So it Begins

I took a little time Monday after work to ride Maple Hill. The boys are building something pretty special just south of town!! 
Seems they are having group rides on Tuesdays, but life keeps getting in the way those nights. 

Work is starting to ramp up, and 12 hour shifts have become the norm as of yesterday; such is life! The money is nice, but having Cindi become the sudo "single mom" has me a bit concerned. School starting soon, house, PTO meetings; etc.
I'll take my 12 to 14 hour shifts any day compared to what that women does!! I can't hold a candle to you dear!!! Love ya!!

The National Bike Challenge is also coming to an end on the 31st. It can't come soon enough!! I now remember why I stopped keeping track of my miles!!! 
I have again found myself riding for the miles and not riding for the FUN!! anyone who knows me, knows I love to explore; and the Pugs is the perfect bike for that!! Along with exploring comes the FUN!! 
With my mileage nearing 3,500 for the year 2012, I'm inclined to not do the challenge if it's offered next year. 
FUN is far more important to me than a bunch of numbers!! 

Zack's 9:zero:7 will be getting ordered soon; with a pick up date of Oct. 20th. 

This date is also the dreaded Justin "BARF" Beaver (Jenna hates when I call him that Ha Ha ;) concert at Target center in Mpls. 
It looks like Z and I will be pedaling FatBikes around the lakes and wherever else that weekend!! Yeah!!

Peace

During the G.R.E. Mesabi Trail Tour

Finally getting around to this......................here's a few more pictures.... thanks to Mom/Cindi!!!

The Finish!!

What a great ride, and our kids make us proud!!
Zack's total miles 26.
Jenna's total miles 13.
Dad's total miles 67, but the last miles with the kids were by far the BEST!! :)

Last years FatBike count 1. 
This years FatBike count 3!! 
1 Pugsley (mine ;) and 2 Mukluk's. 

Pedal On!!
Peace

Minus 24 Hours

Till I toe the line at the starting point of the http://www.mesabitrail.com/great-river-energy/
I'm stuck on if I'll start in Grand Rapids or start from our back door. 
It's suppose to start raining this evening, and not stop till mid day tomorrow. Now, I know how to suffer, but this day is not about sufferin; It's about having fun with the kids! As this article on the front page of yesterday's Hibbing Daily Tribune states!! ;) 
http://m.hibbingmn.com/mobile/news/article_bd34338a-dc4a-11e1-a5eb-001a4bcf887a.html

Peace

A Few More From Minnesota Point

5:15 a.m. 7/5/2012

i gotta share some about this Lezyne micro HV floor pump. if you've been looking for a high volume mini pump; look no further!!! this thing kicks some serious ass!!! a quick spin and flip of the little gold piece (in the pictures), and you have your presta or schrader valve. well worth $$

Surly....... Does it Again!!

I've never given the 29er platform a look; until now!! The Krampus

80 miles on my Trusty Pugsley!! Crazy or not; it's what I do.......... ;)

Friday found me working a 1/2 day; that...... in it's self is a good thing!! 
Ha Ha

The main reason was to see how long it would take me to get to Grand Rapids, Mn. About a  30-40 car ride from Hibbing. You see on August 4th there's the annual Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour ride. This year it starts in Grand Rapids and ends in Virginia, Mn. 
64 miles along a paved trail in northern Mn. 
Every year this event highlights a different section of this soon to be 115 mile long trail from Grand Rapids to Ely, Mn.  This event has become an annual event for the kids and myself. With the kids joining me at different spots along the trail.
This year Zack will join me in Hibbing for the 26 mile ride to Virginia, with Jenna joining her brother and I in Buhl, Mn. for her 13 mile ride to Virginia. It's always a fun time, and very challenging for the kids. Which in my eyes is a good thing for them. 

I hear you; so how long did it take you!!?? 
The ride to Rapids took me 3 hours and 47 minutes! Just under an 11 miles an hour average, with a 13-15 mph head wind. I figure early a.m. On the 4th I can cut that time down to 3 or even 2:30 with no head wind. We'll see on that one though!! LOL

Anyway, that brings me to another point I was asked before I left work Friday. 
All I heard from the guys I work with was....... WHY???

Truthfully? I did not know how to answer them!! The only reply I could muster was; 
THAT'S WHAT I DO!!
Crazy or not!!
The guys who really know me didn't even question, they already know that's how I am. 

Yes, a road bike would've made the journey easier, but then again; that's not the point now is it? A road bike would not have made it more FUN though; and to me, that's the be all and  end all......... FUN!! 

It should be noted..... That picture of the thermometer,  was with it in the shade!!!!
I almost didn't attempt the ride back, but after a lot of water and gatorade, and an hour of sitting in "the shade" I mounted up and started my journey back home!! ;) 

Crazy or not........ Ride what ya want and LOVE IT!!

As always, a big thanks to my family for letting me "DO WHAT I DO!!"
I LOVE you all!!

PEDAL ON!!!!!
Peace