and made us admire those that have finished.

Caught in the rain

2011-03-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

I was all set for a 3 hr ride and headed out on the road bike but the weather wasn't going to be in my favor for long.I planned on some intervals and was an hour into my ride when the rain was coming my way,it didn't look to bad until i seen lightning strikes and heard some thunder!

My ride turned into a time trail ride back to the house and finished up with a 3 mile run on the tredmill.

Ride planned for Saturday and Sunday

See ya !

ride,ride

2011-03-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Stopped by Bushwhackers to grab some Hammer products,Perpetuem and Gel and check out how the store is doing with their reset.Bikes and Mr. Woo and Mr. Al are coming up staires while lawn furniture is going down.

I had some riding partners Sunday with Nick,Bob and Jon came out for some sloppy gravel...Nick and I got in 3-1/2 hrs.I needed a recovery day on Monday after 3 days in the saddle but back on Tuesday for 2 hrs 31 miles followed by today with 4 ..hrs and 52 miles.

I hope for a quick ride or run tomorrow...It's March weather can put the hurt on yeah fast.

spin inside !

2011-02-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got in almost 3 hrs on the road,a good ride with some hills...Today spin inside watching the 500 race...1-1/2 high intensity intervals.

Monday rest day then back at it Tuesday and Wednesday !

30 miles today

2011-02-18T18:01:00.000-08:00

Bob G came over and we got in a quick 30 miles,weather has been nice well, lets say temps have been good mid 50's bit windy...cold coming back next week.

I hope to get in some good miles tomorrow and Sunday before the rain hits.

See ya !

Trying to get the miles

2011-02-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Getting the miles under your belt in February can be tough but the weather is getting better and I'm running out of time.My bike choice for TIV7 is still up in the air but I decided to get the rig set up for now,I have a cross frame but don't want to spend the money getting it set up.

Run today and spin intervals for 1 hr...ride outside I hope tomorrow !

Back in the dungeon

2010-12-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

Iv'e been back down in the Dungeon for a few weeks hitting the cyclo core workouts and doing some running...Midz came over Wednesday for our first workout of the winter,he has some big goals to hit with some long endurance runs and I hope to keep him on top of his game.I hope to keep running this winter so I can help him with the 50 mile race this April,I'll get up a full sked. of my races for 2011 soon !

Road bike

2010-03-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tuesday and today's miles were on the road bike WOW ! I forgot how light and fast I can be with a 19 pd bike.Midz joined me today for a quick 27 miles that's 5 rides in 5 days with 28 more to hit my goal of riding every day in March.

Thursday could be tough but I think I'll do a 12 mile time trail and then a easy ride on Friday to set myself up for some long hours in the saddle Saturday and Sunday.

See ya

Sunday ride on the Rig

2010-03-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

I woke up Sunday morning wanting to get some good mileage on the Rig but I wanted the temps to get up a little higher before I set out on my ride.I took off with a goal of 2 to 3 hrs of ride time depending on how I felt and how late it was getting but I hit 2-3/4 hrs and 42 miles so all was good.

The Rig felt great I love the gearing on it,it's perfect for Trans Iowa and the drop bars make it feel great with no pressure on the back.I have the big MTB tires on it right now but I will go with some cross tires soon.

Midz came over for a quick 25 miles tonight...cold and windy !

I'll hit it again in the morning maybe with road bike !

Day one 25 miles !

New Rig made it home

2010-02-26T19:24:00.000-08:00

The Gary Fisher Rig is a single speed bike that I have wanted for some time but I also need a bike for the TIV6 race.I didn't want to buy two bikes or tell Cindy I want two more bikes,but I knew I could get the Rig and make it my special TIV6 bike then cross it back over to a single speed. I had Bob Woo from Bushwhackers go to work on it for me,I knew he could make any adjustments to make it work.

I made it into a 2x9 with drop bars so I would be more comfortable on the gravel roads,this should help keep me low and faster which is my main goal for the TIV6 race.I'll get a few rides in with these huge tires then switch out to some cross tires,maybe sooner than later.

I got in a good 60 miles in last Sunday in some pretty shitty weather that made it a good suffer fest 4-3/4 hrs by the time I made it home.

I hope for some good back to back mileage days soon and I'm setting a goal of riding every day in March or aleast a run on days I can't ride.

Thanks to Buchwhackers on helping me get the Rig !

Try to some miles

2010-02-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

I hit the Rock Island Trail Sunday for some much needed saddle time,I knew the snow would slow me down a little but I didn't count on it taking a toll on my legs.I had planned a 2 hour ride to the 20 mile mark and then 2 hours back but I didn't stop when I should have to refuel and I payed for it at with about 9 miles to go...The snow was just a couple inches deep but was like going through sand and the legs were getting a hell of a workout.When I got to Dunlap with 5 to go I hit the quick mart for a cherry pie and coffee a good 500 calories to get me back to the truck

The snow between the 14 and 16 mile mark had driffs to big to ride through so I did some hike a bike,I think the worse was where hikers had walked,their foot prints left a hole and made the trail almost unrideable at times...It need more hikers to pack the trail down.With 6 to 8 more inches of snow this morning that was the last RIT ride for a while.

Ice fishing on Saturday fun time !

beaver dam flooding my properyI'll

I'll be looking for this guy in April

Back on the spinner for the day !

See ya !

a little to cold

2010-01-31T11:39:00.000-08:00

I did get in a ride at Farmdale Friday a good 1-1/2 hrs but it was a slow ride and not much of a workout,Saturday I hit the spinner for my 1 hr race pace ride and today I ran 35 min. and did a recovery ride for 45 min.

I still need some good long RIT rides,lets hope the weather warms just a little bit more for the 4-6 hour rides I need to get in.

See ya !

Hey Wind ! Bite me !

2010-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:00

The NRS with some fenders
Temps were in the 40s over the weekend and I was planning on some good road miles but the wind and rain came in hard and fast so I spent my time down in the dungeon.

I need to get consistence om my training so this week I decided to ride every day or run if I can't get the ride in,spinning is the plan with some outside riding weather permitting and getting some core workouts.Spin today with the race dvd at 80-90% of heart rate for a hour...I'm spent !

Midz might be able to make it for a Wednesday morning spin ! WELCOME TO THE DUNGEON !

see ya !

Not going to spin for hours

2010-01-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Trans Iowa and I'm not going to spend that much time on the spinner,unless weather dumps on me later next month.I'm running and keeping my spinning to 45min. to 1-1/2 hours,the workouts have been structured and at high leval of intensity.The goal is to raise my LT so I can withstand the long rides at a high rate of speed.I don't want to train slow and steady,then you become slow and steady.

The trainer dvd that midz and I have done in the past workouts down in the dungeon is all I need,it still makes me work hard and then I do my own version of intervals on other days.Today was a 50 min. run a super set of close grip pulldowns,pushups,sissy squats 5 sets and 10 min. on the speedbag.

Can I get a century in before the end of January ? I'm going to try! maybe Rock Island Trail maybe road.

I need to pay off the Rig and it ready for some training rides...Brad Newman will be joining me at Trans Iowa,he was e-mailed by Mark on Friday that he was in.

See Ya !

Midz can you ride or spin on Wednesday mornings ?

X-mas party 2009

2009-12-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

PAMBA had their X-mas party last night and as always a good time was had by all,I drank my red bull and vodka and didn't get out of control...feel pretty good this morning.I need to cut some more wood this morning then jump on the spinner while watching football.

See ya !

A long time ago !

2009-11-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

Cindy and I have hit that 25 year mark on our marrige today ! We met in June of "84 and November 17th of "84 we were married...Yeah in 5 -1/2 months we knew we were ment for each other so why wait !

I'm off this morning and she is working so I'll take her to lunch today so we can spend some time together.

Happy Anniversary Honey !

This what I'm getting into !

My winter has changed because I'm on the roster for TIV#6 I hope the weather is good so I can get in as many miles outside that I can,if not it's going to be a lot of time sitting on the spinner down in the dungeon ! I need some more movies !

Mohica 100 is going to be June 5th next year so it works good with the I-74 series

TIV#6

2009-11-15T05:58:00.000-08:00

I sent off my entry into the Trans Iowa race yesterday,I should hear back Monday or Tuesday that I'm im.My winter will be spent riding as much as I can outside and a lot of spin time in the dungeon.Race is set for late April so lets hope fpr a good March so I can get the long miles in outside to see how my training has gone.

I'll post back up when I hear when I'm in !

see ya !

Bike Patrol

2009-11-01T05:48:00.000-08:00

Friday night a local running club invited PAMBA's bike patrol to come out to the oldest cemetery in Peoria to watch over the runner's at a Spooky Marathon race.The race started at 6:00pm to midnight and had close to 200 people run a 5 K and 25 run the whole marathon.

It had been raining for two days but it finally had stopped for the race.We set up a fire pit and paired up the patrol riders to keep a eye on the 6 mile course.

It was a lttle smoky from the pit but kept us warm.

Morgan made some chili that helped keep us warm and fueled for the riding.

The run had some steep climbs and long I think a rode around 24 mile by time we were done.We only had one sprained ankle out of the whole night so it was a good night of patroling for us.

Carrie got a magic wand for her efforts !

Hope to get some more riding out side before winter sets in,I don't want to get in the gym to soon but look foeward to some dungen workouts with Midz.

See ya !

End of the season

2009-10-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Tough end to my race season with a DNF at the Matthieson race last weekend,I went way to hard for the first 2 miles that was out in the open prairie and suffered for it once I got in the woods.I was hoping the legs would come back but they said "you blew it" and once I got in my first lap I knew I wouldn't make it for another 2 laps.

getting ready to race with Midz,Kelsi,Steph and Zack looking on.

getting warmed up riding with Tony amd Stauby

racing down a hill right before the creek

Tony with a flat tire carrying his bike thru the rock section

Mike Staub making it up the monster climb for the last time.

Kelsi posing on the Vermillion river at Matthieson State Park.

The place will be part of the I-74 series next year, I can't wait to get back up here and redeme myself for the DNF.

I'm looking at next years season and I need to decide if I want to shoot for Trans Iowa #6. I need to make up my mind before Thanksgiving to make the roster.If I do that means I need to start training at the start of December and really get going in January on the trainer.

Mohican 100 is a must do race and the Wems series.I should be able to do the I-74 XC series and a 24 hr,I'll be hitting the road endurance races also.

I have taken about 4 weeks off from any real training or hard riding I guess thats why I had such a bad race last weekend so after this weekend I'm hitting the gym and get back to eating good.

By the way if you see a wallet on the highway up around Matthieson State Park it's mine ! THAT SUCKS !

See Ya !

Still here ! 7 oaks race

2009-09-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Pic from the top of the ski hill at Seven Oaks September 5&6 24 hr race I did with Tony,Brad and Andy,we took 2nd place with a hard fight with Team Rasmussen from Iowa.

Me coming in from my second lap,going hard trying to make up some time.

Tony cooling down from another fast lap

Andy grabing his bike for another lap with Brad in the back ground coming in from his lap

Brad all done with his last lap of the 24 hr race and pulling a nose wheelly !

Me enjoying a hot cup of coffee while the fog rolls in at 3 or 4 am waiting for Andy to come in from his lap

Race is over and were hanging out relaxing waiting for the awards

Team PAMBA Brad,ME,Tony and Andy

I know Tony and Brad had to drive the 4-1/2 ride back to Peoria and Andy stayed in Des Moines but I had Cindy driving me back and I just had to close my eyes !

Fun race with Bob and Peggy making the ride over to watch and help support,Cindy and Kelsi as always was there for support and cherring us on ringing the cowbell,Thanks guys!

Yep I'm Here !

2009-07-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wow ! Starting to get some time to get on the bike and try and salvage some of this season,I rode Jubilee today after work with only 3 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours.Wouldn't know my legs felt great and I did the full race course for 3 laps at race pace and could have kept on going...Expert did 4 laps a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to stop feeling good.

Missing 24-9 was killing me this weekend but I kept on watching Paddy,Naomi and Ray Nees and a big YEE AHH for Ray ! he does his first 24 solo and gets the win ! When I think of the battle we could have had it would have been a blast !I'm really Happy for him...and of course Cindy and I missed seeing Paddy and Naomi maybr next time Paddy and Congrats on the wins !

Getting the Jubilee race out of the way has really let me get back on the bike we now need to get I-74 #4 at Black Partridge done on August 9th.

I did get to race a couple of weeks ago and did ok I raced Sport with the legs lacking saddle time and have hit the road for some good miles.I'm doing a Endurance road race on the 8th and shooting for a 12 or 24 hr. road race in September.

See ya !

Trailwork and riding

2009-06-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get Jubilee ready for the I-74 race that we moved back to the 28th of this month,it's almost there with a little more back work to be done.Tony,Bob and Betsy and a few others have helped out with knocking down the weeds so the whole course is ready,except for knocking some burms down that hace chaneled water.

Cindy and I rode the Rock Island Trail today I had my Bike Patrol garb on so I can put that in the books,It was nice getting Cindy on the bike,we also stopped in Dunlap and had a coffee at Joes.

More Trail work in the morning and a afternoon ride if the weather is good !

A small group of PAMBA members have over 200 hours of trail work at Jubilee since March !

See ya !

Mohican 100k in the books

2009-06-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

Finally getting to the Mohican 100k race I did on Saturday and I finished and that's what I was wanting since this was my first point to point race.It was tough with more climbing than I have ever done around here and a lot of it was on the county roads connecting you to one trail to the other.

We stayed at the Mohican Inn before and after the race and enjoyed the quiet( no TV's)

Getting lined up for the mass start of 400 riders

Were off and I'm in the upper half of the racers

Riders coming in to the first aide station

Finally made it with 20 miles done and mostly all single track I did take a bad fall coming down a steep hill with wet roots only four miles in the race,shook it off and tried to get in a grove but I was all over the place and needed to let some air out of my tires.

Coming into aide station 3 with 46 miles in and feeling pretty good, I hooked up with a couple guys and we rode the rest of the race together.

No respect LOL!

15 min. later pro's come by aide station 3 and pass us on the rode like we standing still,they were on maybe mile #88 and we were on #52 but all were hurting !

No post race pic's due to logistic's and me being me (crotchety) The race was fun and I could have done the 100,I think I did have it me...The great part about this type of race is you don't need to worry about carrying all your food and water the aide stations have every thing you need unless you want a specific type of food but they had fruit,P&J,oatmeal pies,Hammer products and water.

This is the type of race you want to do with some friends so you can all help each other get through it and talk about the war stories after the race.There was no need for me to get in a hurry since you know your not in the top ten so I just enjoyed the ride and scenery...I'll be back for this one !

See ya !

6 hrs of Northern Kettles

2009-05-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

The race up in cheese land turned out pretty good,a mudd race for a while and glad I stuck it out.The race was up in the northern part of the Kettles and Cindy and I with Bob not far behind us was in for a wet but fun race.Cindy and I stoped in Millwalkie for some pancakes and coffee a little to close for race time for me but I needed to eat a good meal before the race and It was almost 10:00am with a 1:00pm start time.

After we set up camp close to start finish line I seen Charley Tri coming in from a lap and went to see how he was doing and the course conditions.He had taken a bad fall and was trying to mend himself and get back into the race but I think the rain that came later would make him decide to call it a day.

At the start of the race I went into the woods in about 11th place and I made some passes right before we went into the woods and glad I did because the next 7 miles was all singletrack.The course was rocky,bumby,rolling and fast and I thought I would make some good lap time until the rain hit half way into the 2nd lap.I could only drink when I came out to the pit area so it was drink half a bottle and take some Hammer gel in and keep rollimg.When the rain hit it I thought about doing a couple more laps then call it a day so I mudded up thr NRS composite pretty good then switched to the NRS 2.It was my 5 lap and when I took off on the NRS 2 the trails were getting pretty good shape and I just flew on the bike( I train on the NRS 2 and I just feel good when I'm on this bike)The trails were in that I could get in trouble condition,meaning they were getting fast but the slick spots would make you pay if you got to cocky.I payed a couple of times !

On the 6 lap John caught me as I stoped to get a drink while on the trail, I was trying to drink with the bottle in my mouth and still trying to ride so I just stoped.We rode together for more than half the lap and I told him I could make another lap if we hurry so we kicked it up and made one last pit on the run and I had around 55 min. to get one more lap.John had to put air in his tire but I couldn't wait so I kepted up my pace and ended up with my last lap coming in at 6:55.44 abd it was my 2nd fastest lap of the day.

It was a good race for me,6th place and with some strong laps for me a 6 hour XC race really ! John had a good race with 12 laps for his 12 hours of riding.

Heading to Ohio for the Mohican 100K my first point to point race !

Oh Yeah ! some new GX2 Ergon grips and a new BD2 back pack for the race !

6 hr race this weekend

2009-05-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Cindy and I are heading up to the secound Wems race of the year in the Northern Kettle Moraine area,I'm only doing the 6 hr to keep the legs fresh for next week at the Mohican 100k.

I'll meet Bob up there,he's doing the 3 hr race and Dr. John is doing the 12 hr so I'm wanting to get up there and see how he's doing.

Later enjoy the long weekend

see ya !

More Trail Work

2009-05-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

Road ride this morning at 6:00am before heading out to BPP for trail work.Legs felt heavy for only 25 miles but a long day yesterday didn't help.PAMBA put in another bridge and added some more trail with 10 people showing up you can get alot more done.

Heading up to WI for a 6 hr. race Saturday morning then staying in Kanosha for the night with Cindy so we can hit up Franks Dinner for breakfest.

See ya !

Still here !

2009-05-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Bad month of April for me not much riding being done (sucks) the weather has alot to do with it and the work around the house even more.The trails around Peoria are terrible with all the rain,Jubilee isn't open yet and they are in bad shape anyway.The other parks are just as bad,but PAMBA is trying to get them in shape so we can get some dirt under our tires instead of asphalt.

I missed the start of the I-74 series race up in the quad cities the Syvan Island Stampede it rained the whole race witch would have been fun.The Trans Iowa V is starting in the morning and I'm just sick I didn't try and get in this year but I was afraid getting burned out so early in the year.Plus I hate the idea of training so hard thru the winter then having the weather decide if you even have a chance of finishing.

I'm running a 5k in the morning The Run To Remember for fallen Police and Firemen then a Dualthon on the 16th.(Cindys birthday)

My weight has been steady at 161 lbs with the better eating I have been doing with Cindy and by the way she has been doing great with her workouts and her steady weight loss too.

I need some serious bike time in the next three weeks if I'm doing the Mohican 100k at the end of the month.If I do three days of intervals with one or two days of longer rides I'll be ok.I also need to get a order in to Ergon for some new grips.

More trail work this weekend and mushroom hunting !

Have you been to Bushwhackers this week ? you should ! Check out the sweet rides they have for this summer,I'm going to checkout a Gary Fisher Rig 29r.

See Ya !

Riding outside

2009-04-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

Tony and Midz came over Monday night for a quick road ride,the wind was crazy but really got the legs burning,we did a hour and 40 min. before we called it a day.
We hope to keep the Monday night rides on the road for a couple of months.

I took Tucker over to Jubilee to check out the trails and I wasn't to happy about what I saw..The trails are the worse Iv'e ever seen ! the water damage just tore up the trails and there is going to be a lot of work to get the trails in shape to even ride.

Trail day at Indy and Dirkson this weekend I hope to make them if I get off work in time.

I hit the spinner today after work 1 hour race pace.

See ya !

No ride outside !

2009-03-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Woke up to about 6 inches of the white stuff ! It won't stay for long but it will be a while longer before we can get on the trails around here.More road rides will be the norm and I should be getting more guys to come out and ride with some warmer weather.

Cindy and I went back into P town yesterday to get my b-day present from her,some new trail running shoes were in my sights so we went to Bushwhackers to check some out.

Russ helped me pick out some Vasques Mercury's they fit great and I can't wait to get out and enjoy them. Russ was a big help on picking the right shoe by letting me know what type of fit I need to trail run.That is the great thing I like about Bushwhackers the sales people know what they are talking about because they do the sports you do.

I hit the spinner this morning and did some core work for around 1-1/2 hours I should get a good spin ride tomorrow or road ride.

Cindy fixed my B-day dinner for me today because last week I was racing and I it was great as always but I need to do a little extra calorie burning tomorrow. She fixed fried smelt,coleslaw,corn fritters,baked french fries and pina colada cake with coconut ! Damm Good !

See ya !

Race #1 done

2009-03-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

I knew the race course was going to be wide open but wow! it was wide open ! I took off with 14 other 35 and over experts and stayed with them in a pelotone for the first mile and half of doubletrack before we hit a big hill and some white rock and I had to let them go.I wish I could have stayed with them because we didn't hit any singletrack for another 1/2 mile,so the first two miles was fast.The singletrack was nice and flowed real good but it did have some nasty rocks and it didn't take long before I seen the first victim fixing a flat tire.

Within 2-1/2 mile we were back on the doubletrack for another 2 miles then some new singltrack that sucked the life out of your legs for maybe a mile then right back on the doubletrack to the finish line.I would guess we had 3 to 3-1/2 miles of singletrack the rest was wide open.

I'm glad I went I never race this early in the season so my fitness is good to finish a expert race in March.

sporting my Bushwhackers green
the start of the races was like this for about a mile

I ended up in 12 place out of 14 in 2:11 min. saddle time,with Citomax,perpetuem and Hammer gel keeping me fueled...I used my Ergon grips GR2Mag. with so much open and the hill climbs it was a good choice.

Next Race Sylvan Island Race #1 in the I-74 series with a couple of running races thrown in.

Pic dump ! Pic dump !

Bob chasing me down from one of our Sunday rides,Where's Midz?

Steph turned 20 on the 15th not a teenager no more !

the dungeon got all wet from the rain !

getting some burn time in on the property

See ya !

race in the morning

2009-03-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

I have my 1st races of the season tomorrow,a early start for me,I never race this early in the season but I wanted to get things rolling to keep me motivated.I'm heading down to St Charles right out side of St.louis to Lost Valley the first race for the Midwest Fat Tire series.

The NRS is ready and the CRV is packed,I'm all alone on this race nobody going down with me,I'll get some pics and a race report in late Sunday or Monday.

OH YEAH ! I turned 48 years old yesterday !

Trail ride today

2009-02-24T14:51:00.000-08:00

I wanted to get a 2-1/2 to 3 hr ride in the woods today but I had a late start and the trail started to get sloppy,so a hour in the woods and 30 min. on the road.The road part was some hill intervals at the bottom of Marquette Heights road I jumped on the single speed( I brought two bikes)

I did 4 rides up and back just to finish off the legs today,the woods at Indy were in good shape until the sun hit the trails and it doesn't take much even in 30 degree temps to start getting sloppy.
I broke out the Race bike today NRS composite

I had some lurkers keeping a eye on me !

Training is on sked for now I started my 7th week on the Simple Plan Workout the legs felt pretty good today,I hope to get a Run Bike Run in tomorrow, first race is less than four weeks away http://www.midwestfattireseries.com/raceinfo/75-lost-valley2009
Middz and I hit the Dungeon last night, a good workout but we need to get outside !

Work Reunion ?

2009-02-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

My dad put together a reunion of some of the guys we worked with at Chris Hoerr & Sons,guys we havn't seen in about 13 to 15 years.Not a bad turnout and I think some guys that didn't show are going to wish they had.
Brain,me,Jeff and Roy all worked together in the warehouse.
It was nice to see those guys and the drivers Chad Zike and Jeff Wing whom I havn't talked to in a long time.We all hope to get something together this summer if I can find time with the races I have planned.

Tukey time is coming before long with this weather changing
I hope to get back to 24-9 mile in Wausua,WI but some high race fee's might cancel it for the first time in 5 years.

Midz will be over tomorrow for some Dungeon work I need to repay back for not hitting it today!(a little to much adult beverages)

See ya !

Weather is about to change !

2009-02-04T10:32:00.001-08:00

Good weather is about to come our way here in Central Illinois and I sure hope I can get some outside miles in this weekend.The brutal cold has left me inside to train again this week so spinning and treadmill work is the norm.

I'm still on schedule with the simple fit workout( getting tougher)I am still doing dips instead of pushups,and I did core workout yesterday right on schedule.

I ran 15 min. spin at LT for 30 min. ran 15 min. this morning right after I did the sinple fit.

Race schedule is getting full it's getting down to what are priority races and what are not,I still don't know if I'm doing a 24 hr. solo or not this year so I really don't have a priority A race. I am looking at the Ultra-Midwest 12 or 24 hr. road race in Northern Il.

Iv'e been off work since Saturday afternoon and go back tonight for my 3 days of probably 40 hours then I'm spent for the rest of the day Saturday.

Did I say " GO Steelers" I thought so !

See ya !

3rd week simple plan

2009-01-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

Just completed my 3rd week of the simple plan workout from Middz and my secound week of Cyclo Core workouts.Both are compatable with each other but I'm only do the core workout twice a week.

Amazing how strong you can get by doing just body weight workouts in a short time but I feel stronger and tighter (pumped) in just the 3 weeks of doing them.

Spinning and running is the main cardio right now,weather sucks just to cold to mess with so the dungeon has been getting used pretty good.I'm about done at the gym ,my 3 months are up next week,besides I havn't been there in a couple weeks anyway. I got what I wanted and that was some motivation to get working out and I look forward to going downstaires.

Monday I ended up doing the 1 hr race spin by myself,Middz had to work and I almost had to but I didn't have turn time to take a run up to Chicago.
I'm spent after this fast paced spin.

Wednesday I did a "block "I think they call it,I ran for 1 mile,spin at LT for 20 min. and back to a 1 mile run...I'll kick up that time by 5 min. each week.

I-74 Race meeting after work Saturday with all the clubs from Illinois just to hammer details out and then It's Super Bowl Sunday night !

Yeah ! I'm a Steeler Fan ! with Monday off so I can stay up and watch plus last day to pig out on the good food before race season starts...( lost 5 pds this month)

See ya !

Yeaaaa!

2009-01-20T18:11:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out how to post a logo on this blog!

Midz came over yesterday for a dungeon ride,we hope to step it up next week at do the expert race part of this DVD I have.It's pretty tough I did it last week and it pushes you hard for 1 hr.I did body fit workout yesterday for the start of the second week.

Today I took Tucker for a walk around our property then I ran for 30 min. on treadmill and did some core work.

Spin class or ride outside tomorrow.

See ya !

It's been cold !

2009-01-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

Way to cold to be outside so spin,spin,spin ! Maybe next week I'll get a good ride to Hannacity!

See YA !

RPM class

2009-01-13T11:32:00.001-08:00

I need to take Cindy to work this morning so I hit the gym in town while I was there.I ran for 30 min. then hit the RPM class(like a Spin class)at 10:15am these classes are fast with little recovery time for the whole 45 to 50 min. class.

After a short warm up you start kicking it up to race pace and you don't let up,the hill climbing was really putting me at my max.You get what you put into these kind of workouts and I just about gave to much right at the end of the class,as I was looking for a bucket but didn't lose it !

I'm spent and that's good...PAMBA meeting tonight !

See Ya !

Hit the Dungeon

2009-01-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning was a good leg burning,sufferfest,swampass kinda ride on the spinner,I did the 1 hour race section of the DVD Midz and I have been doing.We have been only doing the 45 min. endurance part and I thought I would step it up a little Sunday morning.

I needed to really push myself to get thru it and I'm glad I did, I was soaked with sweat by the time I finished,I stayed above 80% with my cadence above 110 to 120.

I just finished the first part of a body workout Midz gave me, a 20 min. workout then just 5 and 10 min. workout on Wednesday and Friday.

Cindy has the ladies coming over for Bunco the Girls and I are going to hit a movie tonight.

See Ya !

Hit the trails

2009-01-10T19:14:00.000-08:00

I was able to get a good two hour ride in at Farmdale Friday with the temps in low 30s.It was nice to get some climbing in and suffer a little.

I seen a couple of other riders but I had the park to myself for most of the ride,not to many people ride this time of year around here but I try as much as possible.

Of course I didn't have my camera but you know what woods look like.

Ergon is my latest sponsor for the 2009 season and I'm excited to be part of them, I already have some product I want to order for the new year.

I'll ride outside in the morning or maybe a good 1 hour spin in the Dungeon we'll see !

PAMBA meeting this Tuesday night first one of the 2009 season.

See Ya !

Training in full on mode

2009-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everybody ! Now lets get serious about the 2009 season !

Midz has been coming by on Monday nights to hit the dungeon with me for about an hour of spinning fun,and we both have been getting some running in on the off the bike days.

Getting my weight under control is my first priority for the new year, I do this every year so no big deal but I do have a target weight I want to get to by April.

A little snow on the ground this morning but I really wanted to get some time in the saddle outside on the bike ,so I grabbed all my gear and broke out the NRS composite and hit the road.

Trying to keep the feet warm neoprene socks,heat pads and booties

Lots of layers under armor,leggies and I went with the baggies today

Heading towards Hannacity to Mom and Dads house

Mom was the only one home Dad was Ice fishing I stayed about 10 min. to warm the toes and I was out the door

On way back home and I only had 1-1/2 hours in the saddle if I go right here home is only ten min. away if I go straight I'll get another 1-/14 hr. of saddle time.Toes were still OK so went for the extra time on the bike and ended up with a nice 2-3/4 hr ride.

Good things about the ride today
1)I was outside
2)I wasn't inside
3)being on the NRS composite instead of road bike
4)riding by myself
5)low traffic
6)drinking my cytomax and Hammer Perpetuem love the combo
7)not having my I pod and enjoying the quiet
8)just good time in the saddle
9)stayed pretty warm for the most part.

Bad things about the ride today
1)It was cold
2)toes did not stay warm
3)no one to enjoy the ride with
4)it was getting foggy and I didn't have a red blinky light
5)not having my I pod

Good things Win so I think I'll ride my bike again ! Yea !

I'll be posting up my race schedule for the season with intentions of hitting them all but work really needs to get me off on Saturdays to help out,lets hope.

My oldest turns 23 today Happy B-day Mike Jr.

Some GREEN Motivation for the 2009 Season!

I grabbed this off of Scott coles blog

ERGON USA ANNOUNCES 2009 TEAMS AND ATHLETES
Posted on January 1, 2009 by ergonusa

Ergon USA is proud to announce its partnership with the following teams and athletes for the 2009 racing season. Look for them at adventure races, 24 hour races, XC races, and other cycling related events across the USA, Canada, and select International events.

–Mountain Bike Teams–
Team Kenda
Team Low Riders
Team Big Ring Racing
Cannondale Factory Team (USA)
Guinness MTB Team
Ride Against the Machine
Sorella Cycling
Team Bach Builders
Team Chainring Sports
Team EVOMO
Team EWR/FFRP
Team EXPO
Team Faster Mustache
Team Gripped Films-Kenda
Team Independent Fabrication
Team Scott-Kuhl
Team Mountain Bike Riders
Team Troupe Racing
Team Vassago Cycles
Team Big Wheel Racing

–Adventure Racing Teams–
Team Dart-Nuun
Team SOLE
Yoga Slackers
Midwest Cycling Adventure Racing

–Individual Athletes–
Hans Rey
Monique “Pua” Sawicki
Louise Kobin
Adam Lisonbee
Allison Mann
Andrew Howe
Arleigh Jenkins
Brandon Harpster
Carey Lowery
Christopher Averett
Dave Harris
Dave Nice
David Hall
Derek Fish
Erick Auger
Ernesto Marenchin
Evan Plews
Greg Francis
Harry Precourt
Jason Mahokey
Josh Tostado
Justin Farmer
Kurt Refsnider
Luke Wiens
Lynda Wallenfels
Michael Mathers
Mike Gore
Mike Howard
Nathan Drozad
Peter Glassford
Rebecca Stauber
Rick Nelson
Robb Kranz
Ryan Geiger
Sally Marchand Collins
Scott Cole
Scott McClave
Steve Schwartz
Tamari Prius
The Steven’s
Thomas Bender
Travis Williams
William Burleigh

See ya !

Trying to keep on the bike

2008-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

This time of year it gets pretty tough to get any good miles in so I spend alot of time on the spinner,I did get a couple of hours on the singlespeed Wednesday.I rode to Hannacity then stoped at the F/S gas station to warm my toes and have a cup of coffee.

The gym is going ok but I really want to hit some long miles on the bike I'm bored with winter already...I'm going to try the workout James gave me on Monday and keep it up for aleast the 8 weeks it calls for.

heading into Hannacity

See ya !

Back in the Dungeon

2008-11-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

Hit the spinner tonight in the dungeon for a quick 45 min.interval workout,I'm going to keep the rides quick and gut wrenching,no long rides if I can help it.The gym has been going good but could be better,the atmosphere at this place is not keeping me motivated...I'm use to a sweat shop kind of gym where guys are yelling and grunting with loud music ! Riverplex is a proper,don't make any noise kind of gym with way to many seasoned citizens.
pic from last year getting my sweat on!

Have a good turkey day !

Bridge Work at BP

2008-11-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

PAMBA put in 11 bridges in the last two weekends at the new Black Partridge Park in Metamora,Il just outside of Peoria.Black Partridge will be the 5 th park PAMBA takes care of in the Peoria area,YES we keep busy just trying to maintain the parks plus with all the reroutes and new trails being built we do our share.

inca slaving the bridges in !

setting them into place

Driving them into place

Screwing the planks down

Les and Morgan,another nice job done !

Tony checking out the handy work,Tony is the fabricator of all the metal frames of these bridges PAMBA owes him allot for being able to do all this work at his place of work.

bringing down the last bridge of the weekend

Matt,Ben,Carrie and Les glad the last one is here !Check out the wheels that Tony fabricated to haul the bridges that's the back in I was at the front end with a steering handle ! Tony amazes me with his ingenuity !

Joined a gym a couple of weeks ago to keep motivated thru the winter,Bob goes there also so we can keep each other honest,I did a spin class last week and hope to tonight or in the morning.I'll lift weights heavy for about six weeks the start to lighten it up and get into more higher reps for endurance building.

Cindy and I celebrated our 24th annv. last night! I sleep good last night !!!!!

I have a few sponsorship request in for 2009 hope to hear back soon,of course Bushwhackers is on board again.

See ya !

Mug A Dirt ride

2008-10-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

I put this ride together on October 19th I called the "Mug A Dirt" 5 parks in 10 hours here in the Peoria area.We kinda did a quick version of what I really want to do,more hours on the trail or ride by bike to all the parks.

Me and seven other guys headed out at 8:ooam to ride the first park Black Partridge in Metamora,Il then Farmdale Resevoir in East Peoria,Indy and Dirkson Park in Marquette Heights and end up at Jubilee State Park in Brimfield,Il.

You can get to all the parks within 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Peoria and from each other,we are so lucky to have this much riding in Central Il.

Riders that showed up for the first ride were Tony Thaller,Mike Staub,Doug Morgen,Matt Brown,Jeff Hardway,Les Gifforn,Doug Urbaniak and I.

Getting ready for Black Partridge 1 st park and temps were in the high 30s

Tony,Doug M and Matt rolling on thru !

Stauby showing us a new reroute !

Getting ready for park #2 Farmdale

Jeff,Doug and Matt rolling thru the creek at Farmdale

Yep still back there !

Stoping to do a little trail maintenance

Park #3 Indy

Get it Matt !

Les,riding more in one day than he has ever done

Tony rolling the creek

Matt needed a little nudge to keep going ,maybe 24-9 next year Matt?

Refuelling at Tony's after Indy,Doug M took a nasty pinch flat to his rear tire and had to DNF

Doug,Jeff and Mike S eating Subways that Amy had for us between Indy and Dirkson

Heading over to park #4 Dirkson,Nice pic ! and only pic of Dirkson "getting tired"

park #5 Jubilee 7 riders left

getting all caught up with 30 minutes to go !

Matt Brown provided us with all the carnage for todays ride !

Cindy had some BBQ and pasta for us to celbrate our first Mug A Dirt Ride

Great ride Guys Can't wait for next year !

Seven Oaks

2008-09-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Went to Boone Iowa this weekend for my 2nd 24 hr. race this year and I had to pull the plug after only 6 laps.Short story is not my kinda of course the climbs were short but way to many I'm not a strong rider I can do steady climbing but these climbs just killed me.

I don't think I went out to fast I was in the top twenty riders at the start but I knew this might be trouble when Guys were walking up some switchbacks on the 1st lap.Anyway legs never came back and were drained and i was in granny gear already YEP I SAID GRANNY GEAR ! pulled the plug and live to ride another day !

Nice to see Paul Jacobson from Trans Iowa #3 when I was there so I'm glad I went !

I'll Try to get some pics up !

See Ya !

Rock Star ?

2008-08-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

PAMBA hit the air waves Thursday ...From the National Geographic article...I can't get this to link up right so cut and paste
http://www.hoinews.com/news/video.aspx?id=178536

2nd Place Finish at 24-9

2008-08-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to get some pics up but I will try and insert them later,So the good news I hit the podium two years in a row NICE ! 2nd place and I had a good strong race.

The race started out fast and my plan was to go out fast for a couple of laps then shut it down to my own pace,but I was feeling good with no problems so I keep the pace up for a couple more laps.I new I was going to have to slow a little but I was still turning in good solid lap times and no real issues yet as I was into my 5th and 6th lap.

First goal was to be out for my 7th lap before last years time of 6:55pm and I was out at 6:25 so I was now setting my next goal of 8 laps done before the 12th hour.At 9:52 I was out for my 9th lap so I was feeling good still but really new it would be hard to maintain the 1:30 min. laps the rest of the 12 hours to get my 16 laps I was hoping for.

The course was dry and dusty,really bad dust and it was everywhere you could tell who was the solo guys just by the amount of dirt on them.I think it was the start of my 8th lap that I washed the dirt off and changed into my Giant clothes just to feel better and get ready for the long night.

Lap 9 and 10 were fast for me and I was tearing up the singletrack and getting back to the pit in 1:30 to 1:32 the maybe 4 to 5 min. in the pit changing lights and refueling and I was gone.( Cindy was great )
Compare those times to last year I knew I was ahead of the game and creeping up into 2 place.

Lap 11 and 12 it seemed I would feel good for a while and I need more time in the pit with the lights but lap 12 I felt drained on the first half of the course and I had to snap out of it and make myself eat some gel to get the energy I needed. I think that's when I stoped at the bike patrol tent and took on some Gatorade.

Lap 13 I knew It was the last lap with the lights so I put on Tony's Jet light on my helmet and rode the rest of the race with only the helmet light.I'm going to check into just running just a helmet light because of all the other problem of having to much to do in the pits.

Lap 14 and 15 was just ride the laps and enjoy the morning sun warming me up I had 2place wrapped up and I was going to be able to stop before 10:00am instead of going out for a last lap just in case !

15 laps in 23:28 and last year it took me 25:00 hours so hell yeah I'm happy and feeling it today and yesterday and will tomorrow but it's a good hurt !

PAMBA had a good crew up from Peoria with the Proctor Cycling team kicking ass also Five podium spots from Peoria Nice Job Guys !

My Friend Bob tried his first 12 hours race and made it to the end with some strong determination to get back out and do two more laps after he bonked real bad earlier in the day...Great Job Bob ! You have been with me all summer on most of my long training rides and keeping me focused on what it takes to get on the podium at such a let's say rough mountainbike event !

How about BOB WOO ! Was he great ? Mr. Woo is the wrench guy at Bushwhackers in Peoria and he brings everything but the kitchen sink and wrenches for PAMBA,Proctor and me Thanks Bob and Cindy thanks you also !

Thanks to Bushwhackers and Maxxis tires for getting me thru the race the Ignitors tore the singletrack up.

Everybody that races solo knows it can't be done without some good pit times and my wife Cindy has gotten it down to perfection,she seems to know what I want and when I want it and has sacrificed thru the night and day to be there for me ! Thanks you Honey I wouldn't be as good without you !

Next year maybe team ?

It was always good to see the friends from 24-9 Good job Constantine Peters for his 2nd place finish solo singlespeed and Dallas for his fourth place finish I was able to talk to them both out on course for a while,hope to see them next year or at another race.

Time to recover and look at some more races !

See ya !

24-9 week

2008-07-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for 24-9 this week ,I took the week off from work so I can get some good sleep and not be in a hurry about packing up.I'll hit the road Thursday morning and get to Rib Mnt. around 11:00 am or noon go help out at the venue and maybe stake out a spot for the weekend.

There is around 24 riders going up so it should be a blast,the down side is I don't get to enjoy the venue and all the things going on,it's fun just to walk around and watch what people are doing.

I don't know what pro's are coming up SoloGoat is about all I do know I hope Mark Hendershot is going to make it again.

Let's hope for another podium finish and good weather !

See ya !

Long road miles

2008-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Got in another 102 miles on the road today just over 6 hours at 90 degree temps, Bob lasted for around 85 a good ride for him.

Taper down for a couple weeks no more long rides, a night ride Tuesday will be fun.

Cindy has been in shy town since Friday with my mom and sisters she'll be home some time tonight but I'll be in bed.

See ya !

Rain out !

2008-07-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

Bob and I got 1one hour away from Franklin,Wi. and the race was called off due to rain ! Shit! turn this buggy around Bob and head back to Peoria,three hours into the ride and three hours back home...Oh well good talking with Bob and well try and get a long road ride in the morning.

See ya !

Test ride single speed

2008-07-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

I took out the K2 yesterday at Jubilee for a test ride and all is good,I like the light weight of 22 lbs.

Group ride at Jubilee good time !

Going to the pool today time to rest !

6 hour race Saturday - going all out ride like it's a XC race
then back off the training for 24-9

See Ya !

racing and stuff

2008-07-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

Whats been going on ? Mom and dad's 50th anniversity ...Sister Debbie and her family up from Texas for the party and two other sisters Cindy and Julie from Peoria all together...training and a couple races in to get ready for 24-9.

XC race up in the Quads 1-74 race #3..9th place out of 11 a good ride for me.If you think I'm going to be as fast as the young guy's THINK AGAIN ! Arron(21 years younger) is just plain fast.Tony had a good race too!

6 hour race up in Franklin Wi. Then I shut down the major endurance rides and try and keep the legs snappy and fresh for two weeks before 24-9.

see ya

A lot of road miles

2008-06-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Finished the finale coat of black on the Zed...Cindy and I enjoying a Fat Tire
K2 Zed frame getting a primer coat of paint I'm making it into a single speed.

Days are getting numbered for how many long hours of training I can get in,Bob has been getting some good rides in and sticking with me pretty good.I have I74 race #3 in a few weeks then Wems up in Franklin,Wi 6 hour two weeks before 24-9.Peoria is bring up a good number of riders again I bet there will be around 20 racers all together in differant teams.The Proctor riders are really digging the 4 man team event and a couple of ladies are doing 12 or maybe 24 hr duall.

Crit in downtown Peoria next Sunday Cindy and I will course marshall for a couple of hours.

Fat Tire beer at Caseys Stores...nice yeah ?

see ya !

Not feeling it today

2008-06-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Went out this morning planning on another long ride but legs felt heavy and wouldn't respond,and of course the wind picked up.My planned route was going to be a bitch again and I knew I could use some hill work so I took off in the other direction and did some intervals and hills and cut my ride to a 3 hour kill the legs ride.

I'll hit the trails tomorrow for a quick hour and get some long miles in this weekend.24-9 isn't far away and I need some back to back 6 hr plus rides to keep my endurance up,plus I have a XC race and a 6 hr race in July.

See Ya !

Century done

2008-06-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

It took 6:12 minutes 100.50 miles with the last 20 miles with the wind in my face at 20+mph yeah kiss my ass.I was 1 mile from the house and I had 5 hours and 80 miles in,go home or grind out the last 20,I was at LT max at 11 mph at times but I really wanted 6 hours in the saddle so I took a right turn and then a left back to the wind in my face...I really need to plan a route south of Trivoli I new what I was for and new it was going to hurt.

Hope to keep the saddle time up for the rest of the year if I'm going to do any good at my next races.

2 bottles of Heed
2 bottles of Substained Energy
2 bottles of Gatorade
1 bottle of Red Bull
1-1/2 bottles of gel
1/2 turkey sub
felt good and strong

See Ya !

Sorry I'm trying !

2008-05-30T16:22:00.001-07:00

Alot has happened since my last post 12 hours of gears,work,grass growing,and some pretty shitty weather! Oh ! of course the Jubilee Jam with temps soring into the 90's and we had a racer go down with heat stroke ! not good ! He just got out of ICU today and close call for him to even be alive.

Pic's won't come up so I haven't been posting and trying to get on the bike,I hope for a good 6 hours on the road bike in the morning YEAH RIGHT ! Lets hope !

See YA !

12 hrs of Gears

2008-05-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm heading up to Wisconsin for my first race of the year it should be a 12 hr race but I'm only doing 6 I'm a little behind in the training department.Bob Grace is going up to do his first endurance race the 6 hr also.Cindy and I are going to then spend the night up near Kenosha and do a little site seeing on Sunday should be fun !

See ya !

2008 Midwest Festival

2008-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

I have some pics of the Festival,it was a good time but busy keeping things together,weather wasn't the best until Sunday then of course it sunny and warm.
A little carnage a little fun at night,Cindy and Amy was serving up the beer on the night ride and a pic of Cindy and I

I'm getting ready for my first race on the 24th up in WI. 6 hours is all i'm ready for a good training ride anyway.Also need to get Jubilee ready for the I-74 series # 2 race.

See ya !

First ride at Jubilee for the Year

2008-04-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Rain today keep me off the trails but I did make it Wednesday to check out the conditions and alot of leaves need to be blown off of Plank.PAMBA has a trail day for this Sunday at 10:00am to get them in shape before the Festival a couple of good hours of walking and maybe some riding after the work gets done.

I have some Sylvan Island race pics to post,the I-74 series is under way for the year with a good turn out for the FORC Club.

See Ya!

No Ride

2008-04-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

Just work overtime,run 3 miles,lift,speed bag workout,eat salad and go to bed !

See Ya !

Sunday RIT Ride

2008-04-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

Wind kicked my ass Sunday with Bob on the ROCK Island Trail we rode the whole course of 48+ mile in 4-1/4 hours.The wind on the way back (24 miles) was in our face the whole time and had me at and above my LT for a good 2 hours.

I jumped on the spinner yesterday to recover and took today off,legs are roached!

Love that feeling !

See Ya !

2008-04-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Some pice from last weeks RIT ride,I'm hitting it again in the morning with Bob,should get the whole ride in of 48 miles.A new coffee house opened up in Dunlap so I'll be sure and stop in and see what goodies they have.

I really need to get some serious saddle time in and get my head back in the game of training...There is so much to do this time of year outside I sometimes wish I lived in an apartment with no responsibilities.

See Ya !

Good RIT ride on Wednesday

2008-03-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to post some pic's of my ride last Wednesday but the pc doesn't want to cooperate so screw it ! The ride went well I got in 3 hrs and 20 min.at a good leg burning pace.The weather is getting better but could warm up a little more,I ran and lifted the last two days and I'm getting in a 5 mile trail run next week.

I was planning on a ride today after work but it turned into a 12 hr day and after unloading 35,000 lbs of milk I was spent so I decided to work out in the yard and clear some brush.Mike Jr. and I walked around the bike trail that I'm working on cleared some downed trees.

Turkey time is coming up in a few weeks,Cindy bought me some new camo pants and shirt for my b-day last week.

Oh Yea ! I turned 47 on the 20Th WOW ! It's strange you don't think of yourself as being that old and I know I'm not old but compared to the PAMBA gang I'm the one of the oldest.I still think like I'm in my thirty's or even twenty's I still want to run in the woods,climb the biggest tree and just keep active,but as soon as I stop and maybe lay down on the floor I just don't pop up ! like I used to.I guess that's why I started to do endurance racing because I can keep a steady pace for a long time ( Cindy might question that ) but I can't keep up the fast pace of a XC race.

A road ride in the morning then off to a award ceremony for Kelsi's volleyball team !

See ya !

Trails are getting close !

2008-03-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Not to much longer and the trails will be dry enough to start riding,I took Tucker out to check Jubilee and they were in pretty good shape.I ran for around 45 min. then walked the rest of the way around Plank Trail,looking for some deer sheds but no luck...Road ride or maybe the Rock Island Trail is in my plans for tomorrow I rally need to get some long rides in and quit jacking around with the two or three hour rides.I am getting the intervals in with the shorter rides and running about every other day I just like the suffering on the five to six hour rides.

I wish I didn't pull the plug so early on the Trans Iowa race but I didn't think I could lose a month of training and still be ready,I know I'm not ready to do back to back 6 hr rides and that's where I atleast would want to be right now.

I'm really looking forward to the new fishing season with Cindy I know she is to ! We should be able to get some good time on the bass boat and soon !

If you didn't make this last year you don't want to this year it's going to be a great time of just riding the Peoria area trails all weekend long and of course plenty of parting !
Midwest mountainbike Festival

If anyone can put a link on their blog we would appreciate it !

See Ya !

LT training today

2008-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

I did a LT test today on the spinner I was wanting to get outside but the weather has been really shitty around here.I warmed up for 20 min. then reset my HR monitor and went at it for 30 min.in the pain zone.Average HR 158 witch will be my new Lactic acid threshold,I'll reset my HR monitor and start my training with my LT instead of my HR max.

Gotta go Mike jr. called car broke down !

See ya !

Winds of March

2008-03-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

The road bike is my main ride right now with the trails staying to muddy to even think of riding them.The wind kicked my ass today but I was set on getting some intervals in and the wind didn't let me recover to easy.With temps staying in the 50s and upper 40s it won't take long for the ground to unthaw and the March winds to dry them out.

I'm behind in my training compared to last year but I was heading into the Trans Iowa race about this time so it's expected to not be right on schedual.

Getting this in order for the Mid West Festival I need to get some bloggers to post some info on the festival if you missed last year this is the last time it will be in Central Illinois and it was a blast .

I'm looking at a 24 hr road race this year that I passed on last year,my 24-9 race might not happen with work vacations not cooperating.

See ya !

RIT Ride

2008-03-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

I hit the Rock Island Trail Sunday for some sloppy fun and it didn't take long and the snow was melting with temps in the upper 30's

A day later and more snow

Road ride in the morning,temps maybe close to 60 but windy !

RIT ride

2008-02-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

in the morning I'm heading out to RIT for a couple of good hours on the NRS 2 All by myself of course ! I over being sick it's time to get real serious on the training if I'm going to do any racing this year.

See ya !

Been down a few days

2008-02-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

This head cold turned into a full blown case of the flu or a over the top head cold ! Iv'e been down since Sunday morning coughing and hurting all over.I couldn't wait to get home from work yesterday so I could just get back in bed.I felt I would be ok getting the truck unloaded but driving a lets say a 70,000 lb truck in Chicago traffic and I-55 for 9 hours of my 13 hr day wasn't fun at all.I hadn't sleep good for two days from the coughing so I was wiped out trying to drive...But I can rest knowing the kiddies have some milk to put on their ceral in the morning LOL

Mike Jr is starting to cough to so he's getting what I have it's his day off from work so him and I have been watching movies all day like a couple of slugs ! Kind of nice not feeling guilty about laying around.

I'll get back on track as soon as possible ankle feels good so far !

see ya

Spinning again !

2008-02-16T15:35:00.000-08:00

I've been back on the bike for a week or so and getting some easy spinning down in the dungeon,I have some catching up to do but I know I can't rush fitness.

Hammer is back on board this year and I'm trying to find out how to post logos in my sidebar where I have sponsors.I don't want their name I want their logo in the side bar If anyone can help me out please let me know how the hell to do it.

The big guys are racing in Texas right now and I don't think the weather went their way I hope someone post up soon to let us know how things are going.

Work schedual is changing in 9 days I hope I don't get too pissed off over my new runs or days off...I tend to get a little excited when they mess with hours.(pay)

I have a head cold trying to lay me up I feel like shit and didn't spin today I'll get on it in the morning and sweat this crap out of my system !

Mids whats up give a call when you can !

Tony keep posting !

I dig this pic !

Trying to keep active

2008-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

When you can't ride is a bitch !but some snow helped make for some fun outside with Cindy and Tucker !

Not the best thing for my ankle so I only made 2 trips down the hill !

Tucker helping out

Cindy and I made a snowbike rider

Hitting the weights and I finally put one if these down in the dungeon Iv'e had one since I was about 10 but it's out in the garage.I put my heart rate monitor on to see what kind of cardio I would get and was surprised to see I can get it up into 70% to 80% of my max.The trick is lasting for atleast 20 min. to benefit from it.

dumbbell upright rows

behind the neck pulldowns

don't forget that core !

Super Bowl today so I have tomorrow off work so I can stay up and watch the last game of the season.

I'll check in after therapy Monday

Cortisone !

2008-01-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

Well ! I didn't think the Doc. would have any good news for me and least it's not the worst, but I have to drop the Trans-Iowa 4 race. Four to six weeks with no bike or spinning.Therapy starts next week to try and get this thing to heal.I kept thinking on my way home that I could still get ready for V.4 but I don't want to jeopardize my whole season especially 24-9 mile by being stupid.

Ok ! Plan B lift weights,yoga keep my calories low or I'm going to get fatter !
Start looking at some extra XC races early in the season to kick my fitness up.

Matt and Paul had great write ups on their blogs,nice job guys! looks like a great effort in some nasty ass weather !

Visit to the Doc

2008-01-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

Looks like I'm heading to a Orthopaedic Surgen Tuesday to see what they can do about my ankle,it just won't heal up on me.I had a MRI last week and the inflamation in the tendons is still there.The crazy thing is I can walk fine and I have full range of motion,I can even ride and and spin without any pain or discomfort but as soon as I try and jump or run sharp pain makes me stop right away...WTF !

Keeping this on so I don't roll it again !

Maxxis is my tire sponsor again this year ! I was hoping for this one again I love the full line of tires I can get from these guys,road and MTB

Six Six One is along for the ride again this year too,plenty of gloves and protection gear to chose from.

I'm still putting together my schedual for 2008 I would like to get in some extra XC races in to keep my fitness up,I might try and get some early racing in March.I guess my ankle needs to heal up before I get to crazy with what I want to do and what I'm going to be able to do.

Paul and Matt are racing today up in Iowa and there is no way I could keep my feet warm enough for 6 or more hours in this kind of cold,the rest of my body would be fine...Let us know how it went guys !

I'll post up after the Doc visit Tuesday !

See ya !

Last ride

2007-12-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

of 2007 was on the road Saturday for 1 1/2 hours,it felt good just to get some kind of ride in outside.I really don't want to spend to much time in the dungeon so when I can put up with the weather I'm going outside.

My ride I had planned yesterday didn't happen,I needed to get the rest of the wood cut up and brought up to the house.I still got a pretty good workout in before I went in to see the last regular season of football.

Two truck loads and I was spent

I'll lay out what my goals are for 2008 tomorrow,I hope I feel good enough to go for a walk at Jubilee.

Happy New Year !

See ya !

Time to get on the spinner

2007-12-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

When ever I can't get outside,I need to kick up the time on the bike inside or outside.I have gained 15 pounds in the off season and I would like to get down to 160lbs by the T/4 race.That would mean I need to lose 25 pounds WTF ! I'm starting a 10 week cutting diet that should get most of the weight off.

It starts with some time on the spinner !

I did an hour tonight with some recovery yoga,I'll get outside for a road ride on the Mnt bike,then home to get some more wood cut up.I lost a good size Oak tree last week that fell over my bike trails so it's going to tribute to heating the house.

I'm also having some problems with my left ankle after rolling it at work a couple weeks ago.I thought I could work through it but it getting worse so I went to get it x-rayed and I do have some kind of a hairline crack or torn tendon.I can walk fine but I can't run at all...It feels ok on the bike !

See ya !

Hitting the weights

2007-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

Plus sitting on the spinner will be my main workouts this week and If the weather breaks from this Ice I'll get a ride on the R.I.T. again Saturday.I've been looking at some 29R's at Bushwhackers for a new Trans Iowa bike,but I need to do some more research and some test rides.The Gary Fisher Cobia is what I'm looking at it's the lower end hardtail they have and I would make some modification for the TI4 race.

A little shoulder work

A whole Lotta reps here

I took today off and I hope to get a quick workout in after work tomorrow

See ya !

Ever start a project at

2007-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Home and it takes way longer to finish it than you were planing ? Thats what I have been doing for the last 3 1/2 weeks and work has been crazy at the milk plant with me working 55 to 60 hrs in the truck.I finally had a Saturday that I didn't have any where to go that night or get called in to work so I made some good progress on the wall and was able to finish up the grouting a couple of days later.

Putting the stone up

I was glad to get this done

I hit the R.I.T. for some much needed time on the bike.

I hope to get back on track with some winter rides and the spinner down in the dungeon.Yoga,Cyclo Core and weights will be my main focus this winter.

The race in January up north is on my radar,I need some more time in the saddle before I make up my mine.I still have trouble with keeping my feet warm in this cold weather,I'm good for about 1 1/2 hrs then my feet give out.

Congrat's to James for becoming a Peoria county Police officer,he graduated Thursday and will start on the job this week I think,much respect for what he's doing !

See ya !

Trail work today

2007-11-11T05:45:00.000-08:00

Heading out to Jubilee this morning to get some work done on the new reroute,we won't get to the new bridge today but I hope to get most of the trail done anyway.

A couple of hours in the woods than back home and a meeting this afternoon at work,PAMBA meeting tomorrow night.

Getting caught up !

2007-11-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

I had some pretty good down time from the bike and I have one more project to get done and then "it's back in the saddle again "...I have been getting some trails done at my place and at the local trails,PAMBA has a trail day Sunday to get a reroute done at Jubilee.

I'm on the roster for Trans-Iowa 4 and that will be my main focus of training for the next 5 months.

23rd Aniversity coming up this month with my biggest fan,Cindy and I are going away next weekend for a little us time.

I'll be posting more with the training kicking up in high gear,I read some blogs everyday I just don't like to type and I get lazy.

Still here !

2007-10-14T06:24:00.000-07:00

I had a write up to get things updated and computer is taking a shit on me this morning....I'm pissed already on a Sunday morning !

I'm keeping a eye on 24 hrs at Moab Chris is kicking ass and it looks like Solo Goat might be done...Course looks brutal !

See ya !

Cross bike or Bass boat ?

2007-09-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Me happy or Cindy Happy ? Hell I'm happy with both so I made Cindy happy with a bass boat this weekend and a good time down at Lake Evergreen and Comlara Park.Cindy and I met Tony and Amy at Comlara yesterday for some fishing,biking and food,I couldn't ask for anything better.

The new cross bike ?

Tony,kids and Cindy on the dock

Tony,Amy and kids

Cind and I relaxing on shore

My first fish in the new boat

Thats getting better

I guess this is a bike blog so I have been riding,Tony and I rode the race course for the Comlara race next weekend,it's going to be wicked fast.I had a good race there last year I'll look for a top ten finish this year(LOL) if we have ten in the Expert class.

Cindy and I are getting ready for the No Bolony ride on Sept.22nd 50 miles with food at two different stops,we did 12 miles today with some intervals.

The No Balony steed

Congrats to Squirrel Winning at Seven Oaks 24 hr race,Nice job Squirrel ! thats on my list next year for sure,maybe I can keep the pressure on you so you don't get to stop 3 hrs early(LOL)If you don't know Squirrel he has a passion for life,his family and bikes like no other.I'm happy for him !

Cindy says this is wrong !

I did my time trail ride tonight,my next ride will be Wednesday with Mike jr. at Jubilee trying to keep the legs fresh for Sunday.

I heard from an old friend from California,he seen my blog and sent me a e-mail,nice hearing from you Don !

See ya !

Friday ride ?

2007-08-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Not happening tonight ! 13 hour day in the truck,I still had to mow one more yard when I got home...I'm tired ...I'll get on the road bike in the morning.

Catfish tournament Saturday night with Cindy,a couple of cold ones will be on the menu naybe more than a couple !

Tucker is ready to go !

Trans Iowa 4 ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????maybe????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

What next ?

2007-08-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

I'm looking at some more races to get in before the end of the season is upon us and a road race in a couple weeks looks like it might be a go.Now I need to decide if I want to do 6 or 12 hrs,on a 66 mile loop...The Kickapoo race won't happen for me,Cindy and I are going to a fishing tournament here in Trivoli,It should be fun I know she is looking forward to it.

I should be doing this today,but the rain is still coming down and all my yards need mowed bad ! incuding my own

I couldn't get a ride in the other day so I walked my yard for 3+ hours !

I spent yesterday after work getting the NRS's cleaned up,my composite still had Wisconsin dirt on it.

All of my bikes hang up on the wall except the composite it goes downstaires in the house

The kids are going back to school this week Stephanie's first day of college was this morning and Kelsi starts 8th grade Thursday,and of course Mike is working!
Work always kicks up a notch this time of year the kids gotta have milk for lunch.

I'm heading to the basement to lift some weights and maybe some yoga,next bike ride ? not till Friday ( sucks) !

24-9 pics

2007-08-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Started out walking around Rib Mountain with Cindy and Kelsi

Set up pits with Tony

Paddy and Dallas stop by to say Hi

Getting ready to rumble

Tony and I setting our bikes up fot the run

Game On !

Night time and hungry I finaly started to feel good ( friend Bob watching )

214 miles later and good enough for 2nd place

On the podium for my first time as a 24 hr solo freak

Chris Eatough and I after he signed my # plate

stopped to get some food and straight for the hot tub

Mark Hendershot and I outside the Hotel Monday morning

2007 24-9 on the podium !

2007-07-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here with a big cup of mudd,not feeling to bad and glad I made the trip up to Wuasau,Wi.The race turned out great for me and some other PAMBA and FORC members with podium spots for some of us.

I can't say enough how it feels to have so many people ecouraging you to keep pushing and great job solo keep it up when you are digging so deep just to get another lap in and knowing you have such a long way to go before you can call it a day.Thanks to everyone !

Cindy,Kelsi and I got up to Wausau on Thursday so I could help out at the course and get a good spot for our pit and I did get one of the best spots that we like.I had Tony next to me and a spot saved for Paddy our friend from up north,but a little confusion on where I was and Paddy had a pit already set up in another location. Thanks for coming over to say Hi Paddy,Dallas and Hal ! Let me know how your foot is !

I also got to say hi and meet Chris Eatogh and his main support guy Posh ! on Thursday as he was preriding the course, great guys and very approachable on my way out I meet Mark Hendershot from Michagan and talked to him.On Monday morning Mark and his wife were packing up their van and Cindy and I went over to talk and get a pic of us together,Great guy, Thanks Mark !

Well I guess there was a race ! Soooooooo!

I took off with Tony who was doing his first 12 hr solo and thought I might be able to keep up with him knowing he would have to pace himself,well that lasted about 2 miles in the singletrack and that was the last time I saw him until he was done at 10:00pm.Nice job Tony ! To keep up that pace and not really get the training in you would have liked to,you had a great race !

The one thing I did differant this year is switch bikes at the first part of the race I rode my NRS 2 for 3 laps and then my Composite NRS for awhile then back to the #2 so Cindy could get the lights on the Composite for the night time laps.My upper body never really hurt and that was a first for me.I think I read to switch from Eddy O's blog

The first lap is always fast and the course feels like you can go for ever,the small inclines are nothing to fly up and the rocky sections you roll right over,but this feeling goes away after your 3rd or 4th lap and you need to slow down for the long race ahead.On my 4th lap I wasn't eating enough calories and the cramps started in on my inner thighs when I was climbing at the begining part of the course,all I could do is stand on the pedals and deal with the pain until they went away.It was the 4th lap I think when I put my right foot down to let a rider go by me and when I pushed off to go my calf cramped up do hard and long I almost passed out from the pain,I was hurting...I came in to start my 5 lap and I could not eat,nothing sounded good my mouth was dry and I know I'm going to be in trouble if I don't get some calories in me.

Sometime before dark I was having some peeing problems and was concerned about my overall health,as I was really feeling bad and was looking for any reason to quit,mentally I was breaking down and could easly stop if someone would tell me I need to.Cindy talked to Terry and told him my problems and when I came in for that lap him and Bob Woo were there to check on me.Sometime on that lap I started to get some energy and get hungry so when I hit the pit I was ready for the night time laps and eating some much needed calories.Mentally I was ready to go knowing I was holding 2 place ,but didn't have time to jack around.

My night time laps were slow but I felt good and really focussed on the trail I was still riding all the course with a few spots I put the foot down,but not many.My lights were a disappointment and couldn't even get 2 laps out of them.On my secound lap in the dark both went out and I was glad I had a road bar light to get me back to the pits...It did get cold right before morning and it was starting to take a toll on me and I could feel myself getting drained on every climb and I wasn't recovering as fast...I'm tired !

When I came in and was able to take my light off and I was still 26 minutes ahead of 3rd place and Cindy didn't see him for awhile so my gap my have gotten bigger which was good news so off for another lap and counting down the number of laps I might have to do to hold 2 place.I came in on my 14 lap at around 9:00am and the 3rd place guy had just taken off at 8:30 for his 14 lap,he would have to bust out a 1-1/2 lap to catch me before 10:00am ( his last 4 laps were over 2 hrs long) I could wait and hope he dosn't make it before 10:00am or I could cross the finish line now and clinch 2 nd place and ride a 15th lap...I washed up, put on a fresh Hammer outfit, ate,and kissed Cindy as she cried and told me I was awesome for going out for my 15th lap to fished in 2nd place ! At around 11:20 I came in with 214 miles and my first podium spot in a 24 hr race !

Cindy did a great job in the pit! I didn't have Mids this year as I always have before and he knows he was missed,but Cindy really stepped up and put up with me,Once I was in secound place she said I was to hold this spot and she wasn't going to let me give it up,she wanted it as bad as I did,Thanks Honey you were awesome yourself !...Tony finished up his 1st 12hr race and stayed up and helped Cindy with my lights and made sure I was ok before he tried to get some sleep Thanks Tony !It was great to have Bob Woo the main wrench from Bushwhackers help out all the racers from Peoria.My friend I grew up with Bob Grace came up just watch and cheer us on,It was great to see him on course and encourge me on ! Thanks Bob !...It was great to see some of the guys on course that said hi and keep me going Chris,Brad,Ray,Bret,Dean,and of course Scott he always pumps me up when he comes flying bye.

I think I said this would be my last solo up at 24-9, I wanted to hit the podium and secound place is better than I thought I could ever do,If the Nationals come back next year maybe I'll try for a top ten Finish with the big boys ? ( 14th place this year)

Getting ready for 24-9 !

2007-07-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

No more long rides for me,I'm not going to gain anymore endurance before the Nationals in Wausua now it's a trick to keep the legs feeling fresh and snappy.PAMBA has a race this weekend at Jubilee and the weather looks like it's going to be great,I hate to pass on racing but this is the toughest race on the I-74 circuit and It's to close to sitting on a bike for 24 hours for me.

I pretty much used the weedeater on the whole course at Jubilee over the last three weeks so we won't need a trail work day on Saturday, I'll get some help on marking it Saturday afternoon and we'll be good

Tony and I at the PAMBA meeting at Little Aides Bike Shop

I finally bought me a good first aide kit for my Bike Patrol backpack so I'll be in full Bike Patrol dress this weekend.

I'm trying to download some pic's,but the new camera was set on the highest resolution and I'm still on dial up ! Sucks !

My pit at 24-9 is going to be busey with Tony and Ryan doing the 12 hr solo race,Hopefully Midz can still make it up and help out.I'm going to get ahold of Jet lights today to rent some batteries and I should be set.

I took the family up to the windy city Saturday and spent the day walking around,I like watching all the people,but love going back home to the quiet of the country.

Kelsi, me,Stephanie and Chicago

Cindy entertaines herself pretty easey

this is fun for awhile

Steph getting tired and B%$#$y

Mike jr. is on his tour out west with his buddy's from the band and he called from just outside Denver and sent a e-mail pic of the mtn's,they should be heading for Las Vegas then California...Ahh to be a young punk again thinking you have life by the balls !

Day off it's raining,no mowing today,the tour is on,I need to get some kind of a workout in !

Why I'm not riding today

See ya !

Proctor race

2007-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tony and I had a fun road race,we stayed with the lead group throughout the race and got to sprint to the finish with Tony edgeding me out at the finish line for 8th and 9th place. Pics and more info soon !

The bad news a young lady from Team triple XXX lost her life from a head on collision with a truck pulling a horse trl.More info coming !

Fair weekend of riding

2007-06-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

My goal was a couple of centuries Saturday and Sunday ,but work and the weather had other plans.I was able to squeeze out 60 miles Saturday between thunder storms and 90 on Sunday before I needed to be home,so I did what I could and now it's time to get ready for the Proctor Classic the rest of the week.

The weather looks like it's going to be great for Saturday and Sunday both,Tony and I are doing the road race on Saturday and I'll go down town and watch the crit on Sunday.

Godd luck to midz on his first 6 hour trail run race in Indiana this weekend,he has trained hard and should feel pretty good.

See ya !

Yep Still here !

2007-06-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Not much time to update or I don't take the time,I still look at a few blogs to see whats up in the endurance world of racing and get ready for 24-9 in July.

I had a couple 6 hr rides planned for this weekend,but rain on Saturday might screw things up,I should still be able to get a good ride in with Tony on Sunday morning.

I didn't have much time yesterday to get on the bike after a long 14 hr day at work so I did my 20 mile loop on the road bike.When I don't have time to get at least two hrs in I will do a time trial on this loop,my last average speed was 19.5 yesterday was 20.6 with about the same conditions.Legs felt good,I need to keep this up each week until 24-9.

Race at Farmdale went good ! I did what I expected and finished feeling strong with alot more laps in my legs.It was fun to ride with Matt for awhile and get in a good endurance zone.My new Maxxis Ignitors was a great choice and will stay on the bike for awhile.

Kelsi giveing me some more Hammer Heed

Tony leading the Experts on the start I'm back there somewhere !

After I had my Hammer Recoverite post drink I like the choc. milk for some added calories.( dig the new PAMBA uniform )

Megan and Kelsi was my crew for todays race !

One and only road race next weekend Proctor Classic !

Race on Sunday

2007-06-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

I-74 race #2 at Farmdale in East Peoria,IL is this Sunday,I still don't know if I'm in or out ! I'm feeling the effect of another fall yesterday while Tony and I was riding the course...My camera is broke so I can't show the nice red tattoo I have from the frame of the NRS,perfect outline on the inside of my knee...I'll get some miles in this week and see how things go Saturday ,but I'll be at the race for sure,I need a good hard effort to get in that suffer mode and get my head back in the game.

Ribs seem to be getting better every day,if I can just keep my bike upright it might help in my recovery,but 24-9 is looking alot better.

See Ya !

Time in the saddle

2007-05-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

I had some good time on the road bike yesterday without any pain in the ribs,three hours and a 100 k day so I'm happy I can medicate and get the saddle time in.

Rain for today and most of the week means I may be getting wet on some rides which I don't mind as long as there is no lightning.

See ya !

On the mend

2007-05-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

I went to another Doc yesterday to get some advice on what I can and should do to heal up my upper rib and I knew there wasn't much info but time.He did say I won't hurt the healing proccess to much if I keep riding ,but just don't fall on it again.He gave me some meds to take before I start riding and I should be able to deal with the pain,the same thing Doc John told Midds to tell me...I'll see what kind of long rides I can get in on the road bike,which by the way I got my friends Specialize Allez sitting in my garage for a crazy price and this thing is a rocket for a road bike.

Cookout at Jubilee today will be a mudfest ,but we are still going to meet-up and have something to eat,but I think I might ride the new rocket over their to get some time in.

New Mexican place in Farmington rocks ! I can see some food rides going down this summer !

24-9 might still be up in the air ! I'll see how much time I can put in on the trails at one time come July...Wausua trails will beat the crap out of me.

Early Saturday morning I didn't work last night NICE !

See Ya !

Now what did I do ?

2007-05-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to decide if I can still make it up to my first 12 hr race of the year on the 26 th of this month,but a little fall on Friday morning might make my mind up for me. I wish I could say I was tearing up the trail having a great ride when I fell ,but that wasn't the case...I was carrying a 2x8x36inch board with my left hand trying to get it out to a bridge I rebuilt and was one board short,when I went off the trail and tried to stop,but I couldn't get uncliped...opps ! Fell to the right side staight on to my chest,no big deal,I thought I was fine.

I went on to finish the bridge and then get a good 1-1/2hr ride in ! I felt fine until I went to get off the bike then it felt like I was being stabbed on the right side of my upper chest ! Crap this isn't good !

To finish this up, it got worse has the day went on, I still went to work that night then went to First Care in the morning after work.Badly brusied if not cracked upper rib,they didn't do a x-ray because they wouldn't treat it any different so might has well save me some money( good choice doc)

I'll see how things go for the next few weeks on the bike I don't want to screw up training for 24-9 in July,Meanwhile don't laugh,caugh,or sneeze...ouch !

Happy Mothers Day to Cindy and all other moms out there ! Steaks on the grill today will be on the menu !

Caution ! X-rated- big pussy ahead

2007-05-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Still pissed off on my effort at T3 It was so doable with the great weather, I don't want to talk or think about it anymore !

Ken Stuckart if your reading this congrats on your finish ! send me a e-mail and tell me how it went for you (sngltrk2061@aol.com) I knew I should have stayed with you,I was by myself and talked myself into quiting at Traer.
No way should I have broke mentally, I learned a big lesson !

The Big Puss !

A successful turkey hunt

2007-04-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

What a morning I had yesterday while hunting ! I wish it could have been taped,but there was no way I could have because I had turkeys fly down right onto my lap.

My brother in-law had seen them fly down from their roost Saturday morning so yesterday we set out at 4:45am to ambush them.He brought his jon boat down so we could cross my creek and we snuck up along a grass open hill facing the west and we put our backs up against a couple trees and waited.Rick was about 10 yards below me and it was my turn at first shot this year and the toms were gobbling right at day break.All of a sudden I see a small black bird come flying from across the tree tops right at Rick and me then flips out his big wings and lands 15 yards infront of us A BIG TOM ! then one by one about 12 to 15 turkeys do the same thing WOW ! what a sight this is something you see on tv !

Needless to say we can't move or twitch a muscle or they would be gone,turkeys have great eye sight and will bolt on out at the slightest movement.To make this shorter I watched 4 toms chase off some jakes and strut around until I seen the one I wanted and when he turned the right way I shot ! and he was mine ! Rick was trying to get a shot at one but they went the wrong way and couldn't get a shot off.

22lbs
9.50 inch beard
1 inch spurs
I would say a 2 year old bird may be three

Can't see me !

The beard

Tucker don't know what to think but "thats a big bird"

Getting ready for this weekend with some small 20 miles rides and short efforts I was hoping to have some bigger miles in before the race but the weather and work took a sharp turn for the worse,but we'll still give it a good hard try and I do plan on making it all the way. I hate quiting on anything I do !

See YA !

Those pics

2007-04-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

I said I would post are ready so here is some runners at that ultra run Midz and I was at.

Midz before he goes out later and runs twenty miles with a Navy Seal

Tony and I catching some singletrack at Indy

Tony doing the cramp pain dance after 3-1/2 hours of riding! He has been way to busy at home and work and let himself get dehydrated it was worse later in the day for him.

I did get a small ride in at Jubilee after I went turkey hunting this morning and Midz and I got one ten foot bridge built,I'll work on the eight foot one this week after work...No I didn't get a turkey I didn't get in the woods until 9:00am after work but Dad and Rick seen 5 Toms with a bunch of hens and thats not good. I'll be out at 4:45 in the morning and try again.

See ya !

OK I'm still here !

2007-04-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I've been gettin in so much riding that I havn't had time to post,but thats not the case just LAZY ! My last big weekend of long miles didn't happen and it really got in my head and just plain pissed me off ! The weather took a dump and I had a couple of bad weeks of minamal bike rides ,but I'll just call it a long taper period Yeah thats right a long taper period !

The good news is the trails have dried out and I have been getting some rides in to keep the legs fresh.

Bad news on my T-3 partner Matt, he took a spill up at the Sylvan Island race and banged up his knee so no T-3.I was looking forward to riding with him at a normal pace, all we ever do is compete against each other when were fying down some trail.
I hope it's not to bad if a injury and he can still race this year.

I'm trying to download some pic's and it's not working so I might post them later.

I did get to see Dallas last weekend at his run in Pekin ! Way crazy to run a 100 miles he was wiped when he came in and said he had enough, Nice job Dallas you are the man ! Midz got to run 20 miles pacing for a navy seal in the middle of the night and was totally pump about running and talking to this guy and a personal best for Midz to ! Great run dude !

My bike is ready for T-3 I just put on my Maxxis Larsons TT and they should rock pretty good,I need to stop by the shop and get some more gear that will help get me through this race or attempt this race...Full rain gear suit ? Maybe I should !

Oh yeah ! I did try and get a trail ride in at Jubilee but twenty min. in my egg beater pedal blew apart on me AHH PISS ! I had my running shoes so I ran for a hour and came home early.

I'll post some pic's later It's getting to be bed time it's 3:45 pm

See Ya !

Monday night ride

2007-04-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Midz and I enjoyed a nice ride yesterday after work the weather was great mid 70s and sunny.The way things look it might be the last warm day for awhile with a cold front moving in.I'm still planning on a 8 hr or more ride on Saturday morning,temps are only predicted in the mid 40s.

It's getting a little close to T-3 to be getting to crazy with the miles so I need to get my tapper down plans in order after this weekend.Most guys don't relize how much thats important on getting your legs feeling fresh and rested for a race ,my bad race at Farmdale last year is all I need to say.

The fuel that will get me through the season and I have not stop using since I first dicovered it two years ago.

Midz and I taking off infront of the house and yes I cut the grass yesterday April 1st "crazy"

Just to cool in my Tifosi's

PAMBA prez. showed up in his PAMBA jersey and Hammer socks same as me ! WEIRD !

As we were riding Midz said he missed our old 50 mile loop that he rode with Cindy and I on Sundays, me to and I hope we can Cindy back on the tandem soon and back to those Sunday rides !

See ya !