Miscellaneous Missives

Last day... the climb was insane.  I stole this picture from the Des Moines Register, but I don't think it really shows the climb. Today I returned home after spending seven days riding my bike across Iowa.  It really is the best week of the year.  I really can't explain the wonders of this week, but each day I laughed so hard I cried.  I love the people, the state, the cycling, the eating, the drinking...  Yep, there are negatives such as sleeping in a tent and the smells, but the negatives are small. Highlights... Kmart- On the way out, our charter bus stops for lunch.  This year we stopped next to a Kmart.  We were discussing the weather and decided we should buy sweatpants for night.  Nights were cool, and I wore mine all but one day. Off route trip to Everly, Iowa.  We spent too much time hanging out eating, drinking, and dancing, so we (all fifteen of us) were given a ride home (people in pickup, bikes in horse trailer). Rai...

I'm not riding my bike this week because I'm busy getting together with friends, dodging rain, and packing.  It seems lame, but it's true.  This morning my kitchen has turned into a charging station for the electronics which need to be put in totes (mainly bike lights and usb battery chargers).  My packing list is really organized.  I think you'd be impressed.  Anyway, I'm sitting geeking on the computer waiting for my afternoon gig as I drink one more cup of coffee and watch my electronics blink as they are charging. This afternoon I will go to Concordia College and be a pretend patient for first year physical therapy patients.  My PT thought I'd be the perfect pretend patient because of my recent elbow problem, plus my ongoing knee and shoulder problems.  She also reminded me that I'm not working and as a teacher I'd probably want to help others learn.  I might be reading more into it, but she also thought I'd make them feel more comfortabl...

Most days I have this view or a similar view of the bike trail and various views of the Minneapolis skyline.  I tend to post a lot to Instagram, FB, and on this blog.  I'm always amazed at the beauty I pass in this city.  It's a city that really feels more like a town.  This morning's ride was really no different than most.  Next week is my taper week.  I'll busy myself with packing, taking my bike in for a final check, and a variety of engagements with friends.   RAGBRAI is quickly approaching, and I'm getting excited.  Let's ride. 

Yesterday we took a trip to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garde n to see the renovated space.  My favorite exhibit was this tree with wind chimes.  I'd love to pull up a chair and read under this tree. Of course the big blue chicken and the cherry and spoon are also worth a look.

Yesterday/today I made another trip the the Des Moines, Iowa area to ride the High Trestle Bridg e.  Although I've never ridden the bridge and/or trail, I had seen pictures.  Since it was a full moon there were riders (and walkers) everywhere on the bridge.  My guess is most people try to see the bridge at night at least once since it certainly looks awesome lit up.  It's 13 stories up, so it's also a good view when it's light.  Anyway, I went with some riders from my RAGBRAI team (Team Wimpy) many of us wore our new jerseys.  We're going to look pretty snazzy when we role out in 12 days. They pink/black jerseys are this year's jersey. The yellow was last year's jersey. It's difficult not to want to buy a jersey each year. Weekend highlights/lowlights... They basically intertwine.  Each highlight is a lowlight. 1) We started at the Firetrucker Brewery.  I had a super interesting, tasty IPA.  Beer and biking is a thing, but somet...

False, kind of, Advertising I have a Fourth of July tradition that started three or four years ago.  A friend and I ride the Tour D'Amico supported bike ride.  Some rides say they're supported, but the Tour D'Amico surpasses most rides.  Not only do they have SAG and typical support, they have hydration/snack stops that are amazing.  Basically it's a great way to eat and bike through the Minneapolis suburbs although I'm not really sure where I am most of the time.  This year we used Ride with GPS.  It voiced each turn of our way including hydration stops.  It was a great morning of riding and eating.  The Hiawatha Bike Club sponsors the event, and at the end of the ride one of the members asked my opinion.  "You already know my complaint," I stated and explained there were no Salted Nut Rolls as advertised on the website.  I actually took note of my complaint.  Of course, I followed it with compliments because it is a really gra...

My backyard, the path I walk to get to the bike path.   I love the mundaneness of summer days.  Today I actually slept in until 9:00.  My days are mundane, and I love it.  Drinking coffee, geeking online, reading, doing planks, riding my bike, and meeting friends make up most of my days.  It's pleasant to quite pleasant, but it doesn't give much fodder for blog. Wednesday I did a group ride.  Only four showed up since it looked like rain.  It's the worst group ride I've ridden.  The leader buzzed through two intersections with cars coming and left his "sweep" to catch up.  At the midpoint break, I voiced my frustration stating I'd never been on a group ride when the leader left others as he/she crossed the street.  He explained it was about timing, but he did better on the second half of the ride. Yesterday I finished Giant of the Senate by Al Franken.  I had been on the waitlist for the ebook at Hennepin County Library f...