Wow, I'm really fast!

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!

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?

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

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

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