Gear Upgrade

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

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

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"

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!

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