Trail Dog Tracks

New Blog!

2011-02-25T10:15:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone. The new blog is up and running. I'd love to have all of you come and join me there.

Life...Actively

Gary gets a new wheel

2011-02-17T07:44:00.003-06:00

Almost sounds like a children's book title. Hello all! Hope everyone is well. Glad to report Gary's new wheel cam in yesterday and I'm going to pick it up this afternoon. If you remember, I broke 5-6 more spokes back in November (I think it was).

I took Marla's advise and asked my LBS to just re-lace the whole wheel. He did some checking on costs and on the condition of the wheel, and we determined it would be best to just replace it (must've been all those years of carrying my lard ass around).

At any rate the new wheel along with some degreaser and dry lube will be my purchases tonight. I've really had the itch lately to do as much of my own upkeep as possible. Thanks to Bike Snob NYC's article in a recent issue of Bicycling "The Great Mechanic Within"

New blog is in it's early stages and will be more about the healthy lifestyle which I think allows me to talk not just about cycling, but also running, healthy eating, and just being active in general. I'll keep you all updated.

Craigers

The Lost Blogger?

2011-02-07T06:56:00.002-06:00

So I did a little reflecting over the weekend. I think the reason why I have fell off the face of the blogging earth over the last year, is because my life has changed. What this blog was originally set up to be about, is no longer what my life is.

I began this blog to reflect and share all the times that I had on the biking trails either by myself or with my friends. Meaning mountain biking. Trail riding. Single track. Double track. Hence the name of the blog - Trail Dog Tracks. TRAIL.

Over the last three years however, the trail part turned into more road riding, the riding turned into a lot of running, and the next thing you know - I'm a multi-sport junky. I may even go so far as to switch the word "junky" with the word "athlete".

Funny how these things occur, but I never meant it to happen that way. What started out as innocent way to get a little more fit and have some fun, has turned into a full on lose weight, and be competitive kind of thing.

There, I said it. I admitted it to the world and now maybe I can move on. I think new title for this blog is the first step. Not sure what it should be, but any suggestions are welcome. After that, you'll probably see the content of this blog change a bit as well. I hope that doesn't chase anyone away so to speak. I'm very grateful for my hand full of regulars, and I hope you'll all continue to read.

With that being said, I'll now throw caution to the wind and see where my instincts take in regards to this blog. Until the next entry my friends.

Craigers

A look back - and forward.

2010-12-31T09:12:00.003-06:00

So with this being the last day of 2010, it seems only fitting to take a look back at the year past, and to look forward to 2011.

As far as goals went in 2010, I set a riding goal of 1000 miles and passed that with 1243 miles ridden. For running, I just wanted to crack 100 miles, but ended up shattering that goal, coming in at 303 miles on foot. And for total fitness, I set a goal of 2000 miles and came in 2137 miles.

I weighed in around 250 pounds a year ago, and am currently at 207 pounds (the holidays certainly didn't help out with this).

I wanted to complete the Earthride 70 mile route, and did in around 5 hours. I also wanted to compete in the Kettleman duathlon, but was forced to bow out due to some financial contraints (bottom line, they wanted too much for an entry fee). As an alternative to not competing in the Kettleman, I entered my first running race on Thanksgiving Day. I completed the 5 mile Turkey Trot in 42 minutes. That put me 4th in my age group, 25th in my division, and 116th overall (out of 283).

I also made the unconscious decision to train ore than I blog.

For 2011, my goals are as follows.

Ride 1500 miles
Run 500 miles
Complete 2500 total fitness miles
Ride my first century
Compete in more than 1 organized ride
Compete in more than 1 running event
Go for more 10k or longer runs
Slim down to 175 pounds
BLOG MORE

A young lady that I kept in my daily thoughts and prayers, passed away in December. My prayers still go out to her family. They are a family that is deep in their faith, and I know they will make it through this difficult time.

My brother in law, Steve, was also diagnosed just a few days ago with Colorectal cancer, so I'd ask that any of you reading this keep him, my sister, and their three kids in your thoughts and prayers.

I wish all of you a blessed and safe New Year, and I hope that our paths continue to cross in 2011, if not in person, than at least in the blog-o-sphere.

Peace to all of you,

Craigers

Call it a season?

2010-11-22T09:45:00.002-06:00

Well it looks like the season is probably done for me. Broke 4-5 spokes - AGAIN! - on Gary on Saturday morning. I wonder why I keep doing that? Is it time for new wheels? New ride? Not sure the solution on this one, but I know I don't feel like going and getting it re-laced anymore this season. Got the Cougar (Trek) down for anymore ride-able days this year, but it looks like the weather going to hell in hand basket real quick this week. Maybe time to reflect on the season I've had, and set some new goals for next season. More to come. Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers.

Kippis,

Craigers

Hello? - Oh, you're still here.

2010-09-20T09:23:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone. I apologize for my extreme lack of posting and interaction the last couple months. My training worked it's way into a dominate roll in my life, and I fear that I've neglected a few other aspects. I come bearing good & bad news (although the good far out weighs the bad).

Let's start with the bad. I will not be competing in the Kettleman. Major reason - lack of funding. The cost was just too prohibitive at this time.

Now the good. Completed the 2010 Earthride. 71.11 miles in 5 hours & 14 seconds. My longest ride to date. This ride also put me over my riding goal of 1000 miles this season (as you can see from the ticker to your right). The old "cougar" of a bike that I ride (the '84 Trek) held up beautifully and I even got a compliment on it as being a classic. Just the one picture this year courtesy of the Big Cat, as I decided to focus more on my ride and less on other things this year. That's the Cat's ride in front of me, with the "Cougar" behind me.

On the weight front, all this training has dropped me to a svelte 225 lbs (pretty good for a 6'-4" frame that was 305 lbs 3 years ago). Training will consist of more running for a while now to get me in a little better running shape for the Turkey Trot 5 mile run coming up on Thanksgiving Day. That will be my first running event.

That's all for now. I hope everyone is still doing well.

Kippis,

Craigers

Goal #1 - Achieved

2010-07-26T06:55:00.002-05:00

I told myself at the beginning of the year that I was going to run at lease 100 miles. As of today, I cracked that mileage and achieved that goal. Feels good. Now 2 mileage goals left for 2010. We'll see if I can crack them. Sorry I haven't posted much lately, but summer is such a busy time with work and family fun and nice long runs and rides. Gotta take advantage of these days. I still need to get pics of Roadie up. Later.

Craigers

Gary Comes Unlaced

2010-07-12T06:57:00.002-05:00

So Gary and I are out riding yesterday morning when I hear a "POP". I wasn't a pop like I just rode over something I shouldn't have, it was different. I look between my legs to see the left arm of the v-brake kick out to the side every second or so. I also notice my wheel is wobbling like a drunk trying to leave the bar. I rode home.

Upon further review, three or four spokes were undone from the hub. I proceeded to take the wheel down the my LBS, where it is currently under going a "re-lacing". I'm also having them throw a new tire on right away seeing the current one was suffering from MTB tire pattern baldness.

On the bright side, this meant I got to take the new-old Trek 400 series out for it's inaugural "spin" (we'll just refer to it as Roadie from now on). Amazing how much difference a road bike makes in average and max speeds. At least I know that the $50.00 I spent on this beauty was worth it. I'll need to tweak a few things, probably put a different saddle on, and possibly upgrade a few components. I'll look to you, my loyal readers, (this pretty much means you Marla) for advice in this aspect.

Gary should be back to normal by tomorrow afternoon.

Opinions and Comment welcome - Please

2010-06-22T12:28:00.001-05:00

So I'm probably going to be buying my first road bike in 20 years. I've got a great line on a late '80's Trek 400 series (dirt cheap I might add). Anyone out there have any thoughts on this bike? I've heard pretty good things about it. Please add any comments you may have about this particular ride. Thanks everybody.

Headline "Trek Bicycle Corporation kills off Gary Fisher bicycles"

2010-06-17T11:27:00.002-05:00

Interesting article

Trek Bicycle Corporation kills off Gary Fisher bicycles

Gary - What's going on?

2010-06-16T09:30:00.002-05:00

So I read Gary Fisher's facebook post from this morning. What does this mean Gary? Are Gary Fisher bikes no more? Will the only product I purchase with your name on it be a Trek - Gary Fisher Collection? I'm so lost and confused. Somebody help me!

P.S.

You have beautiful penmanship Gary, and are a snappy dresser to boot.

trekbikes.com

Sometimes things just work out...

2010-06-15T07:19:00.003-05:00

So I'm looking at all the dates of rides, and runs, and races coming up and I actually realized the the Earth ride is actually the weekend before the Kettleman! This is great news. This means I can go and do a 70 mile ride on a 9/18 and then compete in a duathlon on 9/26. I actually am excited that I can do both of these events.

Song in My Head installment...???

I have to put this song up because sometimes the only way to get the song OUT of my head is to post it, and I've had this one floating around up there for weeks. Dream Theater's cover of Iron Maiden's 1983 "To Tame a land" from the Piece of Mind album. After hearing this cover, I realized I've never read any of the "Dune" books by Frank Herbert. This song is based off of Herbert's epic sci-fi saga.

That's enough of this crap!!!!

2010-06-07T07:01:00.002-05:00

I'VE HAD IT! Enough of this taking it easy crap! I've been on "light" workouts for almost a month now trying to re-hab my hamstring. I'd say I'm about 80-85% right now. I don't have much "pain" any more, just "discomfort". I haven't run in almost a month either. At least I have been able to ride, not hard, but ride.

As of right now, that all changes. On a bike, my legs have felt weak. My average speeds haven't changed much (except for yesterday with that nasty wind I was riding into), but they haven't gotten any better. That needs to change. Vigorous walking over my lunch time will start again TODAY. Running hopefully again in the next couple weeks or so. I'm going to try to post a little more again, if for no other reason, as a vain attempt to keep my head in the game.

The Dog is coming baby - and hell's coming with him!

I'm shelving myself

2010-05-11T13:45:00.003-05:00

I'm back from a long weekend with the family. To my dismay, four days of light workouts (1 of which was no workout), soaking in a hot tub, and for the most part taking it easy, did absolutely nothing to better my hamstring. I am officially putting myself "on the shelf" until this stupid injury can work itself out. With any luck, it will feel better by Sunday so I can just pick up and keep going with my duo training. I am SUPREMELY PISSED OFF that I won't be able to finish my preliminary training in it's entirety. I will still perform the mock race in 3 weeks to get a feel for what my time will be and I will still compete in the actual race in September. I just can't ignore the fact any longer that my leg isn't getting any better by continuing on like this. The best my leg has felt was this past Saturday (when I had a rest day). I also consulted with a guy I know that is currently employed as a sports therapist for Penn State University, and he would concur with the rest I diagnosing for myself. I can only pray for a speedy recovery.

Off to the Keewenaw

2010-05-06T07:05:00.002-05:00

Heading out tomorrow morning for a nice long weekend in the Keewenaw peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A lot of history up there in the copper mining boom of the late 1800's into the early 1900's. It's also were my great grandparents emigrated to from Finland and Sweden.

It also has some KILLER singletrack. I always like to get a shop t-shirt from the LBS of places that I visit. So as I was trying to locate the LBS in Houghton, I stumbled upon some interesting sites for trails and races. I'll leave you with some links and a video to keep you occupied until my return (like you have nothing better to do).

The Bike Shop - Houghton, Michigan

Keewenaw Trails

Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival

Keewenaw Chain Drive Festival

Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race

Here's a video from the Miner's Revenge course

Song in My Head - Installment #13

2010-05-03T06:52:00.003-05:00

"South Bound Traveler" - Al di Meola / Kiss my Axe (1991)

See what Al has in front of him in this video? It's a music stand. You put music on there when you're reading it. Holy Sh%&! A musician that can read music? What is this world coming to?

Duathlon Training Day 26 - Fear the Beard!

2010-04-30T06:47:00.005-05:00

So I completed the first 4 weeks of my training. I'm 6 lbs lighter, I've really built up my endurance, and I still have a sore hamstring (although it is getting better). My massage therapist advised me to take it easy for a while till it got better. I told her she was nucking futs if she thought I was quitting now.

I did my first run/bike/run workout on 04.28.10. What a trip! I need to get my transitions a bit smoother, but I think that will get better when the weather warms up and I don't have to take 5 minutes to change clothes.

Next week is a "rest week" (thank Christ). It looks like this:

Saturday: Off / Stretch
Sunday: Run 20 minutes / Bike 120 minutes
Monday: Run 20 minutes
Tuesday: Off / Stretch
Wednesday: Bike 30 minutes
Thursday: Run 30 minutes
Friday: Bike 20 minutes

Seeing as I was the only entry in this years Finnish Face Warmer Contest, guess what? I win!

Here I am with my face bush of massiveness (which my wife hates by the way)

So we compromised!

Song in my Head - Installment #12

Heaven Send - The Devin Townsend Project / Ki

Devin is a musical genius! He plays and writes from his heart. You may not always like what you hear, but that's what makes him good. His music is him. If more musicians were like him, we probably wouldn't have some of the drivel that we're force fed on the radio.

Duathlon Training Day 22

2010-04-26T06:50:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I actually ran for 60 minutes straight (without stopping that is) for a total of 5.8 miles. Oh yeah and before that I rode for 15 minutes. Had some heavy rains move through over the weekend, but I was lucky enough for it to stop long enough to get my workout in.

Hamstring is getting better, slowly but surely. It actually felt it's best in a week after the run yesterday. Great news from the Big Cat. Doc has cleared him to get back on the bike. 2 months ahead on schedule. Congrats brother!

Song in my head - Installment #11

"Another Day" - Dream Theater/Images and Words(1992)

Duathlon Training Day 19 - Week 3 wrap up

2010-04-23T06:39:00.000-05:00

Finished out the 3rd week of training with a nice 60 minute ride this morning. Hamstring is still sore, but there is no pain while I'm on the bike. I guess that just means I should be on the bike all day. All workouts have been completed on schedule thus far and I'm now looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow and week 4 starting on Sunday. Here's the rundown:

Sunday: Bike 15 minutes / Run 60 minutes (oh boy)
Monday: Bike 45 minutes
Tuesday: Off / Stretch
Wednesday: Run 15 minutes / Bike 30 minutes / Run 15 Minutes
Thursday: Bike 60 minutes
Friday: Run 45 minutes
Saturday: Off / Stretch

Song in My Head - Installment #10

The Police "Roxanne"

Duathlon Training Day 17 - A little clarification

2010-04-21T06:54:00.003-05:00

Just for the record, I am not one of the racing sausages, although clearly from his comment, Big Cat thinks a resemble the Chorizo. I am however contemplating running in the Sausage Run 5k at Miller Park to benefit Brewer charities.

Day 17 brought about another 45 minute run. I squeezed out an extra 4/100ths of a mile over my last 45 minute run. Not bad considering I still have a pretty sore and tight hamstring. Tomorrow and Friday both bring nice long bike rides (yay).

Song in my head - Installment #9

Gustav Holst's "Moorside March"

Duathlon Training Day 15 - Top Secret Training

2010-04-19T07:09:00.003-05:00

So I did my first "multi-sport" workout yesterday. 90 minute bike ride followed by a 10 minute run. I did it, but now I have some real tenderness in my right hamstring. If anyone has any miracle cures, let me know, because I'm still planning on staying on track here. I got out and did my 30 minute run this morning. I was a little slower, but I still did it.

I'm now ready to let the cat out of the bag (not you Big Cat - you stay in the bag). All of this running as of late is not just to train for the Kettleman Duathlon - I am also one of the famous Klements Racing Sausages.
Can you guess which one is me?

Duathlon Training Day 12 - Ode to a protein shake

2010-04-16T06:47:00.002-05:00

Nothing major to report as far as crazy distances go. Did a 60 minute ride yesterday, which came out to about 15 miles, and a 45 minute ride today, which was about 11 miles. Tomorrow is an off/stretching day. As for next weeks workouts, they are as follows.

Sunday - Bike 90 minutes / Run 10 minutes (first multi-sport day)
Monday - Run 30 minutes
Tuesday- Off/Stretch
Wednesday - Run 45 Minutes
Thursday - Bike 90 minutes
Friday - Bike 60 minutes
Saturday - Off/Stretch

Big Cat has agreed to SAG for me at the end of May when I do my Training Phase I finale in the form of a "mock duathlon". I guess this really won't be a "mock" duathlon, as I really will be doing it, it just won't be organized. Thanks BC for agreeing to help out.

I love my protein shake. It tastes so good after a long workout with all it's choclatey goodness. It's so nice and cold and I actually look forward to it while I'm doing my workout. I love my protein shake.

Song in my head - Installment #8

"Heading out to the Highway" - Judas Priest "Point of Entry" 1981

Duathlon Training Day 10

2010-04-14T06:58:00.003-05:00

For day 10, I completed my most ambitious workout yet. A 45 minute run - equating into 4.41 miles. Good God, what's happening to me? I've cut out red meat, I exercise like a maniac, I preach the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I've created a monster and it's me. Mmmmeeeewwwwhhaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

Song in my head - Installment # 7

"Stranger in a Strange Land" by Iron Maiden off of 1986's "Somewhere in Time"

Duathlon Training Day 8

2010-04-12T07:07:00.002-05:00

Still sticking to the plan man! I haven't missed a day. I'm getting kinda tired though. Thank God tomorrow is an off/stretching day. I have a 45 minute run on Wednesday morning that I'm beginning to get nervous about. Wish me luck.

Song in my head - Installment #6

WARNING!
This song is extremely addicting! I defy any of you, once it's in your head, to try and get it out. LISTEN AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Duathlon Training Day 5

2010-04-09T07:02:00.003-05:00

Well, 5 days into this and I'm still alive. The only thing I changed was yesterday and today's workouts I switched as we got 3 inches on snow yesterday, so I did my 30 minute ride indoors yesterday and ran 30 minutes today. You know I just realized I ran two 5k's this week. Cool. I have an off day tomorrow, so more stretching and yoga.

Next week is shaping up to look like this:

Sunday - 90 minute bike ride
Monday - 30 minute run
Tuesday - Off/Stretch
Wednesday - 45 minute run
Thursday - 60 minute bike ride
Friday - 45 minute bike ride
Saturday - Off/Stretch

Duathlon Training Day 3

2010-04-07T06:45:00.002-05:00

Finished day 3 this morning. I figured I wouldn't have any problem with the workout as it was only a 60 minute ride. I was afraid I may have had to do it on the indoor (yuck), as we had some spring thunderstorms move through over night. But by the grace of God, at 3:00 AM, everything was pretty much done.

Had a whey protein shake, and a "Trail Dog Breakfast Burrito" for breakfast #1. Will be having fat free blueberry yogurt mixed with cheerios, grapenuts, and wheat germ for breakfast #2. Lunch will be a beef roast sandwich on whole wheat bread with low fat margarine and mustard, boiled potatoes and carrots, some pineapple and a low fat granola bar. Having turkey tacos for supper tonight. Of course this will all be washed down with gallons of water.

Song in my head - installment #5
Ace Frehley (Kiss solo album) - "New York Groove"

Day 1 (a day late)

2010-04-06T07:08:00.002-05:00

So I finished Day one of duathlon training yesterday. I was actually able to run for 30 minutes without stopping (3.04 miles). I couldn't believe it. It's true that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it.

I then proceeded to waste all my morning efforts by going to Brewers opening day at Miller Park and having way too much Fat Tire Ale (at least the bottle has a bike on it).

Thank God today is an off day because I don't think I could have worked out this morning. Tomorrow is a "bike" day, so aside from getting up exceedingly early, I know I can handle it.

Kippis,

Craigers

Song in my Head - 04.02.10

2010-04-02T06:44:00.002-05:00

"Wicked Garden" - by Stone Temple Pilots off of "Core" (1992)

April's Fool Day

2010-04-01T06:45:00.003-05:00

April 1st is here! The last two days it has been 56 degrees at 4:00 A.M. Yesterday we even rocketed in to the 70's. I did a nice 2 mile run this morning (that's the farthest I've ever run with out stopping - felt good).

Duathlon training starts next week. Here's my week 1 workout.

Monday - Run 30 minutes
Tuesday - Off/stretch
Wednesday - Bike 60 minutes
Thursday - Run 30 minutes
Friday - Bike 30 Minutes
Saturday - Off/stretch
Sunday - Bike 90 Minutes

For my stretching, I'm doing standard warm-up stretching teamed up with some basic yoga. I'm trying to learn a new posture every week, but for right now, I just do 3 or 4. Ya know between the yoga and my lustrous beard, I've become very "zen".

Trail Dog's Book Club - April 2010
"Riding with the Blue Moth" - by Bill Hancock

Struggling with the death of one of his children, this book is about the authors cross country bike ride, and dealing with the pain and emotions of his loss. A great read for both the travel aspect as well as how he handled hi situation. As all books about long distance journeys do, this one has inspired me to keep on pedaling, or as Bill says in the book, "put one foot in front of the other".

Song in my Head - 04.01.10
"Middletown Dreams" - by Rush, off of 1985's "Power Windows"

Song in my Head - 3.29.10

2010-03-29T07:07:00.002-05:00

As passover begins at sundown today, the song I have stuck in my head is "Creeping Death" by Metallica. I know, you thinking "huh"? Why would a religious holiday make someone think of a metal song especially one with a title like that. Just listen to the words. "Creeping Death" refers to the angel of death (or plague), sent by god, that took all egyptian first born but left all jewish first born as long as they marked their door posts with the sacrificial blood of the roast lamb. As long as the doors were marked, the angel would "pass over" them.

Song In My Head - 03.26.10

2010-03-26T09:12:00.003-05:00

It's a well known, but seldom spoken fact that long distance athletes (i.e. runners, cyclists) are notorious for getting songs stuck in there head. I, my friends, am no exception. As a retired musician, I get songs that are a little less mainstream stuck in my head, but (at least I think) are of a greater musical value. So I think I'm going to eliminate the "Tunes from the Trail" portion of this blog, and share the "Song in my Head" instead. This will be quite a bit more random. It could be every day, every week, who knows. So what's in my head today you may ask? "Analog Kid" by Rush off of 1982's "Signals" album. But the version that is in my head is off of "Working Man" a tribute album from 1996. This version features Jack Russell (Great White) on vocals, Michael Romeo (Symphony X) on guitars, Billy Sheehan (Mr.Big, David Lee Roth, Niacin) on bass, Michael Pinnella (Symphony X) on keys, and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) on percussion. Awesome version! Here you are:

I have a theory...

2010-03-12T09:37:00.000-06:00

My theory is that 5% of all cyclists are only in it for the body waxing.

Think about it.

Shut Up Gary

2010-03-08T07:06:00.002-06:00

There, now Gary can finally shut his pie hole. I got him down off his perch, gave him a quick once over, and rode him hard for a whole 4.88 miles. Hey...c'mon. It was only 20 degrees out. I thought that was alright for the first ride of the season. I was just long enough of a ride in that temperature to give me a real nice lung burn.

Pretty much picked up where I left off from last season. A little slower on the average speed, but not too bad. Still a whole 3 MPH faster than my average speed from the beginning of last season.

Probably try to finish out March sticking to my winter training schedule, but doing my indoor trainer days on Gary instead. Life is good!

Kippis,

Craigers

March comes in like a lamb

2010-03-02T06:44:00.004-06:00

It's now March 2nd, 2010, and the month has come in like a lamb. No snow in the forecast with temps in the 40's by the end of the week. I'm a little scared though to think about how the month might end. If the old saying is right, then it will leave like a lion. We'll see what shakes out.

Steadily increasing my distance in the running end of my training. I've got about a month to feel like I'm ready to take on probably the most intense training that I've ever embarked upon. Sometime this month, I'll try to put together my 8 week training schedule so everyone can view it and see what I'm about to do.

Gary was screaming from his perch in the garage to "Let me down you SOB", and "If you don't get me off of this thing, well I'll.... I'll.....you just wait." He's such a diva this time of year. The preseason cleaning will be coming soon and it won't be long now till we're rolling again.

Going in tonight for an hour long "preseason" rub down. Never had a massage from a professional for any more than 10 minutes, but I figured this would be a good way to help loosen me up the season, as well as take care of that pesky neck, and lower back pain, and ankle stiffness (yes the bionic ankle).

Team USA didn't get gold in the hockey tourney :( Try again in four years.

Business at hand.

Traildog's book club - March 2010
"You shall know our Velocity" - Dave Eggers
“Genius! Dave Eggers is truly a great writer. Got this one from Neil Peart again. I really believed that I was reading a true story, even though this was a fictional work. Maybe it was the fact that the characters were from Wisconsin, and some of the landmarks that were mentioned, I have seen and know exactly were they are. Eggers' use of the "interuption" chapter was a stroke of genius. Have I used the word genius yet? Can't wait to read more from Dave.

Tunes from the Trail - March 2010

Found out yesterday afternoon the Tom "T-Bone" Wolk passes away on Sunday. "Who's he?" you may say. Well if you don't know the name, I'm almost positive you'd recognize the face. If you ever watched Saturday Night Live in the late 80's to mid 90's, he was the bass player. If you ever saw Hall & Oates live, or in a video, he was the bass player. Most recently, he was the musical director for "Live from Daryls House", which I've posted from before. I could go on for pages about all the accomplishments he's had in his short life, but I'd rather let his music speak for itself. Here's T-Bone jamming with Daryl and Nick Lowe.

R.I.P. T-Bone

Mid-February Daydream

2010-02-10T07:32:00.002-06:00

So as I sit here enjoying yet another 8-10" of the white stuff, I close my eyes adnrtbuip;uob - Ooops sorry, let me open my eyes again whilst I'm typing. Any way, I close my eyes and remember a simpler time....well not really simpler, but a warmer time....when I was riding my mountain bike on a race course in Sheboygan during the WORS Wigwam Challenge.

I figured I'd try to see if anyone had any footage from that particular race to post here. I found this one. Not sure who the poster is, but I chose it because #1 it's a helmet cam vid and #2 I like the music it's set to. It's a little "grainy" but you'll get the point.

Enjoy,

Craigers

Only 11 months left

2010-02-02T07:10:00.002-06:00

That's right, only 11 months left in 2010. Welcome to February! January came and went, unbelievable how quickly time passes. With a new month brings a new excitement to hopefully hit the bike if we can get some warmer weather. The indoor just hasn't been cutting it for me. Thankfully, I have been able to get out and actually run, however, my times and distance haven't been getting any better (I blame it on the lung burning temperatures we've been having).

The new GPS unit is working extremely well so far and it is very easy to use. I think once I configure it for "Gary", it should be just as easy to use on the bike. Garmin, by the way, has been great. I accidentally ordered just the replacment bike mount bracket reather than the full bike mount and quick release watch band so I can switch effortlessly between bike and foot. They were great about getting me the correct part (they didn't even charge me shipping on the re-order). They even brought up some good points for keeping th part I ordered by accident. 3 cheers for Garmin!

Big Cat has been dignosed with a tear in the tendon (or is it ligament?) that connects the bottom of the quadricep muscle to the top of the lower leg (OUCH!). Good vibes to him in his recovery (as the last time I spoke to him he was going to need to go under the knife). You'll be cruising on the recumbent before you know it brother.

Two months left to grow those fuzzy jaws. I must say mine is looking increasingly champion-esque.

Let's through some reading and listening thoughts for the month.

Trail Dog's Book Club - February 2010
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - by Rober M. Pirsig
Everything you've ever wanted to know about riding across country on a motorcycle with your son in tow after recovering from going insane and beign pushed to the brink of insanity yet again but was afraid to ask. This philisophical masterpiece is a must read as the author goes through his breakdown after, in my opinion, he dost thinketh to much.

Tunes from the Trail - February 2010

Let's mellow it out a bit this month with a clinic that was put on by Stuart Hamm. Stu has been a real inspiration to me with his music as I am a retired bass player. Whether it's his solo recordings or playing with the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, or Frank Gambale, Stu is a master and an inovator, and his music touches a nerve, which makes it good.

Kippis,

Craigers

Kettleman Date announced

2010-01-21T11:26:00.002-06:00

Redline Triathlon Club has released the date for the 2010 Kettleman Duathlon. Sunday September 26th, 2010. That gives me approximately 8 months to train. http://www.redlinetriclub.org/duathlon.html

As running is my weakest of the two sports, I've been hitting it hard the past few weeks trying to first get my wind up well enough to get to at least 2 miles with out walking. As of yesterday I'm up to a 1.25 miles. Once I hit the distance, then I'll worry about being competitive.

I've downloaded an 8 week duathlon training course that I plan to do twice before the Kettleman. Once starting at the beginning of April, and then again 8 weeks before the Kettleman.

The new Garmin has been a great training tool as far as the running is going, and I anticipate it will be equally as good for biking. Still trying to figure out all ins and outs of the machine though.

On a more serious note, let's all keep the Big Cat in our thoughts and prayers as he works through a leg injury. That's all I'll say about it for now until we know more, but it's always good to send him some positive vibes, as I know from personal experience last year that a guy can get real down in the dumps when dealing with an injury that inhibits his physical activity.

Kippis,

Craigers

Addition to the Arsenal

2010-01-08T06:56:00.002-06:00

Monday I decided to order a GPS. After riding with the Big Cat this past summer and seeing how his GPS blew the doors off of my bike "computer", I decided all I wanted for Christmas was a little accuracy. After quite extensive reaserch, I decided on the Garmin Forerunner 205.

This little number is worn like a watch (although I have also ordered the quick release bike mount), and is ideal for multi-sport athletes. This is going to be crutial as I enter into duathlon training.

I check my email on Tuesday morning, and I have a tracking number. I check the tracking number and it says that my new toy will be delivered sometime on Tuesday. SWEET! Now that's service with a smile, they provide the service and I smile.

Haven't got into it to heavy yet, but I noticed it also came with soft ware so I can upload my workouts to my computer. All you techies can check out the specs at http://www.garmin.com/

2010 is looking good already.

Kippis,

Craigers

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T06:50:00.002-06:00

Well, 2009 has come and gone. I look back on the year with a half smile on my face and remember some of the high lights (and low lights).

I start the year by sleeping in my recliner for about a month while my broken ankle healed. I smile when I recall celebrating my daughter's first birthday. Slowly, I began to rehab the bionic ankle, and by the middle of February, was at least able to hit the indoor trainer.

By March, I was itching sooooooooo bad to get back on Gary, that I started riding and almost suffered a hint of frost bite on my hands, but at least I was back in the saddle. I continued through April just getting my strength back. I also started running alot more as well.

May brought about the anticipation of the first organized ride of the year, which then later also brought dissappointment as I had to skip it to go to a wedding. To make up for it ,I participated in Fatty's 100 miles of no where.

June and July brought nothing but training. My speeds were faster than the year before, my endurance was greater, and my recovery got better. I'm not riding the tour any time soon, but for a guy that topped out over 300 lbs 3 years ago, I'm happy with where I was in 2009.

In August, I did my longest single day ride of 40 miles with the Big Cat, to help me train for Earth Ride '09.

September, my wife and I celebrated our 10th aniversary by vacationing in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Two days after my return, I did my new longest single day ride of 50 miles for Earth Ride '09.

October, November, and believe it or not, December, brought more training and trying to get in as many miles as I could before the snow flew. And when it finally did, it did with a vengance, dropping 14" in one sitting.

More for my purposes than for anyone elses here's my season stats:
Cycling Miles - 837
Indoor Stationary Miles - 924
Crosstraining Miles (Running) - 89
Total Fitness Miles - 1850

In 2010 I hope to crack 1000 miles of "real" cycling, 100 miles of running, and 2000 overall miles. I'm looking forward to Unity Ride, Earth Ride, and 100 miles of Nowhere, as well as adding my first Duathlon with the Kettleman, and maybe some other new ventures. 2010 is shaping up to be a great year already, I mean, at least I'm not gimped up right?

Here's some reading and listening for you for the month:

Trail Dog's Book Club:

"The Lost Symbol" - By Dan Brown

Another "can't put it down" read by Mr. Brown. Bottom line is whether you enjoy his subject matter or not, Dan Brown is a gifted author, and a true joy to read. I will say this, this is the third book with Robert Langdon as the lead character (DaVinci Code; Angels & Demons), and he's starting to get a little predictable, but still, better than 80% of the new books written these days.

Tunes from the Trail

"Six Times Dead" - by Primal Fear

I've realized that all the good new metal comes from Europe. Not the band Europe, but the continent. Primal Fear hails (mostly) from Germany, and these have just kicked me arse all over for the last month or so. Metal does live!

Kippis,

Craigers

Merry Christmas to all and to all....

2009-12-23T15:44:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish everyone a blessed Christmas. Looking forward to spending my first Christmas with my daughter (when I'm not layed up). Next week I'll do a 2009 year in review, and look forward to 2010. Season's beatings to all and lay off the cookies you lard ass, oh no ... that's me, never mind.

Ho Ho Ho,

Craiger Claus

Spoke too Soon

2009-12-08T06:49:00.002-06:00

Well, I jinxed myself. Got 3 inches of snow yesterday, and now we're under a Winter Storm Warning from noon today until 6 P.M. TOMORROW! I've heard everything from 8-14 inches when it's all done. Hung Gary up on his perch upside down like a sleeping bat. I guess he deserves a rest. I think devised a way to still be able to run a couple times a week. In the back of my office building is a warehouse for lumber and other building materials. With the economy the way it is, it's pretty much empty. With a little imagination, it kind of looks like an indoor track...sort of. Good enough to at least help me keep my wind up over the winter. I'm already falling into a deep depression with no regular riding. Hey at least I haven't broken anything yet this winter. Yesterday was the 1 year aniversary of my ankle break, so I reflected on how bad last Christmas and winter SUCKED! I pray that this year will be better.

Kippis,

Craigers

It's beginning to look alot like.......Autumn?

2009-12-02T10:40:00.002-06:00

Still pretty damn nice weather here in Wisconsin (especially seeing it's December). I never thought I'd still be riding this deep into the season, but I got out this morning for a quick jaunt. 33 degrees and no snow on the ground at 4:00 on a December morning is nothing to complain about. Clear skies and early morning hours have really made for some beautiful "Moon Sets". I can only equate it to an autumnal "harvest moon", but as the moon is goin down rather than coming up, very cool. Things look to change in the near future though, and we'll probably have snow soon (which is ok too, don't get me wrong). Thanks to the mild weather, however, I've been able to add almost 200 extra miles to my 2009 goal. Pretty soon I'll be banished to the indoor stationary and strength training until the snow melts to a reasonable depth.

I've decided to attempt the "Kettleman" Duathlon next September, so training should begin like now. Seriously, I think I've found a good 60 training course to prepare for a duathlon, so we'll see how it goes. Starting to plan for next years rides so if anyone has some good ones that they wouldn't mind me tagging along on let me know.

It's also time to get your "shag" on. With the onset of December, the 2nd annual "Finnish Face Warmer Contest" will begin. Start growing your wooly jaw and we'll look for pictures around the end of March or so. I'm waiting to be de-throned as the current "King of Beards" (and clearly to be brought back down to earth and have my head deflated).

Let's take care of some business:

December Reading:
"Slaughterhouse Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
I'm not sure how to explain this one. It centers around the bombing of Dreseden in WWII, but also jumps back and forth between beings from another planet and bouncing around through time. I know, kind of strange, but surprisingly easy to follow, and rather humorous as well. I actually am looking forward to reading more by Vonnegut.

December Listening:
"Sing-Along Songs for the Damned & Delirious" by Diablo Swing Orchestra

"A Tap Dancer's Dilemma"

Kippis,

Craigers

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T06:48:00.003-06:00

Just wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your time with friends and family. I'm thankful this year for my beautiful wife and daughter, for great friends to ride with, for being able to walk again, and for being healthy enough to ride and run.

For all of our friends not in the U.S. have a happy Thursday (hehehehe).

Kippis,

Craigers

Happy November!

2009-11-03T06:47:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone and Happy November. October came and went way too fast as usual. With all the usual autumn festivities, hayrides, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and the coup de gras - trick or treating, taking center stage. Not alot occurred in my cycling or fitness world last month, and if it did, I blogged about it. Now I'm just trying to squeeze in as many mile as possible before the snow flies, and to brace for my sudden switch to my "winter training", which will consist of indoor stationary bike, free weights, and the occasional run (weather permitting).

As the weather gets colder, time becomes more well spent with some good reading. My list keeps growing daily, but here's one for you to add to your list.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" - by Oscar Wilde. A rather good read once you get used to some of the olde english. A tale of a young man cursed by a portrait of himself. As he commits wrong doing, eventually to the point of murder, his sins show up as old age on the portrait, not on him, eventually pushing him to the breaking point. As I read the book, I was reminded of the evil the at everyone has the potential for inside of them if it goes unchecked. As I thought of that, I was reminded of a song and figured I'd add that to the soundtrack of my life for his month.

"The Evil that Men Do" - by Iron Maiden. Off of the 1988 "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son", this is arguably my favorite Maiden album, and equally as arguable, my favorite Maiden song.

I'll leave you with lyrics from "Only the Good Die Young" (also from the same Maiden album), which are also rather fitting for this theme.

"Measure your coffin, does it measure up to your lust........so until the next time have a good sin".

Craigers

That's a BIG Staple

2009-10-28T07:37:00.004-05:00

I don't think I shared this story when it happened. 2 1/2 weeks ago. October 10th to be exact. I was out for my usual Saturday morning ride. I rounded a corner and I felt that I had run over something. As I continued to pedal, I could feel an obstruction everytime my rear tire came around. I anticipated that something was caught between the wheel and the frame, or the wheel and the brake lever, or something to that extent. So at the next stop sign I proceeded to look.

What I found was something that actually punctured my tire. It didn't look very thick or large so I decided to pull it out and continue riding. I got my Park Tool multi-tool (cheap plug) out and yanked to metal from my rear tire. It was then that I heard the dreaded hiiiiiiiisssssssssss. It was dark out yet, so I adjusted my position so I could use the streetlamp to see waht I removed. What I saw was the BIGGEST STAPLE that I have ever seen. I'm talking a staple that may have been used on a weight reduction surgery for an elephant. I'd say it looked similar to the one in the top row, second from left in this picture.

Quickly, I tried to stick it back in my tire (to plug the hole of course - this plug was cheaper than my previous advertisement for Park Tool). It worked for about 500 ft. I then walked the remaining 3 miles home. Needless to say, I replaced the tube that day and was ready to roll again, but I'd figured I'd share one of my "hiccups".

2009 Goal.....reached

2009-10-13T14:21:00.002-05:00

This morning at about 4:20 A.M. CST, I reached my goal for the 2009 season. I have succesfully pedaled 651 miles this season (my goals was 650 - double last season's mileage). So from here on out, it's all extra. So now I'm looking to set my goal for next year. LEt's hear what you guys think. Please feel free to post waht you think my goal should be for next season. Please keep a few things in mind before you post 2000 miles:

1) This is Wisconsin - we have snow and winter here
2) The most I've ever riden in one shot has been 50 miles (excluding stationary bikes and not saying that I wouldn't ride further than that.
3) I have a 21 month old at home, so time is at a premium.

All reasonable suggestions will be considered.

In the mean time - October reading? Read "The Masked Rider" by Neil Peart. It's all about his cycling journeys through Western Africa. As usual from Neil, very well written and a great read.

October Listening? Well it's October so that means Halloween. My Halloween suggestion for music? King Diamond. If you don't know King Diamond, just listen with an open mind. Lead singer for Mercyful Fate, and sucessful solo artist, King is an aquired taste, but being as everything he sings about has to do with the occult, when ever Halloween comes around, I break out my old King Diamond albums. From the 1989 album "Conspiracy" here's King Diamond with "At the Graves" (that's how Casey Kasum would've said it).

Die with your boots on!

Craigers

Good Training Weekend

2009-10-05T08:10:00.002-05:00

Well as the weather begins to change, I am starting to find it harder and harder to get out of bed on cold and dark mornings. This weekend though was enough to help re-focus my energy on continuing training and staring to plan my winter training regimen.

As far as riding goes, I think I've become a much stronger cyclist over the past year. Jonny K kept telling me as such during Earth Ride. I as usual, shrugged it off until I sat and calculated my stats. To do some of those hills number 1, without getting off my bike (which I couldn't have done last year), and number 2, keeping a dan near 14 MPH average is impressive to a super clydesdale such as myself. You hear that rumbling coming up behind you? It's the dog. That's right, like a freight train coming down the track baby. This weekends training rides solidified my suspisions. Both days 12 mile rides. Saturday in 50 minutes. Sunday in 49 minutes 47 seconds. That comes out to a 14.25 MPH average, roughly. Immagine if I rode a road bike? Blow the doors off of these times.

Winter regimen still in question but getting closer to a solid plan. Of course, I'll incorporate the indoor trainer. I'll keep my schedule as is for now until the first snow fall, then "Gary" hangs on his bat perch for the winter. I'd still like to run as much as possible, as I think I'm becoming a stronger runner and I'd like to try a duathalon next year. I think I'm going to add some weight training and supplements into the winter training as well. Still up in the air for right now though.

Andy did go to his 62 mile ride this past Saturday, but only did the 25 miler as he claims to have been ill. (I'm sure he actually was sick, I just like giving him a hard time).

Kippis,

Craigers

Mascoutin Valley Trail (East Leg)

2009-09-28T09:32:00.006-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been over a year since I did the west leg of the Mascoutin Valley Trail (http://wistraildog.blogspot.com/2008/08/mascoutin-valley-trail-west-leg.html). Check that post to refresh your memory - I know I had to.

The east leg runs entirely through Fond du Lac county, and I am very pleased to say that it is much more well kept that the west leg. Approximately 20 mile from Fond du Lac to Rosendale and back, this stretch runs through the Eldorado Marsh State Wildlife Area.

I was a beautiful day for a ride as my friend Andy and I headed out. Andy's doing a 62 mile ride next weekend, and desparately needs to log some saddle time, so I took this as a great opportunity to get some more miles in as well.

The stupidity of people never seems to amaze me. This is a state recreation trail. Signs at every road crossing state this as well as no motorized vehicles allowed. After a bridge crossing, I saw what I thought to be a car facing me. As I drew closer, I realized that it was a mustang facing me, but it wasn't coming at me, it was backing up. The numb nuts drove all the way down the trail till he came to a bridge and realized that he could drive across it. He had no place to turn around, so his only course of action was to back down the way he came from. I proceeded to pedal harder and faster, until I caught up with "numb nuts", and forced him to pull off to the side so I could pass him. What a douche bag!

A little while further up the trail, I saw another vehicle coming at me. A little Toyota Prius. This time I actually stopped and said something to "dill hole". I asked if he was lost. He said, "No where just out for a drive". I proceeded to tell him that he was driving on a state rec trail that DID NOT allow motor vehicles. He asked if there was a place to turn around and I told him no so he'd have to back out the way he came too. His wife actually tried telling me that there were no signs saying that they couldn't drive on it. He must have seen the look on my face and pretty much told her to shut up. Again I say, what a douche bag!

Here are some pictures. Enjoy

Kippis,

Craigers

$1.00 off Road ID

2009-09-24T08:24:00.002-05:00

I just ordered my Road ID yesterday. They gave me a coupon code to share with my friends good for $1.00 off. If anyone doesn't have one yet, you should seriously consider it. Go to http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx, choose your style, and enter this coupon code upon ordering: ThanksCraig546419. Feel free to share this with your friends. It can be used 20 times in the next 30 days.

Kippis,

Craigers

Maywood Earth Ride '09

2009-09-23T06:45:00.004-05:00

Earth Ride came and went too fast this year. I was joined by the Big Cat & Mrs. Cat (along with Team Lasky), and Jonny K. BC, Jonny, and myself along with the other two memebers of Team Lasky completed the 50 mile route. Jonny's Dad & brother did the full Century (we'll get there eventually). Some brutal hills to climb in the Northern Kettle Moraine, but I still kept an average speed of almost 14 mph and finished the ride in 3hrs 27 min.

Thanks to all the volunteers that helped to make this a great ride again this year! There were over 700 riders total and I think we raised over $30,000 for the benefit of Maywoood environmental park (http://gomaywood.org).

A picture says a thousand words so here you go.

Suck it in Jonny!

Big Cat looking all buff

That damn racoon again

Groove Family Cyclo - Family Portrait

This was on the front page of the Sheboygan Press newspaper - let's play "Where's Trail Dog?"

I'm ready for another 50

And so is Jonny

Team Fatty?

North Carolina's Outer Banks (The OBX)

2009-09-21T07:18:00.005-05:00

Okay, so I have enough material for at least two posts. Let's start with the trip to the OBX. I will be completely honest and say that while it busted me up on the inside, I didn't pedal at all while on vacation. I analyzed my situation and came to this conclusion: If I can ride somewhere that I wouldn't be able to at home, I'll pedal. I vacationed with that theory in the back of my mind. I did go running on the beach in the mornings (as that is something I don't have the opportunity to do in FDL).

While out walking with the Mrs. one morning, I noticed two Pugsleys in rack with the rentals at a local bike shop. I proceeded to run into the shop. I asked the gal behind the counter what they charged to rent one of the "pugs". She said I could BUY one, not rent one. She was kind of a bag so I left. I did go to another shop, Kitty Hawk Cycle Company( http://www.kittyhawkcyclecompany.com/index.html ). Even though I didn't rent, I did buy a shop T-shirt, and Michael, one of the owners, and I had a very pleasant conversation about riding, Twin Six, and other nice things that cyclists talk about. If any of you are in the OBX and need a rental or parts or anything "bike", go visit Michael at KHCC. Thanks Michael, I'll wear my KHCC shirt with pride.

The rum was great (in case you were wondering coastkid), and the atmosphere was even better. Here's some photos to wet your whistle. Check out the OBX Visitors Bureau for more info ( http://www.outerbanks.org/ )

Views from our balcony

If you zoom up on this one you can see the dolphin coming up for air

Penny Hill Sand Dune

Wild Horses of Corolla

There's a beer commercial in here somewhere

OBX Sunrise

Not sure what this structure is but it made a good picture

OBX Sunrise #2

Tame that gator!

My new friend Tortuga

Smile Pretty!

Rum so nasty it could kill the devil.

2009-09-11T08:38:00.003-05:00

So it's off to North Carolina early Sunday morning. I'll be offline for about a week or so, but I hope to have some great pictures to share with you all upon my return. I also hope to get some cycling along the beach and through the east coasts tallest sand dunes. I'll feel like I'm riding with coastkid with some of the scenery around the Outer Banks.

We're staying in a place called Kill Devil Hills. Rumored to have gotten it's name from the rancid rum that would wash up on shore from ships that had been plundered by pirates. This rum was so bad, it was said to be able to "kill the devil". The whole area is rich in history. The next town up the coast is Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of flight, where the Wright brothers mad their historic first flight. Should be pretty cool.

The Saturday after I return is Earth Ride 2009, so I'll a pretty busy week to say the least. I'll post as soon as possible.

Blog at you when I get back.

Kippis,

Craigers

Why we do what we do - Part I

2009-09-05T10:42:00.002-05:00

There are those among us that have aquired a certain addiction to "adventure sports" or adventure travel". For many of us, this addiction comes after many years of not being so nice to our bodies. Ray Zahab has always said he was a drinker and a smoker - a club guy for lack of a better term. Than one day he decided to start running and before you know it he was running across the Sahara desert. Quite the change. Not only for Ray, but I'm sure for his family and friends as well.

How does one explain to their family why they get up at 3:00 A.M. to go running. Or why they have to rent a bike on vacation because they can't go a week without riding. How does one explpain to their friends, that they used to "party" with that they don't want to go out on a Friday or Saturday night anymore, because they need to train in the morning. And most difficult, how does one leave their spouse and children for periods of time, hours, days, or in Ray's case, months, to complete these "tasks".

I recently began reading "The Masked Rider" by Neil Peart (my favorite author by the way). It chronicles his bike tour through Cameroon in western Africa. I'm only one chapter into it, but something already has resonated with me and I'd like to share it here.

Neil writes:
"The best part of adventure, it seems to me, is thinking about it. A journey to a remote place is exciting to look forward to, certainly rewarding to look back upon, but not always pleasurable to live minute by minute. Reality has a tendency to be so uncomfortably real.

But that's the price of admission - you have to do it. One reason for making such a journey is to experience the mystery of unknown places, but another, perhaps more important, reason is to take yourself out of your "context" - home, job, friends."

Of course there is more to it than just that, but I felt this was a good starting point. Use it as you see fit.

Kippis,

Craigers

The Joy of Living in a "Bowl" Part I - Wind Resistance

2009-08-31T06:55:00.003-05:00

Fond du Lac, WI is essentially in a bowl. One of the most low lying spots in the state. There are many disadvantages to living in an area such as this ( ie flooding ). I, however, have discovered a number of advantages to "basin living", especially in regards to biking.

The first of these is wind resistance. I've noticed that the wind seems to be stronger in the bowl than in the outlying hill country or even in the marshlands to the west. Having rode into this wind excessively over the last year, I believe it has given me an advantage in "head wind training". I firmly believe that a stiff head wind can be just as formidable an opponent as a steep hill. The difference being the wind is more sustained. I think this helps to build up your endurance. I'm not saying it's like training at altitude, or it can replace hill climbs, but I truly think it's helped my endurance.

When I think back two years, I could barely ride 5 miles and I was damn near 50 lbs heavier. I look forward to riding into the wind. Even when I turn a corner and the wind is so strong that it feels like Rick Flair just gave me a knife edge chop across the chest (Whooooooo!). Bring it on! My legs burn, my arms and back get sore, my face is red with wind burn (in colder temps), but who cares? Again I say, Bring it on! Can I hear a witness?

Kippis,

Craigers

Cedar Lake Ramble '09 Wrap up

2009-08-25T06:37:00.007-05:00

Now that was fun! Thanks BC for letting me tag along. 39.1 miles on some of the better hills the Northern Kettles had to offer. Finnished it in 3 hrs 25 min with an average speed of 11.14 mph. Here's some pics from the ride.

Groove Family Cyclo Ride Scheduled for August 23rd

2009-08-17T06:53:00.002-05:00

FINALY! After months of trying to get something together, the Big Cat and I have finaly scheduled a ride for this coming Sunday, August 23rd. I told him I needed to get something in that was #1: more than 25 miles, and #2: Had some hills to it so I could get my legs to a point where they wouldn't explode in the middle of Earth Ride. I think he delivered with a planned route from his house to damn near Kiel and back. He says it takes about 3 hours 15 minutes, but for my flabby arse we could be looking at a little longer (I think we're looking at about 50 miles).

If anyone's in the area and wants to tag along (this means you Jonny K), let me know. I'll post again after the ride... if I make it.

Kippis,

Craigers

Wow, I'm really fast!

2009-08-10T07:10:00.003-05:00

NOT

But this is a funny story. As I was finishing up a 15 miler yesterday morning, I was coming to an intersection and I noticed a car goin through it rather slowly. Being as the traffic lights were still blinking due to the early hour, I didn't think mych of it.

As I turned the corner, and followed the same route as the slow car just went, I was surprised to see said "slow car". Not only did I still see it, I WAS GAINING ON IT! I was clipping along at a blistering 12-13 MPH, and I was gaining on this car. As I got closer, I actually had to slow down so I would get pinched between "slow car" and the parked cars on the street. I looked to see if I could get a read on what the driver was going to do next, as I didn't want to get clipped, and saw a very lovely, dear old lady driving this vehicle.

I literally had to slow down to 5-6 MPH to stay behind her. Now I know we'll all be there someday, but really, driving 5 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. Please, leave the car in the garage.

Kippis,

Craigers

Keep Fighting!

2009-08-06T11:06:00.002-05:00

Those of you that read this silly little blog regularly know that last spring, I did the 100 miles of nowhere ride to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This ride was put together by Elden "Fat Cyclist" Nelson. Elden's wife Susan, has been battling cancer.

Last night, Susan passed away. Please keep Elden, the kids, and the rest of the Nelson family in your thoughts and prayers.

In moments like these, we are reminded how short and frail life can be. Take some time today and tell your loved ones how you feel about them. Take some time today and have a positive effect on the life of someone you don't even know.

We may have lost one more soldier in this battle, but the rest of us need to keep fighting! Win Susan!

Peace,

Craigers

What happened to July?

2009-08-04T06:57:00.002-05:00

Like the Big Cat said, "I won't apologize" for not posting in almost a month. We've had pretty good weather here in Wisconsin, so it was more advantageous for me to enjoy the out of doors and continue training for Earth Ride '09. Hope fully in the next month there will be more opportunities for me to post some rides other than solo training.

Tried to get together with BC and circle tour Big Green Lake, but that fell short thanks to me and my crappy summer work schedule. What was I thinking gettign into aan industry that is busiest when the weather is nicest? I wasn't is the answer.

Got my Aerotech Designs bib shorts yesterday. Look like a good product. Check 'em out http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/

I have nothing to report for the book club this month. #1: I haven't had much time to read with all the outdoor activities I've been doing. #2: The stuff I have been reading hasn't been all that great anyway, but I always have to finish what I start (check my shelfari page if you really want to know what I've been reading).

Tunes from the Trail - August '09

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Dream Theater

This two disc release from 2002 is sitting right atop my all time greatest list (at least for right now). Disc one is comprised of one of Dream Theater's best songs "The Glass Prison", which consists of riffs and grooves that just makes yo uwant to "crank it up", to one of the most heart wrenching pieces of music I've ever heard, "Disappear", a song about someone letting go of their significant other to a terminal illness. If the words don't touch you, than you may not have a heart.

Disc two is one song, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, a complete work in classical style with modern music. Begining with part I, Overature, all the way to part VIII, Grand Finale.

Till next time - Kippis,

Craigers

P.S. If any of you are on facebook, look me up - Craig M. Seider

Madeline Island Ghost Ride

2009-07-09T06:59:00.008-05:00

Back from camping and biking Madeline Island, the biggest island of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior. Couldn't get anyone to go on the morning ride with me, so I ghost rode it. Here's a photo essay of the ride. All in all I got 64 miles in over the long holiday weekend. My butt is kinda sore. I'll try to caption some of the photos, but check out these links to get a real feel for the place.

http://www.nps.gov/apis/

http://www.madelineisland.com /index.shtml

Island Sunrise

Yikes! How'd he get in the picture

The fun starts here

Gotta love a place with bike lanes

Tom's Burned Down Cafe - Good place for a beer, but I wouldn't get it in a glass

Happy Canada Day

2009-07-01T07:40:00.003-05:00

Happy CanadaDay to all our friends north of the border! If it's Canada Day, that means it's the first of June, which means time for monthly picks.

Trail Dog’s Book Club – July ‘09

"Distant Fires" - by Scott Anderson

Got his book off of Northwoodsguy's Shelfari list. (Thanks NWG). Great story about two friends that leave their homes in Duluth and paddle till Hudson Bay. Filled with humor & commeraderie, even though I'm not a "hardcore" canoeist, I really enjoyed the misadventures of these guys. Scott's writing style and story telling capabilities really grow on you, and was excited to find another book that he may have written. Upon researching his work,I was saddened to find that he had passed away at 33 (same age as me) while test flying a concept aircraft. Shame to lose a talented young author like this. Give this book a read.

Tunes from the Trail - July '09

"New and Approved" - Monte Montgomery

Got to listen to this one folks! Monte is one of the most talented guitarists I've ever heard. Recorded in 2003 at the Cactus Cafe in Austin, TX, this is a very well done album. Monte kind of infuses folk, blues, country and rock together, for a completely unique sound. Monte is scheduled to play 20 miles from my house in September, and you can bet I'll be there. Here's a cover of Daryl Hall's "Sara Smile". Phenomonal. Check Monte out!

I'll be out for a bit camping with the fam and biking Madeline Island. Be back later next week. Everyone have a safe and blessed 4th of July!

Kippis,

Craigers

No Skunks - Just 'Coons

2009-06-29T06:39:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful weekend. Broke my average speed again on Saturday morning. New average speed = 12.03 miles per hour. Didn't see any skunks this time, but I did come across a family of racoons crossing the trail in front of me. For the first time since I've been biking in the "wee" hours, I actually encountered another human. He was riding a recumbant (not a fancy one like Big Cat's but your garden variety recumbant). Just like the racoons, I think he was more affraid of me than I was of him. I passed him on the left and said good morning. I bet I'll never see him again.

Winds kicked up good on Sunday. It seems that when they predict windy conditions, I have until the sun comes up. My guess is once the sun starts to heat, the convection starts working and creating the wind. Too scientific for a monday morning? Probably. Weathers looking real good here, so if I spend more time biking than blogging, please don't be a hater. Peace to everyone.

Kippis,

Craigers

Now it's too hot!

2009-06-26T06:44:00.002-05:00

So only weeks ago I was complaining about the Wisconsin weather being too cold. Now I'm complaining about it being too hot. We've been in the 90's for the last few days with heat indeces into the 100's. I must continue to ride however. It's days like these I'm glad that I train in the early morning hours before it gets too hot.

Those of you that read "coastrider" know of Coastkid's riding holiday in the Scotish Highlands. What a beautiful area of the world. Coastkid has been gracious enough to allow me to share one of his films with you. Check out all of his films. Enjoy and thanks Coastkid.

biking the isle of harris west coast, trailer from coastkid71 on Vimeo.

Kippis,

Craigers

Almost got skunked

2009-06-22T06:41:00.005-05:00

What a beautiful weekend! Saturday was phenomenal. Hit concrete at 3:45 A.M. and had wonderful 68 degree temps (albeit rather humid). Got a nice 15 miles in. At about mile 12, I was riding through an area of town that is being developed for new residential. All the roads are in, but the strutures are minimal as of right now. That means alot of empty lots with tall prairie grass. All of a sudden I see the grass moving (on my side of the road). As I get a little closer, I see something black rustling around. Closer still, I see a white stripe on the tail and it's heading towards the road. My mind shifts to "Christmas Vacation" as they are looknig for the squirrel that got brought in the house with the christmas tree. As Clark turns around, the old guy sees it and screams "S-Q-U-I-R-R-E-L". This scene raced through my mind, but I saw the same old guy in my mind's eye screaming "S-K-U-N-K". I quickly shifted to the other side of the road and prayed that I wasn't going to have to go home and sit in a tub of tomato juice. Luckily, I think the little fella was still in a drunken stooper from the night before and just wanted to get home, so he left me alone. I also broke my personal best average speed on Saturday with a blinding 11.41 MPH.

Sunday was equally as wonderful, waking up to a balmy 70 degrees. Got a good 16 miler in, but I didn't go the same route as I didn't care to run into my drunken skunk friend again. I thought that maybe my personal record average speed my have had to do with getting away from the skunk. I am happy to report that that wasn't the case as I shattered the 11.41 MPH with a new personal best average speed of 11.76 MPH on Sunday. This cycling thing keeps getting more and more addicting. I'm gonna keep pumping out miles now till it gets cold again, because I can't seem to get enough. The only reasons I'm not on my bike are family, work, and weather.

Trail Pup got me a gift card to one of my LBS (http://oshkoshcyclery.com/) for Daddies Day. You think I'll use that? Only two weeks left till my "Ride Around the Island". A self imposed circle tour of Madeline Island (http://www.madelineisland.com/index.shtml) for no other reason than I can (I hope). Later.

Kippis - Leave No Trace

Craigers

Summer Finally Arrives

2009-06-15T06:41:00.002-05:00

Second weekend in June and summer finally decided to show up here in Wisconsin. I thought the weekend was going to take another turn for the worse as my training ride got washed out on Saturday morning. And then, as usual, when I had reached the point of no return for riding for the day, the sun comes out. Sometimes it just feels like things are working against you.

Then Sunday came. Remember a few posts ago when I was complaining about the cold and having to wear all these layers? Well Sunday finally allowed me to shed some of those layers. It wasn't balmy at 4:30 A.M., but temps in the 50's at least allowed me to wear shorts. Now I'm starting to get the "bug" again for training rides with warmer weather on the horizon. I still had the urge in the colder temps, but I think I agree with my wife, that the only "bug" was probably up my arse.

I met with some clients on Friday from Iowa, and they were telling me how this major bike ride was going right past their property this year. What? Now my ears perked up. We started talking about this "ride". It's called RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa - http://ragbrai.com/). This ride is actually a 442 mile trek that cuts through the southern half of the state. It runs from June 19-25. I'm in now condition to do this right now (not to mention timing is an issue), but I sure would be interested in it in the future. Amazing how in such a short period of time, a person's whole outlook on life can change. Ask me about this kind of thing only a year ago, and I've have told you you'd have to be nuts to try something like that. Only good things to come.

Kippis,

Craigers

The Flying Scotsman

2009-06-11T06:53:00.003-05:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to see a movie about Graeme Obree. In the 90's, Graeme went for world hour record and held it twice. It was very interesting to see how Graeme trained and broke the record, but the movie also got into his continuing battle with depression, his unusual riding positions (Graeme was the inovator of the "superman" style, which was used extensively in the 90's until it was banned by the powers that be), his bike design and build to create "old faithful", and how the UCI screwed him every chance they got.

If you get the chance, check this film out. It's good for something to do a rainy afternoon.

On a different note, I was just made aware of this new band called Chickenfoot. It's made up of Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), adn Joe Satriani. Talk about a super group! Check these guys out!

visit chickenfoot.us for more info

Kippis,

Craigers

Still in a Funk

2009-06-08T07:09:00.002-05:00

June 7th. I saw on one of the local news broadcasts that the high in Green Bay was 54 degrees. That's the average high on April 15th. NOT JUNE 7TH!!!!! Now I live roughly an hours drive south of GB, so our temps were a little bit better, but it rained Saturday afternoon & night and Sunday morning. At least I got a quick 15 miles in before is started tinkling out on Saturday morning. We've got to get out of this pattern soon right? Right? Maybe? It's these kinda days that make me wanna slap old al gore on the back and say "Global warming, huh?"

On a brighter note, at least the sun poked through a little in Milwaukee yesterday long enough for "the Fam" to enjoy the Zoo ( http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/ ). Milwaukee really does have one of the niceer zoos in the country. Maybe I'll post some pics when I get them off my camera.

I also found this cool web site over the weekend. Pandora Radio http://www.pandora.com/. You can create your own music lists and play them as a radio station on your computer for free. It also correlates with I-phone somehow, but that technology is way over my head. I've only created one station for now with progressive rock on it. Everything from Yes, Genesis & Rush to Dream Theater, LTE and some instrumental masters like Satriani. If you're interested go to Pandora Radio and search "Liquid Tension Radio" created by craigm.seider. I'm teeling you this pandora is pretty cool the way it searches for music that you like. It actually takes into account some music theory when it searches off of you initial key words. Sweet.

Kippis - Leave No Trace

Craigers

That's Kooky

2009-06-04T06:41:00.002-05:00

When you're 17 months old, what's good T.V. basically is what has alot of colors and alot of fun songs. So my daughter is really into this show "Wow Wow Wubzy". Now when I say really into I mean when she hears the theme song, she gets a big smile on her face and starts dancing around. I take that to mean that she likes it, so we leave it on.

Now I'm not yet an expert on children's programming, but when she watches this and I'm home, I sometimes sneak a peek. There is this little dude on this show that pops up every once in a while and his only line is "That's Kooky", and he twiddles his little fingers in the air. For whatever reason, this cracks me up.

I realized the other day that they had a song with the "Kooky Guy" in it, and guess what? That cracked me up too. I've decided to share this kooky song with you.

On a side note. those of you that know me well, know that I'm probably the only native Wisconsinite that DOES NOT like the Green Bay Packers. Some where in this song is one of the reasons why I don't (it really is kooky). If you can pick it out, post it in a comment. You may be eligible for valuable cash and prizes, not from me, but you'll probably be eligible for something, sometime in your life.

Kooky is Kool,

Craigers

Cold Weather Pattern

2009-06-01T06:42:00.004-05:00

So for some reason, here we are on June 1, and I still need to wear two pairs of socks, and my cold weather gear under long sleeve t-shirts and shorts. Sunday morning, although sunny and bright, was miserable for riding. My toes got numb as well as my fingers. Only good thing my water stayed cold. In some of the outlying "suburban" areas, I even noticed slight frost on car windows and roofs.

I shouldn't complain, Saturday was beautiful. I couldn't find any of those pesky lake flies, so here's a nice pic of the FDL lighthouse with the sun coming up.

One of these days I'll be back to wearing shorts and no sleeve shirts on my morning rides. Until then, I guess I'll just keep looking out the window in the morning for wet pavement, checking the radar, and calling time and temp to see if I need my wool socks.

Hey wait a minute, it is June 1! Here's the monthly picks:

Trail Dog’s Book Club – June ‘09

“The Great Gatsby” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is the sixth book I’ve read off of the “Top 100 books for Men” list. The first four I had read prior to finding the list, and are, in no particular order, The Bible, “Walden” – Henry David Thoreau, “Call of the Wild” – Jack London and “Lord of the Flies” – William Golding. The fifth, "The Prince" - Niccolo Machiaveli, I've read within the last month, but wasn't a real big fan of the book (I'm not THAT into politcal science).

Having not been alive in the “Roaring 20’s”, I can’t speak to how accurate of a period piece this was. It has been said that Fitzgerald wanted to write this novel AS someone of this generation FOR someone of this generation. That being said, the 20’s must have been the predecessor to the 80’s, everything in excess. Parties, women, booze, and fast cars (and that’s from Gatsby not the 80’s).

Being as this book is studied in High Schools across the country as a great work of American Literature, I’m sure there is some deep meaning behind Fitzgerald’s master work. However, I’m not the one that’s going to explain it to you. Here’s my simple take on this story.

For five years, Gatsby replaced the one true love in his life, Daisy, with everything that a man’s man should (the afore-mentioned vices), all the while seeking Daisy. When he finally found her again, and eventually realized that their time had passed, he died a little inside. Finally, due to no fault of not being with Daisy, Gatsby physically dies alone, except for one individual (the narrator) that takes care of his funeral out of sympathy more than anything. Bottom line (for me), take heart of what truly matters in life. Let’s hope none of us end up like Gatsby, who, in the end, really wasn’t all that great.

They just don’t write ‘em like this any more.

Tunes from the Trail - June '09

Liquid Tension Experiment - "Liquid Tension Experiment 2"

This is a little "side project" made up of John Pettrucci, Mike Portnoy, and Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater(probably THE most musically gifted band in the hisory of modern music) and Tony Levin(session bass player that has played with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Yes). Released in '99 as the follow up to "Liquid Tension Experiment 1", this is probably one of my favorite albums.

I've chosen to embed two songs off of this album. The first, "Hourglass" is just a very well done song, and when I saw it put to this video from BBC's "The Blue Planet", I knew It was time to post it.

The second song is entitled "Acid Rain". This is the "lead off" song from the album, and I posted it so you guys wouldn't get a false sense of the band from "Hourglass". "Acid Rain" is much more heavy and "punch you in the nose", which is also much more typical of LTE. Enjoy!

Kippis - Leave No Trace,

Craigers

Product Reviews

2009-05-29T06:48:00.002-05:00

I figured I'd throw out some thoughts on some of the "new" products I used over this past weekend. Now when I say new, I mean new to me.

Let's start with my first Twin Six t-shirt. Perfect fit. and just the way I like 'em too with a nice tight neck. Way to go guys.

Next up, DZNuts. First off, I love the name. I'm still trying to comprehend the endless marketing possibilities. People that don't even know what it is commented on the name and logo on the back of my t-shirt. And if you haven't tried it yet, it's worth the price just to read the application instructions. Oh, and by the way, it's a great product too. After 100 miles, no chafing, no saddle sores. Good stuff man!

Camelbak Water bottles are great! First ones I've ever owned, and when I buy new ones, I'll buy Camelbak. I love the fact that you can regulate the amount of water coming from the nozzle by twisting it to be more or less open. Good design.

Clif Bar Shot Blox. The only other time I ever used an "energy chew" was at Earth Ride last year. They gave away some other brand which I will not name because I thought they sucked. Gave me a headache that would not quit. Naturally, I was a little hesitant to try the Shot Blox because of this, but when you start to bonk at 5:00 A.M. after 18 miles and remember you still have 82 miles to go - you tend to be a little more open to things that may help your endurance level. I'm glad I did. I really liked this product. Didn't give me a headache and really seemed to give me that "shot" that I needed to get through this. Just reinforces my love for the Clif Bar line of products.

Carbo Rocket sport drink. Wasn't a big fan of the taste, but then again Gatorade tastes like crap too. Seemed to help keep me hydrated though. At a little over a dollar per single serve pack, I guess it's not much different than buying some of the other crap they market in the stores and this is much better for you (as far as the ingredients go). Maybe I need to try the Kiwi Lime flavor next time.

ProBar. I think I had the "Whole Berry Blast" flavor. Tasted good. Had a lot of good ingredients. Kind of reminded me of Clif Bars. Pro Bar shakes out at a little over $3.00 per bar, while Clif Bar is at a little over $1.00 per bar. Cost would be the only reason I'd stick with Clif. I'm currently experimenting with some of my own "energy" treats. We'll see how they work out.

I didn't get a chance to use my Banjo Brothers seat bag as it was the mini model and that is a little small for the things I carry on my everyday rides. However it is a perfect size to take on a race bike. So when I hit the circuit again next year, after my ankle is 100% and "Crazy Joe" is completed (God willing), I'll give it a try.

Oh I almost forgot. The Wenger hydration pack that I bought over the winter got it's first use this past weekend. Awesome product. No leaks. All tubes and valves worked wonderfully. And for the $15.00 I spent on it, I got a ton of storage spaceas well.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and gets those bikes dirty! I'll try to get some pics on here from the upcomming weekends rides for next week. Maybe I can get one of those damned lake flies to hold still long enough for a photo opportunity.

Kippis - Leave No Trace

Craigers

We Did It!

2009-05-26T06:49:00.004-05:00

Well, we did it. 100 Miles to absolutely nowhere to help fight cancer. Here's a picture of my schwag to prove that I actually did register. AS far of my completion of the 100, you'll have to take my word for it I guess (or ask my wife as she was an eye witness to the carnage that was the post race bonk).

Kept to my plan. I was up at 3:00 A.M. (to actually check the radar as they said we may get rain in the morning). Upon reviewing the radar, I hit pavement @ about 3:30. I really enjoyed the 25 mile loop that I planned out and actually completed it in about 2 hours. The only bad part about "Stage I" was the lake flies that are inhabiting Lakeside Park this time of year. I'm not exagerating when I tell you it was like someone was throwing gravel at my head as I was riding through the park. I could feel my self strating to bonk at around mile 18. When I got bac kto the house, I hamered down a power bar, mixed up some carbo rocket, and gulped a shot blox.

For "Stage II", I wanted to be back home while my wife was getting ready for work incase "Trailpup" woke up. I completed the next 25 miles on my indoor trainer in record time, just over 1 hour (I had my trainer set on the easiest resistance). I hammered another power bar, mixed up some carbo rocket, and gulped a shot blox, to try to stop another bonk episode.

"Stage III", "Trailpup" hit the hay for her nap. I jumped on the trainer again and pounded out another 25 in about an hour. I hammered another power bar, mixed up some carbo rocket, and gulped a shot blox.

For lunch, I chowed on some left over spaghetti, figuring that would be some nice carbs for my system (whole wheat noodles by the way). After lunch I really started to crash, damn near falling asleep. Then it started raining. So much for raining in the morning (thanks again weather dudes).

When my wife got home, it was still raining, so I was forced to complete "Stage IV" on the trainer also. 25 more miles in around an hour. I hammered a pro bar, mixed up the last of the carbo rocket, and gulped the last of the shot blox. I was beat, so that's why it took me till today to post.

At last check I think we raised over $11,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, so congrats to everyone that rode in this race. Thanks again to fatty and all the sponsors. To Anna, Bernice, and Ron; Ruthie and Judy; Josephene; Luke; Gene, Mike, Susan, Shirley, Bob, Diane, Emilie, Dee and Linda, this was for you!

Kippis - Craigers

Fight - Win - Livestrong!

2009-05-15T06:52:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, May 23rd, I will be biking 100 miles for the benefit of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) for Cancer research. I guess it's one of those crazy things that someone decides to do when they feel a certain inadequacy, and a need to do something, anything, to help humanity. Now that may be an over statement for the small donation that I will be making to LAF, however, that's how I feel.

First, we need to thank Elden (http://www.fatcyclist.com/), and the guys at TwinSix (http://www.twinsix.com/), for organizing this rather unusual race. For a much better explaination of this race, I'll post this link to Fatty's blog post (http://www.fatcyclist.com/2009/04/23/register-now-for-the-100-miles-of-nowhere/).

Second, we need to thank the companies that donated their stuff for the "Schwag Bag" (which by the way I have not recieved yet, but I hope it's here before the ride as it contains some very useful products that I'm planning on using during the 100 miles). They are as follows:

TwinSix (T-Shirt) http://www.twinsix.com/
DZ-Nuts (tube of chamois cream) http://www.dz-nuts.com/catalog/
Banjo Brothers (seat bag) http://banjobrothers.com/
Team Garmin/Slipstream & Camelbak (water bottles) http://www.slipstreamsports.com/ http://www.camelbak.com/index.cfm
Carbo Rocket (single serve sport drink packs) http://carborocket.com/
Clif Bar (shot blocks electrolyte chews) http://www.clifbar.com/
ProBar (energy bars) http://www.theprobar.com/

There are also some door prizes donated. Everything from a MTB vacation in Moab to a gift certificate to a bike shop to magazine subscriptions.

Now the most inmportant part of this ride. The people that are or have suffered with this horrible disease. I will list the people that have touched my life, even in the most subtle ways, that have been afflicted with some type of cancer. I ask you to please post a comment, and list the people that have touched your life that have battled cancer. Before the ride on the 23rd, I'll lift all those names up, and just for one day, for 100 miles, whether those people are still with us or not, we can all ride together (I promise to do all the pedaling). Pass this post along to your friends and family, and ask them to post some names as well. Let's try to get so many names listed that I'll have to take the day before the race just to read them all. I won't post again until after the 100 miles have been completed. Here's my list.

In remission:
Linda
Dee
Emilie

Still fighting:
Diane
Bob
Anna
Shirley
Susan

Lost their battle (but not the war):
Mike
Gene

Please post your lists. I feel strongly that we need to do this. Peace to all of you.

Fight - Win - Livestrong

Ode to my stationary bike

2009-05-11T06:39:00.003-05:00

I would like to officially apologize for all my negative comments a few months back in regards to indoor trainers and stationary bikes, for three reasons really.

#1: After breaking my ankle, this was the first form of exercise that was approved by my ortho surgeon. If it wasn't for my stationary bike, I probably would have gained 50 pounds after being essentially layed up for 3 months. So, I'm sorry, and thank you stationary bike.

#2: With the extremely unpredictable Wisconsin spring, and the increasingly "deep" Wisconsin winter, I would not have gotten any exercise at all (even without being layed up), and I probably would have gained 50 pounds. So, I'm sorry, and thank you stationary bike.

#3: After being "forced" to use my stationary bike more than it's ever been used, I realize, I owe it a debt of gratitude for making me a faster cyclist. All the pedaling. All the sweat. All the training...without actually going any where, has increased my out put exponentially. So, I'm sorry, and thank you stationary bike.

After this out pouring of emotion, I've decided to name the stationary bike "Steven" after Steven Hawking. I know this goes against my "Seinfeld" themed naming system, but I don't think I have to explain the correlation between Steven Hawking and a stationary bike.

I'm sorry, and thank you stationar.....Steven.

Leave No Trace - Kippis

Craigers

May Day - May Day

2009-04-29T06:41:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not in need of dire assistance. I haven't had an "I've fallen and I can't get up" moment (at least not today). It's the first of May, so happy May Day! Thank God we've survived the month of April here in Wisconsin. You just never know if you're going to have winter or spring. At least the first half of the month was more winter. Warmer, dryer days are in sight though, and with that means more riding. I need to start prepping and planing for our family trip to Madelaine Island in July (it'll come quicker than I realize). Camping with a toddler will be an interesting experience. I'm blessed to have a wife that enjoys camping as much as I do. She realizes camping means in a tent, not in 100 foot travel trailer that has more amenities than most peoples houses. I also need to keep training (and hard) for the 100 Miles of Nowhere. I'm into week 4 of the 100 Push up Challenge ( http://hundredpushups.com/ ), and I'm feeling every one. Here's my reading and listening picks for the month.

Trail Dog’s Book Club – May ‘09

“Late Nights on Air” – Elizabeth Hay

Another book off of Neil Peart’s latest recommended reading list. The title alone brought back visions of my childhood, as I lay in bed with my small radio tucked beneath my pillow, listening to the music that no one would play during the day (probably one of the reasons I’ve never been a mainstream music lover). Then, I was brought to my early twenties, when, for extra cash, I worked Sunday nights at local radio station, broadcasting the Sunday Night Baseball game.

If a book can bring back memories just from the title, I thought it deserved a read. This one started out slow. So slow in fact that for the first few chapters, I though maybe Neil had gone a little crazy with his recommendation. I’m very glad I gave it a chance. From the days (and nights) in the Yellowknife radio station, to the erstwhile canoe trip in search of a path taken by a historical figure and long forgotten, this book was extremely well written. Hay’s use of getting in depth with multiple characters was rather refreshing, as there was no “main character”. Didn’t expect the ending of this one either, which in my opinion made it just that much more worthwhile.

Note: Check out my shelfari.com book shelf for more of the books I've read.

Tunes from the Trail

Eric Johnson - "Ah Via Musicom"

Had to dip into the archives for this one. Released in 1990, this was guitar virtuoso, Eric Johnson's break through recording. I remember seeing Eric Johnson open up for Rush on their "Roll the Bones" tour in '91. The first thing I did the next day was run over to Nickelodeon (the local record store) and buy this album. I bought his next offering "Venus Isle" as well, but hadn't kept up with Eric since then. His last studio album was entitled "Bloom" and has been on tour with Satriani and Vai on G3 in the past. Here's a live performance of "Cliffs of Dover" (the first big song off of Ah Via Musicom) from The Grove in Anaheim, CA in 2006. The actual song starts at about 4:50 of the recording. Enjoy.

http://www.ericjohnson.com/

Leave No Trace - Kippis

Craigers

Theory of a Deadman

2009-04-27T06:46:00.004-05:00

Remember a couple weeks back when I was so pissed about missing the Unity Ride? I found the cure for my negative feelings. I've agreed to ride 100 miles on May 23 in the "100 miles of Nowhere" ride sponsored by Twin Six ( http://www.twinsix.com/ ) and Fatty ( http://www.fatcyclist.com/ ). Proceeds go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It's a $75.00 pre-registration ($50.00 of that going directly to LAF). I've decided that if I receive any donations above and beyond the $75.00, I'll cut one check for the excess to LAF on the day of the ride (contact me or post here if you'd like to donate ((I'm not real good with online fund raising))).

The ride itself will actually be the "deadman" portion of this post. I think I may actually have signed my own death certificate on this one. 100 miles in one day!?!?!? I'm f$%&ing crazy! How in the blue blazes can I ride 100 miles in one day. The most I've done at a crack is 25. The boys are aching already. When I think about it though, if I end up in a little pain the day after, it's nothing compared to what some of these folks that have been stricken with this horrible disease are going through or have gone through. When I think about all the people that have touched my life, even just a little bit, that have gotten the bad news of cancer (including my own mother), I realize I can do this. (Insert gratuitous support from readers here).

The "theory" part of this post is the most interesting, and really, the only reason I can make this work. 100 miles of Nowhere is not an organized event in the usual thinking of the word. This ride is essentially an honor system ride. As I have a 16 month old at home, the conventional wisdom of a 100 mile ride on a Saturday without changing her routine is virtually nil. However, with the way Fatty and Twin Six have set this up, I can head out and do 20 or 30 miles before she even wakes up. I can get in another 20-30 miles while she takes a nap (because I can use my indoor stationary). And I can finish off when my wife gets home from work. If it rains, I'll just do all 100 on the stationary. This is a perfect system for me. Thanks Fatty and Twin Six for putting this together!

It rained all weekend here in FDL-WI. The city actually got the pumps out and put them at strategic places around town in case we started flooding again. Although the last time they did that and it flooded, the pumps really didn't work all that well. Oh yeah, you need to actually turn them on before there's 3 feet of water in the street (bureaucratic idiots). Didn't get to hit the trails at all but I did throw 37 miles on the indoor. Maybe next weekend.

Leave No Trace - Kippis,

Craigers

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T06:45:00.003-05:00

"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. " - Aldo Leopold

A great quote from arguably the greatest conservationist the world has known. I hope it enhances your Earth Day. I won't share all of my feelings on ecology and conservation as I find some of them may be a little "against the grain" so to speak. Let's just put it this way, I don't believe anything the government tells me about our environment at face value. I research, and form my own educated opinion and conclusion (as well as everyone should).

Let's use global warming as an example. Is it an issue? Yes, I believe that it is. I also believe that al gore has bended and twisted the real issue for his own gain and notoriety. The things that we put in to our atmosphere are definitely effecting life as we know it. Should we cut back our even try to stop to a certain level? Yes we should. It is a little publicized fact that while automobile emissions and coal fired power plants (the villains of our story) do contribute to air pollution, emissions from residential furnaces contribute more annually to green house gases.

I'll stop now as not to offend anyone. We had snow here yesterday in FDL-WI. Actually accumulated as slush on the ground. So it was in the 70's last Friday, it snowed yesterday, and we'll hit upper 70's to low 80's on Friday. Riding has really been hit or miss lately as the majority of the good weather has been during the work week.

I'm in week 3 of the "Hundred Push Up Challenge". I haven't had to repeat a week yet, but it's getting increasingly more difficult. Thanks to M11 Pilgrim for turning me on to that one.

At any rate, riding will become a more dominant part of my life again as we warm up here in Wisconsin. Hope to get some good pics to share with all of you from my rides as well. I've added some more blogs to my list in the nature section in regards to the "leave no trace" theory. I like to practice this when I'm out riding, hiking, camping, etc. Check out the home page and blogs if you'd like. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Frank Lloyd Wright

"I believe in God, but I spell it N-A-T-U-R-E" - Frank Lloyd Wright

Leave No Trace

Kippis,

Craigers

"Crazy Joe" Update

2009-04-17T06:57:00.003-05:00

It seems like it's been forever since I've talked about my bike build (AKA "Crazy Joe"). What was going to be my "winter project" has spilled over into spring. To help expedite my timeline a little bit, I asked the owner of the bike shop down the street from me if I brought parts that I already had in to him, if he'd put them together for me. Thankfully, he replied "whatever you need". So that's a positive.

Here's my price comparison so far to remind everyone what I'm at for costs (and what parts I have).

“Crazy” Joe’s Cost Comparison

Item………………………………………......................MSRP………...Paid – (Shipping)

Specialized “Rockhopper” 21” Frame…..........$120.00 ……….$25.00 – ($25.00)
Suntour XCR Front Suspension Fork…..........$160.00 ……….$52.00 – ($14.00)
2008 Cane Creek S8 Headset 1-1/8"…….......$70.00 ……….$26.00 – ($8.00)
Bontrager Race Modified 620 Handlebar……$30.00
Bontrager Race Handlebar Stem............……..$50.00
Bontrager Sport Seat Post..........………............$20.00…………$21.20 – ($10.00)

Totals

…………………………………………..........................$450.00..….....$124.50–($57.00)

My biggest item I'm searching for right now is a decent wheel set. I've decided to go with a "v-brake" system as opposed to the disc brakes to save on costs. Problem being, I haven't found alot of people selling wheel sets that are usable with a v-brake system (not to mention a wheel set that is cost effective - if I blow $300.00 on wheels, I may as well give up on the build and just buy a new ride).

Should be in the 40's temp wise tomorrow morning, so I'm looking forward to getting out early and maybe not having to wear a stocking cap. If any one has any great ideas on wheel sets or opinions on my braking decisions, let me know your thoughts, they are always appreciated. I hope everyone has a great weekend and can get out and hit the trails.

Kippis,

Craigers

Am I actually faster after ankle surgery?

2009-04-14T06:49:00.003-05:00

Could it really be possible that I am faster after surgery to repair a broken ankle? If I go by my average speed, I am. After my 6 mile jaunt on Saturday morning (which by the way felt extremely good once I got my dead arse out of bed to do it), I checked, as I always do, my computer to log the ride stats so I can tell if I'm actually getting better.

When I looked at this days numbers, I was rather shocked. I went back in my log to find the first ride of last years stats. My average speed was a miserable 7.6 mph. I then checked the last ride of last year. Average speed 10.5 mph. I was astounded to see that my average speed for saturday was 11.1 mph (this being only the second ride of the season). I guess all those indoor training rides helped keep me in the same riding condition (actually a bit better) that I was in last year. I'll never doubt you again Big Cat. Now I can't wait to get out again next Saturday.

In case you missed Jonny K's comment about his neice Anna, she's 2 years old and the exact type of cancer hasn't been dignosed yet. Let's keep the prayers coming for her!

Kippis,

Craigers

Now this is Just Funny!

2009-04-10T11:41:00.002-05:00

No Unity Ride for me!

2009-04-08T09:52:00.004-05:00

So I didn't even get a chance to start the cycling season and I've already had to scratch the Unity Ride from my list. Last week, I received and invitation to a wedding on the same day as the ride.

My initial thought was: "OK, I can do the ride, skip the wedding, and still go to the dinner and reception." My voice of better thinking (AKA my wife), informed me that "that would be rude".

I'm kinda pizzed. I know, you only get married once (well most people at least). There will be more rides this year. It just blows that it's the first ride of the season. That it's the first ride after my surgical ankle repair. I just feel that I don't have an immediate goal to shoot for anymore. Am I being selfish? Yes I am. I just felt like I needed this ride. Any ideas from anyone on how to get out of this funk would be appreciated (i.e. another ride, a little biking trip on a Sunday afternoon, I don't know).

As far as getting back into the "swing" of my fitness week, I'm well on my way. Monday, Wednesday, Friday is 4 A.M. wake up and a nice jog. I've got myself up to the 1 mile course. My ankle is a little sore after, but nothing too bad. Tuesday, Thursday is 4 A.M. wake up and stationary bike. Saturday, Sunday is early wake up (depending on how long I want to ride), and hit the road or trail. The Sat, Sun rides have been few and far between due to the weather, but hopefully this weekend, I'll be able to get both days with at least a 10 miler each day. I've also decided to do the One Hundred Push Up Challenge. http://hundredpushups.com/ I just started this on Monday, so we'll see how it goes.

Thanks to all 5 of you that voted in the Finnish Face Warmer Contest. After counting and recounting the votes, I have been declared the winner for this year. Congrats to the Big Cat for coming in 2nd out of 2. It was a tight race that came down to one vote.

I've found a great list of the top 100 books for men. After I'm done reading the one I'm into now, I'll start the list. I've already read 4 of the 100 so only 96 more to go. More to come on that in later posts.

Let's all keep Jonny K's niece Anna in our thoughts and prayers as she battles cancer. I'm not sure what her exact age is, but I know she's way too young to have to go through this in her life. If Jonny reads this post, maybe he can comment with a little more info.

Here's wishing everyone a blessed Easter!

Kippis,

Craigers

Happy April Fools Day

2009-04-01T07:12:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe another month has passed us by already. March was a pretty good month. I'm done with the orthopedic surgeon and I wrapped up physical therapy last week.

The Maestro finally came back from FDL cycle after the tune up. Got cleaned, lubed, and a couple of minor parts replaced. Went out for a ride on Saturday morning for the first time since November. I'm tryting to get back into my usual routine so I was up early. Not as early as I have been in the past, but baby steps man. So I rolled out of bed at 4:30 A.M. and put on my cold weather gear. Temperature at this time of day was 25 degrees (18 with wind chill). Now the coldest I've biked in was 22 degrees back in November and I had no problems with being cold. For some reason on Saturday, I was very comfortable except for my thumbs. My fingers were fine but my thumbs were in some serious pain. In so much pain in fact that I feared frost bite. I was forced to turn back and cut my ride at only 3 miles. Rather disappointing, but after I got back and had to run my hands under cold water first, then luke warm, then a little warmer, to get the pins and needles to go away, I realized turning back was the right thing to do. Good news is that my ankle held up with no issues at all, and if it wasn't for my thumbs, I felt like I could have gone for 20 miles easily. Guess that means my wind is starting to come back.

I also started to jog again. Per my therapists suggestion, I started out with 1/2 mile courses. By Friday I hope to be up to a mile at a crack, and so on and so forth. The real good news is that after being layed up for damn near 2 months, I didn't gain any weight, so at least I don't have that to contend with too.

We're taking our first family vacation in July to Madelaine Island. Camping with a toddler should be fun. Hope to get some biking in around the Island. I also booked a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for September, for our 10 year wedding aniversary. I've already checked into renting a fat tire beach cruiser so that should make for some good pictures.

April should be a great month! Weather is warming up. Baseball is starting soon (Go Brewers!) Here's my reading and listening picks for the month.

Trail Dog's Book Club - April '09

"No Country for Old Men" - Cormac McCarthy

I decided to read this book based on Neil Peart's (acomplished author, cyclist, and drummer for some band called Rush) recomended reading list from awhile back. I was excited to start reading it based on Neil's review. It was kind of hard to follow at the start but not because it was a boring storyline. The verbage took a bit of getting used to as McCarthy tried (and succeeded) in capturing the dialect of a "good ole boy" from a Texas border town, in written word. The other thing that threw me for a loop was the punctuation, or lack there of. I couldn't quite put my finger on it from the start, but as I kept reading I figured it out. It wasn't that sentences didn't end in periods, or an apostrophe wasn't used in the right place. There were no quotation marks. Not a single one in the whole book. So for me, depending on how late it was, sometimes I had a hard time realizing if someone was still talking, or if it was back to narative. Aside from that, this was a great story line that keeps going till the end. McCarthy's writing capabilites actually allow you to see the gore of an incident in the written word. Finishes out at about 300 pages, but it flew by.

Tunes from the Trail

Matt Nathanson - Some Mad Hope

People that know me, know that I don't typically like new artists. I like new music as long as it's from my same old favorite bands. Maybe I'm loosening up now that I'm not in a band anymore and I don't play that much. Gotta check out this guy Matt Nathanson. http://www.mattnathanson.com/

He has a real melodic style that kind of reminds me of David Gray, but Nathanson is much more...atmospheric. He's had a few of albums out in past years, but "Some Mad Hope" will be his breakout recording (even though it was released in '07). He was on Ellen and played the song "Come on Get Higher", which I believe is his first big hit. Personally I think the song "Car Crash" is just about perfect (can't get it out of my head). I love the melodies and the style of the song. Check him out if he comes around your area. I would, but the only date in Wisconsin is in Milwaukee and he's opening for sugarland (I can't stand that stinging nettles lady). Maybe I'll pay for the ticket just to go see him, and then leave when they come out. Anyway here's "Car Crash" for your listening pleasure.

Kippis,

Craigers

Let's Welcome the Contestants...

2009-03-26T06:35:00.007-05:00

So a few weeks ago I had the thought of doing the 1st Annual Trail Dog Finnish Face Warmer Contest, because in Wisconsin, alot of guys grow beards in the winter to help fight off the fridgid temps. Now that it's almost April, I've decided to post the pics of the contestants. We've got a real big group for the first year....me and the Bigcat. I'l put a poll of to the side so you can vote for the best beard. We're not ZZ Top but this will have to do.

Trail Dog and Bigcat at Earthride '08 (before beards)

Bigcat and Trail Dog (in that order) with beards.

Vote early and often!

Kippis,

Craigers

Jonny K gets pinched by the Federalis

2009-03-19T06:30:00.003-05:00

So the other day, I get an e-mail from Jonny K telling me this story. I asked Jonny if I could post it and bill him as a "special guest blogger". So here it is.

So, I wake up to mid 50 degrees with a forecast into the 70's. Here in Antarctica, temps like that cannot be ignored. So I get my homework done for the night's classes, and grab my brother's mountain bike out of the garage. After a quick fill up on air, I'm on my way. It takes my half a block to realize that the tires are not going to hold any air. So it's back home to grab my road bike off of it's indoor training perch that it's been on for the last couple of months.

Back on the road, I feel pretty strong for the first outdoor ride since Maywood, Sept. '08. I would later realize this was only because I had the wind with me, and I do still suck on a bike. I decide to head North to see if I can catch up with my wife and sister-in-law who are shopping downtown. I'm heading North on 8th St. when around a corner, I see one of Sheboygan's finest speaking with some fellow bikers. Being the anti-confrontational type that I am, I think about turning around immediately. Too late, the officer has spotted me and is motioning me over.

I make my way too him, and he informs me that it is illegal to ride on the sidewalks on 8th St. Too many businesses, and they don't want any pedestrian/bike collisions. He then asks me if my bike is registered. Since I didn't even know that they were supposed to be, I informed him that it was not. Off to the bicycle shop to donate some more of my hard earned coin to the city. I guess my higher-than-the-nuts-on-a-giraffe property taxes are not enough. Oh well!

I must say, he was very nice about the whole thing, but it was a little much for someone just trying to enjoy the nice weather on his bike. Maybe I'll just stick to the bike trails from now on.

Jonny K.

Reunited...and it feels so good

2009-03-17T06:32:00.002-05:00

No, I didn't just get Peaches and Herb's Greatest Hits. I actually planted my hind end on the Maestro on Saturday. It was only a one block ride to the bike shop, but it felt so right. The Maestro is currently at FDL Cyclery getting the once over (turn your handlebars and cough please). Some of you will remember (especially Jonny K), that I had this God awful clicking in my bottom bracket at the end of last season. I'm hoping he just needs a good lube job.

Two months till the Unity Ride. I think I need to start training. Two posts ago I reported a temperature of -4. Today we could top out at 70 degrees. Welcome to Wisconsin! Maybe I'll start with a nice 5 or 10 mile jaunt on Saturday morning if the weather stays dry. For the Unity Ride, BC and I are shooting for the 35 mile excursion, so if nothing else, my arse needs to become familiar with the saddle again.

Here's one for the road. People getting racked up is just funny. Here's a compilation vid for your viewing pleasure. Some of the language is questionable so keep the kids out the room.

Kippis,

Craigers

Lt. Dan, I was running

2009-03-10T07:14:00.002-05:00

So I had my first shot at crosstraining since the great ankle incident. Now before the "slip", I was running 2 miles - two to three times per week. On Thanksgiving Day I even got in a 5K. I am by no means a "runner". However, I do believe in the benefits of running and I think crosstraining is good for my biking as well.

I told my therapista that I wanted to get back into running again as well as biking, so the last two sessions she was working me on the eliptical. I know it's not running, but it's all my ankle can take for right now. I was stoked to be kinda "training" for something again. So I've got a mile in for crosstraining so far.

I can't wait for this winter to be done so I can get back to some resemblance of what I percieve as "normal". Hit the roads and trails with the Groove Family Cyclo. I think I might even take a trip this year and check out another state for some biking (more to come on that later). Anyway, springs' right around the corner. Raining as I write this (on top of the snow we had on Sunday, what a mess). Till next time.

Kippis,

Craigers

Happy March - News, Weather, & Sports

2009-03-03T06:52:00.002-06:00

Sorry I didn't hit March 1st on the head. It's that time once again to give an update for the beginning of the month.

Still cold here in Wisconsin. Wind Chill temp today -4. Alot of ice on the ground from the "ice storm" we had last week. Outdoor activity virtually nill, although I am still hitting the stationary bike in anticipation of being able to get the Maestro on the road soon. Doc says I can ride my bike as soon as the temps are tolerable. What he doesn't realize is that I'd tolerate around 20 degrees. So what he means is probably sometime in April I'll be good to go, but I'll need to wear the ankle brace and treat it like a "sports injury" for probably the whole season.

Time for my listening and reading suggestions for the month.

Trail Dog's Book Club - March '09
"Reflections from the North Country" - by Sigurd F. Olson
First off, thanks to Northwoodsguy for introducing me to the writings of Olson. Olson's Reflections is a collection of essays encompassing his feeling and beliefs of naturalism. Influenced by the likes of Thoreau and Emerson, Olson's essays truly speak to a person on a level that I personally felt exceeded those of Thoreau. Now I am not saying that Olson is any better than Thoreau, because I love Thoreau's writings. I think though that because Olson is more from "our time", his writings are a bit more relevant and hit a little closer to home. An example being a refference to the fuel crisis of the 70's. Alot of what he wrote can be applied to this day and age. I can also personally connect with some of his writings, as he speaks a bit about Lake Vermillion, in Northern Minnesota, where I have not only spent some time, but have designed, and am currently designing, homes for folks on that lake. If you want to learn more about Olson, visit Northwoodsguy at http://www.spriritofthenorthwoods.blogspot.com/

Tunes from the Trail
I'm going against what I usually do by not recommending an album, but recommending a website. I guess that's that way things are done now anyway right? Getting music online? At any rate, I am a fan of alot of different music genre. Anything from Antonio Vivaldi and Gustav Holst, to Jimmy Buffet, to Slayer. My guilyy pleasure though is....Hall & Oates. Call me what you want, but these guys, especially Daryl Hall, are talented musicians. So Daryl hall does a montly website called Live from Daryl's House. What he does is get together with other musicians at his house and they jam. His songs, their songs, somebody else's songs, whatever. It's pretty cool. I make it a point to check out every month on the 15th. the addy is http://www.livefromdarylshouse.com/ Check it out. Here's a little taste

Kippis,

Craigers

Trail Dog for President in 2012

2009-02-25T06:45:00.004-06:00

No chance in hell! After watching the presidents speech last night though, there are a few things I'd like to address. WARNING: If you are easliy offended, stop reading NOW. If you choose to read on, and I do happen to offend you, GET OVER IT.

First off, let's get something straight, I am NOT a democrat. I am also NOT a republican. By birth, I am an American (a Scandinavian-American if you want to be politically correct - see how stupid that sounds Reverends Jackson and Sharpton). I am also by belief, a christian.

Why do we not only have to introduce the President twice before he speaks (because I'm pretty sure everyone knows who he is), but we also have to clap for 20 minutes at each introduction. Maybe it's to weed out the sleepy watching at home. Or more likely to lull us to sleep so we don't quite get everything that's said.

I seriously wanted to listen to Mr. Obama's speech. Let's face it, our president is a phenomenal speaker. You know, another great speaker was Adolf Hitler. My point is a good speaker doesn't always make the best leader. I heard that I won't have my taxes raised because I make less the $250,000 per year. If I did make that much money, I guess I wouldn't care if my taxes were raised. I also heard that I'm probably going to get a tax credit that will show up on my pay check on April 1st (isn't that April fools day? - ironic isn't it). Now the President didn't say how much that was, but I've heard $13.00 per pay period. Whooooooopppppppeeeeeeee! When gas goes back up, I can maybe put some in my tank.

I also heard that a bunch more jobs are going to be created in schools, and road construction, and the health care industry. What about the guy, like my grandfather, that made brass plumbing fixtures for years in a factory? How is this helping all of the manufacturing jobs that have been eliminated in just the last six months? Didn't win me over with this one. (For clarification, I am not in a manufacturing position, but alot of "average" americans are - so I thought along their lines).

President Obama said "I get it". I beg to differ. He's going to institute some plan to help "responsible" home owners make their house payments by refinancing at some special rate. So the guy who just turned 50 and lost his job in a factory is going to refinance his home for another 30 years and maybe have it payed off before he dies? Yeah right. Guess what? I'm one of those people that lives in house that they can afford. I didn't extend myself beyond my means. I work hard and pay my bills. I don't need government help, I just want to keep my job. Hmmmm, that's a novel idea.

At this point I became disillusioned, and became distracted. Distracted by Nancy Pilosi. The fuzzy green dress she was wearing made her look like the Grinch. I also believe she either had hemroids and couldn't sit for more than 2 minutes at a time, or she has a spring surgically implanted in her ass, cuz she was up and down more times than a freight elevator on delivery day. And fast. Man she was just jumping up faster than a thin sh*t through a tall swede (sorry Swedish-American).

Joe Biden has nice teeth. Bad hair, but nice teeth. (see I'm not all negative).

Obama said he wanted to "reach across the aisle" and be bi-partisan. Last night was a vulgar display of partisanship. I thought I was watching a stand up routine for a minute with all the hooting and hollaring that was going on when B-Rock said that we "inherited this budget". Now the republicans were at fault too. I noticed a real lack of respect from them sometime by not clapping. Or maybe they just wanted to go home and go to bed and not go through another 20 minute fanfare. Honestly, the only reaching across the aisle I expect to see is if B-Rock tries to give McCain a titty twister. You've got to give the people of Minnesota some credit by voting in an independant to a major office. Now, I don't know if Jesse "The Body" was a great Governor, but I at least give Minnesotans a nod for having the balls to try him out.

Now I'm equal opportunity, so I will rip on the "republican response" to the speech as well. First off I think the other parties reponse to a presidents speech is dumb. Your guy isn't in office so we'll give you a chance to shoot your opponents down anyway. Bobby Jindal. Wow. Is this the new look of the republicans for 2012? I'll tell you. listening to him made me feel like I was at story time at the library. I thought he was going to take of his dress shoes and coat, put on some deck shoes and a cardigan, and start singing "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood". Boy if this is how he acted in Slumdog Millionaire I don't think I want to see it. What's that? That wasn't him in Slumdog Millionaire? My bad, sorry Bobby.

I am the Trail Dog and I approve this message.

2009 Tour of California Parade of Idiots

2009-02-24T08:26:00.002-06:00

Check out this you tube vid of the morons trying to "run with the big dogs" during this years Tour of California. I heard about this on the radio and had to check it out for myself. The last guy isn't real clear on the vid, but it's some dude dressed like a bumble bee, carrying a pitch fork looking thing. The ends of the pitch fork are actually syringes, so I think the nimble d$ck is actually trying to make a statement against doping in cycling. The best part is about it is Lance gives him an elbow shot and knocks him down right into a snow bank. Priceless!

1st Annual Trail Dog Finnish Face Warmer Contest

2009-02-20T06:47:00.002-06:00

I think we need to have a little fun here. I know that some of us grow beards for hunting season or hockey season or snowmobile season or just for winter in general. Well this year, based on the fact that for almost 2 months I couldn't stand long enough without crutches to even think about shaving, I decided to grow me a beard ( to the shegrin of my wife).

I know that the Big Cat had a little bit of growth going from seeing his youtube video (so that means you're in this contest brother). I'm sure maybe some others out there have some growth too.

So from now until March 2nd, we'll have open entry to see who had the best growth. This will be equal opportunity, so ladies, if you didn't have time to get you lip waxed last week, we'll accept that too.

Send your pictures to me at craigm.seider@gmail.com I'll post the pics on the blog after the 2nd, and I'll open a poll for voting. All emailed pictures will become my property, and trust me, when this is all over, I will be deleting them from my system (cuz honestly, I don't want to look at you any more than you do).

Winner gets exclusive bragging rights for the next year! That's one hell of a prize!

Die with your boots on,

Craigers

Wigwam MTB Challenge Re-Visited

2009-02-12T06:57:00.002-06:00

Saw these videos on youtube of the WORS Wigwam MTB Challenge that I did back in October. Now, I am not in any of these videos, but it gives you a pretty good idea of what I've been doing with my free time for the last 9 months. I am still a beginner, so my time doesn't get logged any where but in my head. My next class jump would move me to Men's Citizen Clydesdale 34 and under. Had I raced in that class in October I would've come in 4th. Anyway, enjoy these vids.

Kippis,

Craigers

Physical Therapy Day 1

2009-02-10T07:10:00.004-06:00

So I had my first Physical Therapy (we'll call it PT from here on out) session last for the surgically repaired ankle fracture (we'll call that the pain in my arse, even though it really is a pain in my ankle). The big tough Trail Dog was reduced to a more of a Treadmill Puppy.

I was so proud that I was walking not only without crutches, but I was walking without my cane as well. Nothing but a lace up ankle brace for support. Bring it on!

My range of motion sucks! My therapist said "I'm going to push on your foot, don't let me move it." Yeah right. I've got damn near zero strength in my ankle, and I can't stand on that foot without hanging on to anything for more than a few seconds. The swelling in my calf, ankle and foot is still way too much.

I guess it's a good thing I went PT (after all the complaining I did about having to go).

My biggest question was am I going to be good to go by May when all the rides and races start up again? Her reply was "We'll know for sure by April. It's going to be up to you to push yourself to get back to normal." Now, my therapist seems like a very pleasant young lady, however, I have no intentions of seeing her in April. I need positive re-enforcement so all you readers send me some good vibrations.

Kippis,

Craigers

New Month = News & Changes

2009-02-02T13:20:00.003-06:00

Hard to imagine an entire month of 2009 has come and gone, but with a new month, comes news, weather, and sports.

First off, the topic that has dominated my life for the past two months (which all of you are probably sick to death of hearing about), my ankle. Saw the doc again today. I've graduated from the giant ankle to knee boot with the 6" Gene Simmons platform heel, to a lace up ankle brace. Imagine, if you will, walking with this monstrous "thing" on your foot for two weeks. This boot rivals the Pimp of the Year platforms from "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka". If they were only hollow in the heel, I could have kept my goldfish in them. Now think about this. You get used to walking while having to step like your going up a stair. Then, all of a sudden, the extra height is gone. I damn near fell on my face just due to that fact alone! And now I still have to go to physical therapy. Oh well, at least I'm progressing and not regressing. We'll see what he has to say in another month.

I've decided to make a little change to the right hand column of the blog. Rather than list a pick for an album and a book to read for the month, I've decided to list a music and book pick in the first post of the month. I figured not only could I then get into a little more depth as to why I've chosen what I did, I also might spark some conversation (good, bad , or indifferent) into my choices. So let's get to it.

February 2009 Book of the Month

" Ghost Trails" - by Jill Homer

Wow. I guess I never knew there were folks out there that are this hardcore into biking. This book is a great chronology of Jill's journey through the 2008 Iditarod Invitational Race. She delves into some of her life that led her to the point and time of the race, which helps to explain a little bit why she did what she did. I don't want to ruin any of this one for you, but felt for a "first time" author (at least as far as a book goes) it's a pretty good read. The 2009 Iditarod Invitational starts on March 1st. You can check up on all racers during the race via the website, http://www.alaskaultrasport.com/alaska_ultra_home_page.html

February 2009 Trail Tunes

"Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors" - Various Artists

Released in 2000 as a tribute album to the doors, all the tunes are great. It features some great timeless artists like Aerosmith, Bo Diddley, and John Lee Hooker, as well as some artists of the era like Smashmouth, Creed, and Days of the New. This one is in the "frequently played" category on my MP3.

Another new area of the blog is links to the products that I use, including Gary Fisher, Shimano, and Lizard Skins to name a few.

I hope this finds everyone healthy and happy. Spring is just around the corner.

Kippis,

Craigers

Welcome bikeblog.com Readers!

2009-01-29T07:31:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to all my regular readers. Trail Dog Tracks is now listed on bikeblogs.com in the Miscellaneous Bike Blog section. There are some other blogs in the same category you may have read like Up in Alaska to name one.

To any new readers that have found this little piece of the internet through bikeblogs.com, thanks for stopping by. Feel free to post comments and interact with everyone, and I hope you stop by again.

Kippis,

Craigers

Gear Upgrade

2009-01-26T08:55:00.003-06:00

Ever since I started cycling seriously again, I've thought about getting a hydration pack for on the go hydration rather than water bottles. At least for longer rides (20 miles or more). So when my wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year, the hydration pack was the obvious choice.

Now, being as everyone seems to be in a budget crunch these days, I wasn't willing to go spend a ton of cash on bladder. The first name in hydration packs of course is Camelbak. Stellar product. I've also seen other hydration packs from "other" companies that really are to many for me to enumerate. I've seen some of these "cheaper" varieties at work, leaking all down a riders back and hind end, making for a rather uncomfortable ride.

One of the things I realized when doing the Earth Ride this past summer is that an "under the seat" bag is really not enough when you're trying to stuff a camera, a cell phone, some Clif Bars, and some other small items that one doesn't anticipate. So one of the things I wanted in my hydration pack was some storage space.

Little did I realize, the second you add storage space to a Camelbak, the price increases in leaps and bounds. This left me in a bit of a quandary. I know I could get a Camelbak on ebay for a great deal cheaper ,however, buying a Camelbak used just didn't seem like a sanitary idea to me. I continued to mull over my options.

Enter, Cabelas.com bargain cave. 50% off camping gear and accessories. I decided on the Wenger Mojave hydration pack. It has a 2 liter bladder, which is pretty standard fair as far as bladders go, and a bite valve. It also has sternum and waist belts for a better fit. The biggest selling point on this for me is the 250 cubic inches of storage space. I wasn't familiar with the Wenger name, but once I saw the little red and white cross, I realized that Wenger is better known to most people (including myself) as Swiss Gear. I have plenty of Swiss gear products, and have never had an issue with any of them. This made me feel more secure in my purchase.

When it was all said and done, the pack cost me like $12.00 plus shipping and tax. Total cost was under $20.00. If I'd have gotten the same thing in Camelbak, I'd probably be looking at well over $50.00. Can't wait to try this guy out.

Kippis,

Craigers

Ankle Update

2009-01-19T12:38:00.002-06:00

Saw the Doc again today. Kinda hard to believe that it's been 6 weeks since I fell upon my arse. So I guess the bone is pretty much as healed as it's going to be. I've got 2 weeks to lose the crutches. If I can, I get as brand new sparkly ankle brace. If I can't, I'm bannished to physical therapy.

Here's irony for you. If you remember about 2 months ago how I didn't want to get on my stationary bike cuz I'd rather be riding the real thing? Guess what Doc says a good rehab exercise for my ankle is going to be? That's right.....stationary bike. Smack my arse and call me Sally. That's news for now.

Kippis,

Craigers

Year end Ramblings of a bike riding, gimped up, Norseman

2008-12-31T09:04:00.002-06:00

Well 2008 is drawing to a close. What, if anything, can I remember about 2008? Maybe if I go month by month, I can come up with something.

January - Great month. My daughter was born on the 8th. After 8 years of trying to have a baby through various medical procedures and failed adoptions, we finally experienced the miracle of life. The greatest day of my life. I'll never forget the feeling. Less than a week later, my wife has emergency surgery because of complications with the birth. Things didn't look good for a while. One of the worst days of my life. I'll never forget the feeling.

February - Snow, snow and more snow. One of the snowiest winters in recent memory. Man did my shoulders hurt.

March - Bought my wife her Trek WSD 3500. Rode it home in the snow.

April - First ride of the season with Jonny K and Plopper. 40 degree temps. 25 MPH winds. Let Jonny K introduce me to the world of blogging (thanks Jonny).

May - Kind of a blur. Watched allot of Brewer baseball. My wife had her 1st (and may I add long awaited and well deserved Mother's Day).

June - Had my 1st Father's Day. Went to a reenactment of an 1860's baseball game. Now that was cool (going again this year). Horrible flooding! I literally saw people going past my house in canoes. FDLWI was declared a disaster area. Only by the grace of God did I not have ANY flood damage. All my neighbors did.

July - Again, kind of a blur.

August - Jonny K talks me into doing the Earth Ride in September. I start actually training to do the 25 mile ride. I love it. Start jogging in the mornings too. Really started to get into this blogging thing.

September - Do the Earth Ride with energy left over. See the Big Cat for the first time in years and am glad to see someone else I know with a passion for riding.

October - Ride the Wisconsin Offroad Series Wigwam MTB Challenge. First race I've ever done. realize I need work. Decide to do a bike build.

November - continued with training rides until the snow fell.

December - one word...ankle.

So what kind of fun are we going to have next year?

I want to ride more. My goal is 650 actual miles on a real bike (not including stationary and cross training). I want to do more charity rides. I want to do more MTB races and endurance challenges. I need to become more physically fit.

I want to read more and watch T.V. less (except for baseball - although I can listen to that on the radio).

I want to simplify my life and appreciate what I have more.

I want to continue blogging with all of my readers and I hope to continue to build this "Trail Dog Network" as I think of it. This blogging can be a pretty cool thing.

Had enough rambling? Okay. Happy New Year to everyone! May it bring you peace, joy, health, prosperity, and great trail conditions.

Kippis,

Craigers

I think my ankle is "screwed up"

2008-12-22T13:42:00.002-06:00

As promised, here is the ultra sound of my surgically repaired ankle. One plate and seven screws. Went to the Doc again today. Incision looks good. He's still going to make me sit on my arse for another week. Then another 4 weeks until I can start walking without crutches. Puts a damper on my daughters first Christmas, but at least it's me and not her with the injury. It's going to be slow going in my life for awhile. Don't worry Big Cat, I'm still planning on 50 for Earth Ride. Guess I'll just need to train harder. Been starting to read Jill Homer's book, "Ghost Trails". Not a bad read so far, I'm 5 chapters in maybe. I've been trying to actually NOT read too much of it as it makes me even more anxious to get up and move.

That's it for now I guess. I hope everyone has a great Christmas. Especially to Jonny K, Big Cat, and Northwoodsguy and their families. Talk at you all soon.

Kippis,

Craigers

I'm back!

2008-12-18T14:05:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone. Thanks for all your warm wishes on the last post. I have made it through the surgery and the 5 days of R&R (which my wife strictly enforced). It is now day 6 and let the rehab begin. I'll get into more detail in my next post (I even have an ultra sound that the doc gave to me so I can show everyone my "implant") Just wanted to let you guys know I'm alive. More to come soon.

Kippis,

Craigers

Under the Knife!

2008-12-11T14:54:00.003-06:00

That's what I get for being a good father and trying to prevent my daughter from getting hurt. (I wouldn't change it for anything cause she didn't get hurt). My cautious optimism has change to a "you gotta be sh*tt%ng me" moment.

My orthopedic doctor has advised me that he has the cure for my broken ankle....cold steel. That's right friends, the Trail Dog will now be the Bionic Trail Dog for '09. Fresh out of the lab with a titanium plated lateral malleolous (aren't you impressed that I know that?). I don't know if it's really titanium, but it sounds so cool. Right now, I'm just looking for anything good about having ankle surgery. Maybe I'll be able to play hockey again? Or have a 20 ft. vertical (look out LeBron)? Nah, I'll just be happy to walk without crutches, or have to rely on someone to put my pants on for me(TMI).

At any rate, say a quick prayer to the Big Guy for the Trail Dog tomorrow around Noon CST. I'll see you on the flip side (provided I don't take too many "mind expanding" drugs).

Kippis,

Craigers

2008 Officially Over

2008-12-08T10:25:00.000-06:00

I'm calling 2008. Game over. Yesterday I fell in a parking lot and broke my ankle. I was carrying my daughter, and luckily I compensated in mid fall so she would land on top of me. Unfortunately, the same compensation that saved her from injury, fractured my ankle. I'm on the shelf for at LEAST 2-3 weeks (ER doc said 4-6 but I'm optomistic). I see an orthopedic specialist on Thursday to find out when I can start moving again without crutches.

If anyone has any good training ideas for a guy with one bad wheel that can only really train one leg and upper body, let me know. You know, you never really realize how much you need all you faculties until you loose the use of one. Let the rehab begin. Hopefully the Trail Dog will be back better than ever for 2009.

Kippis,

Craigers