Get on your fixed gear bicycle and ride!

Australia

2010-06-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

While, I haven't used this site in a couple of years....I might have better luck updating some information on here vs Facebook.

Australia is certainly not flat! After leaving Port Augusta, it was a constant climb all day long, gradually, slowly heading inland from the coast.

update

2008-02-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

I entered the Icebike race up in Winnipeg on Feb. 3....not quite the Arrowhead 135, but it was enough for me...I rode fixed and other than being unable to spin to keep up(I had 32x21 gearing & didn't finish dead last...there was even a 'sprint' finish between myself and another guy) because they ran the majority of the course on bike/ice path, & road shoulders; I am very proud to say I rode all the off road sections while most others got off their bikes and ran those sections even did a nose wheelie or two going down the three sets of stairs.....I fell once on the icepath, it was a good thing though because the pinched nerve in my hip area no longer bothers me!!

I haven't figured out a reason to justify this, but, I have a pugs on order (Pat @ SBS suggested a Surly Big Dummy, not sure how to take that..lol)...I like Chuck Linder's reasoning though "I only ride my road bike 3 months outta the year and I am fine with that, and I ride the Pugs 7-8 months outta the year, so it makes much more sense.

I've been biking and xc skiing alot, minus the 2 1/2 weeks I was sick...school is going by FAST! Amazing the stress level I am beginning to think is 'normal'...I am taking 13 Grad School credits as well as teaching full time (the kids make it worth it).

The other day the teachers were discussing next year already when I was asked "where will you be?" and then it hit me, I graduate in 6 months and will be looking for a job. I was informed that there will be several open spots in GF and reminded of the contract obligations, I have to teach for an additional year in GF if offered a job; but then also thought of where I could go....Santa Fe and Nathan? Dallas and Landberg? Wisco and Brian? or maybe just be a bum and bike around for awhile.

Hey all...belated best wishes for a Happy New Year!

2008-01-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say congrats to Dave Simmons (I'm so outta the loop)!

I am two semesters away from graduating....spring and summer....then who knows what.

I built up my Pista over Christmas break, excited to play with all my new park tools and can't wait to ride it!

I've been done a few biking/xc skiing trips lately with the Monocog 29er; having fun playing with my BOB IBEX trailer and Garmin Etrex Vista HCx gps unit!

I got some Big Agnes camping gear on order....I wouldn't mind breaking in the Madhouse tent this winter....Simmons, PW, Rick....I wanna try and hang with the big dogs so hopefully I'll get to tag along on an outting

I should be working on any one of the 3 ten page papers I have due...

2007-07-07T02:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm putting my time to good use.....I needed a break from school work so here are some pictures of the Monocog 29er, the pista, and the 'burned' special ed crossroads hybrid frame that I clear coated with a satin finish.....I kinda like how it turned out.

Grad school / bike stuff

2007-06-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I see it's been approx. 2 months since my last update.....I am officially in the Resident Teacher Program at UND and will be teaching at South Middle School for the 07-08 school year and after that a semester of summer school(08) and then GRADUATION!!!!.....Kim will also graduate in Aug. of '08! I took a total of 11 credits for this summer, classes are kicking my butt, but, I'll be done in three weeks!

I've got the new Flight monocog set up and am loving it; riding the singlespeed Schwinn SuperSport to class everyday; looks like I am picking up a Pista to build up; last night, while camping out some bike frame art work took place....I put a steel frame into the campfire and burned it up...really enjoyed the toxic fumes of the paint, stickers, etc. as well as adding some greenhouse gases into the atmosphere......interesting burn pattern......and in the next couple of days I'll be clear coating it and making another "beater" single speed.....I'll post some pics later this week.

I'm not gonna be 'racing' 9mile, but Kim and I will be there as part of our "Wisconsin - Super MTB Trail Trip" we plan on starting at Levis-Trow, driving up to 9mile and seeing you all, poaching a riding during the race, then to Rock Lake, and ending it with a drive up the North Shore in Minn. and riding at Lutsen. We're hoping to throw in a Medora weekend in mid, to late August.......maybe Labor Day weekend? anyone interested???

Ride on!

Random

2007-04-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Simmons stopped by the shop and I installed some fenders and a second layer of bar tape on the Poprad for him....my hands are still a little numb from pulling and wrapping that tape......looks good if I do say so myself, he said he'll post some pics..........I installed the origin8 (on-one mary handlebar copy) on the old monocog 29er, I'm liking them!!! I should finally have the new steel flight monocog 29er later this week.

I interviewed with local schools last Thursday, I find out where I'll be teaching this week sometime.....really dislike playing the waiting game.

GF/EGF is celebrating recovery from the 'Flood of 1997'....there was an AWESOME fireworks show Friday evening, tonight, Sunday the 22nd, there is a rib feed for the first 8,000 people, as well as a free concert by Los Lobos following, should be fun!

Gotta LOVE spring time

2007-04-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't updated for quite some time.....Kim and I had fun visiting Winnipeg a couple of weekends ago, we checked out the WAG and The Forks; if you are in town and want a great meal go eat at the Bistro Dansk. April 6th we went and watched the Blue Man Group How to be a Megastar 2.0 in Fargo, fun visuals, highly recommend catching one of their shows. Mike Relm opened the show. He was using the turntable and synced Napoleon Dynamite's dance scene to AC/DC's Back in Black, it was excellent!! Also, the Drew's Office Space "O face" remix was hilarious!!! When the show was over we checked out Dempsey's Irish Pub downtown on Broadway; nice place to hang out, listen to some music and attempt some Riverdance.

Oh, and today I interviewed for the resident teacher program at UND and was accepted! So, while taking grad classes for the next year I'll be a practicing Special Education teacher. The lucky school will be chosen on April 19th. I'm gonna be all interviewed out after next week!

I'm trying to decide between the new Monocog Flight 29er frame, or the purty brown of the plain jane Monocog 29er....suggestions/votes anyone?

Tradition brought back to life!

2007-02-11T22:09:00.000-08:00

Today, the Sunday afternoon Taco Johns "six pack and a pound" Tradition was resurrected with much fan fare!

The things kids say....

2007-02-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Kid: (not speaking clearly)The teacher wants fifty copies of this.
Adult: Did you say fifty or fifteen
Kid: (with attidtude) She wants fifty, you know.... F-zero!

Adult: Having a bad day?
Kid: This morning I only had steam coming out of my head, now its traveld down my arms and I have flames coming out of my hands! Now leave me alone please!

ANGRY Kid to Adult: You're the cracker I've been wanting to crush all day!!!(imagine trying to keep a straight face in front of the kid after hearing that)

Kid: (on school outing to go snowboarding, loses control and crashes) AAAAAggghhhhh
Adult: Are you ok?
Kid: I crashed and hit my head(saw the crash, not even remotely bad)
Adult: You'll be fine
Kid: No I won't, I think I'm getting amnesia
Adult: (laughing) I don't think you will.
Kid: You're not helping the situation by laughing Mr._________

Icebike 9 cancelled?

2007-02-02T21:37:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit miffed that Icebike 9, which was to take place Feb. 4 in Winnipeg , is cancelled!! Not that the riding, what little bit I've been doing, is all for naught....I feel oddly disappointed. I was actually looking forward to testing myself against the projected temp. of -29C (-20.2F) ....granted, the 12.43 miles is nothing compared to what Simmon s and the boys are planning on doing, all the same, it would have been a fun little adventure. They don't plan on rescheduling because of the Festival du Voyageur, which is a fun little winter celebration taking place the following couple of weekends. Oh well, guess I'll just do a little ride around here, head to work, and then watch the Stupor, I mean, Super Bowl....Go Bears!

Time Is Flying By

2007-01-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

A much belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wishes to all! Lets see, over Christmas I went with Kim and stayed with her family for 10 days in her hometown of Geneseo NY (similar to the Bemidji area). We had a 4 hour lay over in Minneapolis so we hopped on the light rail for the 10 min ride from the airport to the Mall of America (my first time there, crazy huge) and then back for our flight into Buffalo NY. We ran all around visiting family and friends. Kim is a mentor for a girl(J.L.) from her hometown area. She has a younger brother(Dave) that is cognitively challenged. The four of us spent a day running around and then to the movies that evening, nice kid, and now I have a pen pal. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrating with all of Kim's relatives. For New Years Kim and I visited Letchworth State Park, beautiful area, lots of waterfalls throughout the park.

We started Grad classes a couple of weeks ago, Kim and I are both taking IVN classes and as luck would have it we are in rooms next to each other from 7-10pm on Tuesday evenings...so that means I get to enjoy her 'A' parking sticker because I ride with her to class...., man , student parking sure sucks after tasting the good life.... I made it through last semester, tough going back to school, did pretty well, A's in both classes, so I'm happy!! I am only taking one class this spring. Sub'ing alot more this spring....the little kindergarten kids are slowly breaking me down, oh to have THAT MUCH ENERGY....I tell ya, when I get home after one day with them I am worn out!!! "Lov'in every minute of it"

Riding the bike here and there....already making plans for a May trip to Medora with the GFPD bike cops, and then in July with Kim, Chad, and others(Simmons?? Trent?? Brian?? Greg??) when you guys wanna head out to Medora; a 24 hour race or two; not to mention some Simmons inspired gravel grinders(Rick??), etc....bikin and campin, should be another great summer!! WTB came out with some 2.5" tires for 29ers so I'm gonna try them out (hopefully, you know how ordering parts can be this time of the year) next weekend....if the ride is cush now, can't imagine what it will be like with 2.5's.....planning on buying the new Redline Monocog Flight 29er later this spring and converting it to fixie. Alright, I know it's not much, but just letting y'all know I'm still around. Ride on!

HA!!

2006-11-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

No Simmons, you won't have to wait until Thanksgiving for an update...haha....with so much time on my hands (the girlfriend is on a 'girls week long cruise' in the bahamas) I thought I'd try out the new 6.3MP digital camera I purchased the other day.....I won enough playing poker the othernight and I've wanted one for awhile now so I put 2 and 2 together and now I'll be able to share some pics of the Kool-stop Wilderbeast trailer budget biker sent my way. I called Koolstop up and asked about getting an extension for a 29" wheeled bike and they sent them my way...FREE...gotta love that...so put everything on and went for a little ride around the block......maybe next time the guys go for a 100 mile ride I'll have enough nerve to attempt to ride along and then the boys can load up all their gear in the trailer, no more backpacks!!

PS - Hey Simmons, sad to say I will not be in the area during your wedding (I'll be in NY Dec. 22nd-Jan.2) so I won't be able to attend...I didn't want to tell you this way, trust me I didn't, but I don't think I'd be able to tell you in person......I really wanted to tell you in person because only a person of no character would say something this important by any other means, ie. cell phone, email, blog....etc....so, I guess, in essence I am saying I have no character?...man I should really think these things through before I say such stuff....haha

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T18:29:00.000-08:00

I figured I'd better say something since I haven't been on for a bit.....still alive....congrats to Greg and Josey, lovely time at TR last Saturday, your Grandma is a TREAT Josey!, lovely lady

........gf is keeping me busy, ......studying that is, good thing, grad school feels like I bite off a little more than I can chew right now, tough getting back into the role of student.....

hope Hall O. Ween has been nice to everyone, he seems to be full of surprises!!

PS - anyone interested in heading to AZ (Dejay Birtch) for a singlespeed ride in Feb.???...reg. opens Nov. 6th, payment due Jan. 5th.......email singleandfixed@hotmail.com

PPS - Thanks for reminding me Simmons of the 'gravel grinder' on Sun. Nov. 5th....a tribute to the EnduroSnob ride that sadly won't take place

Started Grad school the other week, and my new job today!

2006-09-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back in the school system; learning myself and trying to help edumacate the public masses....and not only am I helping educate the masses, I am doing it at the local military base, yep, GFAFB, Grand Forks Air Force Base, not only do I have to follow the rules in school, now I have to obey military rules.....not good for a guy with an aversion to authority.........so be it, maybe this is a sign or something? The more I try try to resist authority, the more it invades my life......"resistance is futile" as the Borg would say, correct Trekkies?

Lovely New York State

2006-08-16T07:06:00.001-07:00

24hrs of 9 mile was a BLAST....the most fun I've ever had at a 24hr race!....for a great write up visit Simmons blog. I was in the LOVELY state of New York this past weekend, Aug. 10th-13th....We flew into Rochester NY, then drove to the Ithaca NY area for a wedding at Fantainebleau Inn.....absolutely a spectacular location!!!.......after arranging some private dance lessons, to prepare for this wedding, I did not get to use my new moves because they played late 80's, early 90's b*&^rock....nothing beats watching "Vanilla Ice" imitators........Kim and I had a FUN, make that a GREAT time.......I did use my dance moves later though, just no music...........I really enjoyed the terrain, similar to Minn. around the Bemidji, and Duluth areas respectively, I would love to go back and bring the bikes to go riding and then do some camping(hint, hint).............I hear that Brian A. has been in France seeking the "Landis Secret", no doubt looking to gain an edge for the upcoming 24hrs of Afton, I might be in the hurt bag, haven't been on the bike since 9mile.

Love you Grandma

2006-08-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

On a sad note, while I was away my Grandmother Edith Sears pasted away Friday August 11th, 2006 at the age of 92.......I have pictures of her bicycle loaded for a touring trip of New Mexico during 1953; she attended the U. of Minn. in 1930, and got her Masters in Music Education at Columbia University in New York City in 1934. She gave her last piano recital on August 8th 2006.....truly a woman ahead of her time......God Bless You.

24hr craziness

2006-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Friday I head to Wisco with Trent and Dave to meet up with Brian for our first assault on the 24hrs of 9 mile ,this weekend, that should be interesting, gonna do it Fixie style!! Be on the look out for 24hr crazy man, National and World Champion Dejay Birtch at 9 mile also!!

I have gotten confirmation for the 24hrs of Afton :We have recieved your entry for the race in the solo category. You are qualified for the T shirt and socks. Being that you registered for the solo category, you are also qualified for the Loony bin. See you the last Friday in August. Can you say EXCITED!!. Also doin it Fixie style!

54 miles yesterday

2006-07-17T01:49:00.000-07:00

You'd think I'd be so tired I would be snoozing away, I am still a bit wired from the ride so at almost 4am I am unable to sleep and felt compelled enough to update the blog........I was a bit motivated by Simmons' blog entry about riding up to GF from Fargo, putting in 84 miles, so I thought, I should do 85miles and one-up him by doing on the fixie....nice thought, and now know it was an overly ambitious thought......LOL........I was only 31 miles short!, but, when you think about it, it was 95 degrees today, I rode gravel and minimum maintenance roads, some pavement, and single track on 29inch, 2.3 wide tires....he was on a road bike, on pavement, the whole time......soooooo, I feel it all equals out! The first 36miles I was kept an average speed of just over 14 mph, as anyone that rides in ND can attest, you always seem to be heading into the wind.....the next 18 miles I averaged in the 11mph area, doesn't sound like much of a difference, but you really notice it!

I left GF at approx. 12:30pm Sunday, rode to Manvel ND via the Lama Loop, and as soon as possible getting on the min. maintenance roads, took those into town, got some water, and a KING size Snickers..YUM.. and then down the road to the Mekinock turnoff, a gravel road for several miles, road to the Dairy Queen by the base and hung out a bit in the air conditioned goodness, was getting the chills and feeling a bit nauseous by this time, might have been the heat, not sure ;o).....rested for about 1/2 an hour, then headed into Emerado, onto freshly graded gravel roads again until I hit Arvilla, then onto Turtle River; at this point I had 45 miles showing on the computer and I was starting to cramp. I needed some quick energy so I bought a Coke, shook it up until it was flat, no fizz, added some E'mergen C and started to come back to life.

I relaxed a bit until Greg A. and Simmons showed up figuring I'd force myself to "try" and keep up with them while riding around TR, I wasn't cramping to bad, but I did feel it trying to stay on their tails, but then again I thought, you're doing good because they have 'fresh' legs, and you have 45 miles on yours, so I'm happy with my attempt.....It was fun(?) trying to keep them insight as they are much better riders than myself; permit me to pat myself on my back ok?...oh yeah, and they were riding "geared" bikes, even self proclaimed fixie addict Greg A.....I don't know G, knee problem or not, I'm wondering about your dedication to the fixie life. After a hard 3/4's of a lap....you can laugh now...I decided I better save my strength since "Maah Daah Hey Trail Kim" was coming out, I couldn't be shown up by her, which she could easily do, so I rested a bit and re-energized...good thing I did!

It was fun seeing Greg "Maverick, or is it Goose" A. again, and Simmons, even though he's only been gone a couple of weeks, and of course Randy L, and Steve S. were there also. The post ride pasta, and whatever other food I could eat was fantabulous, I think that's just because I was soooooooo hungry anything would would have tasted great. A little post ride massage was certainly needed and enjoyed. Well, 24 hours of 9 mile is coming up soon, hopefully I'll be ready to hit it hard, getting excited, giddy even, like a little school girl!

Maah Daah Hey weekend

2006-07-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Brief run down....Only the GREATEST mtb trip I've ever been on!!!...great riding, and even better company, thanks Kim, Chad, & John!....I was/am in the best biking shape I have ever been in......Kim & I arrived at Bennett Creek appox. 3am in the morning, set up camp and enjoyed(?) the hollowing coyotes, if you like looking at the stars you couldn't ask for a better place!! We found out after the fact that a new Bennett Creek Loop had been completed last fall and is not on the maps yet, the company that built it said it was by far the most trecherous section of trail they have constructed....Jennifer M.from Dakota Cyclery said it is her new favorite riding spot on the trail(Loren is back in Medora, riding bike and driving shuttles....recovering quite well!).

We rode Bennett Creek to the MDH and up to, and past China Wall.....Kim did as I predicted in the last post, she ROCKED the Maah Daah Hey Trail!! I Loved riding the fixie, set up a nice spinning gear, 32x21, and cleaned everything, so I was pretty happy! The day was warm, but we had a nice breeze so the temp. felt much cooler.
We packed up and met up with Chad and John, also riding 29ers, at Magpie campground Sat. evening, met two guys loaded with panniers doing the whole trail, also scam'd some firewood from the horse people, must have been a dozen of 'em, so lots of fresh crap on the trail, also met a group riding the trail using the shuttle service provided by DC.....very busy camp area.....around 10 am we rode out to Devils Pass and beyond, enjoyed a leisurely ride back, stopping a couple of times to relax in the shade and enjoy the view, and what a view it was ;o)....got pretty hot that day, not much of a breeze either. We packed up and headed to Medora via an exploration of the back roads.....absolutely worth the extra time, we had to drive the truck through the Little Missouri River....stopped and took a dip in the river, so refreshing after a day of biking in the hot temps!
We visited Elkhorn Campground just to check it out, then hoped we'd find our way to a main road, see, the map we had didn't show where all the roads went, so we 'explored'....eventually my sharp eyes spied a fading sign that said I-94 15 miles....fun times were had by all! Met up at the Medora Campground with Chad and John and set up camp for the third time, we were pros by this time. Enjoyed an evening of bs'ing and Guinness!, got up early & prepared for another ride...The 4 of us headed towards the Buffalo Gap Trail and then decided to just ride to Sullys Creek, etc.....found some looooong decents, crossed the Little Missouri River 4 times FUN!!....We explored a bunch of trails. We tried the Pitchfork Fondue Monday evening, YUMMM, nothing like a deep fried steak!...after three days of camp food it felt good to eat a prepared meal, drank some wine, and again, enjoyed the view/scenery....such a beatuiful area!
The best three days of riding I've ever had on the Maah Daah Hey Trail, not to mention Kim, who riding platform pedals, did awesome!!! She easily would have ridden me into the ground had she been on any of my previous MDH trips, watch out boys, there's a new sheriff in town! Both Chad and John mentioned that they were VERY impressed with her riding ability! The fixie Monocog rode like a dream, LOVE the 29 inch wheels! Thanks to C & J for letting us share the campsite and their company. BTW, Guiness and hotdogs make an EXCELLENT breakfast! I've never drank more and rode harder...must be the fixie!

Another side of Turtle River State Park

2006-06-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

I experienced another side of Turtle River State Park after the usual Sunday evening mtb ride; before I get to that I have to give HUGE props to Kim for taking things in stride after an AMAZINGLY WICKED crash yesterday! We dedcided to head out to TR a couple hours early to put in some extra ride time and miles as last minute preperation for a extended 4th of July weekend biking trip to Medora ND where we'll ride sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail! Kim has not been out to western ND so she is pretty excited, and worried about being able to take on the rugged terrain...after yesterday at TR I can tell you she is gonna ROCK the Maah Daah Hey....she was BIG RINGING it all over Turtle River, rock on girl! I was feeling a bit meek riding the fixie.....things were going great, she was in her groove and had the flow goin on a new sextion of trail when all of a sudden, as I watched in amazment, she kissed the trail HARD!...her left cheek was covered with dirt.....I was admiring her bike handling skills as I rode behind her; she was coming out of a little left hand dip/turn in the trail and faster than a blink of an eye her bike went to the right, and she to the left, it looked like she caught some loose debris as she leaned into the corner....after the initial shock, I was stunned that I had just seen what happened, she rolled over, checked to see if she had broken anything, took a deep breath, dusted herself off and we continued on.....I suggested we take a break, but she wanted to keep on biking.....WHAT A TROOPER!......she did develop some bruising on the left side of her jaw after "making out" with the trail, both her thighs had minor scrapes....a couple of tylenol, some ice and things were good! What an inspiration! We chilled out for awhile as she recouped listening to some Black Eyed Peas and talking with Steve and Sonya as they were out biking also; anybody ever heard of Fringe Fest? S&S are from Winnpeg and were talking about this, sounds pretty cool...check it out http://www.winnipegfringe.com

Another side of TR: When Kimmy Ru recovered enough she suggested an easy road ride around the park, as we rode over the bridge at the bottom of the big, turning, downhill paved road I made a comment that I'd like to go walking in the river sometime and she said "how about now"....good call, it was so invigorating....the water wasn't to cold, as we were walking and watching all the minnows swim around a GIANT carp came swiming by, so cool, and as we walked further back we saw a mama deer and two fawns crossing the river, they stopped and stared at us as we stared back...it was so beautiful.....the sun was going down, casting shadows, listening to the water rush by the rocks....peaceful and relaxing.....dare I say IDYLLIC? it was!.....a perfect end to an event filled day!

Beer Prayer

2006-06-20T23:50:00.000-07:00

Our Lager
Which art in barrels
Hallowed be thy drink
(I will be drunk)
At home as in the tavern
Give us this day our foamyhead
And forgive us our spillages
As we forgive those who spill against us
And lead us not into incarceration
But deliver us from hangovers
For thine is the bitter & lager
For ever & ever
- Barman

Maah Daah Hey Trail here we come!

2006-06-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Plans have been firmed up for a trip to ride sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail.....we'll be heading out there from June 30th thru July 3rd or 4th....can't wait, I never made it out there last year so I am excited.......it will be a good workout and is helping get me excited about riding with the 'Zen Renegades' at the 24 hours of 9 mile race in Wausau Wisconsin July 29th-30th

Sunday TR ride

2006-06-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight it seemed the weekly Sunday night Turtle River ride wasn't gonna happen...really windy, cloudy, rain predicted....and I have school work that needs to be done.......so, when Randy L. called and asked if I was heading out I did the responsible thing and said "yes"....the heck with school work.....well it started out nice, I did a little pre-lap ride waiting for others to show, when Randy and Steve showed up with the dog Bailey it started to sprinkle lightly......as we rode on it started to rain a little heavier.....and then it stopped......a little later it was a DOWNPOUR.....the rain was coming down so hard I could barely see, thought I lost a contact even!.........it was FUN!!!......when we decided to call it good and got back to the vechicles, sure enough, the rain stopped and the sun started to peek through.........we were soaked and muddy, but enjoying a cold beverage(gotta love the Surly tuggnut chain tenioner/bottle opener)....people missed out!

The Monocog and I

2006-06-13T23:06:00.001-07:00

Well, here is a picture of the Monocog 29er..........adorning the cheap, already bending, Redline seatpost is a Brooks Conquest saddle, a Thomson seatpost is on the way, along with a "Rasta" Chris King headset, a Salsa "Rasta" Flip-off front skewer, a Surly Tuggnut (equipped with bottle opener) chain tensioner, a Surly Torsion Bar handlebar that is 666mm wide and has 15 degrees of bend, as well as several Surly track cogs.......so much for not Blinging the bike, but then again, it's not that much bling right?

50+ miler today on my fixie 29er

2006-06-11T21:41:00.001-07:00

Crazy; Nathan, Simmons and I hatched a plan to bike out to Turtle River State Park, enjoy the Sunday evening ride, then bike back to GF....my nipples are raw, dang bike jersey.....now I'm HIGH on life, what an absolutely wonderful HIGH I am feeling, starting to come down not though, getting tough to keep my eyes open.......one other rider met us at the park, she hung with the guys, good job lady!.........This is quite possibly the greatest experience I've had an a bike, well, a couple of weeks ago was was quite possibly the best, but that is neither here nor there......as far as actual bike riding goes, this is possibly the best.........the fixie rode wonderfully, Simmons suggested some Ergon grips, I likey!!........I am really looking forward to the rest of the summer, we think we'll ride out to TR again in two weeks.......hopefully I'll be out in Medora the first weekend of July, then, the end of July will put me at the 24 hours of 9 mile race in Wisconsin(go team), end of August will be the return of 24 hours of Afton....and now, I am seriously contemplating the 300 mile Endurosnob "ride" the first weekend of November.......the fixie makes me feel like a kid again!!.........looking forward to riding next weekend, planning on biking so much I 'blow up' because I'll be able to drive home after!

Can you say Monocog 29er!!!

2006-06-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

The monocog arrived at the shop on Friday May 26th, and it was built up ASAP(including a Brooks Conquest saddle)....and was going to be promptly christened with a night ride at Turtle River State Park along with riding partner Kim R. .....those plans were halted by Ranger Steve when he informed me that the park is closed to riding after dark.....so, we headed back into town and proceeded to ride around town and across the bike bridge; since the bike path was washed out we got to partake in some "off-roading", the 29er rode like a dual suspension bike, poor Kim was getting beat up on her 26 inch wheeled bike, but she was a trooper, smiling and laughing as she almost bit it a couple of times......then the lightning started and we hussled to try and get to shelter before the rain....didn't happen....but, thats alright, we had fun being kids and riding in the rain!.....so the 29er got a good introduction during its maiden voyage.......The monocog was introduced to the HUB BAR on Sat. evening during a group ride and then to J. Fox's garage for socializing and beers.

Rolemodel material?

2006-05-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

So, today was the last day of school, several of the kids are handing out goodies to the teachers....one kid gives a single rose each to the two ladies I work with and then looks at me and says, "Mr. Sears, I asked my parents if there was a bobble head sports figure I could give you, but we didn't have any"(his dad works for a sporting goods store)...I laughed and said thank you for the thought.....two girls presented me with portraits, they gave me hair!.....one student gave me chippers, another gave me some "moose munch"(carmel popcorn & chocolate covered peanuts)...some fancy chips and salsa, and a "the works" car wash.....I am going to like this teaching gig, so many perks!!.........Friday morning we have a farewell breakfast for staff, as much as I hoped for the end of the school year I realize now that my extended family is no more, although I take away many wonderful memories & many new friends,........ hopefully I influenced some kids in a good way.....it was a joyful and sad day all in one...........The ABSOLUTE HIGHTLIGHT of my day revolved around a random parent stopping me in the hallway and telling me "I want to tell you that I am impressed with you taking on the responsibility of being a para, and being a male para on top of that, I think it is so wonderful for you to be doing what you are doing, and being a role model for theses kids, I'm just so happy there is a positive male figure for these kids to look up too, thank you."........and the best part, the school principal overheard this......talk about being speechless, I was blown away by her comments......I was almost moved to tears, almost....I choked up a bit though.

I'm planning on ordering a Redline Monocog 29'er on 5/19/06

2006-05-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited, I had a small financial windfall recently and will be purchasing the revered Redline Monocog 29'er....I'm as giddy as a school girl!.......can't wait to convert it into a fixie, and start training to defend my ND fixed gear state championship!!!........what a week of change, new bike, new face, yes, for only the second time in approx. 12 or so years I have shaved off my goatee.....and I think I'll try the new look for awhile, the ladies at the elementary school say it makes me look ten years younger, and they seem to be smiling at me more often!!.....tomorrow I get to go bowling with the second graders, and then enjoy a picnic after; the end of the school year is starting a week early.......lol.....suppose to be a nice day....can't wait..........I started commuting this week, feels good to be on the bike!

It's official, I have passed my PPST tests and will be applying for my ND teaching license

2006-05-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait any longer and called the agency that handles the Praxis Series tests and found out today that I have officially passed all three sections of the test and will be applying for my ND teaching license!....hopefully I'll find a job in ND now!!........I'm planning on applying for grad school at UND and looking at Minnesota State University Moorhead....get a Masters degree in Special Education......going to have to go celebrate this weekend, and to make this weekend extra special Brian and Heather will be back in GF, mmmmm that Hub Burger will taste goooooood!

Less Dave part III

2006-04-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

I'm at 235 lbs(down from 263.5 lbs) as of the end of April....not to bad....I took the PPST tests last week, did pretty good, I know I pasted two of the three tests, just have to wait 2-3 weeks to find out about test #3, feel pretty good about it, I hope....lol....so, if everything goes right I'll be applying for my ND teaching license!.....The gal at the Fargo Schools District office was encouraging, said they're hiring for a number of positions.........also, as mentioned earlier, I am now a student at Minnesota State University of Moorhead....go Dragons!

Less Dave Part II

2006-04-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well, since March 17th I have lost something much more than just some weight....I was on the scale the other day and I am down to 240lbs!!...so I have lost 23.5 lbs as of yesterday....and I have not done some crash starvation thing....I just cut out soda, and eating out all the time, I make my own meals for the most part, started eating alot more fruit, drinking some green tea, etc.... I eat 6 times a day now so I always feel full....I can't imagine how the weight will fly off once I start commuting and doing an ocassional bike ride of some distance! I actually felt sick the other day when one of the kids asked me if I wanted a cupcake...the thought of eating that, yuck......I felt bad though because it was the kids birthday....I literally had my pants fall off my ass while walking to church this afternoon....and I just bought those pants, now I have to get smaller ones....lol...
I"m figuring I'll be down to 210ish by the end of May! ...LEAN AND MEAN baby!..........and, depending on how things go, and I'm going out on a limb here, just "talking".....before I continue,I am now offically a student at Minnesota State University Moorhead and I'm taking a summer school course that I need to teach in MN, oh yeah, I should be getting my MN teaching license this summer also, and I am being inspired by the endurance king, DAVE SIMMONS....I will ride my bicycle to school......and since the class starts at 9am on Sat. June 10th I will have to get an early start!...lol.....just a thought.......simmons, you gonna train me????

Less Dave

2006-03-27T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well, after dealing with a NASTY virus for 5 days starting back on March 17th I am now approx. 15 lbs. lighter; the doc said I weighted in at 263.5 when I went to see her on the 17th because I wasn't feeling to hot....after not eating for almost 4 days, and being very dehydrated I thought, even though I feel like junk, I liked the way I looked, so it was then decided that I will finally work on losing some weight.......I've been doing some deep breathing exercises in the morning, to get fresh oxygen in my body after a night of sleep, prior to some ab work, then on to Hindu push-ups and then Hindo squats....after one week of this I am noticing a difference, my goal is to drop 20lbs by April 25th.....it seems like alot, and if I don't that is fine because the real judge of how things are going will be how the clothes fit, which are already loosening up!!!....will have to get the tape measure out also!

Say it ain't so.....

2006-02-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

CNN just reported that Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow announced yesterday they have officially broken up after their engagement last fall.......my world just keeps falling apart..........whats next??

My Marley has gone on to greener pastures

2006-01-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

News Years brought alot of UNNEEDED drama into my life........the worst being getting a phone call at 11:30pm New Years Eve getting informed that my dog is dying.....

MARVELOUS ME!

2005-12-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

I have been chosen as the "marvelous me" for the week of Dec. 19-23 because it was my B-day on Sun, Dec. 18th!! I am now 38 years old and identify more and more with the 2nd graders I work with.....we had discussions on 'made out with' and 'wants to get naked with' last week so you can see we are on par with each other.....when asked, the reply was "thats what you do when you love someone"....I wanted to set the poor child str8, but figured I'd be digging a deeper hole for myself and the student....now, back to the "marvelous me"; I have to be second in line when we leave the room to go anywhere, I thought I should be in front, but I'd have to be the "line leader" and thats Keana's job this week!

Tucson Az Jan. '06??

2005-12-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

I've decided that I really need to go Tucson in Jan. to the Aqua Caliente(see link) race/ride being put on by a guy I know named Dejay Birtch....actually, really want to go to the "Edward 40 Hands" contest....now thats a CONTEST, duct tape 40oz bottles of beer in each hand and drink.....the race will just be something to do.........throw in a day on the slopes with the snowboard and it will be a stellar kamikaze style rowadtrip....time to get off my fat ass and start riding the trainer, as well as commuting.......picked up a trek 800 and a specialeyesd crossroads hybrid at the local thrift store this evening for $5 apiece.....the xroads will be my winter singlespeed commuter....pics to follow.....the ice is gettin good and thick on the lakes, will be out icefishing in a couple of weeeeeks!...some crazies r out now on 2-4 inches of ice...to thin for me; literally and figuratively...haha.....gonna go kill me some pheasants on Dec. 17th as a pre-birthday(on 18th) celebration, shotguns, beers, & birds....feel free to join the fun!....been trying to call the gf but not getting through....shes probably in bed, suffering from a bad cold I gave when I was sick earlier this week.....in case you haven't noticed I took after simmons and have my 'random blog' mode on this evening....might try and go kill me some birds Sunday morning before work, see how I'm feeling...."good night Johnboy".

Field & Stream Magazine

2005-11-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Myself and Kirby Harmon are on pages 102/103 of the Dec./Jan. 2005 double issue of Field and Stream Magazine....photo by Colby Lysne.....all have ties to The Ski & Bike Shop......"Ice Fishing Done Right"

I AM THE CHAMPION

2005-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

Simmons and Sears DOMINATE and ride there Chariots of Fire to becum ND State Champeeons!

2005-11-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

Simmons and Sears DOMINATE and ride there Chariots of Fire to becum ND State Champeeons! The masses assembled in GFND this evening the enogeral ND Singlespeed/Fixedgear State Champeeonshps! We had a live band playing for us and the beer flowed like an open fire hydrant in the ghetto on a hot somer day....while a bit over hyped, it was an incredable display of drinking, eating(that simmons was carbo loading HARDCORE...two pizzas(we believe that other racers bribed Lane to shutdown the grill and prevent us from eating the glorious HUB SPECIAL in hopes of hampering our performance) and the coke was flowing like Nathan V. after a night of boozin), and oogling members of the opposite sex(it was all the other riders though Jen, Heidi, not Simmons or I, we were two fokused on the race.)

Now, in respose to someone, who shall remain a nameless punk, the race in know way was 'rigged'....END OF DISCUSSION

Pics and more info to come

from drunkcyclist.com

2005-11-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo br> snippets of lyrics from "Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo" by The Bloodhound Gang.This is by far the best collection of euphemisms I've seen.

Vulcanize the whoopee stick
In the ham wallet

Cattle prod the oyster ditch
With the lap rocket

Batter dip the cranny ax
In the gut locker

Retrofit the pudding hatch
With the boink swatter

Marinate the nether rod
In the squish mitten

Power drill the yippee bog
With the dude piston

Pressure wash the quiver bone
In the bitch wrinkle

Cannonball the fiddle cove
With the pork steeple

Foxtrot Uniform Charlie KiloFoxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo
You just can't fight it. You can't even look at

2005 nd singlespeed/fixed gear CHAMPEEONSHPS, oh, and bout g-reg

2005-11-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

here ye, hear ye, come on(c)e(role over, and fall assleap) come all
announcing the
2005 ND singlespeed/fixedgear CHAMPEEONSHPS

on the 19th day of november in the year of your lord 2005(thats this sat for the calender challenged) rondayview @ The HUB BAR lowcated in glory(hole)us GRAND FORKS ND (205 3rd ST north)...race info desemanation begins at 4:20 x 2 pm.....BE THERE, butt if you feel you(rself) have somtine better todo so beet.

AS FAR AS us missing the illusterous G-reg....dahvision II MTB Champ(not singlespeed or fixedgear champ) we do miss the gapping hole he had, I mean hes leaving left a gapping hole in the cycling world that is GFND....it was so gapping that we knew know one could fill it so it's best to not talk about it.....like they sayd "don't ask, don't tell"

WELL....heres hoping that some peeple show up....we got some free beer if that helps

via con deeose mucho magkneefeeco

"Are the good times really over"

2005-11-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

the revered merle haggard asked that ? in his song and it got me thinkin....brain, aka punk, is gone; no more is "the fox, wheres the fox" as a great cusotmer asked all to often....all that I know to be good in the 'war'ld has left the mecca of cycling known as GFND....I'm beeginin to continplate my dw(e)rection on the plains of ND.....

This is Brians fault

2005-10-26T20:09:00.000-07:00